A change is as good as a rest.

Can't believe I've not posted since last September. Life continues to gallop along at an unnerving pace, the kids are growing out of everything, the bills keep coming, we keep going as best we can!

I feel a big change is coming though. I'm not really sure what that is but I think it springs from the upsets of the previous year. Uncertainty in the business, things changing that are beyond our control. I told myself that this year would be OUR year and that I needed to start the year positively and full of 'can-do' attitude.

I've mostly managed it. I feel like I finally emerged from a fog at the end of last year and I decided that I was going to do more positive things for me and my family.

I joined a gym, I'm losing weight (something I needed to do), I'm not slobbing around on the sofa so much. I'm getting out and taking opportunities when they arise.

I can't say it's been easy to stay positive at times. When you're seeing your friends and family going through hard times and illness, there are still plenty of tears at times.

Part of the 'our year' has definitely been put in place by the fact that after 17 years, me and my lobster Steve are getting married! 

Life has chucked some crappy stuff at us and certain events last year (one of them being my brother being diagnosed with cancer) put everything into perspective. We all needed something happy and exciting to look forward to! More on that one later...(any excuse to talk about weddings!!)

So that's our big news on a personal front. 

The business is also going through some big changes - we've decided that sadly putting all our eggs in a notonthehighstreet-shaped basket wasn't the best move we've ever made. The site has changed beyond recognition since we joined at the very start. It's developed in a way that no longer works well for us. At this point, we've discussed all sorts of options and we're still unsure of exactly where we're heading. I can't not be creative that's for sure..it's what I do. School, art college, art degree...I don't know what else I could do at this point! We've been running our own business for over 10 years now and we're still here. That has to count for something. I think the main issue right now is that I am fidgeting like crazy. I have absolutely no idea what I really want to do!! I guess after so many years of doing everything, dealing with the stress of running a small business, going down all the craft and design routes, I need this change.

I guess we'll wait and see what's next.

I would love to hear what other small businesses are going through right now - I do feel it is harder than ever for small designer/makers to survive

Giddy Giveaway!

WIN a handmade Vintage Sign!

Today we are launching another Giddy Giveaway and this time you could win one of our new vintage-style signs worth £40!

The signs are handcut (Approx 18" wide) and hand painted in black or driftwood coloured lettering. They have a distressed paint edges and a 'tea-stained' finish for a vintage look. A D-ring is attached to the back for hanging or the sign can be propped on a shelf or mantelpiece. 

To be in with a chance simply comment under this post (one entry per person) with the wording you would choose for your sign - sloppy and sentimental?  humorous? or something for the family or a special loved one? 

We will pick the wording we like best but don't worry you can always change this if you win...you're not bound by your answer! (Please keep wording for each line short to ensure we can fit it all in!!)

The giveaway will run until Sunday 5th August with the winner will be announced on Monday 6th August


GOOD LUCK!

A Country Wedding

At the end of March my 'little' cousin got married... I say 'little' when in fact she's now in her 30s! I still remember many Summer holidays playing with her and her older siblings in the village where they lived

The day started cold and foggy but as we travelled towards Leicestershire the sun began to peep through. After the lovely ceremony in the church on the grounds of Prestwold Hall, we all walkedup a leafy lane to the venue.

What a beautiful location for a wedding! The house was superb and the grounds just
breath-taking

thanks to my Mum for the shot of Prestwold Hall

The sun began to shine and friends and family gathered on the lawns for canapes. We were served prawns with chili and ginger dip, chicken satay, scallops and stilton and chutney pastries. The atmosphere was so relaxed as we sipped sparkling rose and admired the view.

My cousin Kim looked absolutely stunning in her vintage style lace wedding dress (and Tom scrubbed up well too!) I couldn't believe how she was now all grown up...brought a tear to my eye!

The whole day had such a lovely relaxed feel to it and we really enjoyed spending time with all of our family.
Prestwold Hall was a fantastic choice and the weather could not have been better. Once inside we could wander round freely and we were made to feel totally at ease.

Mum & Dad making themselves at home!

The speeches were short and funny and the atmosphere remained fun throughout the day. We met some really lovely people on our table and the food...well I don't think I've ever enjoyed food at a wedding as much as I did that day...it was delicious!!

I was very touched to see that Kim and Tom had named their tables after the year family members had got married. My table was 1947..the year my Dad's parents Edna & Bill (my Nanny & Grandad) were married. So lovely that they were included in the special day.

Then it was time to party! Kim & Tom had their first dance (more welling up on my part!) then I hit the dancefloor with my fabulous cousins, brother, my parents, uncles, aunties and other (slightly) tipsy wedding guests. The playlist was cheesy but so much fun...9 to 5 and Thriller were particular highlights!!

Although there was a professional photographer on the day (we've yet to see the photos as the pair jetted off to India for a 3 week honeymoon!)

My brother has recently started out as a wedding photographer himself. Here are some of his lovely shots from the day....

OK, OK I know it's blatant nepotism but hey, I like his work and I hope you will too. Funny how we've both ended up being part of the wedding industry...please take a look at Wayne's site below

Wayne R Bowman Photography