Creative ideas from 'The Declaration of You'

This book is a riotous journey of creativity and colour, and has some fab ideas that I want to get stuck right into.  So, here are my creative plans, thanks to this book:

• Future Me Letter - I love this idea, to write a letter for yourself a year from now. 
• Care squares - caring for ourselves in a huge priority but it often gets put to the bottom of the to do list.  I am going to make pretty cards with advice to myself like 'take time out to meditate' or 'have amanicure' to brighten up the day.
• Celebration jar - this is my absolute favouritest of them all.  Get an empty jar and lots of pieces of pretty paper and write lots of affirmations, self care ideas and fun things to do, decorate the jar with ribbons and stickers and dip in for a boost when you need one :-)

Creative adventure

As I enjoy my creative explorations, I am using several resources to help me - to inspire me and boost my ideas.

First of all, I've joined a few Facebook groups.  It's always nice to share stories and meet likeminded people.

I've invested in a couple of books, namely 'Art Doodle Love' and 'The Declaration of You' to get the juices flowing.

E-courses also really good resources and I'm working my way through Leonie Dawson's beautiful online workbooks and later I will be registering on Jani Franck's 'Unleash Your Creative Nature.'  Jennifer Lee's amazing box kits and a course called 'Blog Love' by Red Velvet also look like worthy investments.

Of course, I will be sharing my work here.

Raw chocolate

As I work towards a healthier lifestyle, I have resolved to eat less sweet things.  But I have also decided to look for healthier alternatives.  I love chocolate, so I am now going to incorporate raw chocolate into my diet, so I can still get my fix and be healthy at the same time!

As I enjoy making and baking in my kitchen, I bought a kit to make my own raw chocolates.  The one I chose is from www.chocchick.com and includes organic raw cacao butter, organic raw cacao powder and Sweet Freedom, which is a low GL natural sweetener made from fruit.  These chocs would be naturally high in antioxidants, dairy free, gluten free, refined sugar free, soya free, egg free, additive free and guilt free!

Here is the kit itself, the butter melting and the chocs in their mould (purchased separately from the ingredients).  It's really simple to make the chocolate - simply melt the butter in a double bain, then blend in the sweetener and powder.

I am pleased to confirm the finished product was delicious!  I am so glad that I can still include chocolate in my diet.  I still have plenty of cacao powder left to use to make hot chocolate :-)

40 x 40 Walk of Life Challenge

I signed up online for this challenge because I enjoy walking and wanted to encourage myself to do it every day.  It seems to be the easiest and simplest form of exercise to implement into daily life. 

Yesterday I went for a walk in the local park and enjoyed it.  It was nice to be in a green and leafy area and to be in a space, physically and mentally, away from a dreary, stuffy office.

If you think you'd enjoy a daily walk, here are my tips:

Do what you can
If walking is a whole new leisure pursuit for you, just do what you can.  Walk to the shop instead of drive. Get off the bus at an earlier stop.  Walk the stairs at work.  Then gradually, take a stroll around the local neighbourhood and work from there.

Wear comfortable shoes
I feel much more at ease in my pumps, rather than heels or sandals.

Don't let the weather hamper your efforts
If it looks like rain, take a quick walk around the block.  Wear a raincoat!

Record your efforts
Why not take photos to share with friends, or write a walking journal?

Selling cards

Had a fantastic time yesterday at my first event selling my cards. It was really fun. What a great opportunity to get feedback on my cards and also support a good cause at the same time. I think it was a good day for the Autism Directory and a chance to see a swishing event for the first time.

List of lovely crafty blogs

Recently I've been exploring lots of beautiful blogs.  Pretty, feminine designs and templates really appeal to me, as well as crafty ideas and projects.  So I thought I'd share my list of favourites with you.

http://patchworkharmony.blogspot.co.uk/
http://www.91magazine.co.uk/
http://melgetsscrappy.blogspot.co.uk/
http://beingscrappy.blogspot.co.uk/
http://sweetlyscrappedart.blogspot.co.uk/
http://www.skiptomylou.org
http://wishcraftcards.blogspot.co.uk/
http://daizy-mae-designs.blogspot.co.uk/
http://ideastoinspire.blogspot.co.uk/

Trip to Aberystwyth

I spent yesterday in Aberystwyth, working on an event in the National Library.  I went to university in Aberystwyth, and lived there for a year after graduating - working in the same hotel where we stayed on Thursday night.  It's only my third time back in the four years since I moved away, and although it's a pretty town in the sun, I'm glad I moved away. It wasn't the place for me to build my career and future.  I doubt I will ever be a frequent visitor, but it was nice to go back, and be happy to come home to Cardiff.

Livechic.co.uk

As I've been working hard on my craft ideas and inspirations, I came across livechic.co.uk.  This new gift website struck me as being something rather special, so I got in touch with owner Rebecca Piper to discuss why it was created, why is it a unique business and how she is attracting customers...

"Well as huge fans of unique gift ideas, we just love the amazing work that small British designers offer. There are so many great and talented businesses out there that have amazing products but they are often hard to find without spending hours trawling the net. So we decided to create a website and put our money and time in to developing a place where we can bring all these small businesses together for others to enjoy... 

"We wanted to offer this exclusively for women so designed a site which is attractive and easy to use and full of vintage inspired, shabby chic style gifts and home ware ideas we know women would love! Made for women by women!

"We are working hard to build a social network with our suppliers and with our customers to raise awareness of the brand, investing in marketing and advertising through social sites and Google. We have a seo specialist working with us as part of the Live Chic team so we have a secret weapon on our side!  Most importantly we want to interact and listen to what our customers like and what they want so we can make the site a place they want to keep coming back to. It will be updated regularly with new products and we will be running regular discounts and giveaways through the site and our social platforms."

You can read more about the story here: http://www.livechic.co.uk/the-live-chic-story/

Interview with Ani Saunders

Today I have an interview for you with fabulous fashionista, artist and singer, Ani Saunders.  I pumped her for information on her style inspiration and fashion tips...

1.       Describe your personal style.

I'm forever refining my wardrobe. It's true what they say; out with the old, in with the new. I would say that I'm quite experimental, though my curiosity generally lies in textures an fabrics rather than colour and shape. I rarely wear tight-fitting clothing and generally drown myself in over-sized, boyish shapes.

2.       Who is your style icon?

Coco Chanel without a shaddow of a doubt. Effortless glamour and timeless. Though my aim is perhaps to portray "effortless glamour" it then seems quite ironic that in reality, I put quite a lot of effort into it. Darn!

3.       What inspires you when putting an outfit together?

It depends on quite a few factors; my mood, the weather, where I'm going etc. Before I go to sleep at night I may see an item of clothing from the corner of my eye and decide that I'm going to build an outfit around it in the morning. Often not, so the outfit generally compromises of early morning manic panics and messy hair.

4.       What are your favourite ways of accessorising an outfit?

I usually only accessorise  when I'm wearing a simple outfit. I don't like too much clutter and I prefer when there's a focal point. At the moment I'm constantly wearing a very large and chunky necklace and so my outfits (though quite textured) are generally quite simple with a minimal amount of colour.

5.       What would you advise someone who is looking to change their style?

The best way of changing your style and to make it convincing is to find a muse. When I'm feeling uninspired and "stylistically-challened" I tend to refer back to my muse which of course is Coco Chanel. That's when the stripes and boyish trousers come back out. Now you know.

Follow Ani for her latest updates at http://www.s4c.co.uk/tag/c_ffasiwn.shtml, http://thelovelywars.com/ and https://twitter.com/TheLovelyWars

Liverpool

I am just back from a two night stay in Liverpool and wanted to share the joy of my trip.  It was my dad's 60th birthday and he loved every minute, every meal, every present.  The moment we arrived was priceless - Dad didn't know he would be joined by me and my boyfriend on this trip, and when we pulled up by his car in front of the hotel, it took his brain several seconds to register what was happening!

We stayed in the Adelphi Hotel, where we've stayed a few times before.  It's in a great location and has a history connected to the Titanic. We were staying in suites, and although the decor of the hotel was a little out of date, the rooms were large and airy and we had such a nice stay.

Then, for pleasure, we went shopping and enjoyed a meal in Bella Italia and a drink in the hotel bar.  The next day we went to Albert Dock, for a refreshing walk and to wander around the shops.  Later we stopped for lunch at the only Beatles themed hotel in the world, the Hard Day's Night Hotel.  We had some lovely sandwiches and mini cakes, very afternoon tea!  We were tired after walking so much in the sun, so next up was a Beatles taxi tour.

I hadn't expected it to be so fab!  We went to locations which we would never have found on their own, or know their significance; the colleges the Beatles attended, their childhood homes, where John and Paul met... For someone who knows a relative amount of Beatles history, I learnt some new facts, and I was struck by the humble beginnings of these young men who shaped music history.  In particular, the innocuous church hall where John and Paul were first introduced!

Later, we went for a bit of pub grub and then on to the Cavern to enjoy the atmosphere and live music.  Yes, a Beatles themed day, but it was my dad's birthday and he's a big fan.

Next morning before heading off, we had a look around the St George's Hall exhibition and civic buildings.  A lovely way to finish our trip.

Looking forward to going away for my boyfriend's birthday and our holiday now!

An introduction to Ellie's Fund - Brain Tumour Trust

Today it is my absolute pleasure to share with you this article about a very special cause and a very special lady and her beautiful daughter....

 

Ellie's Fund - Brain Tumour Trust was set up after the death of 14 year old Ellie Othick-Bowmaker.

At just 11 years old, Scarborough girl Ellie was diagnosed with a grade 4 Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumour, and expected to live no more than 6 months. Ellie fought for 3 years, and during that time raised over £25 000, which she donated to charities close to her heart. She inspired many people to join in. Sadly, Ellie’s battle ended in February 2010.

We always knew that the fundraising would continue. It did almost straightaway, and a few months later Shaun Tymon and Tina Boden approached Ellie’s mum Heather and her husband Jason to offer their help. Tina, Jason and Shaun are now Trustees and Heather is Chair of the charity.

Ellie’s Fund - Brain Tumour Trust recognises that life is turned completely upside down when you or a family member is diagnosed with a brain tumour, and whilst we would like to offer a complete support package, we are only a small charity. We decided that our efforts would be best put to supporting the brain tumour research laboratory in Leeds; the Leeds Institute for Molecular Medicine, which was opened in February 2011, and to supporting children across Yorkshire and Humberside who are going through treatment for a brain tumour, as well as working to increase brain tumour awareness. If you would like to know more about what we do our website address is www.elliesfund.com

Since March 2010 Ellie’s Fund Brain Tumour Trust has raised over £110 000. From this we have sent grants to 31 children from across the whole of Yorkshire, including Scarborough, York, Malton, Kirkbymoorside, Harrogate, Leeds, Bradford & Sheffield, and have sent nearly £40 000 to the research lab and £2400 towards the cost of refurbishing the children's neurosurgical ward at Leeds General Infirmary.

If you’d like to help improve the outcomes for brain tumour patients by organising your own fund-raising events, we would very much appreciate your support, and you can find a helpful fund-raiser’s pack on our website. Thanks so much for helping us to make a difference.

Did you know that:

• Brain tumours are now the biggest cancer killer of children and people under 40 in the UK.

 

• There are 16 000 new cases diagnosed every year. Of these, 85% will succumb within 5 years of diagnosis

• Shockingly, 65% more women die from a brain tumour each year than from cervical cancer.

 

• Brain tumour research receives less than 1% (0.7%) of cancer research spending in the UK

 

• Adults and children who do survive are left with side effects that affect them for the rest of their lives.

‘We’, the brain tumour community, are asking MPs to discuss brain tumour funding in the House of Commons. There is a petition that you can sign to support us; started by the late Bill Tarmey aka Jack Duckworth from Coronation Street. His son has also been diagnosed with a brain tumour. We have until June 2013 to collect 100 000 signatures, and we might stand a chance of making a change to these statistics. So please do sign the petition and ask all your family and friends to as well. Thank you.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/35167

Charity event in aid of Noah's Ark Children's Hospital Charity

To celebrate my nomination at the Women Inspiring Women Awards, I thought it would be a nice gesture to hold a charity event.  So on 25th July, in Village Kitchen Bar in Whitchurch, Cardiff, I will be hosting a drinks reception.

There will be jewellery, books and cards for sale, and a raffle with lovely prizes to be won.  The ticket price is £10.00 per person, which includes a drinks package.  I will be speaking about my time at the Awards ceremony, and my exciting writing and speaking plans...

For tickets and enquiries, please contact me on lilacchicstyle@gmail.com.  Hope to see you there!

Interview with Deborah Roberts Stylist

Here at Lilac Chic we love fashion, and today I have an interview with a fashion stylist, Deborah Roberts.  Here's her advice on looking fab next season...

What made you set up your own business?
Both my parents own their Businesses. I grew up surrounded by Business, our dining room table was the boardroom so I always knew I had choices from a very early age.

Who is your style icon?
Absolutely Sarah-Jessica Parker she's a true example of a woman with Style !

What are your tips for hot trends for AW13?
Has to be Dresses I am absolutely loving the fabric mixing coming through from soft fine silk to heavy suede and knitwear. Gone are the days of separate wardrobes for every occasion. Life is an occasion and we deserve to dress for it ladies so it's all about how to wear those dresses with the change of weather later in the year, lets be hot and practical it is possible!

Team a silk or satin dress, knitted cardigan belted at the waist with a wide leather belt. Have a great range of tights for these I'd buy from a specialist store rather than a general retailer, it will be a few pounds more and it will last much much longer for you to enjoy plus you'll avoid the irritated tight skin thing many of us have experienced.

Make sure you have some great leather or suede boots. This is absolutely worth investing in for the season they will work with many looks, dresses, skirts, jeans and leggings in your wardrobe.
If you buy high quality boots, personally I love the Italian designers, they will last much much longer over multiple seasons in all weather. Anything above £170 if you don't have the budget for this that's okay, lower price ones do last however they may start to leak in the rain as the glue dissolves on the sole, leading to soggy feet. In this case I would go for a wedged pair so that when the ground is cold or wet your feet stay dry and cosy. Fit flop are the best alternative to UGG. Similar price point however much better for your feet and back, tried and tested by the royal we of course! Again it's an investment piece and so so worth it long term.

Accessories with snoods this year make sure you have a couple you can double layer on the colder days and snoods are genius emergency hair protection if you get caught in un-expected rain.

Finally big earrings. Get some gorgeous and fab earrings to wear all day and all night these will look super hot under your wooly hats and you will feel so much shinier and smiley through the darker winter months.

Please feel free to post me your fashion questions on my FB page: Deborah Roberts Stylist. I would simply love to see pictures of your outfit creations and help you with any specific fashion dilemmas you may be experiencing in your wardrobes. Whatever you do enjoy it!

So let's get creative ladies!  I can't wait to try the snood trend.  Please share your outfit posts here and on Deborah's page.  Can't wait to see how you get on!

Women Inspiring Women Awards

I had a truly remarkable weekend at a beautiful, and indeed life changing, event. The Women Inspiring Women Awards was everything I'd hoped for and more.

 It was such a delight to have been shortlisted for the awards, and to be there in person to be a part of the excitement.  The room was so feminine and light, I couldn't wait to get started.  Every nominee and winner had a unique and fabulous story, which filled me with va va voom!

 How amazing to be a part of a group of dynamic, inspiring women who make me feel I can achieve all my dreams... that is a truly priceless feeling.  I am riding on such a high ever since the awards, and this is going to profoundly affect my business and blog.  I can't wait for you to be a part of it.  The members of Damsels in Success (the sponsors of the awards) have led me to creative workshops, book writing courses, healthy lifestyle plans...but most of all, a community of feminine love and support.

I felt like a princess in this dress, and I plan to feel like that every day :-)

Flash fiction - The lampshade

It had been staring down at her for weeks; a stark, all seeing eye in the ceiling.  Today, as she put the last of the dishes away, she instinctively knew she'd had enough.

As the key turned in the door, her body tensed in anticipation.  He strode into the kitchen, grinning - as though he deserved praise, she thought bitterly.  Seeing her scowl, he hesitated as he brandished the lampshade in front of her.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

Crossing her arms, her eyes went to the ceiling and the bald, staring light bulb.

"It's taken you a whole month to get a lampshade," she said.  "I'm not going to fawn all over you."

His shoulders slumped and he placed the lampshade on the table.

"Why are you being like this?  I did what you asked."

"Yes, a month later!" she spat, turning towards the door.  As she grasped the handle, she felt him exhale behind her.

"Nothing is ever right for you is it?  This isn't just about a bloody lampshade."

Tears sprang to her eys as she turned to face him once more.

"No, it isn't.  It's about you not supporting me, not appreciating me."  Her voice was thin, and tears glistened on her cheeks.  She waited for a response as she hugged herself tightly.

"You don't have to say anything else," he said quietly, and stalked out of the room.

Empowerment

Yesterday I had an interesting chat which made me rethink the meaning of 'empowerment'.  To me it has always been a positive concept, but what if it isn't?  Does it imply that you need 'extra' outside tools in order to grow, when actually, you have all you need already inside yourself, and simply need to reconnect with the real you?

A note on historical fiction

I am so excited about the BBC1 drama The White Queen which is being broadcast soon.  However I feel it's the right time to respond to critics of historical fiction and dramas such as these, as lots of historians and readers don't like playing around with historical facts.

As a lover of history and creative writing, I can see both sides of this.  On a personal level though, I'm grateful to the Cousin's War series for enlightening me about the Plantagenets - and from there I have gone on to read historical books about the era and the family.  Without the fiction, I would not have found the fact.

The lives of women throughout history are fascinating to me - Empress Matilda, Elaenor of Aquitaine, Anne Boleyn, Mary Queen of Scots.... the list goes on and on.  However, even whilst reading historical books on amazing women such as these, their stories are lost in records of war and the lives of men.  There are parts of their lives which are not recorded, which have been lost in the mists of time.  They did live 500 - 800 years ago after all!  This is where historical fiction comes into its own - it allows you to imagine these women, living their lives, and they are clear and bold and jump off the page.  It honours them; it does not seek to discredit them, and what could be better than that?

Short story - The Queen's Ghost

See below a preview of my new short story, The Queen's Ghost.  This story was recently entered into a ghost story competition and I will be self publishing it soon!

Charlotte groaned as the alarm burst through her mind’s eye, drawing her firmly into the unwelcome present.  Her husband Dan reached over to switch it off, dropped a kiss onto her nose and leapt out of the bed into the shower.  As she nestled under the quilt once more, Charlotte wished she knew how Dan could be so raring to go in the morning.  Then again, he doesn’t suffer from nightmares, she thought.

Finally lifting herself off the mattress, Charlotte pulled her blonde ringlets out of her eyes and peered into the mirror.  What a sight, she murmured to herself.  I barely slept at all, and when I finally enjoy a peaceful sleep, it’s time to get up.

Dan padded back into the bedroom, rubbing his hair dry and eyeing his wife with concern.

“Nightmares again?” he asked, his kind eyes full of sympathy.

“Yes,” Charlotte assented sheepishly, not wanting to worry him.  She pushed away the images flashing before her eyes – the gated room, the wooden floor, the mysterious figure looming over her….

“Well, maybe you should sleep in this morning,” Dan suggested. 

“I can’t,” said Charlotte, pulling on her running clothes.  “There’s a staff meeting this afternoon and I need to do some reading before then, so I can report my progress to Professor Latimer.”

Dan wrapped his arms around her, forcing her to stop tying her shoelace.

“You work too hard, you know you do.  This is meant to be a sabbatical, why are you going into work?  I thought we might see more of each other whilst you wrote this book, but that’s not how it’s working out, is it?”

Charlotte instantly felt guilty, but she was prepared to stand her ground.  This book was important to her.  “You know what this book means to me,” she said, heading for the door.  “You know what Anne means to me.”

“It’s not worth the nightmares though is it?”  Dan shouted as she went downstairs and out the door.

Amazing news

I am delighted and humbled to announce that I'm a finalist in the national Women Inspiring Women Awards, in the 'Overcoming Adversity' category.  This means a lot to me; now it's down to the public vote and I need YOUR help!

Read my story, vote and share with your friends and family here http://www.damselsinsuccess.co.uk/awards/?coach=298

I feel it's important to share my story and spread hope and belief that bad health can be overcome.  We as humans can achieve great things, and I urge you to believe that - I know it to be true.

Out and about!

Over the coming weeks I will be visiting several local events.  Here's what I'm up to in the coming days:

18th May - Teenage Cancer Trust coffee morning, St Mellon's Cardiff
                   Holisitc fair, Little Shop of Calm, Cowbridge

21st May - I AM WOMAN, Radisson Blu Hotel, Cardiff

No doubt I will blog about these events!

Simple but effective business advice

As a new business I am always on the lookout for tips from those who've been there themselves.  So I was so glad to come across Jenny Eaton's website and Twitter, and these nuggets are really true:

http://www.jennyeaton.com/#!blog/c1hn2

It's amazing how sometimes straightforward and simple advice is the best - when it's so easy to get lost in jargon.  These are tips that really speak to people.

Celebrating success is key, but it's so easily forgotten.  When you are tied up in the intensity of your business, it's good to step back and reflect on the journey.  You've done so well to get here, so give yourself a break, breathe, and celebrate :-)

 

A tribute

I don't think it would be right for me not to pay tribute to my beloved guinea pig Ruby, who died a couple of weeks ago after a short illness.

It was a day I had dreaded for five long years, but it was an opportunity to reflect on all the things Ruby has seen me through.  We see friends now and then, talk on the phone to our parents, but our pets are there everyday, a steady presence.  That's how it was for me anyway.  Ruby lived all over Wales with me, and whilst jobs, homes, friends, relationships came and went, she was always there, waiting for broccoli or sitting on my lap.  She was a dear little thing.

Thanks Rubes, and enjoy all the hay in piggie heaven.

Vintage wedding touches

I was lucky enough to attend a beautiful wedding at the weekend, with some lovely touches in the village hall during the reception.  Feast your eyes on these gorgeous blooms and vases, bird cages, bunting and cakes...

Depict Depression Art Competition

I'm pleased to be able to tell you that I won 2nd prize for my poem in the Depict Depression Art Competition run by Alisha Nurse at www.theinvisiblef.wordpress.com .  This competition raised valuable funds for the Depression Alliance.  Here's my poem - I hope you enjoy reading it.

Darkness of Depression

In this poem I have used weather as a metaphor for how depression makes me feel.  I have tried to depict the loneliness, bleakness and intense symptoms of the illness.

 

The wind whistling through my mind.

Thunder cracking in my ears.

Lightning piercing my eyes.

Is it my destiny to go through this

Alone?

 

Snow clogging up my brain.

Rain lashing on my face.

Hail scraping my ears.

How will I find the strength to

Overcome?

 

Sleet creeping down my neck.

Drizzle misting up my eyes.

Fog steaming up my mind.

Looking for a way out of the

Hell inside my head.

I won a WH Smith gift card and a gorgeous gift set.  I've been really inspired by this to continue writing and also to continue raising awareness of depression.  Thanks to Alisha for organising the competition.

Visit to Roath Park

It's been a beautiful day, and a lovely walk around Roath Park lake...

Louise Roe for Stylistpick

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the new collection from Louise Roe, especially the Tallulah shoes... Join me in swooning ladies...

These are so versatile - perfect for an afternoon in the pub if you feel a bit dressy, or for a big night out.  They'll look amazing with tanned legs!  So get out your minis and shorts.  Or alternatively, they'll look great with jeans or printed trousers.

Keep makeup and accessories to a minimum though, let the shoes do the talking!

See more at:

http://www.stylistpick.com/collections/louise-roe

 

 

 

 

 

Monochrome magic - my guest post on Gwen's Bridal Bazaar

Monochrome. Is. Everywhere. From catwalks to your local high street, to street stylista bloggers, to A listers at award ceremonies, this is a trend that has captured the imagination of the fashion industry.

 

I find it to be classic look that comes with lots of options: stick to one or two monochrome items, such as a skirt and black high heels, and add a splash of colour by wearing a bright pink top (or any colour which takes your fancy). Alternatively, keep your outfit monochrome from head to toe, and add colour into your look by using your makeup – a bright red lippie for example, or a cobalt blue nail polish (which is also a huge trend at the moment). Don’t be afraid to accessorise – colourful earrings, a print scarf or statement necklace can also lend a more playful look.

 

Monochrome can also work well as a theme for your wedding. It can be a very striking and glamorous style which makes a classy statement and could be included in a multitude of wedding day elements such as your flowers, wedding invites and décor!!

 

Perhaps the most exciting element of the monochrome wedding style is how you can integrate it into the outfits of the wedding party! It may be a step too far for your wedding dress, or a really inventive move, I’ll leave to you to decide! But it can definitely be incorporated into your bridesmaids dresses, and let’s face it, when it comes to suits and formalwear, men have been wearing it as both a classic and alternative look for decades if not longer!

 

If you are looking for a traditional feel to your wedding, perhaps you are unsure about your bridesmaids wearing any kind of white or cream. Nowadays I think more guests wear cream, and that this is to be expected after trends such as lace, and the amount of celebs who wear cream or white on red carpets. Wearing monochrome can be a nice way to complement the bride.

 

I hope these ideas give you food for thought, let me know about your monochrome weddings!

Vintage Vision

Here at Lilac Chic we love vintage, and I'm really excited about Vintage Vision in Abergavenny.  The concept, and their upcoming fair, is amazing.  Amanda from Vintage Vision took time out to talk to me...

 

 How did you come to create Vintage Vision?

 

Nicki, Bernadette and myself thought that there should be an organisation that would give opportunities for good quality work experience and would also appeal to young women. Plus we thought older women would enjoy passing on their skills. And finally we wanted to save vintage clothes and their stories from being binned or recycled! We got talking to lots of other women, found a shop, took a risk on the first 3 months rent, and that was that!

 

Describe a typical day at Vintage Vision.

 

Busy! The shop will be open in Abergavenny and anything from 1 to 5 volunteers might be there...serving and advising customers, tidying the shop floor, creating new displays, sorting through donated stock, answering the phone, updating Twitter and Facebook, doing sewing repairs! Plus there are not many days without a pile of paperwork to tackle, including doing funding applications! We don't have any paid staff, the whole thing is run by volunteers. They are amazing, and we always need more!

 

How would my blog readers be able to get involved?

If they are nearby then they can come along and try volunteering at the Abergavenny or Blaenavon shops. If they are further away then they can follow us on FB and Twitter to keep up to date with what is happening. And they can come and visit some us at our regular Vintage Fayres in Abergavenny, which are fantastic days out. There are vintage catwalk shows throughout the day, lots of music , 25+ stalls selling great vintage clothes, accessories and homewares, plus a vintage cafe and activities for children. Over 1000 people regularly attend our Fayres, and the One on June 23rd is likely to be the best one yet!

We also have an exciting new project starting soon in Chepstow, where we will be having a pop up museum and vintage shop for 3 months, and for which we need lots of volunteers!

 

 What would your advice be to someone just getting interested in vintage?

 To start with go to a really good vintage store that has plenty of choice - that way you can really find out which look suits you, and your shape, best. Once you know that, you can enjoy the thrill of exploring for vintage pieces wherever you go! It doesn't have to cost the earth either..there are plenty of places, such as Annie's in Bromyard, or Lizzie May in Hereford, where you can pick up some great bargains. Plus Vintage Vision of course!

Who is your vintage style icon?

I think it would have to be Audrey Hepburn. She had such effortless style, and looked just as amazing in a full skirted 50s dress, as she did in a little gingham shirt and pedal pushers. We have an amazing selection of hats in Vintage Vision, and I often think how great she would have looked in all of them!

 

www.vintagevision.co.uk

Interview with Toby Freeman from the Robin Cancer Trust

Recently I got in touch with The Robin Cancer Trust  to offer my support.  The Freeman family created the trust after the death of their son and brother Robin, due to germ cell cancer.  When my friend Anne told me about this cause, I felt compelled to get in touch as a germ cell cancer survivor myself.  Please see below an interview with Toby, Robin's brother.  Toby is right - there isn't much information available about germ cell cancer, so please do all you can to spread the word about this great charity.

1. Please tell us about your brother Robin.

I know people say this a lot about people who have passed away, but Rob really was such a nice guy. He was model handsome, in great shape and to round it all off was the funniest guy in the room. He had every reason to be arrogant and cocky and yet he was the most modest, down-to-earth guy who just wanted to settle-down with a solid career and start a family. They say only the good die young and I don't think you'd meet anyone who knew Rob who would say otherwise. 

Rob worked for Dad as a junior project worker and loved it. He was working full-time with University one-day a week working towards getting his degree. He played football with me on Sundays and had earned himself the nickname Robdog within weeks of playing, just because he showed how good he was (he never stopped running!). He also loved playing the drums, something he enjoyed with my other brother Adam as they both played an instrument. Some of my happiest memories is spending three summers at Reading Music Festival with my brothers enjoying our favourite bands as luckily we all enjoy the same type of music.

2.  Why did you and your family create the Robin Cancer Trust?

After Rob passed away we all sat down at the table, looked at each other and said ‘Something good has to come from this'.  One thing we noticed very quickly after Rob's diagnosis was the fact that there was very little information available, especially in one place on the internet, regarding Germ Cell Cancer. We didn't want another family to go through what we did without the facts so we decided to become that hub of information. It wasn't a decision we made lightly, we knew that this would be a life-long commitment, but we just thought if we could save just one life through raising awareness then it would be worth it.

3.  How can readers get involved with the Robin Cancer Trust?

The Robin Cancer Trust has been set up for one goal: to raise awareness of Germ Cell Cancers in 16-35 year olds. The easiest way to help us do this is by making yourself aware of the signs & symptoms and helping us spread the word.  We live in an age when information is freely available to us, so the easiest thing to do is visit our website, learn the facts and then tell your friends and families.  If you’re a guy, make sure you do a Testicular Self-Examination once a month.  If you're a girl make sure you know the Signs & Symptoms and know your body so you can tell when it doesn't feel right. Knowledge truly is power in the fight against cancer.  If you're well equipped then you stand the best chance of catching it early and getting a better diagnosis.

Just sharing a link on Facebook or Re-Tweeting on Twitter could give your friends the reminder they need to check themselves, or learn the vital information. It's not always about giving money; come down to an event and get involved if you're interested in what we're doing! If you're a survivor or have been affected by GCC then get in touch and we'll help you spread your story so that others can learn from it. We're aiming to raise awareness of the facts and get people talking about all Germ Cell Cancers.  If we do that, then we can make a difference.

Photos courtesy of Toby Freeman

www.therobincancertrust.org