OK, Today I decided I was going to have a lie in- at whatever cost!
I re-arranged my adventures to give me some extra sleeping time- and STILL work up at 7 (yeah, ok, so that is a 30 minute lie in on normal, but it wasn't the 9am I was hoping for).
I stayed in bed, until about 7:30. wide awake out of determination to force myself to go back to sleep. it was futile so I thought I'd mooch and watch some crappy TV.
Nothing on.
I channel hopped for about 20 minutes before giving up and going back to lie in bed.
This was my mistake: Being awake and not doing anything with it.
So, I'm laying in bed, looking at my dressing table, and it suddenly dawns on me
"When I die, all these things which I have carefully collected and loved because I have an emotional attachment to them, or because I think that they are beautiful will most probably just be thrown away. they hold no value in money, and they only have worth because of their attachment to my memories".
Then I got to thinking about how many of those items have come from other people- like the figurines from my mum, or my ceramic pots for my make up- which were made by the children at my last school, or my Jewellery box- which was my mothers from the 70s, or my cake stand I use for my necklaces which my sister picked out for me last christmas..
Then I realised that many items I own I keep because the they come from people who I want to remember and are no-longer here- My dressing table, in fact, is one such reminder- not to mention the china dinner services and jewellery and my grandfathers metal teapot from when he went to Turkey.
I started to think about objects, and how we like to keep objects to remind us of people, so that we know that we won't forget them- and maybe so that they feel like we haven't forgotten them.
Or even sometimes to feel closer to people living or not through the use of the objects that they give us.
I continued in the vein- I won't depress anyone further with more detail- for some time.
Then I decided I may as well get up and make some use of myself before going out.- I should perhaps point out here that I'm good- it was just something that suddenly occurred to me and was difficult to shake until I'd thought it through- and it wasn't like I was short of thinking time.
This is a bit like when Traff is suddenly overwhelmed by his own mortality. Except since he's not here to tell me about it, I'm getting my fix another way.
So, I went to make breakfast (tortilla with honey- from Kirstie, on plates my dad obtained for us when we moved from cardiff to here- using the knives my Nanna gave me- the silver plates ones.. which are disgustingly tarnished- someone please remind me to buy some silver polish before she comes to stay in may or I'll probably get my ears boxed for appearing hideously ungrateful- and rightly so!)
by the end of my tea (In the mug Amanda gave me for moving away..) I'd almost gotten out of the habit of analysing every single object I own.
I realised I was ready to go out earlier than I needed to be and decided to sort out my old email inbox- and forward anything useful to my new email account.
Given my odd mood, this may have been a bit of a mistake.
Mostly I had just junk emails (2234 of them, if you wanted me to be exact- in my inbox.) so I deleted all that rubbish and whatever was lurking in the junk box.
Then I turned my attention to emails I had saved- I've had this email address since the start of secondary school- and whilst I've had the occasional purge of rubbish, I'll be honest- tidying up- digital or otherwise was never my strong point.
It all started off quite well- I forwarded all my passwords and articles and bits of coursework and peoples addresses and was feeling pretty productive.
I then found an email from my old college lecturer which stopped me with a rather sudden realisation- the email was subject headed "pete trax" but where the email had been replied to the attachments were not there anymore.
I had clearly not thought to save the original.
I lost all my recording work from college and uni when my old computer fried. and I'd been a bit gutted about it, but I had assumed that these tracks were backed up.
That will be my hard lesson to learn.
Perhaps I will email my lecturer and see if he has them saved somewhere- although I won't hold my breath.
I did also find some cute photos and some articles people had sent me- and a load of those chain mail type emails where you fill in a survey about someone and then they fill one in about you!
I won't embarrass anyone by posting them online.
So, I guess in conclusion, Today I am in a weird mood.
I'm off out for lunch with Michelle in a bit, in the rain- and the crafting so I'll post my creations here tomorrow or something.
Perhaps when I get home I'll stop emotionally analysing my furniture.
Saturday, 27 April 2013
Wednesday, 24 April 2013
The saga of the courtesy car...
Ok, My car is having a bit of a fit at the moment- and in trying to get it fixed quickly- so that I can be back on the road I decided to book it into the dealership with the least waiting time for repairs- rather than the geographically closest garage.
(normally I just take it to halfords, but this issue was electrical so it has to return to meet it's maker)
This meant a 40 minute drive to Northampton.
This meant the acquisition of my first ever courtesy car.
Firstly I forgot my driving licence. so we had to call the DVLA to check I wasn't a crazed, drunken speed demon.
It transpires I am not.
Well done me.
Infact, I've been rather spoiled- When I arrived there was an issue with courtesy cars and they hadn't been returned, so they've loaned me a 2013 clio.
It's pristine.
And I am terrified.
Driving any car that is not your normal drive is horrible! I've only driven my car (and a go-kart- not the same at all) since 2007.
I got into this fancy, shiny car and was unable to plug in my satnav- the sales bloke had to help me whilst looking long suffering- that face you wear when you have to explain to your nan for the 40th time how to use the microwave... yeah, thats the one he wore.
I waited for him to go away before I tried to drive the car.
Initially I was proud of myself as I'd turned on the ignition without issue. As I tried to pull away I couldn't get the car to move- Handbrake.
I'm so glad the sales guy didn't see!
So I tried again, and it was highly reminiscent of my first driving lesson- All revving and poor clutch control and "kangaroo petrol" across the forecourt.
It managed to get off the forecourt and onto the road only because a kindly van driver waited for me to figure out how to make the car move. Thank you BT man! he probably thought it was my firsts car and I'd just passed my test. should've got some P plates. that would've saved my blushes.
I was so busy concentrating on driving my borrowed car nicely that I turned the wrong way out of the garage and immediately got lost in Northampton.
I finally escaped and drove back to town like someones nan. because this car is smaller than mine it feels like I'm driving everywhere at like 100mph! even when I'm really doing 20...
After about an hour I'd finally got back into town, and as I was sat in the queue for the roundabout I was mentally congratulating myself for "getting the hand of the car".
I then stalled and took forever to re-start the car.
Perhaps I'll be less nan-ish by friday when I have to return the damn thing.
(normally I just take it to halfords, but this issue was electrical so it has to return to meet it's maker)
This meant a 40 minute drive to Northampton.
This meant the acquisition of my first ever courtesy car.
Firstly I forgot my driving licence. so we had to call the DVLA to check I wasn't a crazed, drunken speed demon.
It transpires I am not.
Well done me.
Infact, I've been rather spoiled- When I arrived there was an issue with courtesy cars and they hadn't been returned, so they've loaned me a 2013 clio.
It's pristine.
And I am terrified.
Driving any car that is not your normal drive is horrible! I've only driven my car (and a go-kart- not the same at all) since 2007.
I got into this fancy, shiny car and was unable to plug in my satnav- the sales bloke had to help me whilst looking long suffering- that face you wear when you have to explain to your nan for the 40th time how to use the microwave... yeah, thats the one he wore.
I waited for him to go away before I tried to drive the car.
Initially I was proud of myself as I'd turned on the ignition without issue. As I tried to pull away I couldn't get the car to move- Handbrake.
I'm so glad the sales guy didn't see!
So I tried again, and it was highly reminiscent of my first driving lesson- All revving and poor clutch control and "kangaroo petrol" across the forecourt.
It managed to get off the forecourt and onto the road only because a kindly van driver waited for me to figure out how to make the car move. Thank you BT man! he probably thought it was my firsts car and I'd just passed my test. should've got some P plates. that would've saved my blushes.
I was so busy concentrating on driving my borrowed car nicely that I turned the wrong way out of the garage and immediately got lost in Northampton.
I finally escaped and drove back to town like someones nan. because this car is smaller than mine it feels like I'm driving everywhere at like 100mph! even when I'm really doing 20...
After about an hour I'd finally got back into town, and as I was sat in the queue for the roundabout I was mentally congratulating myself for "getting the hand of the car".
I then stalled and took forever to re-start the car.
Perhaps I'll be less nan-ish by friday when I have to return the damn thing.
Sunday, 21 April 2013
Ecstasy and Death
Yesterday I met up with Jess, Lizzy, Kirstie and Phil in london to see the english national ballet perform 3 short performances of quite modern ballets- The performance was titled Ecstasy and death.
But, before ballet there must be mooching- We went to China town for a look around and for Jess and Lizzy to get some lunch before the performance.
It was really ace to have a catch up and spend some time together- We all went to school together- and we meet up about once a year to go punting- or that's how it feels! So we're doing much better this year- Ballet and Punting (next month- for Lizzy's Birthday).
The ballet was at the colosseum- which it turns out is a rather fancy victorian theatre. lots of red velvet seats and purple velvet curtains.
Also excellently stacked seats.
We were quite far back and pretty high up but we still had an awesome view of everything that was going on! Kirstie found a ticket deal online so we got seats for £20- I would definitely do that again!
The only Ballet I've ever been to before was the Birmingham national Ballet performing sleeping beauty- about 10 minutes in the prima ballerina's shoe came flying off and smacked someone in the orchestra pit. Chaos ensued.
Thankfully the English National Ballet had no such incident.
The first Ballet "petit Mort" (french for Orgasm) was very rude! the male dancers- all 6 of them!- have phallic swords! lots of sword swishing.
and the lots of very rude dancing with female dancers- It looked like they weren't wearing anything as they had nude leotards on!
They also had dresses on wheels- it had a weird sci-fi feel!
It was really good.
- and fascinating to watch- I never really think of Ballet as being sexualised!
The second Ballet which translated as "the man and death" I think that this was my favourite of the three- although no-one else seems to agree!
It's a 1940s ballet about a man who is driven mad by the callous indifference of his wife, and eventually takes his own life.
It was almost like part play part Ballet- it had proper costumes and 2 sets. the first "set" was an apartment with a bed, table and chairs. It was unusual but it was really clever and different too!
It was also incredibly dark- which is again, something I'd never associated ballet with- I suppose I'm just so familiar with the idea of ballets like the nutcracker or Swan lake I'd not considered how many ways it could be used.
And the third ballet was "etudes"- Studies- this was more like a classical ballet- Although following the two modern dances it actually too me quite a while to get my head round- it's set to scales initially and Dancers performing 1st, 2nd , 3rd position, and as the music increases in complexity as do the steps in the dances.
It was actually pretty impressive- and at more than one point in the performance there were 40 dancers on stage.
It had quite a modern "twist" on it's choreography- 1/3 of the dancers were dressed in black tutus and during their parts of the performance they were often backlit with blue light. It looked amazing.
It was an impressive ending.
After the Ballet we went to Hamleys toy store- it was sooooo busy! mental! I've been there once or twice as a child but I don't remember it being quite as mad!
After mooching about on Oxford street I thought it'd be a good idea to head home to see Traff for a bit- as he's off to spain on Monday.
I got to St Pancras in good time- I got the train, I got a seat, and then the train didn't leave. It transpired that there was an electrical fault. So we sat on the train for 30 minutes. then they told us that no trains would leave this evening- so we had to go to euston.
From there I was told to get a train to milton keynes, and then I had to pay to get the X5 home- I should've been home at 7 and I finally got in at almost 10!
Bloody trains!
It's just as well I brought my crochet to do on the train! Otherwise I'd have been rather seriously bored.
I managed to make a friend on the way home- I met a lady called Maureen who had just returned from Shangahi- It transpired that she lives in Biddenham Village and knows my mentor- Jan!
They go walking together on Tuesdays.
Small world.
All in all it's fair to day that Saturday was quite an adventure.
But, before ballet there must be mooching- We went to China town for a look around and for Jess and Lizzy to get some lunch before the performance.
It was really ace to have a catch up and spend some time together- We all went to school together- and we meet up about once a year to go punting- or that's how it feels! So we're doing much better this year- Ballet and Punting (next month- for Lizzy's Birthday).
The ballet was at the colosseum- which it turns out is a rather fancy victorian theatre. lots of red velvet seats and purple velvet curtains.
Also excellently stacked seats.
We were quite far back and pretty high up but we still had an awesome view of everything that was going on! Kirstie found a ticket deal online so we got seats for £20- I would definitely do that again!
The only Ballet I've ever been to before was the Birmingham national Ballet performing sleeping beauty- about 10 minutes in the prima ballerina's shoe came flying off and smacked someone in the orchestra pit. Chaos ensued.
Thankfully the English National Ballet had no such incident.
The first Ballet "petit Mort" (french for Orgasm) was very rude! the male dancers- all 6 of them!- have phallic swords! lots of sword swishing.
and the lots of very rude dancing with female dancers- It looked like they weren't wearing anything as they had nude leotards on!
They also had dresses on wheels- it had a weird sci-fi feel!
It was really good.
- and fascinating to watch- I never really think of Ballet as being sexualised!
The second Ballet which translated as "the man and death" I think that this was my favourite of the three- although no-one else seems to agree!
It's a 1940s ballet about a man who is driven mad by the callous indifference of his wife, and eventually takes his own life.
It was almost like part play part Ballet- it had proper costumes and 2 sets. the first "set" was an apartment with a bed, table and chairs. It was unusual but it was really clever and different too!
It was also incredibly dark- which is again, something I'd never associated ballet with- I suppose I'm just so familiar with the idea of ballets like the nutcracker or Swan lake I'd not considered how many ways it could be used.
And the third ballet was "etudes"- Studies- this was more like a classical ballet- Although following the two modern dances it actually too me quite a while to get my head round- it's set to scales initially and Dancers performing 1st, 2nd , 3rd position, and as the music increases in complexity as do the steps in the dances.
It was actually pretty impressive- and at more than one point in the performance there were 40 dancers on stage.
It had quite a modern "twist" on it's choreography- 1/3 of the dancers were dressed in black tutus and during their parts of the performance they were often backlit with blue light. It looked amazing.
It was an impressive ending.
After the Ballet we went to Hamleys toy store- it was sooooo busy! mental! I've been there once or twice as a child but I don't remember it being quite as mad!
After mooching about on Oxford street I thought it'd be a good idea to head home to see Traff for a bit- as he's off to spain on Monday.
I got to St Pancras in good time- I got the train, I got a seat, and then the train didn't leave. It transpired that there was an electrical fault. So we sat on the train for 30 minutes. then they told us that no trains would leave this evening- so we had to go to euston.
From there I was told to get a train to milton keynes, and then I had to pay to get the X5 home- I should've been home at 7 and I finally got in at almost 10!
Bloody trains!
It's just as well I brought my crochet to do on the train! Otherwise I'd have been rather seriously bored.
I managed to make a friend on the way home- I met a lady called Maureen who had just returned from Shangahi- It transpired that she lives in Biddenham Village and knows my mentor- Jan!
They go walking together on Tuesdays.
Small world.
All in all it's fair to day that Saturday was quite an adventure.
Saturday, 6 April 2013
Ice cream sundaes at fortnum and masons
Today I met Amanda and Cheryl in London- As Cheryl lives there full time and Amanda moved there yesterday to start her now job- how exciting! we started our day at Hyde park- unfortunately we didn't find the "senior" play park- maybe next time when the weather is a little warmer!
As you can see- Hyde park was still pretty stick-like and not very spring like just yet- but we had really lovely weather and a good old walk.
Amanda and Cheryl by the lake- no ducklings yet though- Amanda was very keen to go out in a pedal-lo. maybe in the summer.
Some Ducks living in the fountain at Marble arch- It looks like the have a fancy mansion and swimming pool! haha
A slightly more spring like looking part of the park. I bet this will be beautiful in a few weeks when the suns been out for a bit longer!
I didn't take my camera with me to london today as I wanted to take a cardigan for when we went to fortnum and masons- so I was taking pcitures on my phone- I haven't mastered the zoom but if you look in the very far distance you can see the horseguards from the palace practicing on the road! Amazing!
I've been to london sooooo many times and never seen that!
Marble arch. in the sun! Yay! Sun!
The Ritz- I've never actually seen the Ritz "in person" before- it's not as impressive as I had expected for such an expensive place- but I'm sure the inside is Glorious.
We went to Fortnum and masons for Ice cream sundaes- but first we went for a mooch about in the shop- lots of very expensive and beautifully packaged teas and coffees and biscuits- this is the counter where they grind your coffee to your exact specifications and blends!
yummy.
this is one hell of a way to sell jams! They sell Rose Jelly- which looked a bit creepy but I'm sure is totally delicious.
This is the Patisserie counter- look look look! this is awesome! next time I am in london I'd like to have fortnum and mason cakes please!
Amanda and her massive Ice cream Sundae!
My tea and ice- cream!
After tea and ice cream Tony came and met us and we walked through the arcades and did some window shopping.
All in all, a day very well spent- especially being outside in the sunshine!
Literally "sorting my life out". otherwise entitled "How I reduced my childhood to 6 crates".
This is a very 90s photo of my parents house- pre extension and conservatory- in fact, if you look closely you can even see our pet rabbit roaming the garden and the guineapigs. and that Silver Volvo that used to cut out if you stopped at traffic lights...
This house was my childhood home- and my parents have lived here for almost 40 years- as you can imagine, it's packed to the rafters with all kinds of things- some useful, some not so useful and all things that no-one can bare to part with.
Well, the time has come to part with them.
My parents have decided to move somewhere more convenient for my mum's work now that the power station has closed and my father has been made redundant.
This is everything I kept in the end- mostly books and folders and a dinner service- Which we don't have room for in our teeny weeny flat but we will have use for when we FINALLY buy a house (we have 10% of our £40,000 deposit.. something tells me we're going to be saving forever...).
It wasn't just Ray and I doing some sorting out- my dad found a very old box in the loft which had followed him from my Grannys house in Wantage when he moved out- this is "the shoe" and it used to sit on his desk.
It's full of dice and hooks and screws and washers and keys... like a man draw.
The story is that my cousin Hannah came to stay and had a strop and kicked one of her shoes off her foot and clean into the neighbours garden- from where it was not recovered.
The remaining Shoe became my fathers misc. item holder.
in his box he also had some knives he bought on a school trip to switzerland- the same trip where they have bottles of pop up a mountain- and they stood them in the snow to keep them cool- the kind of pop bottles with the pop caps- like the bottles you buy for making elderflower cordial.
He'd also kept millions of polaroid photos documenting my parents camping trips and family xmases.
In my boxes I found primary school work which my mother had kept- I photographed then recycled it as I really can't see my having a need for all of these- however, I would like to draw you attention to the 8 or 9 year old me's use of complex vocabulary. I always was a pretentious git. :P
This card was in my Dad's box- Mum and I made it and I remember colouring bits of it in- check out the photos of ray! haha
My very 70s mother...
now this rather glorious work of art is my bag from secondary school- I thought it had been chucked out years ago but it turns out my sister rescued, patched and used it long after I'd left home and moved to Wales for Uni.
I'm pretty proud of this still, although all the ribbons on the bottom where not always very convenient.
some more primary school art- this was year 4 or year 5- it's funny as I never thought I was arty at all... maybe I was just not as arty as other kids in my class...
I rather like his teeth! yr 2 straw art!
A rather glorious drawing of my beautiful family- I especially love my mums waistcoat and my fathers purple trousers and orange ballet pumps...
Collage backed on tin foil- I kept this one- I dunno why, I just rather liked it..
Ray and I both have a "baby box" in which mum put our baby blankets, comfort toys, first shoes, baby clothes made by relatives, christening gifts and anything which we might like as a keep sake as an adult- old school photos, old school uniforms, cards for our first birthdays and christmasses.... this is rachel and her cuddley blanket. it was well loved..
me wearing the flower tiara I wore when I was my aunts bridesmaid age 3. It doesn't fit quite the same now and its kinda squashed.
my baby shoes..
My shirt from manor school signed by the other kids.
this is a reading festival Barbie doll which Ray made for me for my 18th Birthday. Very cool. this is more of less the outfit I wore too!
This used to hang on the wall above my top-bunk bed- it's photos of my adventures- top left is me and ray on my Dad's lap, second left is me at Blackgang chine on the isle of wight- as is the top right with my friend oliver. bottom left me and ray- behaving ourselves- we always used to fight like cat and dog, next to that is me dressed as a princess for "what I want to be when I grow up day" at primary school and the me and Oliver in steventon park. and my very fetching 90s bumbag.
There were all my very favourite cuddly toys- I have saved them all from charity shop doom- the elephant I've had since I was born- it was quite a bit bigger than me when I was a baby, the two tortoises my Granny gave to me (they are names Alison and christopher- see, precocious...) the blue and red dinosaur my mum made for me- he is named steggy- the frog was from my Great Aunty Nu- he came from Whipsnade zoo and is named fleagle- god only knows why.. and the teddy bear I tried to steal from boots aged 2 when my Aunt left the push chair too close to a display of christmas toys. Apparently it was easier to buy it than persuade me to let it go.
no-one is truly sure of the chain of events which lead to my ownership of a rather expensive teddy bear.
It was a weird kind of weekend really- sorting the loft and the cupboards- I climbed the stairs and carried boxes back down in excess of 40 times - my own , personal step aerobics class- I was feeling the burn on Sunday.
Lots of bonding was done over items and stories told- I don't think you can ever get bored of hearing embarrassing stories- preferably about your siblings- it was really nice to spend a weekend together sorting things and reminiscing but in a way it was also quite sad- it's so strange to think that one day quite soon that house will be nothing to do with me anymore.
my things won't be in it, we won't have family dinners in the kitchen-with-sheep tiles.
I kinda feel nostalgic like that when I got to cardiff- If I go past the Brithdir, or Sanquahar street or Lady Margrets- you get to the pavement outside the door and it feels like you're home- like you can just turn your key in the door and go back in time.
I'd never moved house before I moved round cardiff with my housemates so it's a weird sensation for me, but times change and life moves on.
And whilst it's sad that my parents are moving, I am excited to see where they go to next - change can only be a good thing.
People often say they'd miss the memories if they moved- my Granny certainly used the phrase- but the memories are in the stories and conversations- and we are reminded of them by photos and objects and people- the house was just the stage. A very beautiful and cluttered stage. but just the setting all the same.
Friday, 5 April 2013
And about time too! (I didn't notice the model only had one arm- I was too distracted by that cute blue dress..)
High street giant Debenhams doesn't like sticking to the rules.
The store was among the first in Britain to introduce plus size mannequins, ban airbrushing from campaign images and use disabled models in their photoshoots.
And today they took their campaign against body image tyranny one step further by becoming the first high street retailer in the UK to promote its fashion collections with a campaign so rich in diversity.
The campaign turns its back on the industry norm of young, thin models, instead featuring an amputee, three models over 40 - including one nearing 70 - and a Paralympian athlete.
Non-conventional: Debenhams are famous for their groundbreaking campaigns and this is their best yet
Fashionable diversity: Debenhams has unveiled its amazing new diversity campaign featuring the likes of Paralympian amputee Stefanie Reid
There is a petite model just over five foot tall, and swimwear shots celebrating curves using a model who is a size 18. Then there is Philomena, who hopes to become the first black plus size supermodel, and Jada Sezer, who is the face of Plus Size Fashion Week.
For the High Summer look book Debenhams worked with inclusivity campaigner and fashion industry commentator Caryn Franklin MBE.
The aim is to further challenge perceived norms of the fashion industry showing that a broader range of body and beauty ideals is a good thing.
'Our customers are not the same shape or size so our latest look book celebrates this diversity.
Debenhams' swimwear shots celebrate curves thanks to their size 18 bikini model
'We would be delighted if others followed our lead. Hopefully these shots will be a step, albeit a small one, towards more people feeling more comfortable about their bodies,' said Ed Watson, Director of PR at Debenhams.
'To showcase the range of sizes and labels at Debenhams this season we chose models to inspire us with their own unique looks and personalities.
'I loved seeing the way that clothes emboldened each woman and man and I loved being on a shoot where no two models were the same,' said Caryn Franklin.
No age limit: The campaign features 69-year-old Valerie Pain, whose modelling career began in the Sixties
Embracing all shapes and sizes: The look book features alternative model, Kelly, who was born without her left forearm and discovered when she won TV show 'Missing Next Top Model'
Broad range: The aim is to further challenge perceived norms of the fashion industry showing that a broader range of body and beauty ideals is a good thing
'As a commentator on the importance of seeing a broader range of body and beauty ideals in our media, I never underestimate the power of great clothes to bolster self-esteem, or the impact of imagery that celebrates difference,' she added.
Minister for Women and Equalities Jo Swinson said: 'Once again Debenhams is showing that beauty comes in all forms – different skin colours, ages, body shapes and sizes.
'It was one of the first to introduce size 16 mannequins, and continues to send a clear message to the rest of the retail industry that many customers want to see more diverse and realistic images.
Diverse: Petite Tess Montgomery, who's just 5ft tall features, as well as plus size model Jada Sezer, who at size 18 was the face of Plus Size Fashion Week
'I have long been concerned that idealised, unrealistic media images play a significant part in lowering self-esteem and reducing women’s confidence and contribution – at school, at work, and in society.
'The government works with a range of industries, including retail and fashion, to promote more honest and varied images of women.
'The models in the look book are truly diverse, each with their own unique style and personality, and I hope they inspire others to feel good about their bodies.'
Personalities: The models in the Look Book are truly diverse, each with their own unique style and personality
Debenhams scoured top model agencies in search of a group of professional models who go further to be representative of diversity, and to convey a message empowering every man and woman to feel able to wear the latest trends, but to make it right for them through style.
The look book features alternative model, Kelly, who was born without her left forearm and discovered when she won TV show ‘Missing Next Top Model’.
Paralympian amputee Stefanie Reid makes her modelling debut for Debenhams in the campaign and seasoned plus-size model Jada, size 18 and face of the recent Plus Size Fashion Week also features.
Scouted: Debenhams scoured top model agencies in search of a group of professional models who go further to be representative of diversity
Then there is Tess, a size six petite model, measuring in at just over five foot tall.
While Valarie, 69 and Maxine, 44, highlight looking great isn’t anything to do with age while Philomena, a size 18 model, wants to be Britain’s first black plus size supermodel.
Hugo 47, and six foot four Lucio also make an appearance.
As a result of its work in this field Debenhams now sits on the Government’s 'Body Confidence Advisory Committee’.
Debenhams received a Body Confidence Award (2012 winner) –for its on-going Inclusivity Campaign showcasing imagery that is inspirational and realistic by using models who are older, curvier and in Shannon Murray’s case – visually disabled to inspire modern day British women .
WHO IS FEATURED
Alternative model, Kelly, born without her left forearm and discovered when she won TV show ‘Missing Next Top Model’
Paralympian amputee Stefanie Reid makes her modelling debut for Debenhams in the campaign
Jada, size 18 model and face of the recent Plus Size Fashion Week
Tess, a size six petite model, measuring in at just over five foot tall
Valarie, 69 and Maxine, 44, who Debenhams say highlight the fact that looking great is nothing to do with age
Philomena, a size 18 model, who wants to be Britain’s first black plus size supermodel
Hugo 47, and 6ft 4in tall Lucio
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April 2011
Hagbourne dragons!! (& royal wedding mania)
Thursday, 21 April 2011
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
cornflake cake nests
on a whim.
and why not.
we have made 50. my mother is going to take them to work for everyone in the office!
and why not.
we have made 50. my mother is going to take them to work for everyone in the office!
Monday, 18 April 2011
The hummingbird bakery
My only complaint is the american-ness of it all. but the cakes looked awesome!
I had my 1st red velvet cupcake.
:D
aww..and it came a cute little box. it was awesome.
I had my 1st red velvet cupcake.
:D
aww..and it came a cute little box. it was awesome.
london
yussss..It's been ages since I last ventured to the capital so this was lush! and i picked a good day for it!
:D
admittedly it was a "buiness trip" but there was plenty of time for leisure activities.
I went to Covernt garden and saw a magician and a very good string quartet.
then back to holborn.
Then to leicestor square and shopping in camden with Tony and Kim- Its all changed so much! more catacombes are open for shopping and the other market has reopened- the one oppised the lock market (they one that burned down last year...) so lots of things to explore!
camden has become a lot more junk-shop-y tho. that is my complaint. I like a good rummage as much as the next person but thats silly. you can't have an entire area of london dedicated to junk shops. its exhautsing.
:D
admittedly it was a "buiness trip" but there was plenty of time for leisure activities.
I went to Covernt garden and saw a magician and a very good string quartet.
then back to holborn.
Then to leicestor square and shopping in camden with Tony and Kim- Its all changed so much! more catacombes are open for shopping and the other market has reopened- the one oppised the lock market (they one that burned down last year...) so lots of things to explore!
camden has become a lot more junk-shop-y tho. that is my complaint. I like a good rummage as much as the next person but thats silly. you can't have an entire area of london dedicated to junk shops. its exhautsing.
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Red Kites
We get red kites in didcot, the powerstation keep them to stop pidgeons nesting in the cooling towers.
they're HUGE.
My mother has taken to feeding them. Today they had a whole corned beef. cut in half. I spent a large proportion of the day documenting the plight of the corned beef so I figure I should update you on the whole story and the outcome (yeah, I don't love you enough to text you any more).
first they came and sat in the tree (its kinda bent now, they like sitting on it but its too skinny to support them..) and called for other red kites- at this point I got excited and got the camera hoping to document the corned beef's demise. they circled the garden a bit and went away again. they mistrusted the corned beef. or maybe they could see me through the conservatory roof (as my mother helpfully informed me it is made of glass so they can see through...ta. ).
about an hour later they came back..normally they kinda swoop in, grab whatever it is and fly off- they don't land to eat it. so its quite impressive.
anyway, they came back and circled the garden- there were 4 at one point casting massive shadows. all the smaller birds vanished the whole time they were flying over the house.
In the end the seem to have concluded the the corned beef wasn't going anywhere very fast. So it has survived.sat on the lawn. I bet its pleased with itself.
hopefully the hedgehogs will eat it now over nighttime- or maybe the Kites will come back tomorrow..either way it was a dissapointing ending.
:(
clearly I will never be a wildlife photographer. I lack the patience.
they're HUGE.
My mother has taken to feeding them. Today they had a whole corned beef. cut in half. I spent a large proportion of the day documenting the plight of the corned beef so I figure I should update you on the whole story and the outcome (yeah, I don't love you enough to text you any more).
first they came and sat in the tree (its kinda bent now, they like sitting on it but its too skinny to support them..) and called for other red kites- at this point I got excited and got the camera hoping to document the corned beef's demise. they circled the garden a bit and went away again. they mistrusted the corned beef. or maybe they could see me through the conservatory roof (as my mother helpfully informed me it is made of glass so they can see through...ta. ).
about an hour later they came back..normally they kinda swoop in, grab whatever it is and fly off- they don't land to eat it. so its quite impressive.
anyway, they came back and circled the garden- there were 4 at one point casting massive shadows. all the smaller birds vanished the whole time they were flying over the house.
In the end the seem to have concluded the the corned beef wasn't going anywhere very fast. So it has survived.sat on the lawn. I bet its pleased with itself.
hopefully the hedgehogs will eat it now over nighttime- or maybe the Kites will come back tomorrow..either way it was a dissapointing ending.
:(
clearly I will never be a wildlife photographer. I lack the patience.
Clivedon
went for a mooch to Clivedon with my parents. It was lovely- I'm not sure I've ever been before and the weather was lush (infact, It was so good I'm sunburnt in time for my job interview tomorrow..)
We had cream teas then mooched round the grounds and down to the thames & walked along the towpath.
I had forgotten how pretty the countryside in england is- I know thats a dumb statement but I'm so used to looking at beacons/mountain/grey cardiff its been a welcome change!
We had cream teas then mooched round the grounds and down to the thames & walked along the towpath.
I had forgotten how pretty the countryside in england is- I know thats a dumb statement but I'm so used to looking at beacons/mountain/grey cardiff its been a welcome change!
Oxford- morris dancing
I met up with Ray, Kirstie, Lizzie and Lucy for shopping and mooching- It was sooo good to catch up and see people!
:)
we went to watch Lizzied friend Tasha dance- and stayed to watch the whole thing! it was ace! in an odd kind of a way. we had lunch in the covered market & we went to hobbs so it was a pretty all inclusive oxford experince.
afterwards we went for cocktails in Que pasa & then ray, John & I went for dinner in Al Gustos. IN DIDICOT! how good is that?
I recomend!
:)
we went to watch Lizzied friend Tasha dance- and stayed to watch the whole thing! it was ace! in an odd kind of a way. we had lunch in the covered market & we went to hobbs so it was a pretty all inclusive oxford experince.
afterwards we went for cocktails in Que pasa & then ray, John & I went for dinner in Al Gustos. IN DIDICOT! how good is that?
I recomend!
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Debbie's 50th
yesss..so, you thought going away on holiday would save you from birthday madness?
no.
we'll just decorate the outside of your house guerilla style and leave it like that untill you get back from your holidays.
sorry we clothes lined you with "50 today" bunting.
xxx
no.
we'll just decorate the outside of your house guerilla style and leave it like that untill you get back from your holidays.
sorry we clothes lined you with "50 today" bunting.
xxx
Sunday, 10 April 2011
mountain adventure
yeah, I know, I've been buisy and lazy so now I have 1000 bazillion things to update on here all at once.
Trist and I went for an adventure looking for a good view- we did find one but my beloved camera is now to old and decreped to deal with the dark/distance/rain.
O_o
AANNNDDDD we got chip-shop chippys with curry sauce and blue pop and ate them in the car. so that was yummy.
Trist and I went for an adventure looking for a good view- we did find one but my beloved camera is now to old and decreped to deal with the dark/distance/rain.
O_o
AANNNDDDD we got chip-shop chippys with curry sauce and blue pop and ate them in the car. so that was yummy.
The Grand National
The grand national horse race was on saturday!
every year I place a £1 bet on the horse with the silliest name- so far I haven't won so maybe my selection system needs to be reviewed.
this year the horse that let me down was named
"becauseicouldntsee"
...perhaps I should have taken the hint...
every year I place a £1 bet on the horse with the silliest name- so far I haven't won so maybe my selection system needs to be reviewed.
this year the horse that let me down was named
"becauseicouldntsee"
...perhaps I should have taken the hint...
Goodbye Elisabeta! we will miss you! xxx
Elisabeta is off back to italy on friday.
:(
Its been ace having you here! I hope you've enjoyed your stay in cardiff & I hope you come back and stay again soon- you're more than welcome any time!
although, all clouds have silver linings- Italy is much prettier and warmer than th UK, and when you move away you get presents:
so, see, it can't be all bad!
:(
Its been ace having you here! I hope you've enjoyed your stay in cardiff & I hope you come back and stay again soon- you're more than welcome any time!
although, all clouds have silver linings- Italy is much prettier and warmer than th UK, and when you move away you get presents:
so, see, it can't be all bad!
easter bonnets
My bonnet.
Lou's bonnet
Jen's bonnet
All modeled by Tim. :)
we're having an easter bonnet competition on tuesday at brownies- so we thought we ought to join in!
outdoor making!
= super sunburn.
but I'm not complaining about the 1st sunburn of the year!
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