Archive for the ‘Misc’ Category
Silent Sunday
Sunday, July 17th, 2011Fairwell Harry, I made you cake…
Friday, July 15th, 2011
“London. Implacable July weather. People everywhere. People swarming Trafalgar Square. People perched on the steps of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. People crowding the backstreets of the West End. Is this a Dickens novel? No, it’s the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2.” - Time magazine
Me and Teen Ellie watched the live stream of the Harry Potter premier in tears. I am not really a Harry Potter fan, by this I mean I have never read any of the books, never stood in line endlessly to see one of the movies, and I have to admit (rather quietly) to not always completely understanding the story lines. But I am far more than just a little fond of Harry Potter and his wizardy friends, its a weird kind of feeling, like the fondness you feel for your child’s oldest school friends. But before you cart me off to the funny farm, let me explain why…
The first movie came out an astonishing eleven years ago and it has been the magical (pardon the pun) backdrop to teen Ellie’s childhood ever since. Like cultural osmosis, its part of the fabric of her young life. Her best friend at six was so obsessed with Harry, that she slept with his picture underneath her pillow, and wrote “Mrs Harriot Potter” on all her books.
When the first Harry Potter computer game came out me and my friend, spent 3 days solid trying to complete it. Baby Jack had his very own Harry dressing gown that looked like a hogwarts magic coat, which he wore for his first primary school book day, he made a very cute, very blonde Harry. Ellie had the Harry Potter jelly sweet maker, the Harry potter chocolate (it had fizzy popping candy in the center, which Ellie was SURE was actual magic 
) , the harry potter bed sheets and the movies of course…we watched the movies to death.
So I am ever so slightly in love with every one of JK Rowling’s expertly crafted characters. I also love the fact that the movies are just so, well, British!
I love all the scenes of sweeping London, the beautiful old buildings and grimy little cafés, the glimpses into English suburbia and the beauty and sometimes barrenness of the countryside.
I love that Harry and Co always look like they haven’t seen the sun for more than three days a year (like most of us from Oct through to June!) either and they all have “normal” clothes and none Hollywood hair. Something which I think is sadly missing from most other films and TV shows targeted at young people ( god I sound old, but its true) .
As well as this, practically every good British actor from the past ten years has appeared in someway, filling it with a warm feeling of home and (dare I say it) it makes me a bit proud to be British.
So… this is my sweet fair well to Harry, and my first baby’s childhood.
Teen Ellie turns sixteen this October and dreams of being at Hogwarts and defeating Mr no Nose (Lord Voldemort) will soon fade to nothing. Well maybe not nothing, maybe there will be a small space forever Harry, forever six and full of magic and wonder. Maybe thats why Harry is so popular the world over, maybe he gives us all a tiny excuse to believe in a little bit of magic! X
( Harry’s last stand is out this weekend, I’m off to see it on the big screen with Ellie, and a box of tissues! ) X
And just to properly celebrate the occasion I made cupcakes, magical rainbow ones of course !
Rainbow cupcakes!
Ingredients-
2 eggs
40z 0f self raising flour
4oz of butter
4oz of sugar
A teaspoon of baking powder
1 teaspoon of good vanilla essence
4 different colours of food colouring. I used red, blue, green and yellow.
Firstly cream the butter and sugar ( I do everything in a food mixer, but you can do it by hand too) . Then add the two eggs, and then the flour and baking powder, finally add the vanilla. If this mixture looks to think I add a little water or milk ( 1-2 tablespoons).
Separate the cake bater equally into four bowls. Add the food colouring to each bowl, a little at a time and mix. I found the red and the green quite strong, but the blue and yellow much weaker.
Then line a muffin tin with six muffin cases. Spoon a little of the first colour into each case (use all the mixture) I used yellow first, spread evenly. Next, spoon in another colour ( I used green) gently over the top of the first. spread to the edges.
Continue this process until all the colors and mixture is used. Then take a wooden cocktail stick or something similar and swirl each cupcake very lightly.
Then put them in the oven for approx 25 mins, until they are lovely and golden.
Thats it ice them however you like, I made up a batch of butter cream icing, instructions are on the back of the icing packet. I added a teaspoon of vanilla at the end.
Thats it, easy and really, really fun! Milly had a great time helping me.
I will just add, I know there are some scary health opinions about food colouring, there is lots of info online about it, and I will let you guys make you own mind up about that. But personally I feel as long as your not making these everyday, you wont get cancer or ADHD or grow another head .. but that of course, is just my personal opinion kids! … other opinions may vary 
I do requests I do….
Monday, July 4th, 2011
So I thought it was time to do a proper foodie post, as I haven’t dedicated a whole entire post to this in a while. Not just any foody post it is either. We’re talking bacon, great salty loveliness that it is. Only the crispy kind you understand, how anyone could eat it all softly pink and piggy smelling is beyond me. It HAS to be crisped to perfection until every sliver of fat is melt in your mouth yummy and every mouthful has a deliciously salty crunch. Drool, be still my beating heart. I do love me some bacon!
I’m not alone in my lust either, I have a beautiful friend from New York ( my spiritual shopping home) that I share a love a bacon with. Okay…that sounds strange, “brought together by bacon ” we were not.
We were actually brought together by a shared grief (we both lost a parent at similar times, for her it was her much loved mum, for me it was my treasured dad). This being a crazy new world of technology, we found each other and started chatting.
She has been a wonderful friend to me ever since. We do have more in common than grief, New York and bacon ( sounds like a title for a Woody Allen movie ! ) though, she is artistic ( read head in clouds most of the time ) person ( like me ) and I love reading her blog and peeking at her etsy page. Basically, she’s a funny girl who loves to cook and make stuff. So needless to say she is my kinda girl! …
Anyhoo, Richela asked me AGES ago to post a bacon recipe ( sorry R , I think that might have been a year ago, it was at least pre Christmas anyhow.. eek! ) and so here, very belated , it is. Hopefully it will find a place in all your bacon loving hearts , its hugely successful in our house and so simple and quick, its pretty perfect.
If your looking for a vegetarian option, I’ve also made it without the bacon, and I have to say its (almost) equally yummy without. Although, really…. why would you leave it out ?! … its BACON! ( and they do some rather yummy fake bacon nowadays too )
Bacon and Pea Pasta -
- 400g dried pasta (I use spaghetti or linguine)
- 5 slices of smoked bacon
- 1 clove of garlic
- A good handful or two of frozen peas
- A handful of flat leaf parsley
- A squeeze of lemon OR ideally the grated rind of the lemon, it you have one of those lemon rinder what-sists. I would highly recomend one, they are only a couple of pounds and the rind gives all pasta (and cakes) a real “lift” .
- A good handful of mushrooms, finely sliced
- A good handful of Parmesan cheese (150 grams or there abouts)
- 2 tablespoons of single cream
- A splash of olive oil
- 1 stock cube ( chicken or vegetable)
- Black pepper and good sea salt
- And … a knob of butter
( all measurements are not exact as its that kind of *toss it in, Italian mama * recipe )
Put the kettle on to boil and boil the water for the pasta, add the stock cube to the boiling water along with the pasta.
Put on a frying pan and add the oil and butter. Then fry bacon, until crisp and golden. Add the finely sliced mushrooms and fry in the lovely bacon fat for a few minute’s.
Then with a pestle and mortar, bash the garlic clove (if you don’t have one you can use almost anything, the garlic just needs to be crushed well. I have used a big pan and the side of a rolling pin before *oh and quick tip, Kids LOVE to do this ! *)
Then add it to the frying pan with the cream and peas, cook for just a few minutes (this ensures the peas stay sweet) .
Then Drain the cooked pasta and add to the pan with about a tablespoon of the cooking water ( I learned this from Jamie Oliver *although not personally of course* and its brilliant at emulsifying any pasta sauce) . Toss it around, add the Parmesan, salt and pepper and the squeeze or rind of the lemon. Then serve, with some salad and crust bread maybe? .
Its Milly’s favorite dish …
Till next time folks, and please come back soon. Xxx
Pretty Rocks!
Monday, June 27th, 2011
Hello lovelies!
So sorry its been a while, my last post was ” Happy Easter ! ” so yes…. a while .
I have missed blogging and chatting to you guys terribly. But as I am nearly done with all my crazy artwork projects, I though it was about time.
So for this most auspicious post, what to say? *rubs head thoughtfully like* ( its actually quite hard when its been a while, a bit like seeing an old friend again ). How about all the things I’ve been falling in love with lately … huh ? Something nice and light and pretty? You knows me likes me some nice and pretty ;D … Okay then…
Pretty Rocks it is!
First up in the love fest is Etsy. I know everybody already knows about etsy. Unless you live under a rock of course, in which case you probably wouldn’t be interested in a massive array of beautiful handmade things for your home and wardrobe anyway. But If you don’t ( live under a rock that is ) then be prepared to fall insanely, deeply in love.
I defy you not to covet all this wonderfulness as much as I do. It’s good to be a girl, yep yep yep!
Victorian hair comb at StudioElenus , find all jewelery at JoJoLand ( I have the locket and the Paris romance earing’s, they are gorgeous! love her blog too ) The dress is from RiverofRomansk and the crazy sexy undies are from Toadlillie , oh la la, Oui, Oui, s’il vous plaît! !
Next up is the kids stuff, and honestly I am considering having another baby just so I can get me one of those cute monkey hats! ( don’t tell Big J ). All this stuff is so dreamy, I love the creativity on offer at etsy. I know everyone says it, but it really does beat the high street hands down. Its all just so more personal and special I think. Just look …. Swoon !
The darling plate is from The Story Book Rabbit , the lacy Knickerbockers and tutu’s are from DreamSpunKids , the amazing wall decals are from Chocovenyle, fabric ( not vinyl ). It makes Milly’s current peppa pig bedroom look less than cool. I must try harder! The cute animal hats are from Citefuzz and the fun paper art is from Ribonita , I love her artwork.
Finally a little bit from me, I hope you like it.
I am really falling in love with painting again, and since my easter blog post I have managed to paint over 50 pieces. So it was worth the silence! I really hope that the passion shows through in each painting. Fingers crossed the shop will be all done and dusted in the next week or so too. ( Please god Big Jay, Wink )
I am quite obsessed with Doctor Seuss and this quote is one of my favorites, the wings of the book fairy are actually vintage French book papers. So fun!
This is from my birdie collection. Just one more, from the alphabet collection I’ve been working on finishing…
U is for Umbrella!
More soon! But for now I wish you a sunny day, with lots of prettiness! Big Love & Hugs x
( Top ~Pretty Rocks header made using pics from Etsy & one of mine. The Book Ballerina ( with vintage book paper wings, in french… of course! ) Xxx
Happy Easter!
Thursday, April 21st, 2011Hello,
Just a little happy wave to say I’m feeling a bit more chipper. And also to say thank you for everyone who took time to comment here, tweet me, DM me, or email. It really has helped me think things over.
I have also been surprised to learn how many of my friends and family read too, which has lead to a few lovely emails and phone calls. I am lucky to have the best friends (both here, and in the real world) , promise to never take you for granted lovelies. And I hope I can pay back all your kindness one day! I am a bit embarrassed though if I’m honest, now I am feeling a bit better I kind of wish I hadn’t said anything, I don’t want everybody to think I am the sad one, dizzy yes.. sometimes on another planet entirely , true…but not sad. But then so many people have told me similar stories of feeling the same that I can’t help thinking that reaching out was the right thing to do, its so hard to know how much to reveal of yourself here and in the real world I guess….
Anyhow, I am very much looking forward to the Easter break (hopefully Big J will have at least one day off ) . And I got so excited about seeing the Easter bunny I drew my own, I am dreaming of doing a calendar for next year and I think she would make a lovely April!
So Happy Easter Guys, Thanku again for all the hugs, and kindness, see you soon . XXX
Sorry the image is a little wobbly, but hopefully you can see where I’m going here ;3.
I got inspiration for *fairy bunny girl’s* costume from all the fabulous black swan ballet-esqe wedding dresses and fashion around at the moment (to die for, really to die! ) I thought our little fairy would look great dressed in pink white and black. What do you think? yes ? I am really looking forward to painting her next week! bye for now, waving my fluffy bunny tail at you! x
Waving a little goodbye, see you soon
Friday, April 15th, 2011
The other day I nearly cried at the supermarket.
Not due to of the price of beans, or that someone ran over my foot with their trolley. I just had a moment with a slightly difficult woman. This wasnt a BIG deal kind of interaction, and in normal life I would have brushed it off and probably had a rye smile about how obviously sad the woman was.
But for some reason I stood in front of her and I could feel the bitter stinging in the corner of my eyes. That horrible burning pain in the back of my throat, I was going to bloody cry! I could see that *annoying woman* could see it too, as her face shifted slightly to one of extreme un – comfortableness and slight panic. But happily for both of us I stood stead fast, and held it in. I couldn’t talk and eventually she just went away. And so there I was, standing still. With all of tesco’s busying around me, oblivious. And I had one feeling stuck inside my chest, lost.
I managed to hold that feeling tight, like a small child until I got home, and then I cried like one.
I went upstairs, away from the kids and told Teen Ellie that I was going to colour my hair. I sat on the toilet seat, my hair full of coloured foam, like an ice-cream on top of my head and I cried. And I found once I started it was difficult to stop. I have no idea why, no one had died, no one had hurt me, and yet there I was doing it all the same.
After along time thinking I have come to the conclusion that I am a bit lost in my own life. I am three people’s mother, one persons daughter and one person’s partner. But that’s not who I am, and I need something more. Even as I say that I feel selfish, and ungrateful and like I’m doing them all a disservice somehow. I don’t mean they are not enough, I just mean that there’s more. More in me.
I have always been creative and I cant live happy without expressing that in some way.I have gone some way lately to getting towards what I really want, to go back to being an artist and illustrator. I have closed down the old Icklebabe, and have been working on some new paintings, that seems to be really popular. But I think I’m scared, I’m scared of it going wrong, scared of not being good enough.
So instead of taking the next step. Painting all the things in my head, sorting out printers, a new website, and stockists, I have been hiding. Mostly in my own little virtual world. Twitter, as most people who have been part of it for a while will tell you, is the best form of procrastination known to man /woman kind. Its not just the constant flow of peoples lives through their tweets, but also the endless links to interesting blogs, images and websites.
I always thought (and please forgive me for this) that people who got addicted to “social networking” were slightly strange people with greasy hair and more than a passing interest in dungeons and dragons. I wash every day, play with my kids, never go out without my face (and often heels) on, but I also spend an unhealthy amount of time staring at this screen. I am a massive twitter-holic but I also love writing my blog, reading other peoples blog, and posting pictures on instragram and pinterest. There you go, My name is Helen, and I’m an addict. Its okay, you can laugh, I am too myself ….it sounds so damn stupid, but there it is.
So I am having a little break, from my blog and Twitter and all other tinternetty distraction. I am not sure for how long, maybe just a couple of weeks, maybe a month. I am sure I will pop by and say hello on twitter ocactionally, I have made so many true and fabulous friends on there. And if you need me, for anything…work or personal my email is support@icklebabe.com, I’ll be there, I promise. And hopefully when I see you all again, I’ll have a new porfolio of pretty pictures to show and a new shop to match 
But for now, I am waving a little goodbye, see you soon. Be good XXXX
Learning To Fly
A Request from “The Cool Girl”..
Wednesday, April 13th, 2011Fabulous Laura are we nearly there yet mummy? has tagged me in a three by nine meme.
Well, to be fair she tagged me a few weeks ago (sorry Laura) and to be honest, I have been putting it off a teeny bit. You see I am a bit of a “fan girl” as far as Laura is concerned. I have been tweeting and blogging for quite a while now (two years) and I love the fact that you get to connect and hangout with lots of wonderful, talented people. But Mrs Chora I am ever so slightly in awe of. Hers was one of the first blog’s I ever read and fell in love with, along with English Mum and the amazing Posie gets Cozy. All 3 really totally different, but all inspired me to start my own. So being tagged for this post is a bit like being at school when the cool girl asks to borrow your pen or something, you know?
Anyway, I will try not to giggle like a 3 year old or wink ;D with every third word. (If you see me on twitter this will make sense “;D” ) whilst writing this… repeat after me, “I am a grown up”..”I am a grown up..I am…..” ;D (sorry, its like virtual twitch ).
The rules…. Simply post your answers and tag your blogging buddies and learn a little something new about each other, so here you go:
Three names I go by: Helen, Melon, ( for two reasons, one of which is that it rhymes with Helen ) and Muuuuuuuuuuum.
Three places I’ve lived: Born in Nottingham (still love for the shopping) , grew up in Somerset (still love for the rolling hills) , now live in Lincolnshire ( love for the er…sausages?) .
Three places I’ve worked: Only ever worked for myself…mostly painting things. Things that I have painted include… antique baths with ivy, School walls, and even a 5 foot antique wood saw (don’t ask ;D) I cut myself around the belly doing it though!
Three things I love to watch: If I am going be honest here, its mostly kids programs, I have officially given up ownership of the remote to the kids and spend most of my free time languishing on Twitter, and reading blogs. I convince myself that this is more mentally *rewarding* .
But the things I sky+ are people watching shows. My beautiful friends , Katie Piper is hugely inspiring . I was also hooked on Lilly Allen’s show From Riches to Rags where she starts her own vintage clothes shop. So very heartbreaking in places, but I loved the relationship with her and her beautiful, but bohemian and slightly dotty sister ( I can relate… not about the beautiful bit) . And James Cracknell’s race series on Discovery…Each one was a different race, but during his ride across America he got hit by a truck, sustaining head injuries and brain damage. His fight back to becoming himself again made me cry buckets. While he was in a coma, his wife found out she was pregnant too, you just couldn’t have written it!
Three places I have been & love : Kefalonia in Greece, is like heaven! But I also LOVE America. New York , San Francisco, and all of California.
Three people that email me regularly: I am rubbish at emails, only really email my mummy mate Sara who has recently ( very selfishly ) moved to Australia without me!
Three things I love to eat: Anything spicy is my fave, with some good white wine …and dark chocolate for afters!
Three people I think will respond: Hopefully the ones I have tagged and Perhaps “the cool girl” & English Mum.
Three things I am looking forward to: Getting some sleep ..getting some sleep and getting some more sleep! Just about to embark on a get tough bedtime routine with toddler Milly… Could you say no to this?
Wish me luck ;D
I’d love to read a “three by nine” meme post by: Alexa IamUberMummy , Carly Mummys Shoes
MostlyYummy , Karen All about the Boys , Susan K Mann , Mom on a Wire , and Hello Its Gemma .
Thank-you Laura for the tag, I really enjoyed it! My question for you (lovely reader) is, who’s blog first inspired you ? and who makes you feel a bit *fan girl-ish* ?…or am I the only one ? ;D X
Whats in my fridge….
Monday, April 11th, 2011
My Lovely new Pal Mom on a Wire has tagged me, its a “What’s in your fridge” tag. I would usually relish this one, being a bit of a foodie. And I am also super inquisitive (read nosy). I used to love the bit on come dine with me when they had a rampage around the house before dinner, especailly the celebrity ones!
But my fridge is not up to its usual standard I’m afraid …
Firstly because I am on a diet *sad face* so no lovely butter, or cream or chocolate, sacrilege! And secondly because “mum has not been to Iceland”….( I’ve actually not been there for years, It was the chicken tikka lasagna adverts that were the final nail in the coffin for me… I mean really? I have heard of *fusion* cooking, but that’s just inhuman!….) but anyway, I digress.
Mum has not gone to Iceland or Tescos or even good old Sainsburys this week as we are attempting to have a week of *eating out of the freezer* .
A altogether FUN event that happens about once every 3 months. When our super loud freezer is SO full that the fan makes more noise than the telly. I can’t help it, I *like* buying food, weird I know! That is pretty much how I gauge the event though, once the fan reaches fever pitch, I know its time for a freezer clear out. And a week of *imaginative* cooking !
Apparently, Lovely Mom on a wire gave me this tag because she imagined plenty of blinis, martini mix and olives in my fridge…Why thank-u ! No martini mix, or blinis though unfortunately (Big J HATES them for some reason, with a passion ) but I do have olives, and smoked salmon for a bit of late night, diet approved feasting …nom nom nom!
Okay here goes….. Condiments isle ;D (shelf one and some of two..) >>
Taste #5 Umami Paste, lemon Juice in a bottle (I used to buy fresh lemons every week, but if its good enough for Nigella … ) , Lemon Grass, Horseradish sauce, American Mustard x2, English Mustard, French mustard x2, Whole grain mustard, (okay, we have established we like mustard, and I have crappy fridge organisation) Giant jar of gordy bright yellow Piccalilli (left over from Christmas, its never gonna get eaten…but I will keep it till it goes off ) Lea & Perrins, Fish sauce x2, Hoi sin sauce, Oster sauce, Apple sauce, Cranberry sauce, Red currant jelly, Piri Piri, Tomato paste, Anchovy Fillets, Franks Red Hot pepper sauce (If I could only take one food on a desert Island it WOULD be this, even jungle ants *or rice crackers* would be alright with a splash of this stuff ) A Jar of Green Olives and garlic in oil and 3 jars of Pure Fruit Jam.
And the rest…..
1 Sol beer, Peroni beer x2 , Philadelphia (low fat with garlic & herbs) Semi skimmed& Full fat milk, , Filo pastry sheets, Eggs, left over takeaway (yummy curry) Greek yoghurt, Kids yoghurt, Normandy fromage frais, Fresh mint, Fresh basil, Fresh tarragon, Fresh thyme, 2 packs of chicken, 7 onions, Spring onions, Carrots, 2 Red Peppers, 4 Tomatoes, Goats cheese, Burger cheese, Half fat cheddar, Dairy lea cheese triangles (low fat) Laughing cow cheese triangles (full fat) White crab meat, Smoked salmon, Dairy milk chunky pud, Mushrooms, Garlic, Salad cream, Home-made chicken stock (for lunchtime soup) Poached chicken breast ( also for soup) and 3 Egg Whites ( for tomorrow’s macaroons, post to follow).
None Edibles….
I new Max Factor smokey eye effect eye wand and 1 new Revlon – just bitten lip stain and balm in Flame (left out in the sun by accident ..oops!) and 2 bottles of very nice (if a bit sticky) Revlon nail colour…. in Pink Nude & Perfect coral.
That’s it! Thanku Mom On A Wire, that was fun, and made me realise i buy far, far too many condiments!
So whats in yours The Online Stylist Style on the Couch
English Mum and Crafty Richela please, please do tell? ..I’m just dieing to know ;D Xxx
The One where someone gets Married …
Saturday, April 9th, 2011
So the whole world seems to be slightly hit by Royal wedding fever at the mo doesn’t it?
I have never before been a huge royal *fan* but being an avid people watcher, the royal wedding has really captured my imagination. I really think it will be good for the country too, we all need a reason to put the flags out (and have a drink..) don’t we? and its fantastic to have a reminder of how unusual, quirky, eccentric and great our lovely little isle is!
It also gives me time to fess up to something that’s been bugging me for ages, you see me and big J aren’t actually married. When I started tweeting and blogging people used to ask me about big J, and refer to him as my “hubs”. Rather than have to explain ( in a tiny twitter box) I just continued the conversation, uncorrected. I mean we ARE engaged….and we do have a house full of kids (well, 3..4 at the weekends, but most of the time it feels like allot more!) and lots of love (most of the time, anyhow ) but we have just never quite got around to “making it official” . Teen Ellie asked me just the other day whether we are still going to do it, and we are. Its just something always comes up as a bigger priority. Having Milly, opening our first shop, needing a new car. And I hope this doesn’t sound spoilt, but I really want it to be special. Obviously not Royal Wedding special, but the idea of doing it somewhere on the cheap, after waiting soo long just seems a bit flat. If you know what I mean?
Oh well, at least this post gives me a chance to dream a bit and I have found so many fabulous pictures for you. Some have which have made me go Awwwww, and some a bit ERR, what the hell? But I won’t go into that, lets just say, that the tinternet is a beautiful, but strange old place. Anyway…
Grab yourself a coffee, pull up a chair and come along for a Romantic \Girlie Wedding Day ride….
First up – Love through the ages.…
30′s, 40′s, 50′s, 60′s (this one is one from my own family’s wedding *collection*, and the lady is some very distant relative, loving the beehive bun hair!) ,70′s, 80′s and 90′s ….doesn’t Posh look *normal* in this shot by the way?, I have to say, I prefer her like that.
Next..Vintage Classics…
Look at Marilyn’s face, I know this one didn’t last, but that lady looks so in love! Sometimes the greatest love is the most fleeting perhaps?
Or maybe the greatest love is one which we can never truly forget, like Burton and Taylor?
The Presidential Wedding…
These two had to have one of the most classically elegant weddings of our time I think, but such a tragically sad end to their love.
And just look at the dress. Displayed for the last time at JFK Library and Museum in 2003 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their wedding. It sadly can’t be displayed again in this way because the weight of the dress is causing the fabric to tear. So sad, its true history and beauty in one perfect dress isn’t it? Oh, what I would give just to try it on…..just for a second! wouldn’t you?
But If I couldn’t have Jackie O’s vintage dress, annnnd if I was a princess I would choose one of these beauties…get ready girls….and, SWOON….
I am really loving the Black swan inspired wedding dresses best, just so so so pretty!
I couldn’t go without including some Modern Day Fairy Tales….
First is Reese Witherspoon’s wedding this month to Jim Toth, I think she looks stunning and the Rustic wedding on her Californian ranch sounded like my kind of day.
And I quote (from Hello) “The bride got married under a rose covered arch, beneath her feet was fresh cut lavender, the scent of which filled the air…. The evening was spent with dinner in her giant rustic barn and gardens where the guests mingled in billowy tents hung with chandeliers made from reclaimed wood and hundreds of mason jars with twinkling candles inside. Floral centrepieces were made from English garden roses, lavender, sweet peas, cotton, rosemary and queen Ann’s lace, all placed in flea market glassware and aged terracotta pots. “
How fairy tale shabby chic wonderful does that sound?!? Later in the evening after a meal of herb roasted lamb and Mustard grilled Chicken and lots of dancing the guests were treated to grilled cheese sandwiches and sent home with little burlap bags filled with jars of honey and warm scones…How SWEET is THAT!? Reese you are my kinda *famous film star* girl ! Can i please be your friend? ;D
Brides also pictured are, Nicole Kidman, Tori spelling, Megan Fox (long hair, floaty white dress on a tranquil beach. Another dream wedding idea of mine) Jessica Alba, Elizabeth Hurley, Jenifer Aniston and radiant Clare Forlani (have had a girl crush on her since meet Joe Black, she is just so elegant)
So that’s it really, best of luck William and Kate, sadly most of the couples I have pictured here are no longer together, and being a royal is never going to mean a easy marriage ride. But if you want my advice, follow these guys example and you wont go far wrong…
The Greatest couple Of all time…
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward.
On a Hollywood landscape littered with countless broken marriages, the Newman-Woodward pairing is the gold standard. They celebrated 50 years together before Newman sadly died.
He once attributed their lasting union to “correct amounts of lust and respect.” Sounds good to me!
He also offered a now famously quoted response when asked by Playboy magazine about the temptations of other women, he said “I have steak at home. Why go out for hamburger?”
Good man!! XXX
Oh, PS…inspired by my lovely (and so damn chic) bloggy pal StyleOnTheCouch , over the weekend I’m gonna try and make some red white and blue macaroons to celebrate the Royal wedding. If they work, I will post them on Monday have a sunny one folks xxxxx
( Photo sources from Hello magazine, We heart it.com, celebritybrideguide.com, imageworldblog.blogspot.com, zankyou.com/uk/magazine, and bunting pic (at the top) from camelliadesigns.co.uk ).
The Gallery Post..My Mum Shaped Anchor….
Wednesday, April 6th, 2011I have read a few really lovely posts for Tara’s gallery this morning and I just wanted to add my own. When I heard the prompt was Mother love, I thought of the love I have for my mum. It being mothers day and also her birthday she came to stay this weekend. She’s very much at the forefront of my mind at the moment, bless her. This is why….
Birthdays should be a happy time, but its also her wedding anniversary which makes her very sad. She tells me how she gets the wedding photos out on Friday night and while she is scanning the faces of the wedding party it hits her. Everybody in the picture, apart from her and her sister are dead. Her parents, her husbands parents, her brother in law, the best man, and her husband …all gone.
She would have been married 45 years this year (she got married on her eighteenth birthday) but my dad passed very suddenly two years ago and she is still in a horrible kind of limbo. All the people in her life are being burnt away, like lights going out in the dark.
This makes her very sad. Sometimes I want to shake her and tell her she didn’t die, that we are all still here, that WE need her. But I do understand why she feels like she does. She is no longer a partner or a best friend or a lover….she is lost…. she IS still a mother and a grandmother but, without sounding too controversial , I know its not enough. She is on the periphery of everybody’s lives now rather than the main character, and she has lost her lover/partner/best friend shaped anchor.
But she is my Mum, and I hope , really hope she knows how much I love her. Without her, my mum/confidant/best friend/ and shining star shaped anchor would be gone, and I would be lost too.
Head over to Tara’s place for more ( happier, sorry ) Mother love today X
