tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70353437537375277562024-03-12T18:13:01.932-07:00Peppermint RosieEngaged to David, mummy to Lily Belle, crafter, maker, picture taker and lover of pretty clothes & food. This is where I share things I do & love.Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-64137700986370013212014-12-02T13:19:00.002-08:002014-12-02T13:20:52.068-08:00It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Last weekend turned out to be a very festive weekend! We hadn't planned it to be that way at all but we certainly ended up starting December super excited about Christmas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I heard about a local garden centre having Santa's reindeer there last minute, which I knew Lily would absolutely love to see! So we bundled our little family into the car and off we headed very excited!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The garden centre was so lovely, with very Christmassy scenes of the North Pole to walk through, with life size moving polar bears and woodland animals, gingerbread houses and snow covered trees. Lily was absolutely amazed by it all, and when we reached the end and found the real reindeer waiting for us, her face was an absolute picture. It really was magical for her! We then stopped for lunch and had a browse of their Christmas trees before heading home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Sunday morning, still feeling very full of Christmas spirit, I suggested going and buying our tree to David. To begin with he thought I was mad, with it still being November, but I managed to persuade him, and loving Christmas as much as I do, it wasn't too difficult!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Once we picked our perfect tree, we took it home and began decorating it as a family, with The Santa Clause on in the background and our roast in the oven. Lily loved putting decorations on the tree herself and spent so long admiring every little detail once it had all finished. Christmas this year will be extra special now she is old enough to understand everything that bit more and really get excited!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">We ended our weekend with belly's full of roast dinner and the fire on as we relaxed in our cosy, Christmassy living room with a glass of wine, very much ready for December to begin.</span></div>
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<br />Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-37442226796195374272014-11-27T13:01:00.001-08:002014-11-27T13:01:53.109-08:00Charlie<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I'm back!! I had a bit of a break from blogging. The last few weeks of pregnancy were rough for me, then once I had our little man I wanted to focus on family and settle into a new routine being a mum of two. But I feel like its finally time to get back into blogging properly. I really want to make time now to start regularly posting again. I miss it and have so many ideas for my little space on the internet! So today I wanted to start with our new little additions birth story. Make yourself comfortable and get yourself a cup of tea- its going to be a long one!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Some of you may remember <a href="http://rosieposierosie.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/birth-story.html" target="_blank">Lily's birth story</a>. My labour with Lily was very long- I was in early labour for 5 days and made little progress in that time but the contractions were consistent and exhausting. I was preparing myself this time for a long early labour again, as I now knew it could take up to 6 days for things to get going properly so told myself I wouldn't get as disheartened as I did last time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">My labour started on Tuesday 23rd October. I was 37 weeks pregnant and had been getting random contractions for a few weeks by this point. But on this day I woke up feeling sick and like i had a fever with LOTS of pressure. My back and hips were sore and by 5pm my contractions began. They were quite uncomfortable but only short ones and I was only getting about 4 every hour. Gradually however they became more and more frequent and by 10pm I was contracting every 3 minutes and they were lasting a lot longer. I sat myself on my birthing ball, bouncing, rocking and breathing through them. David was quite excited that this could be it however I was realistic after our last birth experience and was in no rush to get the hospital, I knew it could be up to a week yet and did not want to go to the hospital to be turned away. By 1am they were still coming regularly, but I was exhausted and just wanted to sleep so I was actually pretty happy when they began to die down a little. I was able to get to bed and have a few hours of broken sleep, waking up to contractions every 20mins or so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The following day they continued to come quite infrequently and were painful but not enough for me to feel like I couldn't cope at home anymore. I was determined I would not go to the hospital until they were very regular and I couldnt cope with the pain because one of the most disheartening things about my labour with Lily was our trips to the hospital thinking it was time and being sent away because I was progressing so slowly. I carried on like this until Thursday evening when they started picking up again. they got to 3mins apart again and were getting more and more painful. At 2am, after hours of doing everything I could to try and stop them to check it wasn't false labour, I decided it was time to call the hospital. We got poor little Lily out of bed and took her to my parents house and made our way to the delivery suite at the hospital. I had a very lovely midwife do my checks. With Lily, I seemed to get midwives who thought I was making up how much pain I was in and being silly. This midwife was really understanding and lovely. I had barely dilated at all, however she explained that with all of her children her labours were exactly like this, with days and days of contractions and not much happening. She did confirm that labour had definitely started and it was not false labour, and gave me a stretch and sweep to try and hurry things along for me. Although a little frustrated I went home still feeling quite positive, I think mainly due to the midwife being so lovely and encouraging. A while after returning back home the contractions became quite all over the place, I'd have a few close together then some more than 30mins apart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">For the third night in a row I had a bit of broken sleep, then the next morning decided to actively try and help my labour progress. David took the day off work and we went to a local lake and spent about 4 hours walking around. I am so glad we did this. It is such a beautiful place and so peaceful, it really helped me cope with the pain and keep in a really positive frame of mind. It was also lovely to spend some time with my husband, just the two of us. By the time we were heading home my contractions had been 4mins apart for a few hours and getting more and more intense. Yet again though, by that night, they were fizzling out and became weaker and further apart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Saturday morning they were 20mins apart and I was still trying my hardest to stay positive. From my first contraction Lilys labour was 6 days long, so I kept thinking that by Tuesday, he should be here as that would be exactly a week since all this had started. I decided instead of walking lots again which hadnt worked, I would take the day to rest. We were missing Lily who had been staying with my parents since our hospital visit so we went there for the day. Seeing that my contractions weren't going anywhere and each one was pretty painful for me, my mum said they would keep Lily again another night as she was sure our boy would be arriving very soon. After yet another night of waking up to contractions , we went and picked up Lily. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">That Saturday night was hard. After doing this for so many days, I was so, so tired, and would wake up panicked and upset by the pain I was in during the contraction. Its much more difficult to cope with that pain if you aren't awake to enough to prepare yourself as the contraction builds and so I was very glad for that night to be over. I was definitely feeling a lot less positive after it though, and decided Sunday was the day to do everything I possibly could to Get. Him. Out!! the amount of googling I had done that week on ways to make labour progress meant I was an expert and in that one day tried every trick in the book. We walked around the park, I went on the swings, I did star jumps, I bounced on my ball, I tried an exercise laying on your side that's supposed to position your cervix to allow the baby to move down, I ate spicy food, I made a chilli hot chocolate that nearly blew my head off, eating pineapple, I watched sad films to make me cry lots. Nothing had changed by that evening and I went to bed feeling disappointed and frustrated for another rubbish nights sleep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Everything carried on as it had been on the Monday. Then Tuesday came, my day I had been sure he would be here by, and no baby. I woke deciding to try and ignore what was going on as much as possible. Instead of focusing on timing contractions and how my body was feeling as I had done for the past week, I wanted to get on as much as possible.I refused to time the contractions and instead got on with cleaning, cooking, bathing Lily, I even did my hair and makeup and painted some tiles! I was suddenly full of energy, despite having to stop what i was doing and breathe through some rather intense contractions. By the evening, however, I was unable to ignore what was going on. These contractions were getting really intense and coming pretty close together. I still felt like I was coping, but things were feeling different now. My hips were on fire and it really felt like something was finally happening. I was still reluctant to phone the hospital, but I rang David at work and my parents just to put everyone on standby. Although I didn't ask them to, my parents came over to sit with me and help with Lily, just in case, and by the time David came home, I was definitely finding coping harder. I reluctantly started timing again. 3 mins apart lasting about 90 secs. I called the hospital and she wanted me in as fast as possible after speaking to me. So off we went again and I felt sure this time, this was it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I got taken in for an assessment with a midwife and a student midwife. This midwife was not as encouraging as my last. She treated me like I had no idea what I was talking about. She checked me and told me no progress had been made since I came into hospital 5 days ago. She gave me another stretch and sweep and tried to explain to me when i need to come into hospital, telling me to come back when 'the contractions get closer together and are actually painful', as though she thought I was acting and making things up. This was my breaking point. After everything my body had gone through in the past week, nothing really had happened, and to top it off, the midwife was treating me like a liar wasting her time. I cried and cried. I didn't really stop crying until the next morning. I went to my parents house still contracting, breaking down in tears every few minutes, and had just had enough. My mum looked after Lily while I spent most of the day in bed. my contractions had slowed to 10mins apart and I was completely disheartened. I felt like at this rate I would go overdue and have to be induced. My whole body was sore and exhausted. I felt sick, shaky and weak. I wasn't eating or sleeping properly. everything ached and I just wanted it all to stop. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">That</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> evening we went home, my contractions still 10 mins apart. from about 6pm that seemed to be getting a bit more intense but I didn't think much of it. That had happened a few times lately and meant nothing. However, by 10pm, they really stepped up a gear. They weren't just I-cant-speak-and-need-to-really-focus-on-my-breathing-and possibly-squeeze-something painful, they were all consuming, grunting and moaning through them painful. The kind I remembered from the very end of my labour with Lily. But I knew that just the night before I had barely dilated, so thought there was no way I was getting towards the end of labour. And they were still 10mins apart- my hospital don't want to know unless they're every 3mins. I was hoping they would stop so I could get some sleep, but each contraction that came was more and more painful. by midnight I was biting down hard onto a towel through each one, muffling my shouts of agony. In my 10mins of rest between each one, I'd tell myself I was being ridiculous and needed to get a grip, as I had been no where near this noisy with Lily until it was time to push, but then a contraction would come and I would lose all control again. I cannot describe how painful they were. Obviously my labour with Lily was extremely painful, but not like this until she was almost here, as in the last 30mins. But the midwife had told me the night before I had barely dilated so I thought I was ages and ages away from having him yet. At 1am I tried to ease the pain with a bath, but didn't last long in there. I needed to be moving around, I wanted to be on all fours, and sitting in the bath was too uncomfortable. At this point I was <b>screaming</b> through contractions-even the towel that was being chewed to pieces couldn't muffle the sound. I couldn't believe the amount of pain i was experiencing while still only contracting every 10mins. David kept mentioning the hospital and I would say no, there's no way i can be ready yet. Lily, bless her, would wake up to my screams scared and by 5am I couldn't do it anymore. The pain was too much, I was screaming and screaming and couldn't cope. The contractions had started coming ever 6mins apart but I couldn't wait until the 3 mins as the hospital tell you to do. I phoned the hospital and started explaining what was going on, then screamed down the phone as another contraction hit. I could hear the midwife panic. She asked if I wanted her to send an ambulance because it sounded like I was ready to push. I felt ready too but didn't want to get my hopes up, so told her we'd get there. After dropping Lily off at my parents house, we made our way to the hospital and it was during a contraction in the car I knew I was ready to push. I could feel him and my body wanted me to push. Finally!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">When we arrived at delivery suite, David buzzed the intercom. When the midwife answered I was screaming mid contraction and David panicked not knowing what to say, and eventually blurted out 'My wife is pregnant!!!' If I hadnt been in such horrific agony, I'd have laughed so much at him! A midwife came running when she heard me and helped me to the assessment room. She told me I was 6cm however said my cervix was super stretchy and that she felt I was ready to push. With Lily I was told I was 7cm and she was out within half an hour so I was encouraged to know I was this far along and felt for sure he would definitely be here soon. This was at 6:30am. David told her I wanted to be in the birthing centre and not delivery suite and that I wanted gas and air, but she told him there was no time for that as I would be having him any minute and I'd be lucky to make it to another room on delivery suite. I didn't even have time to change. she held a towel around me and helped me to a room down the corridor. I was pushing by this point and got on all fours on the bed. I pushed and pushed, and began to get frustrated when it didn't seem to be doing very much. my waters were still intact and he hadn't started crowning. The pushing part with Lily happened so fast, but this time was taking longer and I was so desperate to meet our little boy. The midwives changed shifts not long after and I had a midwife and a student midwife take over. shortly after they arrived when it seemed I was putting in a huge amount of work for nothing to be happening, I turned round and laid in the bed exhausted, and asked for water. I was so so so tired and felt as though I couldn't do it. I was pushing as hard as I could, my body was willing me to push, yet no baby yet. I had a drink and a rest, thinking the whole time 'I can not do this.' but never once saying it out loud because I didn't want to give up. My next contraction started and I tried pushing while laying on my back but it was absolute torture, so I turned back around and got up onto all fours again trying to tell myself I can do this. With the next contraction I pushed so, so, so hard, so determined, so desperate, and <i>splash</i>- my waters went! They didnt break, they shattered. The noise was incredible and made everyone in the room jump! My midwife aid she'd only seen one other person in her whole career who managed to shatter their waters rather than break them as normal! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">My waters breaking was the bit of encouragement I needed. My efforts were working and with new determination I pushed with all my strength through the pain and soon felt that familiar burning. That burning that is hell but also a sign your baby is so so near, I pushed and pushed and finally, he was here!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">At 7:36am, weighing 7lb6oz, Charlie Robert Benjamin Gower finally entered the world, making me the happiest person alive. Holding him in my arms, taking in how identical he looked to his older sister, even down to the ginger hair, all of the pain and struggles of the last 9 months became absolutely totally worth it as I was filled with that overwhelming love for a second time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">He is looking more and more like his daddy every day and I've been amazed at how well he has slotted into our little family, I cant imagine our family without him now. Lily absolutely adores him and has taken to being a big sister perfectly. There have been hard days, where being at home with a 2 year old and newborn hasn't been easy. Its a lot of work but having the two of them is absolutely amazing and I wouldn't change it for the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Just while writing this I have been interrupted 7 times for feeds and nappy changes etc so its taken me most of the day to finally put it all together! I want to try and set myself the realistic aim of blogging at least twice a month. Ive got a few posts planned that im already super excited about so watch this space!</span></div>
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Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-81441377578907225392014-08-20T10:14:00.001-07:002014-11-27T03:59:23.951-08:00Berry picking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">As I mentioned in my last post, I haven't been able to do very much at all recently, which is incredibly frustrating! So when we had spontaneous family day out at a pick your own farm this weekend, it was such a treat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">We had never been to a pick your own farm before, and arrived to find huge fields full of all sorts of different types of fruit and veg, with handwritten signs explaining what each crop was with a few handy tips here and there for the more inexperienced visitor. There were piles of baskets and punnets and sacks to collect your chosen fruit or vegetables in, excited children hunting for the biggest, reddest, juiciest looking strawberries and couples strolling hand in hand leisurely filling up their baskets as they went. Initially we were a little unsure and hesitant, not really knowing what we doing at all, but after a bit of advice from one of the lovely workers there, we were soon getting stuck in just like everyone else! For our first trip, we just stuck to the strawberries and raspberries. It didn't take long for David to lead the way having figured out the best location for the ripest fruit, and I soon discovered the parts of the bushes people had missed and big, juicy strawberries were hidden, waiting to be picked. Lily absolutely loved helping us hunt for the reddest berries, learning how to pick them off the plants and collecting them up in her own little punnet. She even managed to find a few muddy puddles that were perfect to jump in along the way! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">She was so, so proud of the fruit she had collected, and was talking all the way home about her 'barspberries'. We picked up some chocolate on the way home and planned to put together a fruit fondue in the evening, but Lily was absolutely desperate to get her hands back on her lovely 'barspberries' and they were gone very soon after we arrived home with many 'mmmmm yummy' and 'Oooh, delicious!' exclaimations from her. The strawberries then waited for later on, when after dinner, we sat around our table watching Jamanji and dipping them in warm, melted chocolate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">It was the perfect way to spend a quiet Saturday afternoon, and we are now planning our next visit where we will be a bit more adventurous and pick some vegetables! I think it will be the perfect way to get Lily excited about veg she doesn't usually eat, and I'm sure will make her much more willing to try them if they are 'hers' she's picked herself! </span></div>
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Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-89869386343603844792014-08-05T01:56:00.001-07:002014-11-27T03:58:53.868-08:0030 weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I'm now 30 weeks pregnant, and, as per usual, things haven't quite gone to plan recently! I expected to finish work at the end of term for the summer holidays then go straight into my maternity leave. I imagined my summer at home with Lily blogging, getting back into doing something creative and crafty and preparing for our little boy to arrive. However, with just two weeks to go, I had an incident at work with one of the students. For those who don't know, I work in a secondary school as a learning support assistant to special needs children, primarily boys aged 13-15. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I obviously won't go into details, but I had quite an unpleasant and stressful incident with a student, resulting in a couple of days off work. People were advising me not to go back and to be signed off work but I was determined to finish the term. However, just a week later, I had yet another incident with a student which was rather traumatic and stressful again. Yet again, I had everyone telling me I should just be resting and taking care of myself and the baby, but despite it being a challenge, I love my job and wanted to finish the term for myself and the students I work so closely with. However, after experiencing some pains and contractions, I began to bleed (sorry if tmi!) and had to go into hospital. After many, many tests and seeing many many doctors I was told I had been putting myself under too much strain and pressure and my body wasn't coping, and I needed to stop. I was told I am no longer allowed to bend, lift, or do any physical activity for any length of time and needed I just rest until baby arrives, otherwise I was at risk of going into labour early. This meant no work, no cleaning, no lifting Lily. Just simple things like if I'm cleaning I'm not allowed to get pans out of the bottom cupboard, I can't bath Lily because of the bending involved, I can't do washing because of bending to put the clothes in the washing machine. It's extremely frustrating! I've felt so much better this pregnancy than I did with Lily's, but I'm now able to do less. I didn't finish the term at work, and am spending most of my time at my parents house while David is at work so they can look after me and Lily and make sure I'm getting rest, and David has had to take on most of the chores around the house. I feel so useless and restricted! My pregnancy was quizzing by but it's all started to go an awful lot slower now. I cant wait to have my baby boy here in my arms and my body back so I can regain some independence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Other than those issues though, baby G is growing well and very healthy. You can now see my belly moving around as he wriggles, which Lily absolutely loves and finds so exciting! She is understanding so much more than I was expecting her to. She talks about her baby brother lots of comes over just to give my tummy a kiss or cuddle several times through the day. Is so lovely. I have a huge craving now too- for ice! I get such sudden strong urges to crunch on ice several times a day, is crazy! I have been eating so many ice pops and just ice cubes, which has been great in this heat. I've also been living citrus flavours and drinking Los of lemon and lime drinks, whereas usually I mainly only drink water, but I just don't enjoy water at the moment and find it gives me horrible heartburn when I do have any. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">We have almost finished Lily and her baby brothers bedroom now too, and I plan to blog about it as soon as we do! I'm also putting together a well overdue post about Lily and how much she has changed and grown up recently. I may try and do some maternity style/product review type posts too. What do you all think? I don't do much at the moment other than read books, take baths and watch films with Lilypops, so I've been a bit stuck for ideas of what to blog about!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Hopefully I'll have some interesting posts for you soon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">xo</span></div>
Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-56110838263411624052014-06-16T14:44:00.001-07:002014-11-27T03:58:29.527-08:00Baby G no.2<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Hello everyone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I thought it was about time I wrote my pregnancy post! Fingers crossed Lily will let me finish it quickly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">We had decided while planning our wedding that sometime in the year following might be a good time to start trying for Baby G number 2. We did not expect that just 4 weeks into our marriage we would be seeing those two little lines on a test!! We got ourselves a little honeymoon baby and could not be more thrilled! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Those of you who have been reading my blog for a while may remember how much I hated my first pregnancy. Vomiting several times a day every single day until 16 weeks, severe anaemia and fainting from 20 weeks, PUPs pregnancy rash making my bump burn and itch like crazy, then the return of the sickness from week 30 alongside acne and uncontrollable greasy hair followed by a 6 day labour all resulted in a stressful, exhausting and all round horrible experience. I really thought I'd never do it again, but of course, how head over heels in love we fell for Lily made me change my tune. However, it still caused mixed emotions when I discovered I was pregnant. I was torn between being incredibly excited to be growing our family and terrified about putting my body through it all again for 9 months.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Luckily, this pregnancy has been a completely different experience! I still got morning sickness, but not so constant and severe. I was able to keep some food down and control it to a certain extent. It still wasn't pleasant, but compared to last time so much better and was gone completely by 12 weeks! So far, touch wood, no anaemia either so I haven't had the exhaustion and fainting that came with that. My skin is better than normal and my hair shinier and cleaner for longer which is amazing! The only symptom that has been worse than my pregnancy with Lily is my hormones. I cry at EVERYTHING! All the time! Lily, bless her, can't watch any films since I've been pregnant without having me a sobbing wreck on the sofa next to her. Dumbo, Tangled, Frozen, The Heffalump Movie- literally anything reduces me to a blubbering wreck, no matter how many times we watch it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Because of this pregnancy being so different, it definitely was not a shock when we discovered that our newest addition was a little baby boy!! And we are SO excited! I cannot wait to meet our little man, and introduce Lily to her baby brother. She has some understanding of what's going on- she strokes my tummy and feels his kicks and talks to her baby brother. She tells people mummy has as 'tumbley baby' and tries to share her toys and food with my bump! It is adorable. I have a feeling she is going to make a pretty wonderful big sister. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I am now 2 days away from being 24 weeks. Time is flying by but I do want to start more regular bump updates and maybe do some baby boy hauls too! Is there anything else you'd like to see baby related on the blog?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">xox</span></div>
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Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-65064607969439109142014-05-20T16:53:00.000-07:002014-05-20T16:53:24.092-07:00Our sunny winter wedding<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14229507901" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="roseanne and david print-58 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-58" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2900/14229507901_4e89109db4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I've been planning how I will do this post for months now, and had so many different ideas and stopped and started and restarted over and over again. I've decided I just need to get our day documented and shared and stop worrying so much about how! I'm just going to share with you my favourite pictures (there are lots!) and ramble on about the day without over thinking it too much! So, here is my incredibly overdue post about our wedding day! I have a feeling it's going to be a long one...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">We got engaged in 2011. I am one of those girls who grew up with very clear ideas of what I wanted on my wedding day. A big, white wedding in the church my parents married in, a big princess dress, a horse and carriage, roses everywhere, all our friends and family... David had his plans of an incredibly romantic proposal involving whisking me away to Italy summer 2011. Both of those ideas changed dramatically with the news I was pregnant! Our priorities completely shifted to welcoming our Lily into the world. The proposal involved morning sickness and me in my pyjamas on my parents doorstep. It wasn't Italy, but all of a sudden that didn't matter. What mattered was us becoming a family, and that set the tone for the whole wedding planning process.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">We were planning on a budget and decided right from the start we didn't want the huge wedding anymore, we just wanted to be a family and celebrate this with our closest friends and family. Things quickly got out of hand when we started planning a barn wedding with a carnival theme, however- until when we started totaling up figures, we realised it would be a long while before we could afford that day. We then went to the other extreme of thinking we should have a registry office ceremony with our immediate family then a picnic at the park. This didn't really feel like us either, though, if we were honest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Then we found the Mill House. We visited on a snowy, winters day and instantly fell in love with the homely, cosy feel of the little rooms at different levels and open log fires and mis-matched antique furniture. Seeing it in the snow made us fall in love with a winter wedding idea- our first date 8 years ago involved an evening stroll in snow. We booked our wedding for the 29th December 2013 and the wedding planning properly started!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14046151889" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="roseanne and david print-38 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-38" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2900/14046151889_dff4150672_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/13887305839" title="roseanne and david print-42 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-42" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2929/13887305839_c9a3706bde_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14070764542" title="roseanne and david print-60 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-60" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7407/14070764542_0bcbec437c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/13887301527" title="roseanne and david print-66 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-66" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2901/13887301527_9892618847_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">After a crazy couple of years of planning, when the morning finally came it all felt very surreal that it was actually happening! It was a gloriously sunny day- we never dreamed we would be so lucky with the weather! I did my hair and makeup myself at my parents house- this decision was partly due to budget but mainly because I am incredibly fussy when it comes to my hair and makeup (I'm one of those people that go home from the hairdressers and have to restyle my hair myself!) so knew it would take away one less stress for me! My sister had done my nails the day before. My bridesmaids arrived here to do their hair and makeup too. It was all very calm- I had expected a morning of panic and chaos- but it was lovely and relaxed. We then made our way to the Mill House to get into our dresses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14070722081" title="roseanne and david print-71 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-71" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2920/14070722081_a66b886ce6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/13887317228" title="roseanne and david print-73 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-73" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7399/13887317228_ae8c9c7845_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14074389074" title="roseanne and david print-83 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-83" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2910/14074389074_f8336211e1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">David and the boys, meanwhile, were at his sisters house getting ready. Apart from our best man being incredibly nervous all day, it sounded like they had a rather relaxed morning too, involving a lot of X Box playing! Their suits, believe it or not, were from Matalan! We had looked at more expensive options and David found nothing he liked, until, completely by chance, he fell in love with a suit he spotted in Matalan one day! Very budget friendly but I thought they all looked very handsome!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/13887297527" title="roseanne and david print-101 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-101" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2903/13887297527_68b08c379c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14050801426" title="roseanne and david print-110 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-110" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/14050801426_4c2915e992_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14093968543" title="roseanne and david print-92 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-92" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/14093968543_015933f95b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14046312758" title="roseanne and david dress58 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david dress58" height="465" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2923/14046312758_5ce0f928f9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/13887312928" title="roseanne and david print-111 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-111" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2903/13887312928_02880afab1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">My dress! I thought I had a pretty clear idea of what I wanted- a princess dress, but not too over the top- quite simple and not too big and pouffy! I decided to be sensible- I would go try on styles in the designer shops to have the experience, decide what definitely suits me then go to a bargain outlet place and get a cheaper version. In the third designer shop I had visited, I found a dress exactly as I had imagined my dream dress to be, tried it on, and loved it. I proceeded to try on veils and shoes with it and thought I had decided on my complete look for the day. The assistant told me I had another half an hour left of my appointment however, and did I just want to have a bit of fun with trying on dresses. I picked up the biggest, sparkliest, most over the top dresses I could find to try on 'as a laugh'. The assistant laced me into the first dress- a Maggie Sottero dress, 'completely over the top and ridiculous' is how I had described it when I saw it on the hanger. Then I saw my reflection. I instantly was in love, saying 'Oh my God. Oh my God!' over and over. 'Oh, look at your little face! You've completely lit up!' was the assistants reaction. My mums was a very simple wow. Another mother of the bride in the shop called her daughter out of the changing rooms to come look at me! I actually felt emotional and couldn't stop grinning. It sounds ridiculous, but it was The One! The totally not me mermaid gown, all sparkles and ruffles and totally over budget. I had to have it. It was just so much <i>fun</i> to wear and I never wanted to take it off!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14070716021" title="roseanne and david print-116 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-116" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7379/14070716021_1e8ddf5783_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14070756362" title="roseanne and david print-117 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-117" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7341/14070756362_7491716287_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/13887296139" title="roseanne and david print-119 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-119" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/13887296139_e6e7c207ab_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The bridesmaids dresses were tricky!!! One bridesmaid was pregnant in the months leading up to the wedding and only tried on her dress weeks before the day. I found several dresses I loved, but there was always a problem. Didn't have it in one persons size, was on the website but actually was out of stock, etc etc. Then I stumbled upon these beautiful Jenny Packham duck egg blue dresses in Debenhams one day, paired them with angora shrugs from Monsoon ta da! Job finally done! They all looked beautiful! I had Davids 3 sisters and my sister as bridesmaids and my 3 nieces and Lily as flower girls. They were all stunning!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14070714401" title="roseanne and david print-128 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-128" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/14070714401_e457af7229_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14070714071" title="roseanne and david print-129 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-129" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/14070714071_66cb8ed621_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Waiting to walk up the aisle was definitely more of an exciting moment than a nervous one. I could hear the sound of the harp floating through the house- I don't want to name drop, but our harpist was Claire Jones. Oh, you know! Only the Royal Harpist. The same lady who played at Kate and Williams wedding! No big deal! (That was our extra special treat for the day from my parents. She was amazing!) I walked down the aisle to Canon in D with the biggest grin ever on the face. I look ridiculously smiley in all of the pictures! Claire went on to play 'All I want for Christmas is you' by Mariah Carey and 'I wont give up' by Jason Myraz through our lovely ceremony which is quite a blur now. A very, very happy blur. Then we left the ceremony as husband and wife to 'Pompeii' by Bastille being played on harp- definitely one of the best moments ever!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14070754042" title="roseanne and david print-133 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-133" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5199/14070754042_d5c7efe446_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/13887294249" title="roseanne and david print-134 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-134" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5232/13887294249_6a12631b11_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14073904205" title="roseanne and david print-135 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-135" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7379/14073904205_aa0e796d76_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/13887307178" title="roseanne and david print-140 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-140" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5528/13887307178_bdb35b3301_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14050794256" title="roseanne and david print-148 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-148" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2902/14050794256_064621c6b6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/13887311760" title="roseanne and david print-152 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-152" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/13887311760_d4fa48ac81_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14050792706" title="roseanne and david print-160 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-160" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7404/14050792706_591f0b3cfd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Everybody then had mulled wine and mince pies while Claire played Christmas songs, the group pictures were taken, and everyone mingled in the beautiful winter sunshine! It could not have been more perfect.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14073900625" title="roseanne and david print-171 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-171" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/14073900625_d47ae2d18e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14074375924" title="roseanne and david print-177 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-177" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2936/14074375924_e663ea9389_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14093956183" title="roseanne and david print-185 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-185" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2932/14093956183_2eec484615_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14070707151" title="roseanne and david print-216 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-216" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5470/14070707151_dab745a0b8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I had always planned on having Roses and Lilies on my wedding day. However, after chatting to a florist about the difficulties of getting certain flowers in winter, the struggles with deliveries over Christmas, and the added cost due to shipping from other countries I was feeling a little disheartened. At the same time, I was trying to find a way to incorporate something of my Grandmothers into the day, as she was unable to attend due to her dementia and being in a care home. Thanks to Pinterest, however, I managed to overcome all of these problems! I fell in love with some of the brooch bouquets on there, and my Grandmother has a rather impressive collection of brooches. After a few failed attempts, I eventually managed to create my ultra sparkly brooch bouquet, that has so much more sentimental value than any flowers I could have ever have had! I was so pleased with it and it is such a wonderful object to keep.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14050787196" title="roseanne and david print-225 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-225" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7196/14050787196_569d6de512_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14046220907" title="roseanne and david portrait sky by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david portrait sky" height="444" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2922/14046220907_7644c1b4ef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/13887280877" title="roseanne and david print-233 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-233" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/13887280877_a0d6440a88_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14070702591" title="roseanne and david print-232 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-232" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7188/14070702591_05a302a52e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14046191670" title="roseanne and davidportraits by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and davidportraits" height="444" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2921/14046191670_934471d9ff_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/13887296428" title="roseanne and david print-235 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-235" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2923/13887296428_02022d7c90_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sparkles became a bit of a theme in the end with my dress covered in Swarovski crystals, my super sparkly earrings (an Ebay find by my very clever</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">plus my silver glitter heels. Our 'colour scheme' became icy blues, whites and glitter!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> mother!), headband and bouquet,</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/13887314838" title="roseanne and david print-98 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-98" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2895/13887314838_32919576b9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14232794475" title="roseanne and david centrepiece and guestbook by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david centrepiece and guestbook" height="444" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2906/14232794475_eb585ff329_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14046142718" title="roseanne and david cake table plan-58 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david cake table plan-58" height="444" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2924/14046142718_326c57bff6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14070748022" title="roseanne and david print-211 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-211" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2900/14070748022_0bb4c0ac23_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I did all of the decorations myself. I bought birdcage tea light holders for the centerpieces which I decorated with sparkly Christmas decorations, and scattered other tea lights and glittery trinkets around the tables along with silver crackers.Chalkboards also featured quite heavily, being the look of our wedding invitations, our table numbers, seating plan, plus little signs around the venue that I made all by hand with chalkboard paint and chalk pens. Instead of a guestbook, I filled a little wicker basket with paper hearts for people to write messages on and put in a jar, so we now have our jar of hearts on display in our living room. Our beautiful birdcage cake was made by David's very clever mother! She made our cake and cupcakes for us based on our colour scheme and decorations and I was so thrilled with how it looked (and tasted!). Our favours were teeny jars of sweets in our wedding colours, and brown paper bags decorated with lace and filled with all sorts of toys and games for the little ones! For months I also collected wicker hearts, teeny birdcages and birds, glittery Christmas decorations, candles and fairy lights which we dotted all over the venue.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14050782036" title="roseanne and david print-243 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-243" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2940/14050782036_29037f0c30_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14070699351" title="roseanne and david print-257 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-257" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/14070699351_a1a8ac502e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/13887293868" title="roseanne and david print-267 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-267" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5479/13887293868_da2125359a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14074364964" title="roseanne and david print-285 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-285" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5034/14074364964_41b2807bf8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14050779276" title="roseanne and david print-287 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-287" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7447/14050779276_66395717d8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14074363894" title="roseanne and david print-293 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-293" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2928/14074363894_8f78e50bca_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14074363224" title="roseanne and david print-309 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-309" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7318/14074363224_2711c50f3e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">We ate our delicious three course Christmas dinner, pulled crackers, shared jokes and wore hats before the speeches began. My Dad and Davids speeches were lovely, and while they were nervous, their nerves were completely overshadowed by how much our best man, Lewis, was suffering with his! He is someone who has been known to vomit when under pressure, so we were all on edge waiting for his, willing him to do well. When the boys had been planning their speeches, I had watched Tom from McFlys with them and cried at his beautifully written and sung tribute to his wife! I joked that one of them should do a copy of that, however never in a million years expected Lewis to actually do a spoof version!!! He sang his hilarious lyrics he had written about David ridiculously out of tune to the backing track of McFlys 'Obviously' and had everyone in absolute stitches! I have never laughed so hard in all my life! It was definitely a highlight of the day! He did an amazing job!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14070735302" title="roseanne and david print-319 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-319" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7421/14070735302_8879deb48a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/13887289608" title="roseanne and david print-325 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-325" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/13887289608_9af77f95c6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14073886035" title="roseanne and david print-329 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-329" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5479/14073886035_d1d7b38eaa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14070733172" title="roseanne and david print-342 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-342" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2936/14070733172_72d118c1c3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14050774456" title="roseanne and david print-353 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-353" height="427" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2935/14050774456_f9c672b776_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">One of the wonderful things about having the whole of an old house to ourselves as a venue was having so many little rooms to use, especially when it came to the evening. We could have music and dancing in one room, fish and chips and a sweet buffet in another, the bar in another, a room for chatting on the sofas in front of the fire in another, and toys and DVD's for the little ones in another- everyone seemed to really, genuinely enjoy themselves. We kept our guest list small- we were not allowed large numbers for the meal anyway due to space, so for the day had only our closest family then in the evening stretched to a few really close friends we've had since school. Of course, when we are limited with numbers, it did mean some people I would have liked to have been there couldn't, which was the only compromise we had to make with our day. However, everyone was very understanding about it, and as I said before, our priority was becoming a family and celebrating with our closest family, which is exactly what we did! Our day was amazing, better than I could have ever imagined! Even our DJ was brilliant, and near the end of the night came out behind his booth to teach us the dance moves to some songs! I have honestly never laughed so hard, danced so much or had as much fun as we did on our wedding day. It was more than I could ever have imagined and hoped for in every single way!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/13887293160" title="roseanne and david print-369 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-369" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5312/13887293160_a6cae03b18_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14070730872" title="roseanne and david print-379 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-379" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7394/14070730872_e343090986_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14093937773" title="roseanne and david print-391 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-391" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7391/14093937773_92759a386d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14209660576" title="roseanne and david print-403 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-403" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5075/14209660576_50e4a30a7e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/13887269359" title="roseanne and david print-405 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-405" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5495/13887269359_f1f9486137_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/13887270119" title="roseanne and david print-402 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-402" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5512/13887270119_168353652f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/13887269977" title="roseanne and david print-382 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and david print-382" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/13887269977_fc24e99b69_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I am also over the moon with our pictures. Our photographer, Noel Deasington, was amazing! Such a lovely, talented man who made our day that extra bit special and captured so many memorable moments we will treasure forever.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/14046161049" title="IMG_3290 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3290" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5548/14046161049_f32fa781fd_z.jpg" width="480" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">However, I think I will end with this picture that my Auntie took. Noel was getting ready for our portrait session, and I decided my gorgeous, glittery heels might be a bit too awkward for trekking through the beautiful gardens for pictures. So I hitched up my layers upon layers of ruffles, and David helped me into my converse instead. We had no idea my Auntie had taken this picture, but it has become one of my favourites! I would not have survived the evening of dancing without my trusty converse, they became an unplanned but essential part of the day!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">xoxo</span></div>
Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-42734840044656364182014-04-30T07:55:00.002-07:002014-04-30T07:56:43.651-07:00HELLO!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EbJb6SBgCQ8/U2EFXGiG44I/AAAAAAAAERs/4VpTSCh4mEM/s1600/e9b4bba774bc116295f2cba7402e32ce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EbJb6SBgCQ8/U2EFXGiG44I/AAAAAAAAERs/4VpTSCh4mEM/s1600/e9b4bba774bc116295f2cba7402e32ce.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/394276142350153564/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">// pinterest //</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Hello everyone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The last time I posted was the 27th December 2013. Just over 4 months ago. So, I think I owe you all an explanation of where I disappeared off to!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Two days after that post was my wedding day! The most amazing day! I have been writing my wedding post and hopefully will have it up very very soon. I'm finding it difficult not to go on and on about every little detail of the day. It was wonderful and I can't wait to share it with you all!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">We then went off on our little honeymoon and I decided I wanted a month off from blogging. Last year was crazy, what with the wedding planning. I wanted a month of calm to just enjoy being The Gowers and dedicate every spare moment completely to my little family without any distractions. I also felt like all of my blogging last year was a little half hearted. With so much else going on, my posts were always rushed and I had fallen out of love with it a bit. This year I wanted to dedicate time and effort into making my blog the little corner of the internet I want it to be and enjoy it again. So my big plan was to make a fresh blogging start at the beginning on February, starting with a post about the wedding.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">However, February arrived and with it, so did some news. We discovered I was pregnant! We had thought perhaps after we are married it would be a nice time to start trying for baby number two. However, we did not expect it to happen quite so quickly!! We are completely over the moon and cannot wait for October when we officially become a family of <b>four! </b>So February became a month of excitement and attempting to get through each day of going to work and coming home to a very active Lily while battling morning sickness and exhaustion. Blogging was the last thing on my mind!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">March came and our little Lily Belle turned two. <b>Two!</b> How did that happen?! I want to make her a proper little two year update. She is changing fast at the moment, growing so much, saying so much, learning so much and has such a huge personality for such a little lady! So in March, not only did I still have the struggles of early pregnancy to contend with, plus a two year olds birthday to plan, but the opportunity arose for us to move somewhere bigger, better and lovelier, so we took it! Life got even more hectic and again, blogging wasn't high on my list of priorities!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">So in April, we moved house! Our old house was a small terraced place with the smallest rooms you've ever seen, the steepest stairs (not ideal for having a toddler) and a bathroom that was quite literally rotting away and needed rebuilding. I have spent the last month decorating and filling our new much more modern apartment with much more space, no scary stairs and a lovely balcony for Ronnie the Rabbit! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">So here we are, with May almost upon us and I'm back with a new marriage, pregnancy and home, and finally feel ready to put my heart and soul into blogging again! It feels so good to be back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">xo</span></div>
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Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-35198682053825968832013-12-27T10:44:00.001-08:002013-12-28T04:25:30.670-08:00Christmas and almost weddings!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-w0xru0u4SyU/Ur3KX5XbXFI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/ejZpqSkphMg/s640/blogger-image--946823091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-w0xru0u4SyU/Ur3KX5XbXFI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/ejZpqSkphMg/s640/blogger-image--946823091.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-w0xru0u4SyU/Ur3KX5XbXFI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/ejZpqSkphMg/s640/blogger-image--946823091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zCMH84GY6PY/Ur3KV6BMF_I/AAAAAAAAEQI/D7231MGdP7k/s640/blogger-image-1096476630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-POIQiTM-Iwc/Ur3KZwXtpsI/AAAAAAAAEQY/39K3US6k-OE/s640/blogger-image--961213667.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-POIQiTM-Iwc/Ur3KZwXtpsI/AAAAAAAAEQY/39K3US6k-OE/s640/blogger-image--961213667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4nnonL04gmg/Ur3KTy8V8bI/AAAAAAAAEQA/hGA_Eb225XE/s640/blogger-image--449991683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4nnonL04gmg/Ur3KTy8V8bI/AAAAAAAAEQA/hGA_Eb225XE/s640/blogger-image--449991683.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4nnonL04gmg/Ur3KTy8V8bI/AAAAAAAAEQA/hGA_Eb225XE/s640/blogger-image--449991683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--O5d9Ktf4-4/Ur1QYCN0S_I/AAAAAAAAEPQ/kLfPSWrKDg8/s640/blogger-image-124118399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--O5d9Ktf4-4/Ur1QYCN0S_I/AAAAAAAAEPQ/kLfPSWrKDg8/s640/blogger-image-124118399.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--O5d9Ktf4-4/Ur1QYCN0S_I/AAAAAAAAEPQ/kLfPSWrKDg8/s640/blogger-image-124118399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0gQ64TpVU18/Ur1QNzIr-7I/AAAAAAAAEPI/zVTWpommjLw/s640/blogger-image-1954205743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0gQ64TpVU18/Ur1QNzIr-7I/AAAAAAAAEPI/zVTWpommjLw/s640/blogger-image-1954205743.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--O5d9Ktf4-4/Ur1QYCN0S_I/AAAAAAAAEPQ/kLfPSWrKDg8/s640/blogger-image-124118399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-k3eb-1-I9vI/Ur1QGQuHHpI/AAAAAAAAEPA/wCJmNIugSoE/s640/blogger-image-1618812970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-k3eb-1-I9vI/Ur1QGQuHHpI/AAAAAAAAEPA/wCJmNIugSoE/s640/blogger-image-1618812970.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-k3eb-1-I9vI/Ur1QGQuHHpI/AAAAAAAAEPA/wCJmNIugSoE/s640/blogger-image-1618812970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LRL2MNWuvp8/Ur3KRyRHM2I/AAAAAAAAEP4/Gk3nV3iJXWg/s640/blogger-image-226975767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LRL2MNWuvp8/Ur3KRyRHM2I/AAAAAAAAEP4/Gk3nV3iJXWg/s640/blogger-image-226975767.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LRL2MNWuvp8/Ur3KRyRHM2I/AAAAAAAAEP4/Gk3nV3iJXWg/s640/blogger-image-226975767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6TlobdExC5g/Ur1QaCGHFXI/AAAAAAAAEPY/RRNhYnWy8Fs/s640/blogger-image--2049986958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6TlobdExC5g/Ur1QaCGHFXI/AAAAAAAAEPY/RRNhYnWy8Fs/s640/blogger-image--2049986958.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6TlobdExC5g/Ur1QaCGHFXI/AAAAAAAAEPY/RRNhYnWy8Fs/s640/blogger-image--2049986958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ex3N9GiS_T4/Ur3KQJwIeuI/AAAAAAAAEPw/4Ep6l2UtSak/s640/blogger-image-1459276293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ex3N9GiS_T4/Ur3KQJwIeuI/AAAAAAAAEPw/4Ep6l2UtSak/s640/blogger-image-1459276293.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ex3N9GiS_T4/Ur3KQJwIeuI/AAAAAAAAEPw/4Ep6l2UtSak/s640/blogger-image-1459276293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S13-9hCITII/Ur1QcbOwVOI/AAAAAAAAEPg/EjHyTLW9w9Q/s640/blogger-image--89994193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S13-9hCITII/Ur1QcbOwVOI/AAAAAAAAEPg/EjHyTLW9w9Q/s640/blogger-image--89994193.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S13-9hCITII/Ur1QcbOwVOI/AAAAAAAAEPg/EjHyTLW9w9Q/s640/blogger-image--89994193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RsHbfm5GxEo/Ur1QD3-lfuI/AAAAAAAAEO4/sU9InRdy_MQ/s640/blogger-image-1312605638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-RsHbfm5GxEo/Ur1QD3-lfuI/AAAAAAAAEO4/sU9InRdy_MQ/s640/blogger-image-1312605638.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Merry Christmas everyone (for two days ago!) I hope you all had an amazing day, whatever you were doing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Christmas felt a little odd this year. No matter how many times I watched Elf or Miracle on 34th Street, or how many times I listened to Fairytale Of New York and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, it just didn't properly feel like Christmas. I think because this last month has been so busy and stressful with wedding planning, my mind has been completely preoccupied with table plans and centrepieces to feel festive. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">However, when the morning came and Santa had delivered a sack full of goodies for Lily, and our little family of three all put on our Christmas jumpers and socks, I finally felt in the spirit of things! After watching Lily open all her presents (a little mermaid doll, a dolls house, a teeny sewn rabbit in a matchbox, a drawing board, Bambi DVD, a picnic basket and her favourite... lots of stickers!) we spent a lovely family day at my parents house where we were all completely spoiled with gifts and food! Lily absolutely loved her day, then we got to do it all over again with David's family yesterday!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I'm hoping I can enjoy the whole Christmas season a lot more next year and really get into the spirit of things as it will be our first Christmas as a Mr And Mrs!! This time next year we will be preparing to celebrate our first anniversary as a married couple. We get married THIS SUNDAY. 1 day and 18 hours. Wow!!! I am SO excited!! I have had a fluttery excited feeling in my stomach all week. Today I am picking up my dress (eeeeek!) and tomorrow I'm helping David's mum who is a cake maker decorate 70 cupcakes, and then it will be our wedding day!!! How crazy!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The next time I blog, I will be Mrs Gower. And we will finally be a properly official little family!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">See you all very soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">xx</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">P.S: I had to write this post on my phone as my laptop isn't working and I don't have all of my usual options, so sorry if it looks a bit funny!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-21213198437341705422013-11-26T18:29:00.001-08:002013-11-26T18:40:35.436-08:00Three Mobile Blogger Penpals<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/11074848115" title="SAM_4508 copy by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_4508 copy" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/11074848115_103ba16d73_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/11075004013" title="SAM_4519 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_4519" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/11075004013_e2df5cf02a.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/11074943554" title="SAM_4515 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_4515" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/11074943554_3144f7ee0a.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/11074932764" title="SAM_4531 copy by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_4531 copy" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2810/11074932764_db808925ca.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/11074927644" title="SAM_4539 copy by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_4539 copy" height="435" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2861/11074927644_bf31878d4f.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/11075020123" title="SAM_4503 copy by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_4503 copy" height="454" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5540/11075020123_4b0cd77c15.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have wanted an iPhone for the longest time. I have always looked on in envy at iPhone owners, with their modern, sleek designs and huge choice of apps, and wished they were not quite so out of my price range! So when Three Mobile asked me if I would like to take part in their Blogger Penpals Campaign and try out the latest iPhone for a few weeks, I jumped at the chance!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The idea behind the campaign is to use the iPhone as a modern day mixtape, and for each blogger to leave exciting little bits and pieces on the phone for the next blogger to find. Having made some wonderful blogging friends myself who I write to and send little parcels of suprises to regularly, this idea really appealed to me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I received the iPhone from <a href="http://www.charlotte-eliza-king.com/" target="_blank">Charlotte Eliza</a>, who had already downloaded some great apps to try out, such as Evernote and Pinterest, taken some lovely pictures and left one or two cheeky messages for me to stumble across while using the phone! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">One of the first things I typed into the App store was Christmas. I know, it's only November, but for me, I start getting into the festive spirit even before Halloween is over! I found the most wonderful app for my Christmas countdown. Dreamdays creates the most beautiful countdowns I have seen, with its simple, modern design and dreamy free backgrounds, It makes counting down to any important event a lot more stylish!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Another fun little app I found was Xmas Haircut, where you can cut, brush, style and grow Santa's hair or a Christmas trees branches in a barber shop! Their facial expressions, chuckles or noises of concern were endlessly amusing to me! I just found this a really cute, addictive extra little piece of Christmas cheer to have on the phone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I also found an app called Elf Yourself, where you put your face on an elfs body and watch them dance to different Christmas songs. This is hilarious and definitely a must try! I've been getting all my friends to download it and its been the cause of a lot of laughs!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I thought I should probably download a few non-Christmas related apps too, and had a look for some new games to try. Happy Street is an adorable little app where you build your little fox a town and gradually, more and more cute new friends arrive to make friends with your character and you watch the town grow and grow. Highly addictive! And for all those who were proud owners of a Nokia 3210... you can get Snake for your iPhone!! The controls are even the same buttons as the old Nokias, and they make that familiar clicking sound! I was so excited when I found this app, and it bought back a lot of memories for me. It made me realise how much technology has changed even since I was at school. Those 3210's were <i>so cool</i>, and we all thought how amazing things like snake and sending little pixel black and white stick men to your friends were. Now look at what the iPhone 5S can do!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Another new discovery for me was the app SpringDo. I am an obsessive list writer, and this is the cutest little list making app I have ever seen! The fonts are adorable, and you can even cross things out as you do them, rather than just deleting them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I loved using the camera on the iPhone. My old Samsung really does not compare, picture quality wise. The pictures are the same standard as my little point and shoot camera, and with the use of apps like VSCOcam, you can add some really beautiful effects to them. Another photo app I love is LabelBox, which lets you add super cute washi tape labels to your pictures!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I loved being the owner of a 5S for a few weeks, and leaving a little trail of surprises for the next blogger, <a href="http://theteadrinkingenglishrose.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">lovely Charlotte</a>, who is my dear friend and Penpal outside of this campaign too! I couldn't bear the thought of going back to using my rubbishy old Samsung after using a shiny new iPhone for a while, and sadly <i>*cough, cough*</i> it finally gave up and died on me during this time anyway. So, I may have been a <i>little</i> naughty and purchased the new iPhone 5C. Oops!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">xo</span></div>
Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-43498235302351547162013-11-13T10:45:00.002-08:002013-11-13T10:45:29.172-08:00Engagement shoot<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10841107824/" title="roseanne and dave-1 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and dave-1" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/10841107824_1f2ca7acc7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10841107054/" title="roseanne and dave-2 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and dave-2" height="427" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2894/10841107054_e0cf88894d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10840969105/" title="roseanne and dave-4 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and dave-4" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2872/10840969105_5a37d3293a_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10841020636/" title="roseanne and dave-6 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and dave-6" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5544/10841020636_f36fbd1cf4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10841018746/" title="roseanne and dave-10 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and dave-10" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3666/10841018746_ee814b3d2b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10841018296/" title="roseanne and dave-12 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and dave-12" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3792/10841018296_9648c979f8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10841016876/" title="roseanne and dave-13 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and dave-13" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7367/10841016876_34848dae86_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10841016336/" title="roseanne and dave-17 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and dave-17" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3753/10841016336_4402010f33_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10841288823/" title="roseanne and dave-19 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and dave-19" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/10841288823_b93612224d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10841287673/" title="roseanne and dave-20 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and dave-20" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/10841287673_360ef48e1f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10841002336/" title="roseanne and dave-23 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and dave-23" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3713/10841002336_760938a333_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10841012816/" title="roseanne and dave-26 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and dave-26" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3674/10841012816_7954c93160_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10840958905/" title="roseanne and dave-29 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and dave-29" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/10840958905_8601da80c1_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10841282433/" title="roseanne and dave-30 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and dave-30" height="427" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3684/10841282433_d2bab82b0a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10841009226/" title="roseanne and dave-33 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and dave-33" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/10841009226_64d832d1cb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10841279143/" title="roseanne and dave-34 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and dave-34" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7304/10841279143_22dfc8cff6_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10840957305/" title="roseanne and dave-36 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and dave-36" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7370/10840957305_928a260098_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10840949195/" title="roseanne and dave-37 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and dave-37" height="427" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/10840949195_f6a57b84c2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10841084344/" title="roseanne and dave-39 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="roseanne and dave-39" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5491/10841084344_a23553f983_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I suddenly realised yesterday I have no pictures from our engagement shoot on my blog- I can't believe I forgot to share these with you!! These are some of my favourite pictures from our engagement shoot we had back in September. Our photographer <a href="http://www.noeldeasington.com/" target="_blank">Noel </a>was wonderful and is an absolute genius- I'm so happy we managed to get him for our wedding! We had such a fun day, paddling in rivers and climbing through bushes and up steep slopes together to get to the right position for the perfect shot! Neither of us a are very comfortable in front of the camera but Noel made it really enjoyable. Make sure you go take a look at his other <a href="http://www.noeldeasington.com/" target="_blank">work</a>, some of the weddings he's shot are stunning! xo</span></div>
Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-10929929697276767152013-11-07T13:56:00.001-08:002013-11-07T16:05:06.001-08:00My DUO Love Story // Winter Romance<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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<small><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1. <a href="http://www.zara.com/?useCookie=0&go=http%3A//www.zara.com/share/woman/coats/duffle-coat-with-fur-hood-c269183p1484051.html" target="_blank">Zara coat</a> // 2. <a href="http://www.hm.com/gb/product/16834?article=16834-A" target="_blank">H&M shirt</a> // 3. <a href="http://www.asos.com/Gipsy/Gipsy-Speckled-Ribbed-Tights/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3243247&utm_source=Affiliate&utm_medium=LinkShare&utm_content=UKNetwork.1&utm_campaign=Hy3bqNL2jtQ&cvosrc=Affiliate.LinkShare.Hy3bqNL2jtQ&link=10&promo=311735&source=linkshare&MID=35718&affid=2134&WT.tsrc=Affiliate&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-LXyN4tf4BaGrDy0mO2duNg" target="_blank">ASOS knitted tights</a> // 4. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/164513929/burgundy-rose-earrings-stud-earrings-red?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_includes%5B0%5D=tags&ga_search_query=burgundy+studs&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=burgundy+studs&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">Etsy earrings</a> // 5. <a href="http://www.duoboots.com/ankle-boots/tan-suede/capri/d/" target="_blank">DUO Capri boots</a> // 6. <a href="http://www.boohoo.com/usa/sale/discount-dresses/icat/discount-dresses/dresses/kati-denim-button-pinafore-dress/invt/azz48394?utm_source=AWIN&utm_medium=AFF&utm_term=92295&cm_mmc=affiliates-_-affiliate_window-_-92295-_-alpha&awc=2319_1383864127_7955a39704753e3168313167c0b48154" target="_blank">Boohoo dress</a> // 7. <a href="http://www.asos.com/Cambridge-Satchel-Company/Cambridge-Satchel-Company-14-Matte-Oxblood-Satchel/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3208779&utm_source=Affiliate&utm_medium=LinkShare&utm_content=UKNetwork.1&utm_campaign=Hy3bqNL2jtQ&cvosrc=Affiliate.LinkShare.Hy3bqNL2jtQ&link=10&promo=311735&source=linkshare&MID=35718&affid=2134&WT.tsrc=Affiliate&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-gBCPlI385JdPTsIqHo3kxg" target="_blank">Cambridge Satchel Company satchel</a></span></small><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><small>It's not very often a company will approach me with an idea that I immediately want to be involved in. Whether it's due to bloggers block, me not feeling I am good enough to do their product justice or it doesn't fit in with my blog, I find myself politely declining opportunities more often than not because it just doesn't quite feel <i>right</i>. However, when <a href="http://www.duoboots.com/" target="_blank">DUO</a> contacted me recently asking me if I would like to take part in their DUO Love Story competition, it was one of those rare and wonderful times it did feel right. Very right. They wrote to me talking of winter, romance and shoes and my imagination was immediately captured!</small></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><small>Winter has always been my favourite time of year. Mornings sparkling with frost, mittened hands clinging to mugs of hot chocolate, those first steps onto freshly fallen snow- the whole season is just so romantic! When DUO asked what my favourite love story is, I knew my answer without any hesitation. It <i>has</i> to be Beauty and the Beast! Since I was a little girl, it has always been my all time favourite Disney movie and love story. I <i>longed</i> to be Belle. As the book loving, daydreaming, brave and caring Disney princess, she was always my favourite. Remember at the beginning of the movie, she is dressed fairly plain, unaware of her beauty, spending all her time reading? Then bravely sacrificing herself, going to live with the Beast, just to save her father? How can you <i>not</i> love her?! I love how she isn't scared to tell the Beast off when he needs it, but her caring nature also means she looks after him when he needs it too, and in the end she finds herself seeing a different side to him, a gentler side, and they fall in love. She doesn't care what the rest of the world thinks, she can see past his exterior and stands by him. </small></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><small>Now, I'm not calling David a Beast, but while we were at school together, for a long time, I did not like him at all! I thought he was cocky, immature and annoying. I couldn't <i>stand</i> him. Most of my friends felt the same way. When he started liking me, and pursuing me, I was horrified, and found the whole situation completely irritating! He insisted on walking me home everyday, but I found the more we talked, the more I spent time with him away from everyone else, the more I got to know him and I started to like him too. Everyone thought it was a bad idea, that we shouldn't be together, but I didn't care. I felt like I'd got to know the real David. On the way back home from our first 'date' (we were 15 years old, and it consisted of walking around the shops and stopping for a McDonalds!), it began to snow. David gave me his jacket and wrapped an arm around me to keep me warm. Walking through the snow with him that night is one of my favourite memories of when we first got together. I was so happy. He told me on that walk he was going to marry me one day, and we had our first kiss. Now here we are, almost 8 years later, a month away from our wedding day. A winter wedding just seemed perfect for us. A wedding in a grand old house with lots of cosy little rooms, where, with our closest friends and family, we can sip mulled wine and hot chocolates by big open fires, enjoy a roast dinner and mince pies, and dance the night away. It is going to be unintentionally very much Beauty and the Beast style! </small></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><small>For our honeymoon, we're having a few days in a hotel in Warwickshire. It's another grand old house, set in 17 achres of beautiful land. I can see us having lots of romantic walks, and if we are very lucky, perhaps with a dusting of snow! Walks in the snow always remind me of that first date we had, and my very favourite scene from beauty and the beast. You remember <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwZEcdBMLLU" target="_blank">this one</a>? So very romantic, with the snow and the beautiful gardens and Belles cape with the fur trim. I have put together an outfit that I think is very modern day Belle, and would be perfect to wear on our honeymoon. Pretty and feminine while still being practical and cosy. The blue pinafore, white shirt with an adorable collar, the luxurious fur hood, cosy tights, teeny roses, a satchel (how else would Belle carry around her books?!), and how gorgeous are those boots??! I have completely fallen head over heels in love with them. They look ridiculously warm and comfortable, while still being so stylish, and the heel keeps them looking feminine. I am usually a little nervous to buy shoes online, as I am one of those awkward people who have feet that fit right in the middle of two sizes, but the wonderful thing about <a href="http://www.duoboots.com/" target="_blank">DUO</a> is the shoes are all tailored to fit you. I would absolutely love to wear these boots in the first few days as David's wife!</small><br /><small>What's you're favourite love story? I would love to hear!</small><br /><small>xo</small></span><br />
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Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-6404578076260442352013-11-03T14:12:00.001-08:002013-11-07T12:34:37.743-08:00Pumpkins, walks and cuddles<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Hello! I'm having a rare quiet afternoon after a really lovely week, so I thought I would share some of the pictures I've taken. I apologise for how picture heavy this post is, but I had lots to show you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">This week I had a week off work. After working 7 days a week for almost 3 months, it was very much needed! David also had his first week off in over a year, so it has been wonderful to spend so much time together as a family. Our week was spent going out for dinner, visiting Windsor, walks around the lake at Wellington Country Park, carving pumpkins, getting dressed up & trick or treating, visiting family, meetings with our wedding venue, suit shopping, decoration planning, iPhone buying, pumpkin soup making, visits to the hairdressers, long lay ins, honeymoon booking, nail painting and lots and lots of giggles with a certain little monkey!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I am having such a lovely Autumn. How have you been spending yours?</span></div>
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Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-57685235925223758002013-10-24T17:09:00.000-07:002013-10-27T13:55:32.208-07:00Wedding planning apps<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>In association with Argos</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">As many of you know, this last year has been a crazy one for me! What with an extremely active toddler, my job as a learning support assistant with teenagers, attempting to keep my house in some kind of order, feeding my family, David working long hours each day, learning to drive, waitressing in the evenings on weekends (yes I am crazy enough to be working 7 days a week!) plus attempting to plan a wedding, I feel like I've barely had a chance to breathe for the past 12 months! Any spare time I get, I'm just desperate to slob out on the sofa in front of the TV, even though I have a to do list as long as my arm most days. Because of this, a few certain apps and my tablet, a <a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Browse/ID72/33025327/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CTechnology%7C33006169/c_2/2%7C33006169%7CiPad%2C+tablets+and+E-readers%7C33007659/c_3/3%7Ccat_33007659%7CiPad+and+tablets%7C33014087/c_4/4%7Ccat_33014087%7CTablets%7C33025327/r_001/8%7CBrands%7CGoogle%7C1.htm" target="_blank">Nexus 7 from Argos</a>, have become my best friends (I am typing this on my blogger app as Lily has her milk on my lap right now)! They have meant a huge amount of my wedding planning has been able to be done on the go as well as while watching TV or in bed before I go to sleep, without having to be sat with my big, clumsy laptop trying to get comfortable! I thought I would share my top 5 apps for wedding planning with you all, as I really don't know what I would have done without them...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Pinterest</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10466542445/" title="SAM_4366 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_4366" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/10466542445_99345a4e2b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">My most used app when it comes to wedding planning won't come as a shock to anyone. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> has been my online mood board and my main source of inspiration for almost every aspect of the wedding! I really don't know what brides did before this wonderful invention! I have lost hours and hours browsing through the endless beautiful pictures on there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Appy couple</b></span><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10466547816/" title="SAM_4332 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_4332" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/10466547816_91309b429e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10466537284/" title="SAM_4367 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_4367" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7317/10466537284_d50007c59e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I love this app! In my opinion, it is the best wedding app. You can pick from <a href="https://www.appycouple.com/signup/login" target="_blank">Appy Couples'</a> many beautiful designs and build your very own wedding app and website. It is so stylish and user friendly, even your least tech-savvy guests will be able to use it. You pay to build your app, but then all of your guests can download it for free and log in using your wedding code. You can invite guests, receive RSVP's, share the times and locations of your wedding including maps and travel information plus send messages and updates. On the day, guests can 'toast' you, sign your guestbook and upload pictures so you have everyone's snaps all in one place! There are several other fun features too including a countdown, a puzzle using pictures you upload, a gallery and you can share your story of your relationship with a series of Polaroid pictures and captions- so cute! I can't wait to take a look at what our guests have left for us on the app the day after the wedding! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>EBay</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10466509405/" title="SAM_4388 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_4388" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/10466509405_c0a576d870_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/" target="_blank">EBay</a> has been amazing for lots of little bargains for the wedding day. Every time we have a new idea for the wedding, I always have a quick check to see what I can get on eBay, and I'm rarely dissapointed! From table decorations, to materials for the invites, to fairy lights, to brooches for my bouquet, to bridesmaids shoes, eBay has been such a big help. Plus, the app makes it extra easy to keep track of items your bidding on and orders you've made.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>YouTube</b></span></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10466488625/" title="SAM_4391 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_4391" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3817/10466488625_5bc1c0ddd9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">For my wedding day, I am doing my own hair and makeup. I don't think I would feel so confident about doing this if it wasn't for the endless tutorials I have watched on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank">YouTube</a>! Watching different videos from the many wonderful beauty vloggers has taught me so much, I know I am going to have my hair and makeup just the way I like on the big day. I have also been using YouTube to learn how to make my brooch bouquet!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Google play store</b></span></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10466710563/" title="SAM_4386 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_4386" height="509" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/10466710563_e9e2452739_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/10466727033/" title="SAM_4385 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_4385" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2847/10466727033_7d293839fc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I have found having so many bridal magazines and books at my fingertips through the <a href="https://play.google.com/store?pcampaignid=MKTADBRDEUGBAP1" target="_blank">Google play store</a> so useful. There are some really lovely ones available on there, and while I still love having paper copies, finding the time to go and purchase them, then the storage of them can be a little too much hassle, when I have them all readily available on my <a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/1079061.htm" target="_blank">Nexus</a>! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Are there any apps you think I should download, wedding related or otherwise? I'm always on the lookout for new ones!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">x ♥</span></div>
Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-43414823428110608782013-09-25T10:27:00.000-07:002013-09-25T10:27:43.087-07:00Sat on their park bench like bookends<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9936374683/" title="SAM_4226 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_4226" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/9936374683_41c5282e5f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9936257014/" title="SAM_4229 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_4229" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/9936257014_883506371f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9936210296/" title="SAM_4232 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_4232" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/9936210296_9fb1862338_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9936210964/" title="SAM_4245 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_4245" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7374/9936210964_e3770eeb15_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9936278563/" title="SAM_4248 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_4248" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/9936278563_a5975be423_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">// Jumper- <a href="http://www.matalan.co.uk/" target="_blank">Matalan</a> // Skirt- <a href="http://www.newlook.com/" target="_blank">New Look</a> // Necklace- My Grandma's //</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Hello everyone! I thought I would share a little outfit of the day with you today. The weather lately has been so confusing- the mornings here are cold, foggy and wet, and by the time I finish work in the afternoon, it's warm and sunny! This outfit, paired with my Converse, was today's answer to the fickle weather.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The jumper is a new one I picked up in Matalan in the children's section. I love their children's section! They have such gorgeous items, some of them so similar to the adults clothes, at a fraction of the price, and their age 15 pieces are the same size as a ladies size 8! This jumper was only £12, whereas similar ones in the ladies section were between £20 and £30! I have received so many compliments on it too. It's so classic and simple, however the detailing such as the lovely shape of the sleeves and the buttons running down the back stop it from being too boring.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">This denim pencil skirt from New Look was this summers attempt at stopping myself getting stuck in the routine of wearing my skinny jeans with everything. Having a very active 18 month old means that most skirts simply aren't practical- I don't want to spend all day worrying about either flashing people or treading on the bottom of my maxi skirts! But this skirt is brilliant- it's stretchy, comfortable, and long enough to save my dignity! I love the shape and it goes with almost everything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">How are you all? I am still working 7 days a week, but treated myself to my first night out in a very long time last week! I was a little bit worried about being too old now I'm a mum, but it felt really good to get dressed up and spend a night with my friends not stressing about work, weddings or nappies!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">x ♥</span></div>
Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-14511968399576074212013-09-12T16:49:00.000-07:002013-09-14T15:54:18.448-07:00MARLOW<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9735315150/" title="95 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="95" height="470" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7404/9735315150_cb59c6f5a1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9732084779/" title="9 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="9" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2870/9732084779_a87e257e4b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9735318344/" title="4 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="4" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/9735318344_c0a1048bef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9735316766/" title="7 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="7" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3776/9735316766_604050c036_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9735318934/" title="3 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="3" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3691/9735318934_e6a8451471_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9732086411/" title="8 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="8" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7303/9732086411_9c05da5671_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9735319486/" title="1 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="1" height="462" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7396/9735319486_75f149a472_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9732087955/" title="5 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="5" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/9732087955_ced288fa3c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9735317346/" title="6 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="6" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/9735317346_f67b20c8d3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9732086217/" title="91 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="91" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/9732086217_a9f60edd74_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9735315656/" title="94 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="94" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/9735315656_053b69cc38_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9732085087/" title="93 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="93" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3758/9732085087_94591e835d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9735316522/" title="92 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="92" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2860/9735316522_facfaa1443_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I know, I've done it again! I always do neglect this little blog of mine, and then make you all promises of regular updates and more effort. Well, this time, I wont be promising anything. Life has got a little crazy. Not only do I have my Monday to Friday job working as a Support Assistant for special needs children in a school, with the added responsibility of some small classes of my own to teach, I now also have a weekend job waitressing Saturday and Sunday nights to pay for this wedding that seems to have crept up on us way too fast and gone a </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">tad</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> over budget! So, between being a mother, housework, planning a wedding and working 7 days a week, I'm not exactly sure how to fit in this blog too. I am going to try, I really am. When I'm not too exhausted to face the computer screen I will try my hardest to put posts together for you. I have so many folders of pictures taken over the summer with the intention of blogging, and it makes me really sad I have so little time for it. Really sad. I miss it. And I miss all of you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Anyway, </i>on a rare day we had a few hours to ourselves just our little family, we decided to take a little trip to a beautiful village called Marlow. I love Marlow. So so pretty and cute with it's bunting, carousels, little tea rooms and shops. We visited a little antiques fair and picked up a few bits and pieces fro the wedding, we stopped in a cafe for a bowl of chips and a slice of cake, we went to visit the ducks and swans by the river, we played in the park, and browsed the shops. My favourite shop there is one called Susie Watson Designs. Susie Watson sells the most beautiful home ware, but it's the shop that makes it extra special. It is a beautiful, big old house that has been furnished with all of their products, so it looks just like a home rather than a shop! I wish I could just move right in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">How are you all? I feel so out of the loop!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">x ♥</span></div>
Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-40319212262325997642013-07-31T13:57:00.000-07:002013-07-31T13:57:40.903-07:00Wedding planning<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have been talking about doing this post on planning our wedding for a long time now and some of you have been very patiently waiting for me to do it. Sorry it has taken me such a long time to get round to do! I knew it was going to be a long one and I needed the time and organisation to do it properly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I didn't know whether I should be breaking this down into lots of smaller posts, but for some aspects of our wedding planning I don't have a lot to talk about, so I thought I would do this post as a kind of overview and then maybe have some more posts that focus on one aspect that I can go into a bit more detail on.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/venue/set?.embedder=2282051&.svc=copypaste&id=91887341" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img alt="venue" border="0" height="546" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/qWx7H51A4w1LfG0Jp9yWg/cid/91887341/id/D7DkRNMoS4SrlCQHpAvLQA/size/c600x546.jpg" title="venue" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The first stage of our wedding planning was choosing a venue. This took a long time! We started venue hunting with certain ideas and themes in mind, but also a budget, which is not a great combination! We had a few venues that we loved and were ready to book when certain issues would stand in our way, such as money, unexpected costs, restrictions to what we can do there, unfriendly owners and date availability. However, I know its such a cliché but everything does happen for a reason! We were beginning to feel very defeated and negative about the whole venue search, when by chance I came across The Mill House, and instantly felt excited. We immediately arrange to go and visit. The day we went was a beautiful, snowy winters day, and we were greeted by the lovely owners with cups of tea in front of the big, open fires. The Mill House is exactly that- a house. A stunning, historical house that isn't too big and grand but big enough for our 60 guests, with a cosy, warm and friendly feel to it. We instantly fell in love with the idea of having a winter wedding with our closest friends and family all in this beautiful building that would be like our home for the day and wedding night. With lots of lovely little rooms, with beautiful fireplaces, comfy chairs and cosy corners for people to relax and chat, we knew it would be the perfect venue for us and our family. They told us about their Christmas package, which includes mince pies and mulled wine served to welcome guests, a three course Christmas dinner and their twelve foot tall Christmas tree in the entrance, all within our budget, we knew this was where we would be getting married. Within days, we had booked the Mill House for our ceremony and reception, plus wedding night, for the 29th December 2013.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/photographer/set?.embedder=2282051&.svc=copypaste&id=91896779" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img alt="photographer" border="0" height="447" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/lMmloJUu3SfJsg0gEOSU8Q/cid/91896779/id/MrlpRGHHTC2mxwfGqSPV7Q/size/c600x447.jpg" title="photographer" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Having the package was really useful because it meant venue, catering and DJ were already organised. The next task I wanted to tackle was finding a photographer. This stage was so important to me. I had seen way too many times people getting married and having really dull, boring photos of their day that had absolutely no personality or character. After the day, your photos are going to be something you will have to enjoy for years to come and are memories of one of the best days of your life captured on camera, so I was really determined to find a photographer whose work felt very 'us' and special. I must admit, I did get a little stressed during the search. I feel like I've been a fairly relaxed bride, but I hated not being able to find any wedding photographers who felt just right. Luckily, I then found <a href="http://www.noeldeasington.com/" target="_blank">Noel Deasington</a>. He is such a talented photographer with the most beautiful photos of weddings that are really individual and special with quite a laid back, natural feel. I was thrilled when he said he could do our wedding and I am already so excited to see the pictures!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/wedding_dress/set?.embedder=2282051&.svc=copypaste&id=91885224" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img alt="wedding dress" border="0" height="668" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/048QcUVrTpcQEGcnbzZ5Vw/cid/91885224/id/4u7StTibS2KmEq4GoenbKQ/size/c600x668.jpg" title="wedding dress" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Something I had been desperate to do my whole life (like any girl) was wedding dress shopping. I was so excited and had known for many years exactly what I wanted my dress to look like. However, I knew that that kind of dress may not suit me, so I wanted to try on every style imaginable to ensure I got to the right one. I went to three different bridal shops, and tried all different shapes and styles, and finally found a dress I really loved, which happened to be the style I had always dreamed of! I was very happy with my choice, and was just about to change back into my normal clothes when the assistant asked me if there were any more I wanted to try as we had some time left. A dress caught my eye- a dress I would never have considered in a million years. I asked if I could try it on, for a bit of fun, and she agreed. She changed me into the new dress, and while doing so said 'well, I was not expecting that!'. I didn't know what she meant, until she turned me around to look in the mirror. <i>Wow</i>. That was it! I knew I had found the one. I was in complete shock. I didn't cry, but definitely felt like I could. I had butterflies and felt ridiculously excited, and knew I wanted to feel like this when I put my dress on on my wedding day. As I walked out of the changing room, the reaction I received was amazing. The staff and other brides who had completely ignored me in all the other dresses suddenly were all looking, and calling other people to come and look, and telling me how amazing and beautiful it was. My mother cried. I bought the dress. Just a <strike>huge</strike> little bit over budget, but it was <i><b>The One</b></i>! Last week I bought my shoes and accessories too!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/bridesmaids/set?.embedder=2282051&.svc=copypaste&id=91881954" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img alt="bridesmaids" border="0" height="649" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/e3OVYWs2UvKGYtpnAQ5w/cid/91881954/id/_nWu0tsQQp2vz1DvLk6shA/size/c600x649.jpg" title="bridesmaids" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I did not enjoy searching for the perfect bridesmaids dress. I am having three adult bridesmaids- my sister and David's two sisters, a younger bridesmaid and four flower girls all under the age of five. A big task was finding our colour scheme. Hours of pinterest hunting and flicking through bridal magazines left me undecided between two colours- champagne and burgundy. I was letting the Christmas element of our wedding lead the colour choices but we just could not make up our mind. We looked at thousand of dresses, in both colours, and still could not decide. Until one day, David and I were at a wedding fair, and David pointed out a table that had been dressed in pastel blue and white. He loved it, I agreed, and that was that! The colour scheme became pastel blue, white and sparkle. Winter-y, but still wedding-y, without being too Christmassy! However, I still had the task of finding the dress for the three older bridesmaids that would suit all of them and fit in with the wedding- not an easy task with the new colour scheme, plus a pregnant bridesmaid! I got to the point of ordering the dresses, only to be called a week later to say an error had been made and they had sold out of the sizes we needed. However, eventually, we got there, and found them in a sale at Debenhams! Full length, pastel blue gowns that will be paired with angora ivory shrugs (Kate Middleton inspired!) from Monsoon and sparkly shoes. The younger bridesmaid is going to be wearing an ivory dress and I have agreed to customise the dress with blue crystals and beads on the waistband (gulp!) so she co-ordinates with the older bridesmaids. The tiny ones will be in ivory too!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/untitled_18/set?.embedder=2282051&.svc=copypaste&id=91901415" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img alt="Untitled #18" border="0" height="456" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/hcQTvBeCc1Oua1XF5XxyZg/cid/91901415/id/W1Di7XotSqmlUzaU5iCsPg/size/c600x456.jpg" title="Untitled #18" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The next step was wedding rings. We both wanted simple, gold bands, but it soon became apparent due to the unique shape of my 1920's ring with it's subtle curves, a normal band will not sit next to it properly. Therefore, we got my ring made by the company Taylor&Co after meeting them at a wedding fair. The service was brilliant, and they send you a digitalised image of how your wedding ring will look for you to approve before they start making. My wedding ring arrived just a few weeks ago and it is beautiful, I love it!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/untitled_17/set?.embedder=2282051&.svc=copypaste&id=91899977" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img alt="Untitled #17" border="0" height="446" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/fagQoz3kaQFiXk24rCNdPQ/cid/91899977/id/__RO1_L4QL_ph4dxxqK2sA/size/c600x446.jpg" title="Untitled #17" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A DJ was included in the price of our wedding package so we were not planning on having any other music other than an MP3 connected to the sound system in the venue for the ceremony and background music for the welcome drinks and meal. However, at a wedding fair, we met Claire Jones, a harpist. She was formerly the Royal Harpist for Prince Charles and played at Kate and Williams wedding! She asked if we had any requests, so I asked for Canon in D, my mums favourite piece of music. It was so beautiful, we all got goosebumps and my mum cried (again!). We booked her there and then! She will be playing for the ceremony and welcoming drinks, and will be such a lovely, special addition to the day! And I will be walking down the aisle to Canon in D played on harp. How perfect!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/bouquet/set?.embedder=2282051&.svc=copypaste&id=91893113" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img alt="bouquet" border="0" height="717" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/BZLAEUN5oxirpHj6QYjO1A/cid/91893113/id/ut33FvmxQVOqQLV7G8SRkQ/size/c600x717.jpg" title="bouquet" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I had said I wanted Lilies and Roses for my bouquet, however after speaking to florists, realised how difficult that was going to be. Not only are they difficult to have fresh in December, but deliveries are also awkward during the Christmas period. I had also been trying to decide on a way to incorporate my Grandmother in the wedding. She is in a care home with dementia and it wont be possible for her to come to our wedding. However, while looking through her jewelry collection to see if there were any pieces I cold wear to the wedding, I was amazed at her beautiful collection of brooches! Then the idea hit me- a brooch bouquet! I am going to attempt to make it myself (any tips will be extremely welcome!) and hopefully it will go beautifully with my dress and the overall theme of the day. Lots of sparkles and crystals!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/invitations/set?.embedder=2282051&.svc=copypaste&id=91889681" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img alt="invitations" border="0" height="543" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/vTOvzMgmCCUGpAGZr3IJw/cid/91889681/id/XmISbW6nQYKFa9EiIa1wdw/size/c600x543.jpg" title="invitations" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I am also attempting to make the invitations myself. These are in progress at the moment, and I will share them once they are finished! I wanted to have them done by now but coming up with a design and finalising the guest list has taken a little longer than expected. Pinterest, as with many aspects of the wedding, has been my major source of inspiration for them and hopefully they will turn out OK!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cake/set?.embedder=2282051&.svc=copypaste&id=91880757" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img alt="cake" border="0" height="681" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/keyLCBg6t7WL9hTk3Umjw/cid/91880757/id/q2f3-GfLT3qAyinLq4dtWA/size/c600x681.jpg" title="cake" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I am very lucky in the fact that David's mother is a wonderful baker and has her own cake business, therefore is very kindly doing our cake for us. We would like a tower of cupcakes with a small cake at the top to cut, but are not 100% on designs yet. I also am unsure about what sort of topper to have, but I'm sure it will all come together beautifully!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/bridal/set?.embedder=2282051&.svc=copypaste&id=91894612" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img alt="bridal" border="0" height="596" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/N3MbmrISbPUsd4cS5Y6DQ/cid/91894612/id/y819-oHpRJ_uWYvknrWRRA/size/c600x596.jpg" title="bridal" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I am doing my hair and make-up myself, with the help of my sister, who is a qualified beauty therapist. I have bought an Enrapture totem styler that I am practising with regularly and am still looking for the perfect items of make-up that will last all day. I am also in need of a good hair spray! Any recommendations or tips?</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/untitled_16/set?.embedder=2282051&.svc=copypaste&id=91898330" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img alt="Untitled #16" border="0" height="645" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/b3hmKci3dG2ZUms8vYvCgg/cid/91898330/id/KjJY8A9XQc2ZUPahUGC7-A/size/c600x645.jpg" title="Untitled #16" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For the wedding favours, we are making everyone heart shaped biscuits and using icing to write everyone's names on them, so they also double up as the place names! Economical and yummy!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/decorations/set?.embedder=2282051&.svc=copypaste&id=91882997" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img alt="decorations" border="0" height="611" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/ukJpe8sAkxx4fLjbXVLfcg/cid/91882997/id/wR8z0uJGRDOhJ8doRwvBdQ/size/c600x611.jpg" title="decorations" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We haven't really decided on decorations and table centrepieces yet, but we have lots of ideas involving candles and sparkle, with pinterest yet again being invaluable for inspiration! I don't want to go too over the top because the venue is beautiful already and will also be decorated for Christmas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So there you have it, our wedding so far! So on our to do list includes Groom and grooms men outfits, finishing the invitations, cake, decorations, dressing the little ones, my bouquet, hair and make-up and making wedding favours. It is all so so exciting and I can't wait for the day! Time seems to be going very fast now though, so I just hope we have everything done in time! Fingers crossed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Any tips will be very, very welcome!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rosie</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">P.S: All images used in his post are pinned to <a href="http://pinterest.com/_rosie_/boards/" target="_blank">my boards on pinterest</a>. There is plenty of other wedding inspiration there too! If you know of any good wedding boards, please do leave me the links, I'd love to take a look!</span></div>
Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-73638931379027505972013-07-16T13:47:00.001-07:002013-07-16T13:47:47.816-07:00The one where we built a fort<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9303781758/" title="SAM_3889 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_3889" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7375/9303781758_e8eb8ac422_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9300991621/" title="SAM_3892 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_3892" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2864/9300991621_c189acf1e8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9303788436/" title="SAM_3886 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_3886" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7402/9303788436_44862087be_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9300982107/" title="SAM_3893 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_3893" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7396/9300982107_484c0a17db_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hello everyone! After work this afternoon, I decided to take Lily to see the swan family living in the brook we live opposite. However, what I thought would be a lovely little visit, ended up in a huge tantrum because Lily wanted to climb into the brook and stroke the swans. Oops! When we got back inside, I needed to find a way to entertain and calm her, so I decided to make a fort. It isn't the most impressive fort you will have ever seen (some of the ones on pinterest are amazing!) but Lily absolutely loved it, and spent ages in there flicking through her books, cuddling her bunny and rag doll, giggling and playing peek-a-boo! She did take a quick break to take a very important phone call, but all in all I think she was pretty impressed. It made for a lovely afternoon activity, and I will definitely be doing it again! Maybe in my 6 weeks off work (school holidays! Yay!) I will build a slightly better one, and perhaps fill it with snacks and colouring in books as well as other toys and books.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Have you ever built a fort? What did you do in yours?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">x ♥</span></div>
Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-23286287069460449842013-07-14T15:17:00.000-07:002013-07-14T15:42:38.056-07:00Hello<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Hello everyone! It has been <b>so long</b> again! I have been so desperate to blog over the past few weeks, but life has a habit of getting in the way sometimes. I have been so busy this past month. The wedding planning is suddenly getting very serious as we have only 5 months to go now, and I've had the end of year exams at work, and Lily is getting more and more active, and technology hasn't been my friend- but I've finally had a fairly quiet Sunday, and time to pay some attention to my blog!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Sorry for such a picture heavy post, but I'm trying to catch up then (hopefully) resume regular blogging as normal again. Life lately between working, housework, and wedding planning, has involved family trips to parks and rivers with Lily and our nieces and nephews, trips to London, silliness with Lily (her new game is putting her toy balls up her sleeves!), little Laura Ashley shopping trips, reading in Lily's book corner, enjoying my parents new garden, buying cute lamps, having gel nails done by my sister now she is a qualified beauty therapist, Lily being all grown up and getting her first toy baby and buggy, and eating lots of yummy food in the garden in this gorgeous weather we've been having!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">As you can see, I have also redesigned and renamed the blog! I have never had a blog name I've been happy with. It started as Rosie Posie Rosie which I never liked, but was playing around on blogger not really knowing what I was doing when I started and never expected my blog to come this far and be so important to me! Then I changed it to just Rosie but really wanted to come up with a proper name for it. Peppermint Rosie has been a name I've been considering for very long time now but was worried I would change my mind and be unhappy again. But as I've liked it for so long, I've decided to take the plunge and finally do it! I am also looking into getting a custom domain, so I will let you know if and when that happens. I'd love to know what you all think! I was a little nervous about making the change.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The name peppermint Rosie comes from my addiction to peppermint tea, my love of peppermint creams and mint being my favourite colour. I do hope you all like it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">♥ x</span></div>
Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-23730631089963018252013-06-19T11:16:00.000-07:002013-07-14T08:57:23.643-07:00LAURA ASHLEY AW13 PRESS EVENT<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9060274897/" title="SAM_3486 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_3486" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2850/9060274897_b8314d4302_z.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9062513412/" title="SAM_3448 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_3448" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2873/9062513412_2f4b0f63b0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Hello lovelies! Last week I had a little trip to London, as I was lucky enough to be invited to the Laura Ashley Autumn Winter 2013 press event. There I got to see their beautiful new collection, learn about the history of the brand, and catch up with the lovely </span><a href="http://theteadrinkingenglishrose.blogspot.co.uk/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;" target="_blank">Charlotte</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> while sipping on strawberry and banana smoothies (mine) and beetroot and celery juice (Charlotte. She thought it was berries! But luckily the juice wasn't as bad as she thought it may be, and was surprisingly refreshing!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">As we browsed the rails of navy blue and burgundy, nudes and khakis, soft pinks and greys, beautiful prints and subtle sparkle, I began dreaming of my winter wardrobe for later this year. Sadly, as summer doesn't seem to be arriving here in England anytime soon, the pieces would even be suitable for now! I definitely will be having a trip to my local Laura Ashley this Autumn, and look out for some of their fairisle knitwear, silky blouses, bold print trousers, statement necklaces and brown leather satchels. I also have my heart set on the cream angora jumper, with the embellished peter pan collar and diamante detailing for Christmas parties!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9060280343/" title="SAM_3463 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_3463" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5457/9060280343_b48f7e83bd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
The homeware section was so beautiful. I would love to have a cosy, country house and fill the whole place with Laura Ashley! Unfortunately, the size of my Victorian terrace and the size of my budget wont allow me to do this, but I definitely have my eye on a few key pieces and accessories to give our little home a bit of a makeover this Autumn. I loved the light fixtures and lamps with beautiful glass elements to reflect the light. They would add a touch of glamour to any room and go with practically any colour scheme and style! Having a soft spot for pastel greens, blues and mint colours, the duck egg range was right up my street! I loved the duck egg hydrangea print wallpaper and bedding combined with the white, wooden furniture. I think it would make such a pretty, cosy, calming bedroom. I completely fell in love with their rose gold furniture and accessories too! They had rose gold dressing tables, lamps, trinket boxes, clocks- it looked so elegant and feminine with their coral range. Something I will definitely be purchasing is their collection of mugs and candles in prints from the Laura Ashley archive. They are bringing back some classic Laura Ashley prints in lots of different colourways for many different items for their Autumn Winter 2013 collection, and these prints used on the mugs and candle holders are just so pretty. I would love to have them dotted around my home! I particularly love the 'Emma' print.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9060283161/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;" title="SAM_3456 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_3456" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7350/9060283161_464b89983e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">
</span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9060284817/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;" title="SAM_3455 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_3455" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5534/9060284817_f933ec5c18_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">
</span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9062510358/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;" title="SAM_3457 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_3457" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2848/9062510358_84f1c33244_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">As Laura Ashley are celebrating their 60th anniversary this year, we were lucky enough to also see their lovely archive exhibition. It was fascinating to learn the history of the company, and how Laura Ashley and her husband started out by printing floral silk scarves from their kitchen! There were so many vintage treasures to see from the archive, from the 1960's to now, including clothes, furniture, cushions, books and even a china doll! It was so interesting to see how the brand has evolved over the years but always stayed true to its roots. I think this is the reason it is so loved by different generations. I know my Grandmother and my mother are both loyal fans, and have lots of fond memories of shopping there and some favourite items they have bought over the years. I don't think there is any other brand that all three generations of us share a love of like we do Laura Ashley. Next time I am at my parents house, I am going to hunt for some pictures of family wearing their Laura Ashley favourites from the past and share it on the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lauraashleyofficial/app_570897712941712" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;" target="_blank">Laura Ashley memories page.</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> The page is a place fans can share their Laura Ashley photos and memories, with a chance of winning a £1000 voucher! You can also enter on twitter using the #lauraashley60 hashtag. I enjoyed just looking through the entries, there are some really lovely ones!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9062507412/" title="SAM_3468 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img alt="SAM_3468" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/9062507412_8cb8a948b4_z.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">There was also a wonderful Christmas section at the event, but I didn't want to talk about the C-word too much incase you all got upset with me. I know it's only June and the weather has been pretty miserable, but I had to share these beautiful beaded, sparkley placemats! Aren't they beautiful?? I am considering getting them for our winter wedding, I think they would look stunning with our pastel blue, white and sparkle theme.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I loved going to the press event and the collection was really beautiful. I am so thankful to the wonderful team at Laura Ashley for hosting & inviting me to such a lovely event!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">x ♥</span></div>
Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-34465636639878401822013-06-10T15:13:00.001-07:002013-06-10T15:20:53.781-07:00MY ATTEMPT AT A 15 MONTH UPDATE<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9011201978/" title="SAM_2396 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2396" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8555/9011201978_8a11a8b47e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9011202342/" title="SAM_2380 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2380" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8395/9011202342_02a9bcf7b2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9010017271/" title="SAM_2418 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2418" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/9010017271_96030d0819_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9010014517/" title="SAM_2520 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2520" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5338/9010014517_e260d47b67_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9010016391/" title="SAM_2539 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2539" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/9010016391_303974c320_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9010017393/" title="SAM_2548 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2548" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5448/9010017393_30d6f41881_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9010015739/" title="SAM_2550 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2550" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7379/9010015739_9555203f25_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9010013175/" title="SAM_2698 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2698" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/9010013175_bbe0d0e0eb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9011201442/" title="SAM_2727 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2727" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/9011201442_993de0d955_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9011199070/" title="SAM_2725 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2725" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5450/9011199070_c37a11a245_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9010014839/" title="SAM_3131 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_3131" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/9010014839_6911b6d7de_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9010013125/" title="SAM_3146 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_3146" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3779/9010013125_9d12831a18_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9010017411/" title="SAM_3189 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_3189" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5325/9010017411_00b40255a3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/9010012153/" title="SAM_3437 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_3437" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3764/9010012153_91ec453260_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Hi everyone! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">For several months now I've been wanted to do one of my <a href="http://rosieposierosie.blogspot.co.uk/p/lily-belle-rose.html" target="_blank">usual Lily updates</a>. You know the ones where since she was born, I've taken pictures of her in similar places/ poses so you can really see how she is growing and changing, and the most recent ones being in her little white chair? Well, I've been trying to take more recent ones for a new update, but it just isn't going to happen! If I sit her in her chair, she gets up and walks away. I try and take pictures of her standing, facing the camera, and of course that is extremely boring no matter what I try to distract and bribe her with, so she walks away to play with something else. It is impossible! I end up either with pictures of her back, or pictures where she is just a very happy blur! So I thought I'd share some of these with you- a little selection of photo's from several failed attempts at Lily update posts!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Lily is now 15 months old. She walks, she talks, she sings, she dances, she plays, she giggles. She throws tantrums. She draws & colours. She feeds, cleans & cradles her baby dolls. she knows the theme tunes to her favourite programs & sings along. She kisses & cuddles, she explores, she copies, she uses my makeup brushes to her makeup in the morning, she brushes her hair, she tries to put her shoes on the wrong feet. She dusts the living room with me, feeds the rabbits & pets them gently. Her hair is still a vibrant red, her eyes are a deep blue with flecks of green & gold. She knows her own mind, but is affectionate & loving. She is funny & sweet & will always be my baby, though I'm realising recently she has most definitely become a little girl. I am so proud of her & love her more than I could possibly explain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I think I will do a proper Lily update when she turns 18 months now. Like the others, with proper update pictures & a letter to her. But this is the best I could do for now!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">x ♥</span></div>
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Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-28503789730881943382013-06-09T04:25:00.001-07:002013-06-09T04:25:35.583-07:00ARGOS GIVEAWAY WINNER!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8994406935/" title="winner by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="winner" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2892/8994406935_178778f3c5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">The winner of my <a href="http://rosieposierosie.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/argos-voucher-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Argos voucher giveaway</a> is the very lovely Rachel of<a href="http://www.ohnorachio.com/" target="_blank"> Oh No Rachio</a>! If you haven't had a look at her <a href="http://www.ohnorachio.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> & <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ohnorachio" target="_blank">etsy</a> shop already, you should! She is so talented :) Congratulations Rachel!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Thank you to everyone else who entered. I want to plan to do another giveaway soon, perhaps when I reach 300 followers, which isn't too far away! What sort of giveaway would you all like to see?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Have a lovely Sunday!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">x ♥</span>Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-79783468041455464792013-06-08T06:52:00.000-07:002013-06-08T13:19:10.815-07:00OREO STUFFED COOKIES<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8986205909/" title="oreo stuffed cookies by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="oreo stuffed cookies" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2851/8986205909_73f055e788_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8970445491/" title="SAM_3077 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img alt="SAM_3077" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/8970445491_c2ddfd56bc_z.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I thought I'd share a super easy, super tasty recipe with you today. I made these at the weekend and they were <i>amazing</i>! You only need three ingredients & a spare 15 mins & you can make yourself a delicious treat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">To make 6 you will need:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">♥ A packet of cookie mix</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">♥ A packet of oreos</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">♥ A cup of water</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8971638456/" title="SAM_3079 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img alt="SAM_3079" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8544/8971638456_ec319cfa58_z.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Preheat your oven to </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 37px;">180°c. To start, y</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">ou need to make your cookie dough. Instead of following the pack instructions (which were to add 3-4 tbsps of water) I had a cup of water that I was pouring in slowly and stirring the mix until I reached the consistency I wanted. I like my cookies gooey and moist, so I used about 3/4 of the cup of water.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Next, you need to lightly grease a muffin tray, then add about a tablespoon of the cookie mix to the bottom of 6 of the sections. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8970446123/" title="SAM_3081 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_3081" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/8970446123_fe4ba9cf53_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Place your oreos on top of your cookie mix bases, then spoon more of your cookie mix over the oreos to cover them. Pop them in the oven for 10-15mins. While they're cooking, it's very important to eat any remaining cookie dough & lick the spoon. In my opinion, this is the most important step!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8970445953/" title="SAM_3082 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_3082" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8559/8970445953_12561f721e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">You should end up with big, gooey, chocolaty, delicious pieces of heaven! Serve warm with some milkshakes for the perfect treat!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8971636878/" title="SAM_3095 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_3095" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3748/8971636878_091edbfb4d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8971640800/" title="SAM_3109 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_3109" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8266/8971640800_954a2cfb4e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Let me know if you make these, I'd love to hear your thoughts!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">x ♥</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">P.S: Don't forget to enter my <a href="http://rosieposierosie.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/argos-voucher-giveaway.html" target="_blank">giveaway</a>! You've only got a few hours left!</span>Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-92102634695353257732013-05-27T11:09:00.000-07:002013-06-08T07:45:32.669-07:00ARGOS VOUCHER GIVEAWAY!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8855643507/" title="SAM_2592 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img alt="SAM_2592" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/8855643507_950a00f3d0_z.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/6239387.htm" target="_blank">Birdcage tea light holder</a>* // <a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/2555869.htm#pdpFullProductInformation" target="_blank">Clock</a>*</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8856255588/" title="SAM_2594 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img alt="SAM_2594" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7376/8856255588_8cd48a67a3_z.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8855642755/" title="SAM_2595 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img alt="SAM_2595" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5329/8855642755_f6d077cb02_z.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8855641367/" title="SAM_2596 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img alt="SAM_2596" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/8855641367_547e1e3507_z.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8856252116/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" title="SAM_2597 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img alt="SAM_2597" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3713/8856252116_ac1359cbef_z.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8855655709/" title="SAM_2588 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2588" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7318/8855655709_29d19bf7a8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8856567076/" title="SAM_3090 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img alt="SAM_3090" height="501" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/8856567076_cd090b6616_z.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/1112667.htm" target="_blank">Crochet cushion</a>*</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8855955489/" title="SAM_3091 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img alt="SAM_3091" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/8855955489_c290ccd1cb_z.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8856566774/" title="SAM_2608 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img alt="SAM_2608" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5467/8856566774_3929d93839_z.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8856565100/" title="SAM_3097 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><img alt="SAM_3097" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8540/8856565100_5fbbb1e88f_z.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/7960239.htm" target="_blank">Habitat Deli Large beaker</a>* // <a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/7960260.htm" target="_blank">Habitat Deli Small beaker</a>*</span></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8855951099/" title="SAM_3104 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><img alt="SAM_3104" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/8855951099_fbb633606b_z.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I love the <a href="http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Browse/ID72/33005908/c_1/1%7ccategory_root%7cHome+and+garden%7c33005908.htm" target="_blank">Argos home ware</a> range- it always has on trend, good quality, affordable pieces. When we moved in to our house, we furnished most of it using Argos! It was just so useful being able to get the styles we want, at prices we could afford, and having branches nearby made it really convenient too. Therefore, you can imagine how thrilled I was when they very kindly offered to send me some of their items from their home ware range to review!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">How amazing is the birdcage tea light holder?? The style and the detail is just gorgeous- I absolutely love it! In fact, I love it so much I am considering buying several more to use as table centre pieces for our wedding instead of traditional flowers! I can imagine draping strings of pearls through the bars, and perhaps adding some silk flowers or vintage brooches. I may use little wooden pegs to attach the table numbers written on luggage labels to the bars. I think it would be just beautiful! And at £19.99 it is an absolute bargain. I can't say enough good things about this product. I love it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I think there is something really elegant about this little clock. It's actually an alarm clock, and I love the simplicity of it. It's a lovely soft grey and I love the style the numbers are written in- I think it's a beautiful font. I like quite minimalist, yet pretty and feminine items and I think this fits this style perfectly!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I think the crochet cushion is another item that could be described as minimalist yet feminine. I really love crochet items at the moment, and this cushion is a lovely shade of cream that will go with anything, with chunky buttons to stop it being too plain.Our bed has rather a lot of floral and pattern going on too (sorry, David!) so this cushion balances it out nicely!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I am in love with these beakers! How retro and lovely are they? The pastel tones are so pretty- I love the hint of mint on the inside of the large one (mine) and the soft pink of the small one (Lily's!). Argos now has a selection of ex Habitat stock at very reasonable prices and these are part of that range. They are just perfect to serve some milkshake in with some pretty paper straws! I know this sounds like such a gushy post, but I actually have nothing negative to say about any of the items, I am so happy with all of them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Here's the exciting part! All of these gorgeous items totaled at just pennies off of £50- so Argos are very generously offering a £50 voucher to one of my readers!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">You can enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. You must be a follower of my blog on Google friend connect and a resident of the UK (sorry! I will host a giveaway for my international readers soon!). You can earn extra entries by following me on twitter and tweeting about the giveaway. The giveaway will be running for two weeks. Be sure to leave me a comment below and include your email so I contact you if your the lucky winner!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/7c5cc00/" id="rc-7c5cc00" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Good luck everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">x ♥</span>Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-21324147516272147982013-05-22T09:20:00.000-07:002013-06-08T07:45:42.584-07:00AFRIKA<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8787016040/" title="SAM_2652 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2652" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2844/8787016040_22632a45b0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8787004124/" title="SAM_2655 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2655" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3793/8787004124_0798153fef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8786991236/" title="SAM_2663 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2663" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8546/8786991236_6598597bbb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8786972214/" title="SAM_2680 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2680" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/8786972214_d1b2fab74a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Shirt: Primark</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Leggings: <a href="http://store.americanapparel.co.uk/product/?productId=8328pa" target="_blank">American Apparel</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Spike bracelet: <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Gothic-Punk-Rock-Hedgehog-Biker-Spike-Stud-Rivet-Stretch-Bangle-Bracelet-/280887278964?pt=UK_JewelleryWatches_WomensJewellery_Rings_SR&var=&hash=item41662fbd74" target="_blank">Ebay</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Blue bracelet: <a href="http://www.marwell.org.uk/?_$ja=cgn:Url+Variants+-+Exact|cgid:6213634828|tsid:49899|cn:Marwell+Wildlife-+Brand+Like|cid:128446108|nw:search|crid:22465041268|kw:marwell|pm:&gclid=CIOYmpKOqrcCFe3LtAodM2cAmQ" target="_blank">Marwell zoo</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Nails: <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Barry-M-Nail-Paint_947704/" target="_blank">Barry M Peach Melba</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Hello everyone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I thought I'd share a quick outfit post with you today. I realised a while ago I have never shared these leggings in an outfit post before. I have no idea why! They are by far my favourite leggings and I have had them for about 3 years now. They are the American Apparel Afrika leggings and I love them so much. Like most clothes in American Apparel the fit is amazing and they are super comfortable. I found them while on a spending spree with my birthday money, and it took me ages to decide whether to get them or not. It just didn't feel right spending so much on a pair of leggings when you could get similar in Primark for a fraction of the price. But as it was my birthday I treated myself, and I'm so glad I did. They have lasted so well! They haven't lost their shape at all, they don't have holes in and the colours haven't faded, unlike all of my cheaper leggings which are unwearable within months. I can't praise these leggings enough!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I bought this shirt recently in Primark and can see myself getting a lot of wear out of it this summer. I love the wash of the denim and it's a really nice, flattering shape and fit. I think it will be one of those staple pieces that will go with anything and feel comfortable but look good!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I picked up this blue stone bracelet (I think it's a type of turquoise but I can't remember the name of it!) in Marwell Zoo gift shop, of all places, for £2.50! I fell in love with the colour and don't think there has been a day since I got it I haven't worn it. I love the pop of colour it adds to an outfit! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I would love for some of you to share your blog links with me/ your favourite blog links, I have a found a few new bloggers recently I really love and am really enjoying reading something new, so any more you could send my way I'd be really grateful for!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">x ♥</span></div>
Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7035343753737527756.post-76859291893395705982013-05-14T13:00:00.002-07:002013-06-08T07:45:54.526-07:00ZOO<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8739480596/" title="SAM_2137 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2137" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/8739480596_d9c5f2e158_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8739480586/" title="SAM_2160 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2160" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7288/8739480586_cf68e02d6c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8738360051/" title="SAM_2193 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2193" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/8738360051_4cde72143a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8739480000/" title="SAM_2222 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2222" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/8739480000_6426956cc8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8739479812/" title="SAM_2232 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2232" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7285/8739479812_fe1168059b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8738359187/" title="SAM_2233 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2233" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/8738359187_9ffa33a255_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8738360551/" title="SAM_2250 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2250" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/8738360551_40f8fd6d7c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8739479138/" title="SAM_2252 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2252" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/8739479138_5139ff90ae_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8738358813/" title="SAM_2306 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2306" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/8738358813_36ca8ec623_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8739478446/" title="SAM_2356 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2356" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/8739478446_7312f9ea1a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosie_o/8739474048/" title="SAM_2362 by _rosie_o, on Flickr"><img alt="SAM_2362" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/8739474048_daca92e500_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Hi everyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I thought I'd share some of the photo's from our trip to the zoo with you! David, Lily & I recently had a day out at the zoo with my little brother, sister & her boyfriend. It was Lily's first ever time at the zoo, and she loved it! She spent most of the day on either mine or David's shoulders & had so much fun seeing all the animals. She would point at them, get all excited & giggle, it was so cute! We were so lucky with the weather too, it was a lovely, sunny day and we had such a good time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Unfortunately, the sunny weather hasn't lasted long, and today is cold and wet, and I'm not feeling very well at all. I've spent most of my afternoon after work in my comfy (scruffy) clothes drinking tea and reading magazines, and luckily Lily has been quite content to either play with her dolls house or cuddle watching Abney & Teal or Charlie & Lola.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I hope the weathers better where you are and that you feel better than I do!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">♥ x</span>Rosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10731073574795673553noreply@blogger.com12