To listen to these songs please follow the links below: (and try not to cry along with me!)
Someone Like You:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-iOcKaSeFo
Love You More:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ekc8-qm8R4g
Live Without Regrets... and Wish upon a Star... and One day, your dreams really will come true!
Thursday, 31 March 2011
30 Day About Me Challenge: Day 6: A song that makes you cry.
I know I only put this song up recently, but it really does make me cry a lot at the moment as it is really relevant in my life at the moment... It is Someone Like You by Adele and it is a really powerful song.
But in order to be a bit more original and interesting. Another song that is able to reduce me to tears at least at the moment is JLS Love You More. The words in it just remind me of someone and it makes me cry rather than sing along, which is no fun!
To listen to these songs please follow the links below: (and try not to cry along with me!)
Someone Like You:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-iOcKaSeFo
Love You More:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ekc8-qm8R4g
To listen to these songs please follow the links below: (and try not to cry along with me!)
Someone Like You:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-iOcKaSeFo
Love You More:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ekc8-qm8R4g
30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss
This is a little different, but I actually miss myself, my old self that is.... I am happy to be a mum and love Cameron dearly, but sometimes I just miss my old self. I was a lot more carefree, I smiled more as I was less stressed and nowhere near as overtired. I just look at photos like the one above and feel a little sad that I am no fun to be around anymore, for myself or anyone else. I miss me...
30 Day About Me Challenge: Day 5: Something you are really looking forward to
I am really looking forward to a couple of things. The first thing is Cameron's Christening which is now less than two weeks away. I am also having my highlights done after a long time and feeling very self conscious about my roots, for the Christening so I am doubly excited about it!
I am also excited about my birthday which is only a month away! I will be turning 22, though celebrating as if it were my 21st as last year I was 5 months pregnant so didn't really enjoy my birthday very much. I will be spending it with friends, family and my little man and cannot wait! Also planning a mini getaway with my mum and Cameron just before my birthday which will be really nice, and I am know for spreading my birthdays out...So far this one is planned from Thursday to Tuesday! I reckon I can stretch it out further if I tried though!
I am also excited about my birthday which is only a month away! I will be turning 22, though celebrating as if it were my 21st as last year I was 5 months pregnant so didn't really enjoy my birthday very much. I will be spending it with friends, family and my little man and cannot wait! Also planning a mini getaway with my mum and Cameron just before my birthday which will be really nice, and I am know for spreading my birthdays out...So far this one is planned from Thursday to Tuesday! I reckon I can stretch it out further if I tried though!
My Undercover Wedding Experience
So a few people have asked if I am going to expand my mini blog into a full size one as they are intrigued by the topic so I thought I would go for it!
I have wanted to be an events planner for 4 years, a wedding planner specifically for only around 2. I sort of fell into the events management course I am about to finish, after deciding I would actually go to Uni after months of saying I definitely wouldn't! A couple of friends at school were going off to do events management at other unis, but I decided to be lazy and stay at home whilst studying. The events course at Bournemouth Uni was pretty great anyway so there was no real need to leave the area, and I have always been a bit of a mummy's girl, seeing her as more of a friend than a mum.
Two years ago I started working for a placement company which was in fact a catering event company based in Southampton. It was whilst working for that company that I decided I wanted to work as a wedding planner, as well as other special events (birthdays, christenings, anniversaries etc). I worked on a few weddings and loved seeing the totally contrasting themes and little finishing touches each bride and groom had to their big day. I have always been an old romantic, despite my tough exterior and always loved to try and see the first dance, if I wasn't too busy. A lot of the couples chose Take That's Greatest Day song as it was in the charts at the time and summed it all up really. I didn't cry at the weddings as that's not me, but I did love to see how happy the couples were and knew that I wanted to help couples during the lead up to such a special day for them.
I had already decided I wanted to start my own business up once I graduated, but after my placement, and finding out I was pregnant, I knew it made even more sense. It was then that I decided on a name for my company, Emma's Events: Special Event and Wedding Planning, and that my business really started forming in my mind. Since then really I have been just wanting to finish university and start things up! I have given some tips and advice to couples planning their weddings, but due to being so completely overworked this year with a newborn and degree to finish, I haven't been able to actually work with a couple on their wedding yet. I am very much looking forward to this, as it will allow my creative side to really come out and shine!
I am currently writing my dissertation on the wedding planning industry and whether wedding planners are still required in 2011 and beyond in particular. Partly because of this, and partly because of my business, I decided to attend a Wedding Fayre last weekend, going undercover as a newly engaged bride to be. It
was a little scary making up a story as I was worried I would be caught out by all the people there. I wasn't, everyone believed my story that I had been proposed to only a week before and had just started planning the wedding for this September.
I must take a moment to say that I did none of this maliciously, it was all in the name of research, and if any of the people I spoke to come upon this, I do not wish to have upset them in any way. I did gain a lot from this experience. As a newly engaged woman attending the Fayre, I felt like the most special girl in the World. Everyone there wanted to talk to me and make me feel excited and happy about my upcoming wedding. I was given samples and leaflets at every turn, but didn't feel overpowered or like I was being pressured into anything, the people asked me when my wedding was and whether I had a venue/photographer/caterer etc, but they didn't push me into booking anything.
I absolutely loved looking around as wedding planning is really a passion of mine and it was amazing to see everything under one roof and to be able to talk to the people from each various company. I was given a luxury goody bag, but upon closer inspection found that this was a bit of a con as all it contained was a few leaflets and a tiny pack of Love Heart sweets! I added to this with leaflets from all around the room but still felt a little like the hotel had done a bit of false advertising on that one! My faviourite stands were the photography ones as they seemed to have gone to the most effort, with impressive portfolios and really interesting photography styles. I love the idea of having a hardbacked photo album as opposed to the more traditional paper protected ones. I also really enjoyed the cupcake stand as they gave mini cupcake samples and they were delicious! I absolutely love the idea of cupcakes instead of a weddding cake, which has become more and more popular in recent years.
I found my idea of a perfect wedding dress whilst I was at the Fayre too, sadly wedding dress people don't allow photography as they are worried you will copy their dress, but it was gorgeous and I was really pleasantly surprised that the dress was only £499, I thought it would be over £1000. I really love the little details like the table decorations, so loved another stand with cute sweetie themed centerpieces and
girly seating charts. I also really enjoyed speaking to the lady on the stand as we were discussing my work on placement with weddings.
After we had finsished looking around the stands, we were given a personal tour of the grounds and the various ballrooms at the venue. The lady showing us around was lovely, but did prove how 'important' getting married has become to young women, as she actually said 'well done' when I said I had only got engaged last week, as if it was a huge achievement to have tied a man down! I loved all of the ballrooms she showed us, but by far the best was the grand ballroom which she saved for last. It was lit up with fairy lights, with the DJ stage set up, music playing and 6 large tables set up and decorated in different styles. My favouite was probably the bright pink, closely followed by a white tablecloth with the chairs with purple sashes. When I worked on my placement we
used to hate chair covers as the people who put them on were always delaying us from setting up the tables and were so pretentious, but I must admit, they really make a table and look amazing! The grand staircase down was decorated with fairy lights and I could picture myseld walking down it in my wedding dress when I was there, it was a truly great venue to get married in. I also loved how it was only a 2 minute walk through the grounds down to Bournemouth beach, paradise!
After our tour, we went to look around the grounds again on our own and then went to look at the sea, it was a really nice day. My mum, ever the practical one, started looking at prices and decided the venue was really expensive, though I do disagree as I know how everything adds up with weddings and the prices were inclusive of a lot of things. I had to remind both of us that there was no actual wedding just yet anyway... It was easy to get caught up in the atmosphere.
What I will say is that you are made to feel really special and welcome as a bride at a wedding fayre, everybody wants to make you feel comfortable and you do get this feeling of happiness from the fayre. I certainly enjoyed the experience and will happily go again, all in the name of research of course, to other Fayres that come to the area. Once I have my business up and running it may even be me making brides to be feel excited at fayres like this one. I made sure I didn't book anything at the fayre, apart from one thing which I considered not bad as it provided further research for me.
So, this morning, I found myself along with Cameron, at a local bridal boutique trying on wedding dresses! It was a little silly and I do feel a little bad as I had to carry on my story again and I do not feel good lying. But, I was able to see again how people treat the brides at places like this. I was made to feel extremely welcome, like the most special person in the World. I was given a seat and asked what I wanted my dress to look like, which styles I liked and didn't like and how much my budget was. I wasn't very helpful with the answers as I didn't actually know and obviously don't actually have a budget. The woman was really lovely and really good at her job as well as she managed to find 3 dresses which all really suited me just from my one answer that I didn't really like my shoulders.
I absolutely loved the experience of walking out of the changing room and seeing myself in a wedding dress with the shoes and accerssories and even the tiara and veil. It was pretty magical and I did feel a little like a princess! I would also highly recommend going to a place like this if you are feeling a lack of self esteem as the woman made me feel amazing, complimenting me on my figure and how I looked, and picking dresses that quite simply made me look fantastic! It was a really nice morning.
I have come away from it with a little more understanding of another aspect of wedding planning, and also with a rough design for my ideal wedding dress, when the time comes. I know I want a sweetheart neckline, a tiara, mid length veil, hair up, diamante spattering on the bodice and an a line skirt that comes past my feet.... I love weddings!
If you, or anyone you know, is planning a wedding and would like some free advice from myself I am happy to help. I will only be offering this free service until I start up the business upon graduation, so book me up quick! (contact emmalouise_p@hotmail.co.uk)
I have wanted to be an events planner for 4 years, a wedding planner specifically for only around 2. I sort of fell into the events management course I am about to finish, after deciding I would actually go to Uni after months of saying I definitely wouldn't! A couple of friends at school were going off to do events management at other unis, but I decided to be lazy and stay at home whilst studying. The events course at Bournemouth Uni was pretty great anyway so there was no real need to leave the area, and I have always been a bit of a mummy's girl, seeing her as more of a friend than a mum. Two years ago I started working for a placement company which was in fact a catering event company based in Southampton. It was whilst working for that company that I decided I wanted to work as a wedding planner, as well as other special events (birthdays, christenings, anniversaries etc). I worked on a few weddings and loved seeing the totally contrasting themes and little finishing touches each bride and groom had to their big day. I have always been an old romantic, despite my tough exterior and always loved to try and see the first dance, if I wasn't too busy. A lot of the couples chose Take That's Greatest Day song as it was in the charts at the time and summed it all up really. I didn't cry at the weddings as that's not me, but I did love to see how happy the couples were and knew that I wanted to help couples during the lead up to such a special day for them.
 |
| My Business Card |
I am currently writing my dissertation on the wedding planning industry and whether wedding planners are still required in 2011 and beyond in particular. Partly because of this, and partly because of my business, I decided to attend a Wedding Fayre last weekend, going undercover as a newly engaged bride to be. It
 |
| At the Wedding Fayre |
I must take a moment to say that I did none of this maliciously, it was all in the name of research, and if any of the people I spoke to come upon this, I do not wish to have upset them in any way. I did gain a lot from this experience. As a newly engaged woman attending the Fayre, I felt like the most special girl in the World. Everyone there wanted to talk to me and make me feel excited and happy about my upcoming wedding. I was given samples and leaflets at every turn, but didn't feel overpowered or like I was being pressured into anything, the people asked me when my wedding was and whether I had a venue/photographer/caterer etc, but they didn't push me into booking anything.
 |
| Various Photos from the day |
I absolutely loved looking around as wedding planning is really a passion of mine and it was amazing to see everything under one roof and to be able to talk to the people from each various company. I was given a luxury goody bag, but upon closer inspection found that this was a bit of a con as all it contained was a few leaflets and a tiny pack of Love Heart sweets! I added to this with leaflets from all around the room but still felt a little like the hotel had done a bit of false advertising on that one! My faviourite stands were the photography ones as they seemed to have gone to the most effort, with impressive portfolios and really interesting photography styles. I love the idea of having a hardbacked photo album as opposed to the more traditional paper protected ones. I also really enjoyed the cupcake stand as they gave mini cupcake samples and they were delicious! I absolutely love the idea of cupcakes instead of a weddding cake, which has become more and more popular in recent years.
I found my idea of a perfect wedding dress whilst I was at the Fayre too, sadly wedding dress people don't allow photography as they are worried you will copy their dress, but it was gorgeous and I was really pleasantly surprised that the dress was only £499, I thought it would be over £1000. I really love the little details like the table decorations, so loved another stand with cute sweetie themed centerpieces and
 |
| Pretty Invite Styles |
 |
| The Venue Grounds |
 |
| One of my favourite tables |
 |
| Bournemouth Beach |
After our tour, we went to look around the grounds again on our own and then went to look at the sea, it was a really nice day. My mum, ever the practical one, started looking at prices and decided the venue was really expensive, though I do disagree as I know how everything adds up with weddings and the prices were inclusive of a lot of things. I had to remind both of us that there was no actual wedding just yet anyway... It was easy to get caught up in the atmosphere.
What I will say is that you are made to feel really special and welcome as a bride at a wedding fayre, everybody wants to make you feel comfortable and you do get this feeling of happiness from the fayre. I certainly enjoyed the experience and will happily go again, all in the name of research of course, to other Fayres that come to the area. Once I have my business up and running it may even be me making brides to be feel excited at fayres like this one. I made sure I didn't book anything at the fayre, apart from one thing which I considered not bad as it provided further research for me.
So, this morning, I found myself along with Cameron, at a local bridal boutique trying on wedding dresses! It was a little silly and I do feel a little bad as I had to carry on my story again and I do not feel good lying. But, I was able to see again how people treat the brides at places like this. I was made to feel extremely welcome, like the most special person in the World. I was given a seat and asked what I wanted my dress to look like, which styles I liked and didn't like and how much my budget was. I wasn't very helpful with the answers as I didn't actually know and obviously don't actually have a budget. The woman was really lovely and really good at her job as well as she managed to find 3 dresses which all really suited me just from my one answer that I didn't really like my shoulders.
I absolutely loved the experience of walking out of the changing room and seeing myself in a wedding dress with the shoes and accerssories and even the tiara and veil. It was pretty magical and I did feel a little like a princess! I would also highly recommend going to a place like this if you are feeling a lack of self esteem as the woman made me feel amazing, complimenting me on my figure and how I looked, and picking dresses that quite simply made me look fantastic! It was a really nice morning.
I have come away from it with a little more understanding of another aspect of wedding planning, and also with a rough design for my ideal wedding dress, when the time comes. I know I want a sweetheart neckline, a tiara, mid length veil, hair up, diamante spattering on the bodice and an a line skirt that comes past my feet.... I love weddings!
 |
| My Dream Wedding Dress |
If you, or anyone you know, is planning a wedding and would like some free advice from myself I am happy to help. I will only be offering this free service until I start up the business upon graduation, so book me up quick! (contact emmalouise_p@hotmail.co.uk)
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile
My holiday to Cornwall in 2007 with Aimee and my family!
This is just one of many photos that make me laugh and smile from this holiday! It was just a really silly time for me and Aimee and we just messed around the entire time! It was the last summer before we both went off to uni and didn't see each other much for the next few years so looking back on this holiday makes me smile.
My Third Mini Blog for More! Magazine is now Live!! (Please follow the link and comment!)
Hi readers!
My latest blog for More! Magazine is now live on their website and I will be eternally grateful if you could go along to the magazine page and comment with your feedback on the blog... http://www.moremagazine.co.uk/article/more-s-mini-bloggers-wedding-plans/ I love to hear feedback and the magazine like to know what people think of my writing as well so would be great if you could leave your comments there!!
Thank you so much everyone!
Emma-Louise xxxxx
My latest blog for More! Magazine is now live on their website and I will be eternally grateful if you could go along to the magazine page and comment with your feedback on the blog... http://www.moremagazine.co.uk/article/more-s-mini-bloggers-wedding-plans/ I love to hear feedback and the magazine like to know what people think of my writing as well so would be great if you could leave your comments there!!
Thank you so much everyone!
Emma-Louise xxxxx
Prodigy Red Competition: One Lucky Person can Win The Item of their Choice from the site!!
It's Competition time over at Online Fashion Boutique, Prodigy Red (http://www.prodigyred.com/). Prodigy Red is an online fashion site selling affordable fashion with quick delivery and sizes going from a size 6 up to a size 32 in some styles!
They are giving you the chance to win any item of your choice from their site! That's any one item... The possibilities are endless!
All you have to do to enter this truly awesome competition is copy and paste the link of the item that you want onto their facebook page, also writing 'Emma-Louise's Blog sent me'.
Hurry though as you only have until 11am this Friday (1st April) to post your product link on their wall to be in with the chance of winning your chosen item. The winner will be chosen using a random name out of a hat smart phone app, by myself, on Friday!
So to clarify, to enter this great competition follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Head to www.prodigyred.com to choose your free item, copy the link at the top of the page
Step 2: Head to Prodigy Red's Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Prodigy-RED/298743778186?ref=search&sid=728887673.3933064007..1 and 'like' the page. Then simply paste your link on their wall, along with the line 'Emma-Louise's Blog sent me'.
That's it! No need to have a blog yourself, no need to put up statuses etc :)
Good Luck!!
These are my top 5 items from the site if you need inspiration!
 |
Studded Floral Jersey Maxi Dress in Purple £19.99
 |
Chiffon Rose Jersey Top in Coral £14.99
 |
Drape Front Top in Coral £7.99
 |
Floral Print Denim Hot Pants in Blue £15.99
Polka Dot Crop Top Dress in White £14.99
30 Day About Me Challenge: Day 4: 5 interesting facts about your family.
5 Facts About my Family:
1. I have two brothers and a sister, one brother lives with my mum 5 minutes from me, the other brother lives half the year in Newcastle at Uni and the other half bumming around my mum's (joking!), my sister lives with my dad in Essex.
 |
| Me and James |
 |
| Me and Megan (with my mum on the right) |
 |
| Me and Daniel |
 |
| Mum's Wedding Day |
 |
| Bournemouth! |
 |
| Me and Aaron |
 |
| Great Grandchild! |
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
30 Day Photo Challenge: Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of
I am terrified of 2 things in life. One is needles, the other is enclosed spaces and crowded places.
 | ||
It shocks most people that I have 2 tattoos when I am so scared of needles, but the needles aren't used in the same way for tattoos. I just hate having injections, having blood taken etc. I had to have so many needles whilst being pregnant and giving birth, it was horrible! The thing I remember most about labour was having the canular put in my hand for the IV drip as it hurt so much and had to be done twice as the first hand didn't work!
I am claustrophobic and have panic attacks if I am in an enclosed space. I hate lifts after having been trapped in one before, but they are sometimes unavoidable now I have Cameron with his pram! I get panicky even watching films where people are trapped or just in tight spaces. I can't watch the scenes like that and have to look away! I also get claustrophobic when I am in crowds as it feels like I can't escape! I hate being at the cinema and have to sit on the aisle seat there and on planes otherwise I feel trapped and like I won't be able to escape....
Monday, 28 March 2011
Internet Things I am loving Right Now!
These are the things on the Internet/iPhone that I am loving at the moment:
3. Blogger (http://www.blogger.com/ and iPhone): obviously I can't get enough of blogging at the moment, and also know quite a few other people who write blogs and I love reading them!
4. Events Magazine (http://www.eventmagazine.co.uk/): This is a great site for people interested in Events as it is the official online magazine for the industry. It also lists the most recent jobs across the UK in events and related industries such as marketing and catering.
5. Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/ and iPhone): obviously this is not a new site/app, but it is the most popular for me still! It is always the first thing I log onto as I like to catch up on what friends and family are up to as well as letting of some steam with my status updates.
6. Target Weight (iPhone): This is a great little free app (I only have free aps on my phone as I see most others as a rip off!). It allows you to put in your height and weight as well as a little profile info, then it shows you your BMI on a chart so you can see how good or bad it is, and then you can enter your target weight to make yourself the BMI you want to be. It will then tell you how much weight you have left to lose, and plots your weight loss on a handy little graph which I have found really motivating. I love it!
7. Nectar (iPhone): As a nectar card holder, and a frequent Sainsburys shopper, I love this handy little app. It allows you to see what your nectar deals are, and then get them if you wish. You can then use the deals in store. There are sections for Homebase and other stores as well that give nectar points, so it isn't just for Sainsburys.
8. Plenty of Fish (http://www.plentyoffish.com/ and iPhone): As a single girl, I do sometimes end up back on this popular free dating site and I love how easy to use it is. I found the free app for it recently and love how easy it now is to check out my messages whilst on the go. Love it!
9. Play Phone (iPhone) This is an app for babies! It allows them to play with the iPhone like a toy phone, with big touch screen buttons that make fun noises to amuse the baby and teach them to talk on a phone. There is also the great option to record your own message for your baby quickly and easily, which can be rerecorded at any time. I just said hello it's mummy, but may be a little more creative next time! I have only tried it once with Cameron but he seemed to love it, as he loves my phone!
10. Bubble (iPhone): This is great if you love popping bubble wrap to destress, as it is a much cheaper and less messy option! Great graphics too.
 |
1. Groupon (http://www.groupon.co.uk/ ): online discount voucher site, with specific deals for your local town updated daily!
2. LiveProfile (iPhone, as well as android and blackberry): the newest craze for me, an instant messaging service which is unique as it crosses all three major smart phone platforms. It is free, so get adding your friends to chat for free instantly!
4. Events Magazine (http://www.eventmagazine.co.uk/): This is a great site for people interested in Events as it is the official online magazine for the industry. It also lists the most recent jobs across the UK in events and related industries such as marketing and catering.
5. Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/ and iPhone): obviously this is not a new site/app, but it is the most popular for me still! It is always the first thing I log onto as I like to catch up on what friends and family are up to as well as letting of some steam with my status updates.
6. Target Weight (iPhone): This is a great little free app (I only have free aps on my phone as I see most others as a rip off!). It allows you to put in your height and weight as well as a little profile info, then it shows you your BMI on a chart so you can see how good or bad it is, and then you can enter your target weight to make yourself the BMI you want to be. It will then tell you how much weight you have left to lose, and plots your weight loss on a handy little graph which I have found really motivating. I love it!
7. Nectar (iPhone): As a nectar card holder, and a frequent Sainsburys shopper, I love this handy little app. It allows you to see what your nectar deals are, and then get them if you wish. You can then use the deals in store. There are sections for Homebase and other stores as well that give nectar points, so it isn't just for Sainsburys.
8. Plenty of Fish (http://www.plentyoffish.com/ and iPhone): As a single girl, I do sometimes end up back on this popular free dating site and I love how easy to use it is. I found the free app for it recently and love how easy it now is to check out my messages whilst on the go. Love it!
9. Play Phone (iPhone) This is an app for babies! It allows them to play with the iPhone like a toy phone, with big touch screen buttons that make fun noises to amuse the baby and teach them to talk on a phone. There is also the great option to record your own message for your baby quickly and easily, which can be rerecorded at any time. I just said hello it's mummy, but may be a little more creative next time! I have only tried it once with Cameron but he seemed to love it, as he loves my phone!
10. Bubble (iPhone): This is great if you love popping bubble wrap to destress, as it is a much cheaper and less messy option! Great graphics too.
Enter Anna's Blog Comp for the chance to win a Punky Pins Personalised Necklace!
If you go over to Anna's Blog today, you can be sure of a big surprise...
Enter her Punky Pins Competition by tomorrow (Tuesday) at 6pm and you could win a personalised necklace!
http://a-little-about-me-1992.blogspot.com/2011/03/punky-pins-competition-ends-29th-march.html
Enter her Punky Pins Competition by tomorrow (Tuesday) at 6pm and you could win a personalised necklace!
http://a-little-about-me-1992.blogspot.com/2011/03/punky-pins-competition-ends-29th-march.html
Hurry to enter Rachel's Missy C Hello Kitty Bag Comp (closes at 6pm today!!)
Hurry along to Rachel Crawford's blog to enter her amazing competition alongside Missy C for your chance to win a Hello Kitty bag (it's gorgeous!!)
Go! Go! (closes in 45 minutes so hurry!)
http://sweet--rachel.blogspot.com/2011/03/missy-c-competition-210311.html
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
