Another shop closes in the High Street

Sadly, I have to report that the Bead Box in Knaphill has had to close it's doors for the last time today.  I knew they were working on a two day week, and thought I would just mosey over there to have a mooch.  In my pocket I had a very small budget of £20 for some goodies, but as it happened they had a 50% off sale on... and a lot of sad people talking to Blair, the owner.  He was telling me that there just is not the footfall nowadays  to warrant keeping the shop open.   He partly blamed the internet, but also, should we not consider our own behaviour when it comes to shopping?

More and more shops are closing on our high streets, and frankly I'm with Mary Portas here, I don't want to see ghost towns with myriad empty shops.  I want to be able to see and feel the quality of what I'm being offered.  Sadly it seems that we are so lazy that we'd rather risk purchasing items from the internet than make the effort to mosey into town and support local businesses.  I think, as Portas says, we will regret this, maybe not now, but in the future we will certainly miss them.

Please whatever you do, make the effort to support local business, it's really important that we don't lose the identity of our towns, and also that we support each other in business.  Do we really want to deal with faceless individuals who trade with us on the internet, people we can't talk to, and much less complain when things are not right?

I don't think we do, not really. 

Happy Shopping

a dalliance with fascinators

Hallo All

it's been a while since I was on here, this is largely due to working at a local mental health hospital.  Ha! no not what you think, I am doing them a favour and training the staff on a new computerised patient notes system.  Odd? well no not really, this is the kind of thing I have done for many many years, in my previous life.  I have been a lecturer at a local college, and also ran an IT HelpDesk for Going Places for about 11 years.

I tested new systems and logged all the problems then when the time came, I contributed to all the documentation, and where necessary trained it on to the staff.  So actually it makes a lot of sense.   It's been interesting these last few weeks, well since May really.  Organised is not a word I would put to this lot, but they seem to be getting to grips with it all now.

what has amazed me is just how many people have no idea how to use a computer.  No idea at all, incredible that in this day and age, there are still people who just don't own a pc, or a laptop.  They can't type, and have no idea how to navigate around a computer screen.  Funny how we imagine that everybody will have these facilities and skills, why should they really?  it's their choice not to.  The only problem is, of course, that they will find they'll now have to find those skills from somewhere.  Trouble is that the hospital won't train them.  hey ho, fun days.

Hope everyone is well.

Posting at last!

Well, dear friends it's been a while since my last blog.  Been busy busy with repairs, alterations, working at the local mental health hospital, teaching, and writing books.  I'd forgotten about the blog post. 

I have a young lady who wants an Alexis tiara in black, silver and clear crystals, it's going to look fabulous.  Her overall colour scheme is black and white; her Berkertex dress is white with beautiful black embroidery detailing.  I can't wait to see Alexis in these colours so I will post a pic once it's completed, but I just know that it will stunning.

Did you know that tiaras can be worn in two ways, often people are unsure of how to put them on, but the idea is that they stand proud of the head.  If they are worn like a headband, and there is no reason why they can't be, then the prongs or fronds should be gently moved to an upright position so they can be seen.   They should not be flat on the head.  The other way to wear them is as though they are a crown, this suits some people if they have the right shaped head, but not others. 

Placing the tiara further back will make a rounder, dare I say, chubbier, face look slim.  Placing it forwards will complement a slim, or longish face.

However, you wear it, make sure that it looks as good as it possibly can.  After all, you want it to show everyone, that you are the bride.

Royal Wedding 'stuff'

I'm not going to 'go on' about the Royal Wedding and what Catherine's dress will be like.  We just have to be patient, although I think that 'Sally Traffic's' prediction of long sleeves is way off kilter! 

I'm looking forward to the event, but I find it very very sad that so many people feel obliged to 'diss' the whole thing.  We are all going through very difficult economic times and the Royal Wedding is a boost and a lift for us all.  A day in which to take some time out, courtesy of our lovely sovereign, and kick back for a few hours.  It's a bit of a fairytale, and I for one wish them much happiness.  I don't care if they are rich by an accident of birth to be honest.  Being rich does not make you happy after all.  Similarly, I would hate to be constantly in the public eye the way they are; constantly criticised for one thing or another.  After all if I want to go out in ripped jeans with unbrushed hair, that's my business, and nothing to do with the nation.  Just think, they can never do that! 

Good luck to them I say, and let all the religious nutters and fundatmentalists stay away and not spoil it for everyone.

best wishes to you all, have a great day tomorrow.

Don't forget about being yourself as well as being fashionable

Gosh I can't believe I haven't blogged since the end of March, how time flies.  I have been reading a lot about the Royal Wedding, well who hasn't?  I found a post which rightly said that Catherine Middleton should let her own personality do the 'walking' when it comes to her dress and overall outfit. 

I agree, there's a lot of talk at the moment, for example, about 'Vintage' style and fashion.  Even I am being 'dragged' into the vintage craze, and yet it's one style which I have never enjoyed; give me fresh and pretty every time.  Are we really that spoon fed by hype and media that we begin to forget who we really are? 

Remember Carrie in the first 'Sex and the City film'? when she arrived at the church wearing a sort of 'bird' confection in her hair, although she is a fashion icon to many, she actually looked ridiculous,  (by her own admission in fact in the second film).  What Carrie forgot was that fashion is all well and good, but what about how she really felt, and how she really wanted to present herself to the world. 

If your style is flambouyant and 'out there' great, run with it, but don't be coerced into a style that is not right for you, just because it is fashionable.  Stay true to yourself, you can be comfortable and wear fashion as well, they can and do mix.  Shop around for different ideas and remember this is about you, not the shop or the fashion or the fashion designer.

Here Come the Maids! - Don't forget the bridesmaids!

  Brides, do not forget your bridesmaids!  Bridesmaids are an important part of your day.  Whilst you, as the bride, wish to be the centre of attention, and rightly so, the bridesmaids want to be a part of your stratosphere.  They want to complement you and what better way to do this than provide them with their special jewellery.  This can also double as the bridesmaids' gifts, special items of handmade, unique jewellery to remind them of their fantastic day with their friends.

Brides of Winchester and Purple Princess Designs have collaborated in producing a unique range of simple, yet stunning jewellery which is not available elsewhere.  This includes a full 'made to measure' service, so you can be confident that all the jewellery fits each bridesmaid perfectly.  The range can even be adjusted in order to provide a totally unique piece for each lass or lady, making the whole service really very special.

Don't forget if your bridesmaids feel special then you will feel extra-special.  It will be a day for you all to cherish and remember each time their fabulous pieces are worn. 

What a fantastic day yesterday!

I travelled down to an Oasthouse near Sevenoaks, Kent yesterday for a training day with top jewellery designer and wireworker, Linda Jones.  What a very inspirational lady, and what fun she is too.  I have now picked up some very interesting and useful wireworking tips which I would never have thought of myself.

Did you know that you can actually make a fitted tiara?  Yup, made to measure so that it fits the bride or bridesmaid absolutely perfectly.  Did you know that, also, you can make different coloured and indeed, textured tiara bands?  I didn't, but I do now, and i know how as well.  I expect you think I'm going to say it's easy, but no actually it isn't that easy.  Linda makes it look easy, but it needs a lot of manipulation, strength and practise to get it right. 

However, once it's right you can strengthen the band, and also shape the hair grip holders to ensure that the band is the perfect fit, and will not come loose.  Just what the bride needs for her big day, not something that is uncomfortable, too tight, and simply doesn't fit! 

Watch out then, for some new designs which reflect this innovative style and way of working.  The possibilities are endless!