Dog with a Bone!

Hello All, 

Finally, this week Mr. Warehouse and I receive a reply from Hays Travel, following my four-page letter over a month ago, complaining about our Honeymoon from Hell to the Continental Plaza Beach Resort Hotel Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. Suffice to say that the outcome was not quite as expected. Hays Travel opened by thanking us for taking the time to contact them and naturally they were very concerned to hear that "aspects" of our holiday had not met with our expectations, especially on such a special occasion as a Honeymoon. 

One of the first things they did was pretty much copy and paste the hotel description, seemingly from their database which was sadly mostly incorrect. "The Continental Plaza Beach Resort is rated 4 stars" however we were sold it as a 5 star. "The hotel facilities include 24h reception, several restaurants and bars, several pools, children's pool, water slides, spa facilities, fitness center, tennis court, and internet/wireless internet." Several pools? False - There were only 2. Water slides, spa facilities, fitness center, tennis courts? All totally non-existent. The swim-up bar also was missing and yet promised.

Hays Travel went on to describe the “hotel guestrooms are being equipped with hairdryer, TV, telephone”, however, we would disagree that any of these items were in any fit condition to be honestly and truthfully listed as a “working facility/equipment”. The TV barely worked, the TV remote either had no backing to it and was rusting or what batteries were in there were expanding (in which the next stage would have been explosion which could have been very dangerous considering we were in an interconnecting “family room”) and the telephone either didn’t work or was hanging off the wall with wires hanging out, again extremely dangerous and unsafe. And that wasn't even all of it.

Continuing the reply to our complaint email they stated that "some of the above facilities may be closed due to weather / seasonal conditions", however, I fail to see how weather or seasonal conditions would have any effect on whether or any of the issues we have brought up include but not limited to the filthy and tired decor, worn-out state of the hotel's common areas and WiFi. I fail to see how weather/seasonal conditions directly affect not being able to get a simple glass of wine after asking for this over five times or that it means a swim-up bar would be stocked and manned or the multiple restaurants not being as advertised and force-feeding guests unconfirmed and undisclosed food rather than the A La Carte experience as detailed and expected from not only ourselves but the other multiple guests who either complained or walked out – Or both! Interesting to see their reply to this nonsense phrase. 

The Travel Operator continued "it is difficult for [Hays Tour Operating] to comment on facilities we do not advertise". Now whilst we understand it is difficult for them or in fact any holiday travel agent to be clued up and 100% knowledgeable on any and all facilities in every single hotel or resort across the world, the fact that Hays Tour Operating sell holidays or in our case a Honeymoon, is based entirely off advertising and selling a holiday. My new husband and I were sold and paid nearly £1,700.00 for a five-star and expected this and nothing less and yet we barely received a 2-star.

Laughably, the UK's biggest travel agents claimed that "the issues faced with Wi-Fi, the speed of Wi-Fi depends on several circumstances and as technology is rapidly changing, not all areas will have the same connection speed" and that they regret any inconvenience this caused. However, this is simply not the case or our experience. When booking the hotel, this along with other items were very important to us and up there with some of the “must-haves” we needed and wanted for our holiday - and yet never received.

Amongst other topics of discussion, they stated that "the observations made regarding the cleanliness and maintenance of the hotel overall have been passed to the accommodation management with the view to make improvements where necessary and we will continue to monitor this element of their operation moving forward" and also that as a company they "appreciate our concerns in regard to health and safety as some areas of the hotel appeared to be under construction, the hotelier has advised these are restricted areas out of use and of little disruption to guests." 

As expected and predicted, Hays Travel said that since they were in a position to offer an alternative accommodation to fulfill our package, the Jaz Fanara Resort Hotel, which was booked for the remainder of our stay and we were happy with the change in hotels, the offering of not a reimbursement or compensation but a goodwill gesture. A goodwill gesture of £100.00. Ending their email response, Hays Travel said that they hoped this would "be accepted in the spirit in which it is intended". As in a joke? A mockery of our traumatic honeymoon? As an absolute fucking farce? No. This is not OK. 

So no Hays, £100.00, less than 10% of what we originally paid, is not really appropriate. Given the circumstances, that we were forced to experience this utter horror and the fact that the majority of our not just holiday but our Honeymoon was thoroughly ruined and our memories tarnished completely, Hays Tour Operating offering £100.00 is almost laughable and we feel is almost insulting considering the traumatic experiences we have had. And so I replied. And they responded and I have also to no avail. But be warned Hays Travel, I am not going to be letting this one go!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

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Difficult Roads Often Lead To Beautiful Destinations

Suup, 

I never thought that I would have festival blues like I did at Reading Festival back in 2014, oh boy do I have a big come down from the glitter and frolics of a festival atmosphere. Truth be told I didn't think that I would have enjoyed myself or looked forward to the Bedford River Festival as much as I did. Maybe it was the drib's and drabs of family and friends throughout the weekends festivities that made it as good as it was, or maybe it was just simply down to the fact that I felt much better than I have done in the last few months. I suppose that the reality is that next time the Bedford River Festival comes around we will be living in our new home and who knows what life might be like then. although I am sure that there will still be a place for some glitter and denim shorts to enjoy the drumming music, incredible smelling food and host of activities and things to do and see. 

With the last few months being a bit of a whirlwind in terms of emotions and life events, I decided a couple of weeks ago that I would book a few days off at the end of the month after payday in order to have a little bit of me time for rest and recuperation. Suggested by several of my friends including Miss Hackney and Miss Sugarcoat who I have met up with a few times over the last couple of weeks, I think a few days to relax and take time for myself will be beneficial and can only do me some good. I have a few things planned such as some nice lye-in's and watching telly. On Wednesday I will be getting my hair done which maybe doesn't seem like such a big deal but for me a relaxing afternoon in the hairdressers chair is just what I need. Maybe afterwards I might take a trip over to one of the retail outlets a few miles out of town in order for some retail therapy and a treat or two.

Thursday's plans will consist of going to my usual counselling sessions and therapy, however this week will be the first of the NHS Treatments. In the afternoon I also have a doctor's appointment in order to discuss my ongoing medication and going forward with my diagnosis. Whilst the medicine I am on has finally stopped making me feel queasy and nauseous, I haven't stopped taking them as I know that this is something I need to continue in order to build up it's effect, regardless of how I feel much better and more back to normal. I know that coupled with counselling and therapy I will get better it will just maybe take a little bit longer. 

Friday is what I am really looking forward to as I will be accompanying Mr Warehouse to a spa in London. Courtesy in part to Nanny Pumpkin's Christmas present to Mr Warehouse and I we will be enjoying a gorgeous fruit platter as well as some relaxing treatments. I think just simply having some time just for us will be nice as I think life just takes over and before you know it it has been weeks since you have spent time with each other. 

I know after spending Sunday afternoon in the sunshine with two of my favourite people, Nanny Pumpkin and Mr Warehouse, I realise the heartbreaking reality that whilst my Grandma is doing her own thing and thoroughly enjoying life skipping off here, there and everywhere, I know in reality by the amount of times my grandfather was mentioned that she does miss him. Listening to Miss Hackney and Miss Sugarcoat their own grandparents and how their lives have been affected since one of them had passed away made me want to spend time, and quality time at that with Mr Warehouse whilst we have the chance to do so before mortgages and family life takes over. 

This is a happy time where we should be excited about finally getting a home of our own and looking forward to putting our own stamp on the place, although I think Mr Warehouse would agree with me when we both say that life has not been the easiest for us at the moment. It has been a poisonous melting pot of complicated issues including my mental health, Mr. Warehouse's skin condition and his own health worries all mixed together with a good helping of work issues and family problems, sprinkled with the stress of buying a house and preparing to move home. When the Devil on my shoulder tells me that it is going to be very expensive and makes me question as to whether Mr Warehouse and I can afford it, I must remember all of the other times that I thought or wondered how I would ever afford what I wanted in life. I am sure that I will look back a year from now and wonder as to what exactly I spent my money on. 

It terrifies me to think that I will have to depend on someone else both financially and in the general upkeep and running of the house in Mr Warehouse. To say that things have been tense or highly strung has been a understatement and I would say Mr Warehouse and I have argued more than we have ever in the last few months than we ever have in the last three and a half years we have been dating. But for all the snippy comments or playful bickering that happens between us I cannot fault Mr Warehouse for his support and love over the last few months, holding me up high when I was down in my lowest points and making me feel so loved and wanted it's unreal. I don't think that there is literally anything that his arms couldn't cuddle away and I know that whatever life throws at us I will be able to deal with it just as long as I have him by my side, wiping away the tears and making things better for as long as we have ... 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

The Two Wheels That Moved The Soul

Hello, 

So after last week's blog post about Miscarriage, Stillborn and lost pregnancies I had a huge response from people I knew as well as a few new faces, all of them talking openly about the struggles they have had with conceiving and pregnancy. I sometimes forget that my words can actually have a real life meaning outside of the screen from my tablet and I would like to thank everybody that contributed in their own special way only helping to bridge the gap between those that have unfortunately experience such sadness and those who do not know what to say when presented with a similar situation. 

Moving on though from last week and continuing with my gym and personal training sessions I have learnt to my surprise from my last week or two of weigh-in's with my PT I have lost a total of twelve centimetres of my waist alone! Clothes are starting to fit better now and I am coming back into the realms of High Street shopping as opposed to the prospect of looking in catalogues for the larger lady. Asides from healthy eating and the odd trip to the gym a few times a week, things have been relatively relaxed lately. I suppose with January being January most people do not have any money in order to go out and do anything so exercise and limiting calories is probably a necessity rather than choosing. 

One thing that was prominent on our "family" calendar this week was Mr. Warehouse's CBT Test. The CBT test is a compulsory basic training test that all people have to take if they would like to ride a motorbike with an engine size under 125cc. Ideal for getting to and from work as well as town and city driving, I could not think of anything more perfect for a Christmas present. Mr. Warehouse worked very reasonable and an all intents and purposes was really good working hours, starting at eight in the morning and finishing at four in the afternoon. Some people I know would probably kill all those sorts of things with children and even without would just be a blessing in order to carry out errands or just simply having a little bit more time in bed and getting home a little earlier. 

Unfortunately though for my dearest Mr Warehouse up until Saturday he had to get public transport to work which left him time poor and loathing life in the darker months when the cold, wet and snow would bring him down. This weekend I dropped him off at the CBT training test centre and waved him off goodbye hoping against all hope that the next time I saw him he would have passed. With what seemed like the hours ticking by like minutes I was anxiously waiting the phone call to come and collect my Beau. At just gone 4-o'clock and as the sun started to descend, giving way to a beautiful sunset and mild evening I set off ready to hear the good news. Admittedly it was early as I didn't anticipate picking him up for at least another hour and on my less than 15 minute journey I was worried that this may be an inkling into the news that lay ahead. 

"Maybe he didn't pass or the instructor were not confident in him taking to the streets for his practical tests?" I worried as I pulled into the parking lot. Getting in I held my breath for the results. It wasn't good. Mr. Warehouse had failed. Or at least that is what he had me thinking for the first ten-minutes of the journey home. Gutted I really thought that he had failed. So convincing he was in his joshing, I was supportive in my answers hoping that he would not be too upset, unbeknown to me that he had already aced it with flying colours. When Mr. Warehouse finally let the cat out of the bag and told me the truth that he had indeed passed I was over the moon for him and so excited. 

Finally my boyfriend and I would start our lives together, at least in a much easier format than before. If chance would have it Mr. Warehouse could even find another job with more money and better career prospects. Things would be much simpler. Not only would he save himself in time getting to and from work, but he would now have the time to visit his brothers, go to the gym or maybe even start a hobby with all the freedom that your own transport brings. In turn this would lead to better savings for a house not necessarily being tied to the one area of Bedford but being able to look at cheaper houses further afield. And maybe, just maybe, a couple of nice holidays every year, slowly ticking things off our bucket list of travel before eventually settling down. 

I suppose we will just have to wait and see what the future brings, but for now it will be sorting out Mr. Warehouse and getting him back out onto the road. After that it'll be time to save like crazies for I want to buy a house by the time Christmas songs are playing on the radio. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Pacing Prague And Other Tales!

Ahoj!

Racing around like a blue-arse-fly I was now stuck in a serious traffic jam on the A421. Stand still. Not. Moving. Anywhere. Frustratingly I spent over double the amount of time it would normally take me to get to Miss Tweedle-Dee's house for our Pre-Holiday sleepover. After a spot of telly and a night time snack of coffee and Jaffa Cakes we headed to bed for an early night. Waking the next morning the staples of toast and more coffee ensued and afterward it was time to head to the airport. Thanks to Pappa Tweedle-Dee we arrived in good time and after changing up more money (to think I was worried about not having enough) we headed shopping and for a bite to eat. 

Boarding the plane Miss Tweedle-Dee and I were excited and just over ninety-minutes later, with a rather uneventful flight in general that had passed really quickly we had arrived. Touching down we collected our bags and headed through nothing to declare and awaited our driver. And waited. And waited. Went outside into the cold early evening air for a quick Vape Sesh and then back in. Still no driver and it was now I started to panic. Was this a scam? Have I made a grave mistake in booking a hotel and not looking at the reviews? I had been talking to the receptionist for the last few days as Miss Tweedle-Dee and I had many questions but maybe it was all a set up and now I am in a foreign land where I know virtually no Czech and am struggling to call their offices! Help! Just then, as if by magic a pink-shirted gentleman approached us as if from no where and asked us if it was us he was looking for. We must have looked lost! He took my bag (Miss Tweedle-Dee carried her own) and we headed to the car. Driving through the streets of Prague we swapped small talk and asked advice on where is best to eat and visit in the city, but more-so where not to go. 

Finally arriving at the apartment and figuring out our own way on how we get in after being abruptly told by a moody jobs-worth of a receptionist, we settled into what I can only describe as a very white, clean and well equipped studio apartment. Small for the two of us it certainly ticked all the boxes and provided us with everything we could have wanted or needed in our time here including a super comfy memory-foam double bed, small dining table and chairs, wardrobe, safe and small kitchenette consisting of the microwave, kettle, under-the-counter fridge and sink. There is / was a hob however we did not use it. In the hallway was a coat-rack and areas to put boots and other outdoor wears and opposite was a toilet and separate bathroom complete with a very small shower, washing machine and sink. Cosy to say the least, but in all fairness it was a place we would spend the next few nights in bed, scrolling through social media and sleeping before heading out again. That being said the stairs are and have been an issue. Three flights that curve round and are usually shrouded in darkness have certainly been the bain of our lives. 

For our first night in Prague, Miss Tweedle-Dee and I hadn't made any real plans in terms of dinner and neither of us had actually reviewed or researched any where near our apartment for some dinner and therefore we wandered rather aimlessly towards what looked like the Christmas Market set-up. Around there we found what looked like a rather neglected from the outside restaurant, but to be fair it looked warm and I was getting cold so I persuaded Miss Tweedle -Dee to come inside with me. And oh boy was it the best choice we made, I think probably all holiday. Since we had both eaten lunch pretty late neither Miss Tweedle-Dee or I were that hungry so opted just for a single main course from the French Restaurant menu. I ordered a roasted Guinea Fowl and the Bestie ordered a Pork Belly with Potato Puree. This was all washed down with a couple of beers. Such a stunning meal and honest to god I would definitely recommend it so if you are heading to Prague you need to go to La Gare just round the corner from the main Palladium shopping center (which is deceivingly huge by the way, like some sort of shopping tardis!)

Waking up in the city the next morning I was glad for being here and on holiday once again. Heading out into the fresh chilly air we looked round the Christmas Market Areas round the areas surrounding our hotel and found ourselves moving over to the Old Town Square area. We watched the Astronomical Clock and pottered around some of the churches and architectural landscapes surrounding the infamous area. Wandering then took us over the Charles Bridge, and sauntering across the river Vltava and finding ourselves in a small cafe, Miss Tweedle-Dee and I ordered a traditional goulash and some Camembert, accompanied with some tasty raspberry infused beer! Delish! The following days were spent very similarly, touring round Prague, taking photos, filming filler for my holiday Vlog and visiting the many Christmas Markets around the city. 

A visit to several of the most popular tourist hot-spots were also frequented by Miss Tweedle-Dee and I including the Prague Castle which is the largest Castle in the world sprawling out over eighteen acres. Me and the Bestie also visited the Sex Machine Museum which I will be honest was a slight let down, although the Creepy Bear (picture uploaded to my Facebook page if you really need an example) and other apparatus were certainly interesting but possibly not worth the nearly ten-quid entry fee?! Another maybe more worth while waste of money being a tourist in Prague was with our visit to the Chocolate Museum / factory just off The Old Town Square. Other than this simply wandering round the shops and Christmas Markets and stalls have occupied both Miss Tweedle-Dee and I throughout our stay here. 

Eating out in Prague has certainly been an experience which in my opinion was miles and miles ahead of my experiences in Tenerife with Mr. Warehouse in the Summer. Our first night I have already touched on and whilst I was given loads of advise from tonnes of people I knew who had visited Prague before as well as some helpful vloggers and bloggers who live in Prague and the Czech Republic, Miss Tweedle-Dee and I hit up some really, really good restaurants. Firstly there is the cafe round the corner from our accommodation called Cafe Apetit. Whilst I am almost certain that all that occupied at the time we visited on Sunday Morning / Afternoon were all local, Miss Tweedle-Dee and I struggled through our broken Czech to order a delicious open sandwich, coffee and a large slice of cake which all came to under two-hundred Czech Koruna, equal roughly to under a fiver in British money, something which we were both stunned by given if the same was bought in London it would have easily been double if not triple the price and so much lacking in quality. 

Another place you need to hit up when in Prague are Brasilerio where you can have as much meat as you can handle and an unlimited salad and other specials bar. Very similar to the steak all-you-can-eat buffet Miss Tweedle-Dee and I had with the rest of her family and Miss Tweedle-Dumb in Las Vegas you use your coaster to show green in order to tell the meat-staff and servers when you are ready for the BBQ goodness or switch it over to red when you just want to tap-out for a little bit. Regardless of the hefty price tag (well only hefty in comparison to the other eateries we visited which came in well under the four-hundred Czech Koruna I was expecting to spend each night) I still think that for the price it was certainly worth it and would certainly encourage you to visit if here. 

My only let downs about Prague as a whole I feel (apart from going home tomorrow) is that the majority of the city, its sights, tastes, smells and feels could easily be done in half the time we have spent here. I would suggest if you are planning your trip that two or three days would be sufficient and if the Christmas Market is in town, maybe four but I probably wouldn't plan another city break for as long as Miss Tweedle-Dee and I have come for. Whilst it has been relaxing we have done a lot of the same thing. Long lazy mornings lying in bed till noon an staying up late scrolling through news feeds have kept us occupied though and I honestly cant think of many other people I would want to spend my time exploring a European Christmas Market with that my bestie, Miss Tweedle-Dee. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

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

The Happiest Place on Earth ...

Heyy, 

So finally the weekend was upon us and it was that time of the month again where I get to see my besties! This time it would be a change of scenery from the one-bedroom council flat and instead was the homely comforts of the in-laws. Well future in-laws anyway! Oh you never heard? Well allow me to explain. Back in late summer when Mr Warehouse and I was getting ready to go on holiday to Tenerife, Miss Tweedle-Dumb and her boyfriend were doing some planning of their own. 

I knew Miss Tweedle-Dee from across the road directly from my house and we made friends initially in Lower School where she was a bitch and threw sand in my face. The two-some soon became a three-some when Miss Tweedle-Dee started started as a new girl in our Middle School moving from London somewhere. Almost instantly we were inseparable, spending every time outside of the classroom with each other either out playing or hanging around each others houses. Of course we would argue as would any group of girls, there were a few falling out over boys and other friends trying to make a move into our triplet but we always somehow made our way through. As we spent our time lazying away our weekends and summer holidays I always thought we would be friends forever and even in our old age we would still be giggling and laughing like we did when we were in school. But as the years passed we grew older and our groups of friends started to change but even with us being split by separate High Schools and Miss Tweedle-Dumb moving away, it still didn't stop us from hanging out. As we got into the thickness of our teenage life our priorities started to change and whilst I enjoyed going out and drinking in the local parks with boys and hanging out with groups of people much older than myself and my school friends, Miss Tweedle-Dumb and Miss Tweedle-Dee preferred to go to house-parties and drink in local parks around where their "posh" friends lived. 

Soon after we lost contact altogether as our lives separately progressed. No falling out. No arguments. Just drifted. I finished my GCSE's as did Miss Tweedle-Dumb and Miss Tweedle-Dee and we all headed to a different sixth form or college and lived out maybe some of our best days yet. After I moved to college in my second year of higher education the Tweedles and their "posh" friends went to university and after falling in love with Mr. Workaholic and getting life a little more stable I reached out and made contact with them to go for a drink, maybe the first one we had together, legally. In the few weeks that followed Mr. Workaholic and I visited them in halls and this is when I first met my besties future husband to be. He seemed shy and very reserved for a Uni-student, nothing like the loud, brash and ladish guy I met on my weekend binges. Someone focused, head-down and knew what they wanted and where they wanted to be. "Someone just like my Mr. Workaholic" I said to Miss Tweedle-Dumb as I waited in the car park for Mr. Workaholic to come and pick me up. 

"I am so pleased we have both found happiness and hopefully we can be apart of each others lives forever - Haha maybe even a double wedding!" I jested with her as I waved goodbye. Unbeknownst to me that within twenty-four hours it would all change for the following evening my dreams of a life with Mr. Workaholic were shattered into tiny fragments of painful glass as he ended our relationship. The first people I messaged was the Tweedles. They didn't believe me. They thought it was just one big sick joke. I wished it was. My life was over as I knew it and the man I thought I was going to marry betrayed my trust by snuffing it out without a chance of trying to make it work again. Packing my bags I stayed at my dad's that night but Miss Tweedle-Dumb and Miss Tweedle-Dee were there though out it all. The pain, the hurt, the emotional roller-coaster. And even when I went back to Mr. Workaholic (in which I never told them about but I am almost certain they knew) they still stood by my side and never scolded me for going back to what was familiar, just support and cuddles and boozy nights out getting paralytic drunk in order to forget. 

As the years passed Miss Tweedle-Dumb dropped out of Uni and Miss Tweedle-Dee barely started but after landing good jobs together life was finally settled. Miss Tweedle-Dumb would visit her boyfriend on different weekend when she could and even when he graduated with flying colours and moved back down to his hometown of Basingstoke, Miss Tweedle-Dumb would still visit regularly. But after being together all of about four or five years, Miss Tweedle-Dumb and her Bae decided to make the move and get their own place in the summer of last year. Only a one-bed, ground floor council flat but it was more than most people get offered when only a couple and it was certainly plenty for them. Building their lives together and watching them grow together they began to travel, as any young couple would visiting all the romantic tourist hot-spots across Europe and even farther afield including Paris, Rome, Las Vegas and more. Each time back home, Miss Tweedle-Dee and myself would prepare to see if he popped the question then?! But it never came. I was expecting it to never come and for them to just be that couple that are not engaged nor married but maybe have a child or two. Until a fortnight ago ... 

After being let down for a job offer in Europe, Miss Tweedle-Dumb and her Boyfriend took the opportunity to book a once in a lifetime trip to Disneyland Florida, The Happiest Place on Earth. And that it certainly was for as my dearest friend looked up in awe of the Disney princess castle, the midnight sky alight with fireworks and stars she turned back to the love of her life only to be greeted by a one singular knee and a shiny silver ring. Shocked and stunned (as were we all guys!) I was so overwhelmed with happiness when I got a picture the following morning I cried tears of happiness. I was so unimaginably joyful for her. Whilst close friends and family asked me how I felt, almost in a sarcastic way expecting my to selfishly want it to be me that got engaged at Disneyland Florida, I replied that I was genuinely over the moon for her. And whilst at first I begrudged her for going to the place where dreams come true in the first place because I wanted to go, I was thrilled at the prospect of a wedding I actually had a close relationship to the Bride! 

This weekend, I expected anyway, was going to be filled with wedding magazines, bridal boutiques and visiting venues. But it wasn't. It was normal. As if it never happened. Maybe its shock I don't know and maybe I was a little over-excited but I thought that something was going to be different to be about Miss Tweedle-Dumb now she was engaged. But there isn't. She isn't. Miss Tweedle-Dumb is the same girl I have grown up with. Silly, Girlie, Voluptuous and full of life. As life has gotten harder with jobs, families and the additional expenses that go with it all, us three have been there for each other as misfitting triplets. Some of us have lost friends and even close family members along the way as some people will come and some will go but for you to find someone so special that you want to spend the rest of your life with them and dedicate your whole being to them then they have to be pretty special. No matter what happens in the future, I will forever be the structure that my friend need as they are for me. Even if it is on the Hen 'Do in Magaluf ... 

 'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx 

Drowning - Under Da Sea

Heyy Heyy, 

So when most people say that they feel as though they have not had a weekend, I can almost literally relate as for the last week I feel as though I have not had a single day outside of the office including this Saturday and Sunday just gone. A combination of anger, disappointment and frustration has left me well and truly exhausted this weekend and I am thoroughly looking forward to having this weekend off ... Hopefully. I will be honest with you all now that I am completely drained and in all fairness am done with the whole situation after being let down. 

Anyway, on with the show and what a show it was. So after Saturdays letdown I had headed home in order to relax a little before heading out to a party that evening. But this wasn't just any type of party. Oh no! This was an 80's themed 30th birthday party. The lady in question was Mr Warehouse's friends from when he was growing up in and around Marston Moretaine. She was turning thirty (I mean I was shocked when I heard that it was the big three-zero that she was turning. Looking at her you would have assumed as I did that she was not a day older than me at twenty-six). In celebration to where she came from was celebrating the era that was the 1980s. Everyone of importance was there - Michael Jackson, Sinitta, Madonna, Smurfette, Slash and me - Ariel from The Little Mermaid, in toe with Prince Eric of course. 

The idea of The Little Mermaid had been around for awhile in my head and originally started out as a sort of macabre version of a Halloween costume, complete with fishing hook through the cheek and all. But on hearing that there was another fancy dress party to add to the two Mr. Warehouse and I were already invited to in the autumn of this year I was thoroughly excited to look at the possibilities that seemed almost endless with the 80's churning up some creative and indeed crazy fancy dress ideas. Obviously I toyed with the idea of being Cyndi Lauper with my Prince or George Michael by my side however everyone would be doing exactly the same and I wanted myself and Mr. Warehouse to stick out in the crowd. The Disney Classic splashed it's way onto our screens in 1989 as the red-haired princess tried to figure out a way of growing legs and becoming a human in order to live a normal life on land with her Prince. 

The legend that is The Little Mermaid started its life not in the deep, luscious oceans of Barbados or the Caribbean, but off the coast of Denmark. When Hans Christian Andersen, the Scandinavian answer to the Brothers Grimm, started writing books like The Ugly Duckling and The Princess and The Pea, he probably had no idea just how popular the little Danish icon since at the time in the mid-1800's stories like this and others were overlooked and not given the proper credit they deserve. The innovative and adventurous Hans made friends in later life with world famous Charles Dickens, responsible for Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol. Hans even made a journey over to visit his British friend in the late 1840's and since then had been a major influence on other British writers such as A A Milne who inspired Winnie The Pooh and even Beatrix Potter who brought us the fun times of Tom kitten and Peter Rabbit. Hans Christian Andersen died after he sustained a serious head injury after falling out of bed in his home in Copenhagen, Denmark but on further inspection by Medical teams was seen to start showing early signs of liver cancer and in the summer of 1875 he died, aged seventy. 

Tributes to his work and art can be seen all around the world including countless stage shows and films not to mention an an amusement park in Shanghai. But for me personally one of the most touching tributes to such a influential storyteller has to be the magnificent statue that sits in the harbor of Copenhagen showing a little sea creature in all her beauty. I plan on visiting her one day, however with Ryanair flights getting cancelled left, right and center because HR cant get their pilots to plan holiday effectively and Monarch being the latest casualty in the bargain bucket prices of a cheap holiday abroad I am not so sure when I will get a chance. Besides I have Prague to save for as well as a Luxe beach holibob next year with the Bae. 

Thinking about it just now, re-enacting Kylie and Jason's wedding from Neighbors would have been a really good idea and probably a lot more simpler and effective in the long run since everyone kept asking who I had come as. Maybe we'll save that one for next time! I mean the possibilities are never-ending and I can only hope that I am able to get the same level of inspiration for my Halloween costumes with Mr Warehouse as well as the 90's themed party in less than a few weeks of an old work colleague. I have already suggested to Mr Warehouse that we dressed as a couple back in the 90's. I'm not talking of loud shirts and baggy pants. I was more along the line of a double-denim Britney and Justin look or even and all out Posh and Becks PVC twinning. Either way I am sure that we will name it just as we always do. And who knows maybe I will be able to take another one of my Disney Princesses of my list of dress-ups. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx