Evening,
Mini-Moon Spa hotel for post-wedding snuggles and QT with the new Hubby? Check! A pre-wedding holiday to Newquay? Check! Stressful visit to the Reception venue with the Father of the Bride and his wife to go over details, floor plans and meet the new venue coordinator? Check! Must mean one thing - Eights months to go!
However, with the weeks melting by, a visit with the Reverand was certainly due. After enquiring in January about our marriage matters meeting due to take place in February 2020 hosted by our Church and for all the couples getting married that year I was surprised to learn that Mr Warehouse and I were one of only two couples getting married in St Mary's this year. I was shocked. I thought that maybe there would be quite a few, maybe even in or around our day. Maybe even the same day (not that I like sharing, I just wanted to piggy-back their flowers).
Reading up online in order to try and prepare myself for a visit to the Lord's Crib, I learnt that when you marry in a church, you have not only the legally binding religious contract of marriage but the vicar’s personal and individual attention, which is only made better by knowing more about you and you're betrothed.
Prior to this meeting last week we had already met the head of the Church and his protegee (who will be marrying us) but nevertheless she was now well and truly into her new role and whilst had already met with us, was interested in our story and how we came to be. It was nice that she knew some of Mr Warehouse's relatives and this made it much easier to relax and get to know each other. In time the relationship with our vicar will, like most, often go beyond the wedding day and it is possible she could be part of other big occasions in our life, like christening our children. Reading through the website, yourchurchwedding.org, as with ourselves, be prepared for a good few hours worth of form filling and question answering. "There will be some forms to complete which are necessary for the vicar’s records and they will need to ask a few questions that confirm you’re free to marry and that you have a legally-recognised connection with the church."
Now remember that whilst some of these questions or items seem silly or trivial (like 'Are you related?'), the details are really important to ensure our, and your marriage will be legally sound. Accidentally we forgot to bring our passports and birth certificates, something we will have to produce at our next meeting just after Easter and most certainly before our Bans being read in August. Mr Warehouse and I are both British, born and bred, however, the website states that "If either of you are a national from a country that is outside the EEA, the vicar will advise you on applying for a Superintendent Registrar’s Certificate, now required for all Church of England marriages of non-EEA nationals." Unlike some of the things I had read and heard online and through others in conversation, if either party are divorced the vicar will need to see your decree absolute (confirmation of your divorce) however just because you have divorce in your background doesn't mean that a religious ceremony in a Church is off-limits, it just means that there is a little more legwork involved and the vicar will almost certainly want to talk about in some detail.
Some of the things we spoke about during the initial visit last week were the prices and costs involved of the Church ceremony including Flowers, Organist, Choir and Bells being rung. Additional options included something special which I shan't divulge however I think will be an interesting and different addition to our ceremony.
One of the main things talked about, however, and something we have not really thought about too much was Hymns and readings. As we are marrying in a Church the only condition is not the Hymns or sing-song bits, but that we must have at least one religious reading. I thought personally it would have been the other way around and that readings could come and give or take a poem or two, but the Hymns had to be religious and all "God this" and "Jesus that" but that is not the case.
Yourchurchwedding.org, confirms that for most couples and weddings, there are usually two or three hymns sung. "The first is sung near to the beginning and helps everyone to feel that they are together in this place for a special purpose. The last hymn comes right before the final blessing, and reflects a mood of celebration and joy." Sometimes another hymn is included whilst the register is being signed, or just after, however, this is something Mr Warehouse and I didn't want and would rather have a song played, choir singing something or that special surprise I am so excited to leak about.
My future Husband and I wanted to find hymns that are familiar to our guests and are easy to sing, encouraging everyone to join in and not just mumble or humm along. Hymns and the Church Kareoke bit I had made my mind up long ago that I refused to have any songs that people had to sing that were unfamiliar or unknown or had those weird split words and syllables. I'm talking 'Hallelujah' and 'All Things Bright and Beautiful'. The website helpfully explains that "The vicar or the organist at the church where you are to be married, (or Directors of Music in some of the larger churches), will be pleased to help you decide." This being said, the capabilities of the organist, the type of organ they have in your church and also the choir and their abilities all need to be taken into account so seeking the opinion of the vicar, even if you have already decided which hymns you’d most like to have, can be immeasurably helpful.
But, following a difficult week and a whole bottle of red wine I was sat on Friday night, balling my eyes out as I listened to a non-religious, Disney song. Powerful, strong and tender it was everything I was looking for and as I listened to some of the lyrics I could envision our congregation, all there just for us, singing it to us, loud and proud. I was a mess. And so we found our Hymns, now we just need to find a reading appropriate and religious enough without being too much so.
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
Showing posts with label Mini Break. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mini Break. Show all posts
Monday, 10 February 2020
Monday, 3 February 2020
Mini-Moon for the new Bride & Groom!
Heyy,
With the last few months of Christmas, New Years and the last few bits of Wedding planning one of the last few big things we needed to book and research was our first few nights as a married couple. Some newlyweds now have nicknamed this the Mini-Moon, a short break or weekend away following getting hitched.
Now whilst I spoke of last week's blog the beautiful Cornish setting and surroundings of the Retallack Resort & Spa with its bars, free WiFi and beautiful beaches nearby it would have been perfect if not for the four-odd hour journey. And so with this in mind, we took a look closer to home and in particular the Wyboston Lakes Spa and Golf Resort Complex. We are staying at one of three hotels on the 350-acre resort called The Waterfront Hotel Spa & Golf. Located just off the A1 and just a twenty-minute journey by car from our venue at Stagsden, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, good food, an 18-hole golf course and driving range as well as plentiful leisure facilities, an incredible spa and ample free parking.
I am sure that with its delightful lakeside setting and modern but spacious bedrooms we are sure to relax in style. All rooms feature as standard en suite bathrooms and a flat-screen TV's with good food prepared by expert chefs available at a tap of a finger using the in-room iPad and full use of a gym and small indoor swimming pool. The room itself we have chosen to upgrade because you know why not - It's our wedding night / Mini-Moon. Junior Suites at The Waterfront are not just luxurious hotel rooms with super king-size beds but host lavish Hungarian down-topped mattresses and choice of accompanying pillows. These rooms are larger than both Superior and Deluxe Rooms the hotel offers but appointed in the same pastel colours and styling with the addition of some extra storage. Sitting rooms/areas and work stations are included as well as a comfortable armchair, footstool, coffee table and sofa which can fold out into an extra double bed. Now that really is the kind of place I want to wake up on my first morning as a Mrs.
The Y Spa is really why I wanted to book though as after being there a couple of times to visit I have never had the opportunity of indulging in the outdoor hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam rooms, mist showers, ice rooms, relaxing areas and water beds. The website states that "Y Spa has created a fabulous space which will stimulate all of the senses. Expansive areas filled with natural light and a warm ambient atmosphere. The area incorporates large picture windows to the terrace, bringing the outside in, whatever the weather. This little bit of luxury allows you to use hot and cold experiences as therapy, the benefits of which are far-reaching and include: improved respiration and circulation, relief of rheumatic aches, pains and stiff joints as well as improvements to skin texture with benefits to those suffering from eczema or skin conditions. Combining heat followed by cold boosts the body's natural defences, shifting your entire metabolism up a gear."
The Steam Room. A 42-degrees and with 100% humidity, the combination of high humidity and radiant heat gently invigorates the skin, respiratory and circulation system, all within a magical cavern, shrouded in iridescent mosaics and colour changing mood lighting to purify and relax both body and mind. Or maybe a Sauna would be more your cup of tea? With the slightly more warming, 55-degrees and humid the "soft" sauna has a lower temperature than Y Spa's traditional outdoor sauna. The humidity provides a gentler heat and softer experience to the traditional sauna allowing to relax and to recharge your batteries as well as a skin detox. Improving circulation and allowing muscles to relax, providing a peaceful space away from everyday life.
Not hot enough? Cranking it up a gear to the 85-degrees (or hotter) and low humidity the beautiful Kelo wood sauna, made with one-hundred-year-old logs gives the hottest of the Y Spa experiences. Not for the faint-hearted, its location outdoors in the Spa Garden can be accessed via the Hydrotherapy pool or the Garden terrace and is the perfect route to pure relaxation post-exercise or for weight loss and detoxification.
Hydrotherapy has been around for thousands of years and in its simplest form can be described as therapy through water - Obviously. However, being much warmer than a swimming pool, Y Spa's Hydrotherapy Pool is a place to relax and let the bubbling waters still your body. Used to treat common ailments such as muscle cramps, circulatory diseases, arthritis, osteoarthritis, back pain, balance, and stress-related disorders; hydrotherapy is a great way to spend some time, relaxing on the bubble bed or massage tension away using the body jets and revel in the wonders of nature enjoying the outdoor Hydrotherapy Pool all year round in the snow or the rain too.
On top of all of those, Y Spa's experience showers are used as a breather between treatment rooms. "The Chill Zone" allows guests to cool off either with a gentle blowing mist or invigorating tropical showers, raining from above like a monsoon. If you're brave enough maybe a visit to the ice wall in order to constrict blood vessels, increase oxygen flow and stimulating circulation. The Hotel's Spa also boasts the "Time Out Area" is perfect for unwinding, lounging and sitting back to read a good book, or two, all in the comfort of waterbeds, warmed perfectly to your body temperature. The Relaxation rooms with ergonomic loungers and cosy fireplaces it's the perfect place to curl up or unwind for a schnooze.
With eight months to the day as I write to you now, I cannot wait to stay at this beautiful resort and with the added benefit that my Husband will be right there alongside me!
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
With the last few months of Christmas, New Years and the last few bits of Wedding planning one of the last few big things we needed to book and research was our first few nights as a married couple. Some newlyweds now have nicknamed this the Mini-Moon, a short break or weekend away following getting hitched.
Now whilst I spoke of last week's blog the beautiful Cornish setting and surroundings of the Retallack Resort & Spa with its bars, free WiFi and beautiful beaches nearby it would have been perfect if not for the four-odd hour journey. And so with this in mind, we took a look closer to home and in particular the Wyboston Lakes Spa and Golf Resort Complex. We are staying at one of three hotels on the 350-acre resort called The Waterfront Hotel Spa & Golf. Located just off the A1 and just a twenty-minute journey by car from our venue at Stagsden, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, good food, an 18-hole golf course and driving range as well as plentiful leisure facilities, an incredible spa and ample free parking.
I am sure that with its delightful lakeside setting and modern but spacious bedrooms we are sure to relax in style. All rooms feature as standard en suite bathrooms and a flat-screen TV's with good food prepared by expert chefs available at a tap of a finger using the in-room iPad and full use of a gym and small indoor swimming pool. The room itself we have chosen to upgrade because you know why not - It's our wedding night / Mini-Moon. Junior Suites at The Waterfront are not just luxurious hotel rooms with super king-size beds but host lavish Hungarian down-topped mattresses and choice of accompanying pillows. These rooms are larger than both Superior and Deluxe Rooms the hotel offers but appointed in the same pastel colours and styling with the addition of some extra storage. Sitting rooms/areas and work stations are included as well as a comfortable armchair, footstool, coffee table and sofa which can fold out into an extra double bed. Now that really is the kind of place I want to wake up on my first morning as a Mrs.
The Y Spa is really why I wanted to book though as after being there a couple of times to visit I have never had the opportunity of indulging in the outdoor hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam rooms, mist showers, ice rooms, relaxing areas and water beds. The website states that "Y Spa has created a fabulous space which will stimulate all of the senses. Expansive areas filled with natural light and a warm ambient atmosphere. The area incorporates large picture windows to the terrace, bringing the outside in, whatever the weather. This little bit of luxury allows you to use hot and cold experiences as therapy, the benefits of which are far-reaching and include: improved respiration and circulation, relief of rheumatic aches, pains and stiff joints as well as improvements to skin texture with benefits to those suffering from eczema or skin conditions. Combining heat followed by cold boosts the body's natural defences, shifting your entire metabolism up a gear."
The Steam Room. A 42-degrees and with 100% humidity, the combination of high humidity and radiant heat gently invigorates the skin, respiratory and circulation system, all within a magical cavern, shrouded in iridescent mosaics and colour changing mood lighting to purify and relax both body and mind. Or maybe a Sauna would be more your cup of tea? With the slightly more warming, 55-degrees and humid the "soft" sauna has a lower temperature than Y Spa's traditional outdoor sauna. The humidity provides a gentler heat and softer experience to the traditional sauna allowing to relax and to recharge your batteries as well as a skin detox. Improving circulation and allowing muscles to relax, providing a peaceful space away from everyday life.
Not hot enough? Cranking it up a gear to the 85-degrees (or hotter) and low humidity the beautiful Kelo wood sauna, made with one-hundred-year-old logs gives the hottest of the Y Spa experiences. Not for the faint-hearted, its location outdoors in the Spa Garden can be accessed via the Hydrotherapy pool or the Garden terrace and is the perfect route to pure relaxation post-exercise or for weight loss and detoxification.
Hydrotherapy has been around for thousands of years and in its simplest form can be described as therapy through water - Obviously. However, being much warmer than a swimming pool, Y Spa's Hydrotherapy Pool is a place to relax and let the bubbling waters still your body. Used to treat common ailments such as muscle cramps, circulatory diseases, arthritis, osteoarthritis, back pain, balance, and stress-related disorders; hydrotherapy is a great way to spend some time, relaxing on the bubble bed or massage tension away using the body jets and revel in the wonders of nature enjoying the outdoor Hydrotherapy Pool all year round in the snow or the rain too.
On top of all of those, Y Spa's experience showers are used as a breather between treatment rooms. "The Chill Zone" allows guests to cool off either with a gentle blowing mist or invigorating tropical showers, raining from above like a monsoon. If you're brave enough maybe a visit to the ice wall in order to constrict blood vessels, increase oxygen flow and stimulating circulation. The Hotel's Spa also boasts the "Time Out Area" is perfect for unwinding, lounging and sitting back to read a good book, or two, all in the comfort of waterbeds, warmed perfectly to your body temperature. The Relaxation rooms with ergonomic loungers and cosy fireplaces it's the perfect place to curl up or unwind for a schnooze.
With eight months to the day as I write to you now, I cannot wait to stay at this beautiful resort and with the added benefit that my Husband will be right there alongside me!
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
Monday, 27 November 2017
Bed, Bath and Beyond ...
Evening!
Now dark and getting colder as we got deeper and deeper into the countryside of the Mendip Hills I was certainly ready to relax a little after being stuck in the driving seat for the last four-hours. The property itself was slightly difficult to find, especially in the blackness of the now early winters eve, but once found was easily located throughout our stay. On arrival we pulled over and called our host who promptly came running down the dirt track just as we pulled in. As lovely as ever, she told us to follow her young son down on the bicycle to where we would call home for the next few days. Trundling the country lanes to The Cabin, the owners had already lit the real log burning fire so on entering the humble abode it was toasty warm in comparison to the wet and windy chill that threatened our trip.
The Cabin itself compromised of a simple hallway and corridor with doors leading to the other rooms. A small "Snug" with a small sofa bed, poof / beanbag and a wall map was classed as the second bedroom and next door a large double bedroom with full length mirrored wardrobes and plenty of space for a cot or a chair at one end. Across the way from the "Snug" was the bathroom, equipped with a large shower and plenty of storage options as well as the normal bathroom items. Other end of the hallway was the kitchen come diner come lounge area where the stove was burning away nicely and the kettle was on. Everything was cosy and well equipped especially the kitchen. There was milk waiting in the fridge for us on arrival which was especially appreciated since we had forgotten this on our travels down. Although the sofa and arm chair were a tad on the small side and slightly dated we could not begrudge the owners just on this. Within moments of leaving I had suggested to Mr. Warehouse that had a hot tub been present the owners could well have charged double the £180-odd it was to stay there and would maybe have a few more bookings. It would certainly be an additional benefit and luxury I would have been delighted with.
Settling in Mr. Warehouse and I unpacked the car and made our way to bed after long days at work and a tiresome drive of a Wednesday evening. Waking on the following morning though was a certainly a lovely experience. With the aches and pains setting in from my personal training session the day before I was glad that I awoke to hearing Mr. Warehouse and Pup playing chase outside in the paddock. Listening to them run up the wooden steps to the front door I awaited the thud of paws and feet into the bedroom for my favourite people to bundle me on our new bed.
On finishing breakfast we bid farewell to our pooch as we headed out for our spa day in Bath. Now this is probably one of the most pricey things I have bought or paid for in a while and for £150.00 I really did hope that our afternoon at the UK's only Thermal spa - Thermae Spa Bath. What did I get for that sort of money you ask? Well firstly it was a half early Christmas present and half anniversary present for myself and also Mr. Warehouse too so the seventy-five quid price tag per person didn't seem too harsh on the wallet, not when you consider the four-floors of relaxation and renew including a sauna, two steam rooms, solarium, ice chamber, rain showers, Minerva pool, jacuzzi's, whirlpools and the pièce de résistance A roof top heated and lit pool overlooking the city and cathedral. Beautiful as that was I was also looking forward to the Thermae Treat spa package including a Reviver Back Massage, a Facial and a Head massage, To be fair, for the price that I paid (well for the price that I put on my credit card ... ) I think it was worth it. I loved the smell of the place and I can still catch a scent in my makeup brushes even this morning. Would I go again?! Definitely! However I would of course liked to have made it a full day of relaxing and more treatments to spread throughout the day, broken up with trips to the sauna and dips in the pools.
A walk through the Christmas Markets made me more happier at the content than that of York's disappointment last year. There was so much more, stalls and huts everywhere and down every nook or cranny there was even more. And after a relaxing Friday at The Cabin taking the pooch for a long woodland walk and cuddling up on the sofa for a session of crap telly and food bought from a local butchers in the town of Wells, Mr. Warehouse and I had returned to the Christmas Markets of Bath City Center in order to spend out our last full day in style. Mulled Wine, Warmed Cider, samples aplenty and tasty things everywhere I was certainly super impressed with the amount of produce and products on offer from the huts and stalls. So much more than any other UK based Christmas Market I had visited before, be it York, Birmingham, London or more local. As the (fake) snow fell from the night sky I was certainly disappointed to be leaving as despite ticking the Roman Baths off the tourist hot-spots list, there was still a fair amount of things I wanted to see and do including the Pulteney Bridge in the daytime (walked along it at night, although Mr. Warehouse was tired and becoming increasingly hangry by the moment). Taking long walks with my Beau and Puppy in the Jane Austen inspiring Prior Parks and gardens, Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole (although mainly for the cheese I must admit). All of this and more including trips to nearby Bristol, Weston-Super-Mare and other towns and villages in turn means Mr. Warehouse and I will just have to return. I suppose we best check out how that Thermae Spa is doing as well, you know, just to check. But I cant get holiday blues just yet since in less than seventy-two hours I will be in the wonderful winter wonderland of Prague. Here's hoping its not too chilly ...
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
Now dark and getting colder as we got deeper and deeper into the countryside of the Mendip Hills I was certainly ready to relax a little after being stuck in the driving seat for the last four-hours. The property itself was slightly difficult to find, especially in the blackness of the now early winters eve, but once found was easily located throughout our stay. On arrival we pulled over and called our host who promptly came running down the dirt track just as we pulled in. As lovely as ever, she told us to follow her young son down on the bicycle to where we would call home for the next few days. Trundling the country lanes to The Cabin, the owners had already lit the real log burning fire so on entering the humble abode it was toasty warm in comparison to the wet and windy chill that threatened our trip.
The Cabin itself compromised of a simple hallway and corridor with doors leading to the other rooms. A small "Snug" with a small sofa bed, poof / beanbag and a wall map was classed as the second bedroom and next door a large double bedroom with full length mirrored wardrobes and plenty of space for a cot or a chair at one end. Across the way from the "Snug" was the bathroom, equipped with a large shower and plenty of storage options as well as the normal bathroom items. Other end of the hallway was the kitchen come diner come lounge area where the stove was burning away nicely and the kettle was on. Everything was cosy and well equipped especially the kitchen. There was milk waiting in the fridge for us on arrival which was especially appreciated since we had forgotten this on our travels down. Although the sofa and arm chair were a tad on the small side and slightly dated we could not begrudge the owners just on this. Within moments of leaving I had suggested to Mr. Warehouse that had a hot tub been present the owners could well have charged double the £180-odd it was to stay there and would maybe have a few more bookings. It would certainly be an additional benefit and luxury I would have been delighted with.
Settling in Mr. Warehouse and I unpacked the car and made our way to bed after long days at work and a tiresome drive of a Wednesday evening. Waking on the following morning though was a certainly a lovely experience. With the aches and pains setting in from my personal training session the day before I was glad that I awoke to hearing Mr. Warehouse and Pup playing chase outside in the paddock. Listening to them run up the wooden steps to the front door I awaited the thud of paws and feet into the bedroom for my favourite people to bundle me on our new bed.
On finishing breakfast we bid farewell to our pooch as we headed out for our spa day in Bath. Now this is probably one of the most pricey things I have bought or paid for in a while and for £150.00 I really did hope that our afternoon at the UK's only Thermal spa - Thermae Spa Bath. What did I get for that sort of money you ask? Well firstly it was a half early Christmas present and half anniversary present for myself and also Mr. Warehouse too so the seventy-five quid price tag per person didn't seem too harsh on the wallet, not when you consider the four-floors of relaxation and renew including a sauna, two steam rooms, solarium, ice chamber, rain showers, Minerva pool, jacuzzi's, whirlpools and the pièce de résistance A roof top heated and lit pool overlooking the city and cathedral. Beautiful as that was I was also looking forward to the Thermae Treat spa package including a Reviver Back Massage, a Facial and a Head massage, To be fair, for the price that I paid (well for the price that I put on my credit card ... ) I think it was worth it. I loved the smell of the place and I can still catch a scent in my makeup brushes even this morning. Would I go again?! Definitely! However I would of course liked to have made it a full day of relaxing and more treatments to spread throughout the day, broken up with trips to the sauna and dips in the pools.
A walk through the Christmas Markets made me more happier at the content than that of York's disappointment last year. There was so much more, stalls and huts everywhere and down every nook or cranny there was even more. And after a relaxing Friday at The Cabin taking the pooch for a long woodland walk and cuddling up on the sofa for a session of crap telly and food bought from a local butchers in the town of Wells, Mr. Warehouse and I had returned to the Christmas Markets of Bath City Center in order to spend out our last full day in style. Mulled Wine, Warmed Cider, samples aplenty and tasty things everywhere I was certainly super impressed with the amount of produce and products on offer from the huts and stalls. So much more than any other UK based Christmas Market I had visited before, be it York, Birmingham, London or more local. As the (fake) snow fell from the night sky I was certainly disappointed to be leaving as despite ticking the Roman Baths off the tourist hot-spots list, there was still a fair amount of things I wanted to see and do including the Pulteney Bridge in the daytime (walked along it at night, although Mr. Warehouse was tired and becoming increasingly hangry by the moment). Taking long walks with my Beau and Puppy in the Jane Austen inspiring Prior Parks and gardens, Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole (although mainly for the cheese I must admit). All of this and more including trips to nearby Bristol, Weston-Super-Mare and other towns and villages in turn means Mr. Warehouse and I will just have to return. I suppose we best check out how that Thermae Spa is doing as well, you know, just to check. But I cant get holiday blues just yet since in less than seventy-two hours I will be in the wonderful winter wonderland of Prague. Here's hoping its not too chilly ...
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
Monday, 17 July 2017
Gutted Just Ain't The Word!
Hiya!
So after topping weekend on the excitement scale I was more than happy to have a relaxing and chilled out weekend at home with nothing more to worry about than when was an appropriate time to get out of my pyjamas and get dressed for the day.
On Saturday it would have appeared to be about ten-minutes before I was due to pick Mr. Warehouse up from work. For one reason or another Mr Warehouse had decided that he would want to work some overtime the last few weekends in a row in order to save up some more spending money for our holiday to Tenerife at the end of August. I have never normally being anxious about going on holiday simply because I have always booked a budget-budget trip with cheap, low-cost flights and a very basic hotel with three-stars being considered 'pushing the boat out'. Well at least when Miss Tweedle-Dee, Miss Tweedle-Dumb and I go on holiday anyway. But we are happy with our stupidly inexpensive budget for a holiday and even pride ourselves on the fact that we are able to bag a holiday in most circumstances for under three-hundred quid. I remember one year I think we even hit under the two-hundred mark, although that was Kavos and it was outside of normal holiday season in mid-October.
With all my work colleagues making plans for luxurious four and five star holidays in gorgeous beach-side resorts in exotic and far off land's, I feel like I should have just booked the time off and bagged myself a cheap last-minute luxury deal. Instead I hold my hands up that Mr. Warehouse and I booked far too much in advance that savings were far and few between. Our flights alone to Tenerife South Airport worth over two-hundred pounds. Our hotel makes up a large majority of our holiday total budget, and although we are spending roughly six-hundred in total together on the getaway alone, not including any spending money, I do wonder that if we had left it last minute and booked something a week or two before we were due to leave if we maybe would have got a better deal, potentially even getting some more bang for our Buck.
Earlier last week there was a sale on at a well-known website called Ryanair. £9.99 for a flight. Did I booked one though. No I didn't. I chickened out at the last minute thinking that they won't go up that much in price after the sale. But oh how horrifyingly wrong I was. The prices for flights not only doubled or tripled in some cases, especially for the dates that we were looking for which was late November and early December, just in time for some Christmas market shopping and hot Gluhwein with a side of Gingerbread. I have been so depressed and upset with myself for not booking somewhere. I new that I should have taken the plunge with a visit to somewhere like Sofia in Bulgaria or somewhere in Poland. Cheap flights at the time and with hotels of four and five star quality for a three-star and less price, I really struggled to see what benefits there are in staying in the UK for a Pre-Christmas break. Granted we wouldn't need to ask anyone to look after our dear pooch, and instead could take her with us wherever we may choose to go. However back to the more crucial point of money - For the same cost as it would be to get a cottage or Airbnb property in the UK that would accommodate dogs and isn't too much of a long drive for me, Mr. Warehouse and I could fly out to Europe somewhere and have a gorgeous little break away without breaking the bank including plush hotel rooms with on-site spas and views to rival that of most cities in England.
Gutted as I may be I am sure that there will be another flight sale from Ryanair or maybe even another airline somewhere in the future between now and when we are looking to go. The hotel is the cheapest and easiest thing to book for us since we already have a vast amount of Clubcard points from Tesco's that we would like to use on a hotel room stay. The more I think about it the more I am surprised that Mr. Warehouse even allowed me to think about booking another holiday before going to Tenerife. I suppose the law of hot chocolate and posh hotel room service may have swayed his mind slightly. Regardless though of where we end up spending our few last annual leave dates before the end of the year, I am sure that we will both make the most of it and enjoy the quality time that we have together, whether it be in a spa in the middle of Budapest, or in a little glamping Lodge down in the Cotswolds.
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
So after topping weekend on the excitement scale I was more than happy to have a relaxing and chilled out weekend at home with nothing more to worry about than when was an appropriate time to get out of my pyjamas and get dressed for the day.
On Saturday it would have appeared to be about ten-minutes before I was due to pick Mr. Warehouse up from work. For one reason or another Mr Warehouse had decided that he would want to work some overtime the last few weekends in a row in order to save up some more spending money for our holiday to Tenerife at the end of August. I have never normally being anxious about going on holiday simply because I have always booked a budget-budget trip with cheap, low-cost flights and a very basic hotel with three-stars being considered 'pushing the boat out'. Well at least when Miss Tweedle-Dee, Miss Tweedle-Dumb and I go on holiday anyway. But we are happy with our stupidly inexpensive budget for a holiday and even pride ourselves on the fact that we are able to bag a holiday in most circumstances for under three-hundred quid. I remember one year I think we even hit under the two-hundred mark, although that was Kavos and it was outside of normal holiday season in mid-October.
With all my work colleagues making plans for luxurious four and five star holidays in gorgeous beach-side resorts in exotic and far off land's, I feel like I should have just booked the time off and bagged myself a cheap last-minute luxury deal. Instead I hold my hands up that Mr. Warehouse and I booked far too much in advance that savings were far and few between. Our flights alone to Tenerife South Airport worth over two-hundred pounds. Our hotel makes up a large majority of our holiday total budget, and although we are spending roughly six-hundred in total together on the getaway alone, not including any spending money, I do wonder that if we had left it last minute and booked something a week or two before we were due to leave if we maybe would have got a better deal, potentially even getting some more bang for our Buck.
Earlier last week there was a sale on at a well-known website called Ryanair. £9.99 for a flight. Did I booked one though. No I didn't. I chickened out at the last minute thinking that they won't go up that much in price after the sale. But oh how horrifyingly wrong I was. The prices for flights not only doubled or tripled in some cases, especially for the dates that we were looking for which was late November and early December, just in time for some Christmas market shopping and hot Gluhwein with a side of Gingerbread. I have been so depressed and upset with myself for not booking somewhere. I new that I should have taken the plunge with a visit to somewhere like Sofia in Bulgaria or somewhere in Poland. Cheap flights at the time and with hotels of four and five star quality for a three-star and less price, I really struggled to see what benefits there are in staying in the UK for a Pre-Christmas break. Granted we wouldn't need to ask anyone to look after our dear pooch, and instead could take her with us wherever we may choose to go. However back to the more crucial point of money - For the same cost as it would be to get a cottage or Airbnb property in the UK that would accommodate dogs and isn't too much of a long drive for me, Mr. Warehouse and I could fly out to Europe somewhere and have a gorgeous little break away without breaking the bank including plush hotel rooms with on-site spas and views to rival that of most cities in England.
Gutted as I may be I am sure that there will be another flight sale from Ryanair or maybe even another airline somewhere in the future between now and when we are looking to go. The hotel is the cheapest and easiest thing to book for us since we already have a vast amount of Clubcard points from Tesco's that we would like to use on a hotel room stay. The more I think about it the more I am surprised that Mr. Warehouse even allowed me to think about booking another holiday before going to Tenerife. I suppose the law of hot chocolate and posh hotel room service may have swayed his mind slightly. Regardless though of where we end up spending our few last annual leave dates before the end of the year, I am sure that we will both make the most of it and enjoy the quality time that we have together, whether it be in a spa in the middle of Budapest, or in a little glamping Lodge down in the Cotswolds.
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
Monday, 1 May 2017
Life's A Beach!
Good Evening,
So here Mr. Warehouse and I are after a lovely long weekend, knackered and tired but thoroughly happy with this Bank Holiday Weekend's activities gone by. With a work colleagues beautiful wedding on Friday night in the bag, Mr Warehouse and I were well and truly excited for our mini-break to Great Yarmouth. Situated on the Norfolk coast Great Yarmouth was a fabulous choice for us as it was only two hours drive or so from home and nicely nestled between the cold North sea and the good old British Norfolk Broads, we imagined that we would have plenty to do not just spend all day on the beach walking the shore or in the arcades playing the slot machines.
Arriving at our hotel I must say was not the most glamorous of stays that Mr. Warehouse and I have ever had, however was nice and plenty for what we needed. It was the first bed and breakfast that the bae and I had stayed in with a dog but I was pleasantly surprised as I was expecting the room to be a lot smaller and more cramped for the three of us. Now this isn't to say that it was a large room by any standards and the decor could have definitely done with an update from at least the last decade, but as I explained to Mr Warehouse on the way back from dinner last night have you really stayed at a B&B by the sea if the room's don't look like a gaudy replica of your grandma's spare bedroom. In all fairness though the hotel was everything that we needed; Free Wi-Fi, Free breakfast and even free parking.
After checking in and getting they keys on Saturday afternoon we decided to head down to the seafront for our pooch's first outing to the beach. Running onto the golden sand's, she was more than excited and I can honestly say that it brought a tear to my eye to know just how close both of us came to losing her only a few months ago. I did think at one point throughout that whole ordeal that we would never even get to this point where Mr. Warehouse and I would be able to see her run and frolic amongst the sand dunes without a care in the world. My thoughts turned to the day of her operation to have her Pyometra removed and how sickeningly worried we both were for our dog. Thankfully though Pup pulled through and we were all here on the beach having lots of fun throwing stones into the ocean and seeing which one of us would get splashed by the waves first. I am sure that it is not, but I imagine that this is what parenthood feels like - Chasing each other along the shore and making sure that there are plenty of memories being created and enjoying every precious moment there is, laughing all the way.
After the exhausting fun by the sea Mr. Warehouse, the dog and I headed up the promenade towards the main town centre to enjoy some of the sights and smells at the seaside had to bring us. Stopping for some hot doughnuts and drinks, I reflected on how much fun I was having already and we had hardly spent a penny. Feet thoroughly painful I suggested going back to the hotel before maybe heading out again for some dinner just the two of us, but I will be honest by the time I got back my feet were so painful that I would have had to have a wheelchair in order to go out for dinner and so I got a delivery in of Chinese whilst Mr. Warehouse and I kicked back for a relaxing evening in front of the telly albeit a smaller one we were used to.
Sunday was definitely the day for the adults, no doggies allowed. Although apparently taking your dog into the arcades was not as taboo as Mr. Warehouse and I once thought. Don't get me wrong it was weird not having the dog with us, she is essentially an extension of ourselves however it was nice having a day all to myself with Mr Warehouse. Almost like having a night off from the kids, it was as if we were having our first date again; Eating ice cream, messing around in the Amusement'S and going on fairground rides together. Suffice to say that it is days like this where I fall more and more in love with my dearest boyfriend. Even if he does push me under the spray of the log flume to get soaked.
Waking up this morning I was sad to know that this was the last time I would be by the sea for at least the next few months, only difference being that next time it will be in a much warmer climate and without the dog. Scoffing down our fried breakfast and packing everything in the car to go home, I drove my little family down to the seafront for the last and final time, indulging ourselves in our favourite seaside activities such as playing on the 2p games in the arcades and amusements, running along the beach chasing each other over the sand dunes.
Mr. Warehouse and I finished off our little trip with the pooch in true British style by eating fish and chips by the cold and grey sea front and watching the shore lap against the wet sand. It was in this moment that I noticed something dark and long in the water. Whatever it was it looked as if it was moving and as I yelled at Mr. Warehouse to look out to sea in order to confirm my sighting we both were shocked as the head turned to look at us dead in the face as if he heard us talking about him. It looked as if it was a seal in fact I'm almost certain of it. A dark grey figure with an almost dog-like head took one look in our direction and proceeded to swim away. Knowing that no-one would believe either me or the boyfriend if we said we saw seals off the coast of Great Yarmouth, all of us began to chase along the shore to see if we could get a better picture of this mysterious animal. Again the canine-appearing creature decided to raise its head again above the choppy, green sea to have a look again towards land before diving deeper, not to resurface again before we headed back to the car.
What a wonderful way to end such a fabulous weekend, and all for a relatively modest budget of under £100 each. A cheap B&B, a penny jar full with odds and sods from purses and wallets over the last few months and the drive to get up and do something more than just sitting and catch up on telly or sleep of a bank holiday weekend in blightly. OK, granted it was certainly not the best weather in fact I would have probably liked it a bit warmer but it didn't rain and as long as you plan for rain and have any ideas of what you may do up your sleeve for if it does everything will be just fine. Wonder where our next adventure will be ...
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
So here Mr. Warehouse and I are after a lovely long weekend, knackered and tired but thoroughly happy with this Bank Holiday Weekend's activities gone by. With a work colleagues beautiful wedding on Friday night in the bag, Mr Warehouse and I were well and truly excited for our mini-break to Great Yarmouth. Situated on the Norfolk coast Great Yarmouth was a fabulous choice for us as it was only two hours drive or so from home and nicely nestled between the cold North sea and the good old British Norfolk Broads, we imagined that we would have plenty to do not just spend all day on the beach walking the shore or in the arcades playing the slot machines.
Arriving at our hotel I must say was not the most glamorous of stays that Mr. Warehouse and I have ever had, however was nice and plenty for what we needed. It was the first bed and breakfast that the bae and I had stayed in with a dog but I was pleasantly surprised as I was expecting the room to be a lot smaller and more cramped for the three of us. Now this isn't to say that it was a large room by any standards and the decor could have definitely done with an update from at least the last decade, but as I explained to Mr Warehouse on the way back from dinner last night have you really stayed at a B&B by the sea if the room's don't look like a gaudy replica of your grandma's spare bedroom. In all fairness though the hotel was everything that we needed; Free Wi-Fi, Free breakfast and even free parking.
After checking in and getting they keys on Saturday afternoon we decided to head down to the seafront for our pooch's first outing to the beach. Running onto the golden sand's, she was more than excited and I can honestly say that it brought a tear to my eye to know just how close both of us came to losing her only a few months ago. I did think at one point throughout that whole ordeal that we would never even get to this point where Mr. Warehouse and I would be able to see her run and frolic amongst the sand dunes without a care in the world. My thoughts turned to the day of her operation to have her Pyometra removed and how sickeningly worried we both were for our dog. Thankfully though Pup pulled through and we were all here on the beach having lots of fun throwing stones into the ocean and seeing which one of us would get splashed by the waves first. I am sure that it is not, but I imagine that this is what parenthood feels like - Chasing each other along the shore and making sure that there are plenty of memories being created and enjoying every precious moment there is, laughing all the way.
After the exhausting fun by the sea Mr. Warehouse, the dog and I headed up the promenade towards the main town centre to enjoy some of the sights and smells at the seaside had to bring us. Stopping for some hot doughnuts and drinks, I reflected on how much fun I was having already and we had hardly spent a penny. Feet thoroughly painful I suggested going back to the hotel before maybe heading out again for some dinner just the two of us, but I will be honest by the time I got back my feet were so painful that I would have had to have a wheelchair in order to go out for dinner and so I got a delivery in of Chinese whilst Mr. Warehouse and I kicked back for a relaxing evening in front of the telly albeit a smaller one we were used to.
Sunday was definitely the day for the adults, no doggies allowed. Although apparently taking your dog into the arcades was not as taboo as Mr. Warehouse and I once thought. Don't get me wrong it was weird not having the dog with us, she is essentially an extension of ourselves however it was nice having a day all to myself with Mr Warehouse. Almost like having a night off from the kids, it was as if we were having our first date again; Eating ice cream, messing around in the Amusement'S and going on fairground rides together. Suffice to say that it is days like this where I fall more and more in love with my dearest boyfriend. Even if he does push me under the spray of the log flume to get soaked.
Waking up this morning I was sad to know that this was the last time I would be by the sea for at least the next few months, only difference being that next time it will be in a much warmer climate and without the dog. Scoffing down our fried breakfast and packing everything in the car to go home, I drove my little family down to the seafront for the last and final time, indulging ourselves in our favourite seaside activities such as playing on the 2p games in the arcades and amusements, running along the beach chasing each other over the sand dunes.
Mr. Warehouse and I finished off our little trip with the pooch in true British style by eating fish and chips by the cold and grey sea front and watching the shore lap against the wet sand. It was in this moment that I noticed something dark and long in the water. Whatever it was it looked as if it was moving and as I yelled at Mr. Warehouse to look out to sea in order to confirm my sighting we both were shocked as the head turned to look at us dead in the face as if he heard us talking about him. It looked as if it was a seal in fact I'm almost certain of it. A dark grey figure with an almost dog-like head took one look in our direction and proceeded to swim away. Knowing that no-one would believe either me or the boyfriend if we said we saw seals off the coast of Great Yarmouth, all of us began to chase along the shore to see if we could get a better picture of this mysterious animal. Again the canine-appearing creature decided to raise its head again above the choppy, green sea to have a look again towards land before diving deeper, not to resurface again before we headed back to the car.
What a wonderful way to end such a fabulous weekend, and all for a relatively modest budget of under £100 each. A cheap B&B, a penny jar full with odds and sods from purses and wallets over the last few months and the drive to get up and do something more than just sitting and catch up on telly or sleep of a bank holiday weekend in blightly. OK, granted it was certainly not the best weather in fact I would have probably liked it a bit warmer but it didn't rain and as long as you plan for rain and have any ideas of what you may do up your sleeve for if it does everything will be just fine. Wonder where our next adventure will be ...
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
Monday, 2 January 2017
New Year, New Ventures ...
Heyy,
So there is was. Christmas. All over and done with for another year. Hard to believe that you have such a long build-up of anticipations for the months and weeks leading up to the big day, all enveloped with who has the best Christmas advert when do you put the turkey in and did you remember to buy Aunt Agnus a gift. And so begins the heavy hangover that is New Years. Back to work,cold and sometimes wet with little or no money it is a bleak outlook. It seems like Summer is such a long way off and nothing really to look forward to I cant help but look at summer holidays and spending countless bank holiday weekends with the other half and the dog.
First place to hit up will be around Valentines day and whilst you would think that Mr. Warehouse and I would prefer a weekend to be together spending QT indulging in some romantic activities, we wont. Instead we will be heading (hopefully) to the Peak District right in the heart of England. It will be February and so therefore cold, probably very cold, although I am quite looking forward to a cosy AirBnb cottage in Bakewell, surrounded by miles of AONB Countryside, and fingers crossed a few flakes of snow. I suppose that yes it would be nice to go away for a couple of nights with Mr. Warehouse, just us and a nice hotel room somewhere, it just wouldn't feel right without pooch. We love her as much as we love each other and that is what is most important, spending time with the ones that you love, be it human or otherwise.
Next on the agenda is ideally somewhere hot and exotic for a mine and the boyfriends first beach holiday. I know I can hardly believe that in all our travels we have yet to go to a proper beach holiday resort and tan until our hearts content. I have found a couple of nice ideas in the form of Agadir in Morocco and whilst they are not a million miles away they will still provide us the sort of holiday we would both be happy with. I had tried originally the Caribbean or Mexico but that is a little too expensive, especially if we are looking to go away in April's Easter Break. A ten-day holiday in the sun for the price of seven annual leave days from work and all for under the price of a normal week in the sun with the Girls I usually have I think is a bargain, I just hope Mr. Warehouse see's it that way.
Maybe later in the year we can have another mini-break to Newquay or somewhere by the sea so Pup can feel the sand between her toes and maybe even as Autumn rolls round we might even be able to squeeze in another trip to Europe for a Christmas Market or even Iceland to see the Northern Lights. Although one step at a time, I think if I was to spell all this out to Mr. Warehouse right now he might have a stroke, and not the good kind.
You see as a new years resolution this year I really want to travel more. Its been a good few years since Vegas and whilst the Miss Tweedle-Dumb and her boyfriend accompanied Miss Tweedle-Dee and her family on a trip back there just before Christmas last year it is something that I am now craving. And why not?! Mr. Warehouse and I have no other commitments other than his (and my adoptive) dog which Miss Tweede-Dee has kindly said she would dog and house sit whilst we were away. I now have a car so am not pressured to start learning anymore. I have a new job with better money so I want to afford the luxuries life has to offer. It is something I have come to realise is all to fragile and can be taken away at any given time without warning or planning.
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
So there is was. Christmas. All over and done with for another year. Hard to believe that you have such a long build-up of anticipations for the months and weeks leading up to the big day, all enveloped with who has the best Christmas advert when do you put the turkey in and did you remember to buy Aunt Agnus a gift. And so begins the heavy hangover that is New Years. Back to work,cold and sometimes wet with little or no money it is a bleak outlook. It seems like Summer is such a long way off and nothing really to look forward to I cant help but look at summer holidays and spending countless bank holiday weekends with the other half and the dog.
First place to hit up will be around Valentines day and whilst you would think that Mr. Warehouse and I would prefer a weekend to be together spending QT indulging in some romantic activities, we wont. Instead we will be heading (hopefully) to the Peak District right in the heart of England. It will be February and so therefore cold, probably very cold, although I am quite looking forward to a cosy AirBnb cottage in Bakewell, surrounded by miles of AONB Countryside, and fingers crossed a few flakes of snow. I suppose that yes it would be nice to go away for a couple of nights with Mr. Warehouse, just us and a nice hotel room somewhere, it just wouldn't feel right without pooch. We love her as much as we love each other and that is what is most important, spending time with the ones that you love, be it human or otherwise.
Next on the agenda is ideally somewhere hot and exotic for a mine and the boyfriends first beach holiday. I know I can hardly believe that in all our travels we have yet to go to a proper beach holiday resort and tan until our hearts content. I have found a couple of nice ideas in the form of Agadir in Morocco and whilst they are not a million miles away they will still provide us the sort of holiday we would both be happy with. I had tried originally the Caribbean or Mexico but that is a little too expensive, especially if we are looking to go away in April's Easter Break. A ten-day holiday in the sun for the price of seven annual leave days from work and all for under the price of a normal week in the sun with the Girls I usually have I think is a bargain, I just hope Mr. Warehouse see's it that way.
Maybe later in the year we can have another mini-break to Newquay or somewhere by the sea so Pup can feel the sand between her toes and maybe even as Autumn rolls round we might even be able to squeeze in another trip to Europe for a Christmas Market or even Iceland to see the Northern Lights. Although one step at a time, I think if I was to spell all this out to Mr. Warehouse right now he might have a stroke, and not the good kind.
You see as a new years resolution this year I really want to travel more. Its been a good few years since Vegas and whilst the Miss Tweedle-Dumb and her boyfriend accompanied Miss Tweedle-Dee and her family on a trip back there just before Christmas last year it is something that I am now craving. And why not?! Mr. Warehouse and I have no other commitments other than his (and my adoptive) dog which Miss Tweede-Dee has kindly said she would dog and house sit whilst we were away. I now have a car so am not pressured to start learning anymore. I have a new job with better money so I want to afford the luxuries life has to offer. It is something I have come to realise is all to fragile and can be taken away at any given time without warning or planning.
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
Monday, 21 November 2016
Adventures Ooop Nooorth!
How Do!
Five and a half hours on the road I was certainly ready to arrive. Winding through the curly lanes, I imagined what was beyond the black darkness of the Winter's evening. Beautiful Yorkshire countryside, fields for as far as the eyes can see and outstretched roads littered with cosy cottages. Speaking of which, here was ours now!
Pulling into the Farmhouse and row of stable converted cottages we had finally arrived. Parking little Vivienne outside in the gravelled courtyard we walked up to the large double wooden door, complete with slate tiled roof and original brickwork exposed exterior. Opening the front door we were bowled over as was the housekeeper that came to greet us by our beloved pooch who, it would have appeared was expressing just how much she was loving not speeding along the A1(M) by rolling around on the plush carpets and various shag-pile rugs comforting the floors. A snug layout, roomy enough for two and some furry friends comfortable the bedroom came first after the small porch where coat hangers and cubby holes exist for Winter accessories and cooler outer wears. Warmed thoroughly with the twinkling fairy-lights adorning the bed it was a romantic home from home with a window over looking the main road which with traffic a constant feature was certainly not so romantic I can assure you. The bed was soft and had lashings of soft furnishings not to mention the very fluffy authentic Sheepskin rug by the bedside.
Lounge came next and as the two front windows looked out across the courtyard, the decor again carrying through the homely, kitsch country feel for the place incorporating the TV units, sofa and chairs as well as the many cushions, carefully chosen ornaments and candles. But the fireplace was the centrepiece of the room and it was a sight to behold. With a mantelpiece to die for and logs ready for our lighting we were more than ready to get that baby burning, maybe indulging in a little cuddle 'ont' shag-pile rug with our pooch as the flames blazed behind us. Through a short corridor into what I imagine was an extension to the original stables were a high spec bathroom with all the mod-con's and a kitchen equipped with most things you would need for a break away including picnic hampers, milk and cereals for the morning, all with views of the green wilderness of the gardens as your making a morning brew. So sweet!
Settling the mad dog in after she hounded every room exploring the exciting new environments as much as Mr. Warehouse and I were. Exhausted though we thanked our host and at nearly nine-at-night I could feel myself falling asleep. Making sure the pup was fed, watered and peed/pooped, my Boyfriend and I retired to the bedroom after a half-hour battle with our eyelids and the TV. And I honestly don't think I have fallen asleep so quickly, head hitting the pillow and off into dream land I went, experiencing again another strange dream, although thankfully not the nightmare I had the evening before in which Mr. Warehouse was awoken by my screams and in turn saved me from my slumbering torture. I cant even really remember what it was about although I know that I made a few wrong turns walking through some dark back alley's with my dear Mr. Warehouse and before I knew it I was being pulled about by gang members, Mr. Warehouse helpless in stopping them and there perverse plans for me.
Waking in the morning as the cold sun broke through the cream curtains I revelled in the fact that I was somewhere new and had so much to explore. Throughout our trip we headed into York city centre most days tackling the bustling Christmas Market, York Chocolate Story and The Dungeons as well as off for long country walks with t'dog although with the weather being wetter than wet and colder than cold we were forced to turn back pretty early on. Later on in the final few days of our trip we headed our separate ways and after begging to go to the local Designer Outlet Mall, I finally had my opportunity as a football game was on and there was a pub showing the game right near the centre. So I did what every red-blooded women would do, dropped off the 'Mrs.' and headed to the discounted stores as fast as my lil' Vivienne would take me. No Mulberry discount-store unfortunately, although there was one (fully priced) store in the city centre, however there was a Ted (Baker) store and they were hosting some lovely discounted genuine products in which I may or may not (defiantly have) purchased a make-up bag.
My favourite part of our trip though had to be spending some quality time with Mr. Warehouse and my step-pup, roasting our piggies by the roaring fire and eating naughty-naughtiness from our trips to the Christmas Market and York Chocolate Story. But suffice to say I am home now, with my little family and defiantly no log burning open-fire. Very upset about this. But it wont be that long until Christmas and next week we will have the excitement hopefully of seeing Our Little Furry Starlet's photos. Lets hope they're good. I suppose they should be though for three-hundred-quid ...
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
Five and a half hours on the road I was certainly ready to arrive. Winding through the curly lanes, I imagined what was beyond the black darkness of the Winter's evening. Beautiful Yorkshire countryside, fields for as far as the eyes can see and outstretched roads littered with cosy cottages. Speaking of which, here was ours now!
Pulling into the Farmhouse and row of stable converted cottages we had finally arrived. Parking little Vivienne outside in the gravelled courtyard we walked up to the large double wooden door, complete with slate tiled roof and original brickwork exposed exterior. Opening the front door we were bowled over as was the housekeeper that came to greet us by our beloved pooch who, it would have appeared was expressing just how much she was loving not speeding along the A1(M) by rolling around on the plush carpets and various shag-pile rugs comforting the floors. A snug layout, roomy enough for two and some furry friends comfortable the bedroom came first after the small porch where coat hangers and cubby holes exist for Winter accessories and cooler outer wears. Warmed thoroughly with the twinkling fairy-lights adorning the bed it was a romantic home from home with a window over looking the main road which with traffic a constant feature was certainly not so romantic I can assure you. The bed was soft and had lashings of soft furnishings not to mention the very fluffy authentic Sheepskin rug by the bedside.
Lounge came next and as the two front windows looked out across the courtyard, the decor again carrying through the homely, kitsch country feel for the place incorporating the TV units, sofa and chairs as well as the many cushions, carefully chosen ornaments and candles. But the fireplace was the centrepiece of the room and it was a sight to behold. With a mantelpiece to die for and logs ready for our lighting we were more than ready to get that baby burning, maybe indulging in a little cuddle 'ont' shag-pile rug with our pooch as the flames blazed behind us. Through a short corridor into what I imagine was an extension to the original stables were a high spec bathroom with all the mod-con's and a kitchen equipped with most things you would need for a break away including picnic hampers, milk and cereals for the morning, all with views of the green wilderness of the gardens as your making a morning brew. So sweet!
Settling the mad dog in after she hounded every room exploring the exciting new environments as much as Mr. Warehouse and I were. Exhausted though we thanked our host and at nearly nine-at-night I could feel myself falling asleep. Making sure the pup was fed, watered and peed/pooped, my Boyfriend and I retired to the bedroom after a half-hour battle with our eyelids and the TV. And I honestly don't think I have fallen asleep so quickly, head hitting the pillow and off into dream land I went, experiencing again another strange dream, although thankfully not the nightmare I had the evening before in which Mr. Warehouse was awoken by my screams and in turn saved me from my slumbering torture. I cant even really remember what it was about although I know that I made a few wrong turns walking through some dark back alley's with my dear Mr. Warehouse and before I knew it I was being pulled about by gang members, Mr. Warehouse helpless in stopping them and there perverse plans for me.
Waking in the morning as the cold sun broke through the cream curtains I revelled in the fact that I was somewhere new and had so much to explore. Throughout our trip we headed into York city centre most days tackling the bustling Christmas Market, York Chocolate Story and The Dungeons as well as off for long country walks with t'dog although with the weather being wetter than wet and colder than cold we were forced to turn back pretty early on. Later on in the final few days of our trip we headed our separate ways and after begging to go to the local Designer Outlet Mall, I finally had my opportunity as a football game was on and there was a pub showing the game right near the centre. So I did what every red-blooded women would do, dropped off the 'Mrs.' and headed to the discounted stores as fast as my lil' Vivienne would take me. No Mulberry discount-store unfortunately, although there was one (fully priced) store in the city centre, however there was a Ted (Baker) store and they were hosting some lovely discounted genuine products in which I may or may not (defiantly have) purchased a make-up bag.
My favourite part of our trip though had to be spending some quality time with Mr. Warehouse and my step-pup, roasting our piggies by the roaring fire and eating naughty-naughtiness from our trips to the Christmas Market and York Chocolate Story. But suffice to say I am home now, with my little family and defiantly no log burning open-fire. Very upset about this. But it wont be that long until Christmas and next week we will have the excitement hopefully of seeing Our Little Furry Starlet's photos. Lets hope they're good. I suppose they should be though for three-hundred-quid ...
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
Monday, 14 November 2016
Our Little Furry Starlet!
Hiya,
So it would appear that The Zombie Sickness Bug last week has not attacked me as yet, however there is still time so I am not holding my breath too much. One thing I am looking forward to is my Christmas Mini-Break to York with Mr. Warehouse and and the Pooch. Skipbridge Farm, an idyllic stable-converted cottage just north of York city itself is going to be just what the doctor ordered and with the rolling hills of Yorkshire and beyond, not to mention the farmyard animals and Hot-Tub (I think!?) its certainly going to be a silver lining to not going on a European City Christmas Market. And although I am happy that I will be spending some of the little daylight hours we get in the UK at the moment the one thing I am not happy with is the fact that weekend after weekend it seems as though they are slipping away quicker and quicker. Melting into nothingness only for me to sit down on Sunday evening and wonder where an earth my Saturday and Sunday have disappeared to leaving me with no option to start rallying around a search party in order to look for my lost hours.
This weekend was busy for Mr. Warehouse and I, starting with a Pet Photo Shoot we won a few weeks ago for our (OK his) pooch. Heading out to the studio we were excited and Christmas Jumpers at the ready, yes even the dog had one, we were looking forward to capturing forever our little furry baby for eternity. After having a few photo shoots myself before I knew how it all worked, the seeds of compliments and quick sneak-peeks at the screen all planted in well enough time so that the hard sell after in the viewing room is a pressure pot of beautiful images and painful bank balances. Arriving at the studio we met the photographer, an amazing guy who put us both at ease very quickly, not to mention our over-excited Pup!
But a dilemma was on the horizon. The virtual PA had accidentally booked all of the photographers clients in for the wrong time, not realising that England have a time-zone change every Autumn. With the photographer deeply sorry, we started our shoot although twenty minutes in there was a phone call. It was another family that had also been booked in at the same time as Mr. Warehouse and I. They were over fifteen minute late for their slot but still expected a full hours shoot. Sincerely apologetic the photographer asked if we would be so kind as to let the family have theirs and return an hour later so as to finish off. We obliged, the dog probably as happy as we were to have a little relaxing break in-between.
Taking her out for a walk and a toilet break we watched as a white Porshe Cayenne pulled into the yard. Judging them already Mr. Warehouse and I looked at each other as a middle aged couple stepped out of the car, greying hair and preened to a upper class perfection. Out of the back seats came three rowdy children, two boys and a little girl, again all primped and polished to a Mayfair standard. Herding them all inside out of the rain we listened to the families posh chatter and lack of apology for being late drift off inside. Finishing our walk quicker than we wanted, Mr. Warehouse and I headed back indoors to the reception and out of the cold and wet with our slightly soggy pet. Sat in the photographers waiting room we could hear nothing but tears and tantrums from the studio. A few times there were some softly spoken telling-off's from what I imagine to be Mom and Dad but to no avail for poor little what-ever did not seem to give any fucks about opening the door and being a general little brat and the other children appeared to sound the same.
After their shoot they came walking out past both me, my other half and our doggy, smiling all in the knowledge we knew how unruly their little angels really are. With the polite waves from the photographer the door closed and I noticed the relief that spread on his face like warm butter on toast. Laughing our way back into the studio in order to finish up, Mr. Warehouse, the photographer and I gossipped on the family of La-Di-Da posho's as we posed once more with our beloved Canine and again we were told how good, beautiful and of well-temperament she was leaving Mr. Warehouse and I beaming like new parents.
Soon it came to an end and we didn't even have a chance to swap into our festive gear. Nevertheless we were more than excited to see the snaps and I can already feel our credit cards itching. But that will all have to wait for York is awaiting and so is that nice little cottage of ours! Mmmm ...
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
So it would appear that The Zombie Sickness Bug last week has not attacked me as yet, however there is still time so I am not holding my breath too much. One thing I am looking forward to is my Christmas Mini-Break to York with Mr. Warehouse and and the Pooch. Skipbridge Farm, an idyllic stable-converted cottage just north of York city itself is going to be just what the doctor ordered and with the rolling hills of Yorkshire and beyond, not to mention the farmyard animals and Hot-Tub (I think!?) its certainly going to be a silver lining to not going on a European City Christmas Market. And although I am happy that I will be spending some of the little daylight hours we get in the UK at the moment the one thing I am not happy with is the fact that weekend after weekend it seems as though they are slipping away quicker and quicker. Melting into nothingness only for me to sit down on Sunday evening and wonder where an earth my Saturday and Sunday have disappeared to leaving me with no option to start rallying around a search party in order to look for my lost hours.
This weekend was busy for Mr. Warehouse and I, starting with a Pet Photo Shoot we won a few weeks ago for our (OK his) pooch. Heading out to the studio we were excited and Christmas Jumpers at the ready, yes even the dog had one, we were looking forward to capturing forever our little furry baby for eternity. After having a few photo shoots myself before I knew how it all worked, the seeds of compliments and quick sneak-peeks at the screen all planted in well enough time so that the hard sell after in the viewing room is a pressure pot of beautiful images and painful bank balances. Arriving at the studio we met the photographer, an amazing guy who put us both at ease very quickly, not to mention our over-excited Pup!
But a dilemma was on the horizon. The virtual PA had accidentally booked all of the photographers clients in for the wrong time, not realising that England have a time-zone change every Autumn. With the photographer deeply sorry, we started our shoot although twenty minutes in there was a phone call. It was another family that had also been booked in at the same time as Mr. Warehouse and I. They were over fifteen minute late for their slot but still expected a full hours shoot. Sincerely apologetic the photographer asked if we would be so kind as to let the family have theirs and return an hour later so as to finish off. We obliged, the dog probably as happy as we were to have a little relaxing break in-between.
Taking her out for a walk and a toilet break we watched as a white Porshe Cayenne pulled into the yard. Judging them already Mr. Warehouse and I looked at each other as a middle aged couple stepped out of the car, greying hair and preened to a upper class perfection. Out of the back seats came three rowdy children, two boys and a little girl, again all primped and polished to a Mayfair standard. Herding them all inside out of the rain we listened to the families posh chatter and lack of apology for being late drift off inside. Finishing our walk quicker than we wanted, Mr. Warehouse and I headed back indoors to the reception and out of the cold and wet with our slightly soggy pet. Sat in the photographers waiting room we could hear nothing but tears and tantrums from the studio. A few times there were some softly spoken telling-off's from what I imagine to be Mom and Dad but to no avail for poor little what-ever did not seem to give any fucks about opening the door and being a general little brat and the other children appeared to sound the same.
After their shoot they came walking out past both me, my other half and our doggy, smiling all in the knowledge we knew how unruly their little angels really are. With the polite waves from the photographer the door closed and I noticed the relief that spread on his face like warm butter on toast. Laughing our way back into the studio in order to finish up, Mr. Warehouse, the photographer and I gossipped on the family of La-Di-Da posho's as we posed once more with our beloved Canine and again we were told how good, beautiful and of well-temperament she was leaving Mr. Warehouse and I beaming like new parents.
Soon it came to an end and we didn't even have a chance to swap into our festive gear. Nevertheless we were more than excited to see the snaps and I can already feel our credit cards itching. But that will all have to wait for York is awaiting and so is that nice little cottage of ours! Mmmm ...
'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx
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