Hen WEEK

Yes you read that correct. Week. 
My Hen was arranged for the weekend of 20-21st April but it all started a couple of weeks before to be honest. This blog may take another couple of weeks to explain it all, so apologies in advance for the length and waffleyness(yes new word. Leave it).

Hen #1

My OH decided that he was going to conjure up a surprise for me and my best mate. The only thing she knew was when this surprise would occur. As it needed to be when she had booked time off work. 
I wasn't aware of anything, was it a day, a week, 2 days, a night, a spa, a meal, a concert, no idea. 
So he made a private group on Facebook. Included me and Claire. Every few days he would upload mini videos he had put together or random pictures. 
All involving scary kids, eerie music, clowns, the type of thing you would find in a horror film! It got us thinking. 
Are we spending the night in an eerie haunted house, witnessing Most Haunted live, things like that. 
If that was the surprise then he did not know me at all! 
At one point he even uploaded a picture of a massive spider. My phone abruptly ended up in the middle of the living room floor. 
Then out of the blue he uploaded a picture of a shark and a dolphin. Then some lions. 
Is he sending us on a safari?
Then he uploaded some creepy gothic style images, completely baffling. 
The videos were even worse, had scary children sitting at tables, eerie winding roads, darkness, you name it, it was there. 

There was one video that got me thinking, it was a station of some sort. I recognised it but could not put my finger on it, it was on the tip of my tongue. Claire also recognised it. But we couldn't be 100% sure. 

The following video I was told I needed earphones & full volume. It was going to be a lot more 'helpful' so Chris said. It started off quite nicely, a nice country lane, car driving down, this could be quite interesting I thought. Then out of nowhere, a screaming lady. My phone flew across the room, I screamed out, my heart racing, I turned and Chris was just laughing at me. Comedy gold I was apparently. 
No more helpful than the previous videos. It was more helpful to him as he got to see my horror face. Thanks very much MATE.

Then Sunday evening, Chris was working on the next and final video. He was umming and ahhing over when to post it. That night, Monday or Tuesday. He wanted us to know the surprise by Tuesday. No idea why. But it may have also been because Claire's week off work began Saturday night. He had added an 'event' to the group that started Saturday night at 7pm. We were unsure as to whether this was the surprise or just acknowledgement of the start of her week off. 
We finally sweet talked him into sharing with us Sunday. 

The video included panning over this hotel I know quite well, and then the station again and then had a few slides where he had written a load of mush about me & Claire... it did bring tears I have to admit! Then a song started playing that Chris & I both know very well. 
He was sending me and Claire off to Disneyland Paris on Sunday through to Thursday for a mini hen break, just the two of us!
The music was the parade song we had fallen in love with the year before!  

The 'event' was us going to London and staying in the hotel near St Pancras the night before for the Eurostar Sunday morning. 
Amazing. 
The 'hotel' was the Dream Castle, the one Chris & I tend to stay at when we go and where Claire & I would be staying for the duration!

Claire guessed sooner than I did, but she did have a heads up, a bit more information than me! I was completely in the dark. She picked up on it when he said she needed to go to a hotel the night before so to finish work in good time. She realised that we tend to do this when we go to Disney and then clicked thats obviously what he was planning on but maybe only for a day or two. Not 5 whole days! 
All the pictures of creepiness stemmed from the haunted mansion & tower of terror - two 'scary' rides at the parks. 
The sharks/dolphins/lions were all linked to Disney films. 
There were odd images thrown in to 'throw us off course'. 

Even her mom got involved, Chris wouldn't tell her what he was planning but she got us little gifts to take with us on our 'journey'. Minnie ears, wine, chocolates, magazines, Minnie Mouse PJs. Claire also got us a little something too.

Boi oh Boi did I miss Chris, like I couldn't imagine but I had such a laugh with Claire. She is the best friend & sis anybody could ever ask for, and loved every second with her! 
As for Chris, I don't know what I've done to deserve such an amazing partner, soul mate, and best friend and I cannot wait to spend my life with him, and spending those years showing him just how much he means to me and how much I love him! 

Mush over.

Hen #2

We got back late Thursday from Disney, Friday was spent unpacking, finding an outfit for Saturday night & repacking. 
I went out for dinner with Chris, as it was our only time spent together in a week! 
Then early to bed.
Saturday morning meet the girls and off we go up to Leeds. 
There was a bit of mishmash over when certain things were going to happen once we were there but it all got sorted out. 
We arrived around 1pm, checked into our rooms and got ourselves freshened up.
We all made our way over to the bar where we had buffet platters and cocktails waiting for us. Lovely time to chill and for everyone to chat and get to know each other (for those who didn't know each other). Oh and sample a few shots & drinks along the way. 
Then was back to the hotel to get ready for the evening, full of cocktails! 
We had a cocktail making session. It was hilarious. No idea how many we got to sample, shots included, we all got a chance to go behind the bar and try our hand at cocktail making. 
The point where you went from stone cold sober to slightly tipsy... yeh, no point. It just happened. You don't know when, or how, it just did. But fun all the same! Plenty of giggles!! I would definitely recommend to anyone! 
We even got complimented, considering the age range was 20 - 27, he didn't believe us and didn't believe it was a Hen party! This was before the alcohol thank you very much! 
Then off we went to Pizza Express for a lovely 'sober up' 3 course meal. We all had Diet Cokes :D how cool are we. 
I didn't even finish my chocolate fudge cake, I cannot believe it :-(
Then back out we went back to Revolutions for few more drinks. Well some of us made a detour back to the hotel to change our footwear! 
To be honest, after rushing around all day due to unforeseen circumstances we ended up calling it a night quite early on in the evening, well I say early... it was around midnight. But we went back to the hotel and chilled in our jimjams, but think we were all safely tucked away in our beds by 1.30am!
Up in the morning for breakfast & away we went. 

The hotel and bar were full of so many hen parties, all dressed up to the nines in fancydress/bits/sashs/headbands/willies, you name it, all the stuff I am glad I do not like! 

It was a very busy and fun filled week, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I have some lovely friends and had a very enjoyable time, love them all to bits! 

No idea why but my best mate has one last 'night of freedom' planned for the weekend before the big day, so time to let the liver recover and see what she has in store for Hen #3. Hopefully no more creepy surprises or drives up the motorway. Maybe a sash or two would be ok, plus plenty of Strawberry Daiquiris & Woo Woos would go down well :D 
Whatever it will be, it will be full of plenty of wonderful friends, wine, fun, laughter and frolics. 

Crazy Talk

It dawned on me yesterday... 33 days to go. 

33. Thats it. Well, 32 if we're going to be precise. Actually precise would be,

32 days, 23 hours, 31 minutes.  

ONE month on Friday. I don't understand where time has gone. 
Or in fact where it has flown too. 
Never understood that saying. Time flies. But does it?
Now if I was to ask my Dad this, he would pipe in right about now with some sort of Dr Who Rift in the Space Time Continuum comment. So maybe that's it. Who knows. 

I guess I should give a wedding update really then.

*looks back at last update*

Wow that was 117 days and counting... now 32. Holy Moly. 

Update time. 

Whats done, to do and left since previous update. 

Given notice         
Vows/Promises - chosen but need to send back ASAP
Stationary - Designed, Invites Sent, Stationary on order
Very rough table plan
Draft guest list
Hair Trials - Final Booked 

Ring for OH
Honeymoon essentials - ESTA etc
4 month venue meeting
Preliminary florist meeting to discuss finer details
Make up trial
Tiara
Jewellery - earrings
Favours
TY Gifts - BM, Usher, PB, BM's, FG, MOB, MOG and H2B
SUIT HIRE
Grooms shoes
Table Decorations
Send out invitations
OH needs to sort his Speech -1/2 way through APPARENTLY 
Hen/Stag

Chase up RSVPS

Final Meeting at Venue

Music for Ceremony

Final Fittings for BM/MOH, Bride & Suits

Yes you did read correct. Hen and Stag have both been arranged. My Hen has been and gone. I will update in due course. 

As for to do list. Is that all thats left? Really. Hmmm. Something tells me that won't be it. 

I'm sure theres plenty more to add on. 

But for now. Update over & out. 

Afternoon Tea Darling...

I've been meaning to update about my day out last week. 
We went to Harrods, yes I can be posh too dont you know! It was for my best friends birthday, her Mom was taking her for Afternoon Tea in London and wondered if I cared to join. I of course accepted her invitation! 
At this point she couldn't decide between Harrods, Claridges or Fortum & Mason. Saying that, I think my cousin actually went to Fortum & Mason not long ago, and by the pictures it looked rather scrummy! 

Anyway back to our Afternoon Tea. It was decided on Harrods.

Beforehand I had been perusing the interweb to see if I could find the Menu choices, 1. Because I could then work it out for my Weight Watchers points, and track my food for the day, and 2. Because I am downright nosey! 
It would also be giving me a heads up on what to expect! I read that they would come back and top up your drinks or preserves/cream & patisserie selections as many times as you preferred. That was rather kind of them. As I found one or two different websites with slightly varied Menu's it gave me an idea of what would be on offer, and I have to admit, for the £29 price tag, it wasn't living up to its pennies. 
Only advantage, wouldn't cause too much damage to the waistline, not even the patisserie selection. That is saying something! 

Monday 18th February arrived. I got to the train station in good time and bought myself a Diet Coke ready for the train. Yes, Diet Coke at 9.20am. Not my usual morning tipple but it was 0kcal so good start to the day! I met up with my friend and her Mom and as we were about 40-45 minutes early we went and had a hot chocolate. Well we did. Her Mom opted for black coffee. 
Now this hot chocolate could of actually been the highlight of the day! It was made with milk - real hot chocolate. Damn tasty too. Its the Cafe something or other in New Street Station if anyone would like to know. 
I had made some more MM Shortbread the night before so brought a few along for my friend to taste. 

I declined her offer for me to have one (Good on you Lou, WWers would be proud)then she brought out some Millies cookies she had bought for us. I had the toffee one. I cannot refuse Millies. They are getting smaller though I have to admit. But it was good! 
Cookie gone. Hot Chocolate gone. Time to join the train. 

We got to London at around 12.20pm - ish something like that. 
Our Afternoon Tea wasn't booked until 4.30pm. 
I assumed we may have popped into some cafe or coffeehouse for a beverage and light snack beforehand. But no we didn't. We walked around London, Tottenham Court Rd, Oxford St, Regent St, Carnaby St etc for 4 hours! Walked. Yes. Walked. 
We had most definitely burnt off that hot chocolate & cookie thats for sure! 

Don't worry, we popped into the infamous Abercrombie & Fitch. Woo. 
Note the lack of enthusiasm there. 

I think at one point I even had GoogleMaps open on my iPhone and was following the little blue dot like some strange tourist. I think it was to help my friend find A&F to be perfectly honest! Don't I feel cool! 

After a few shops, we then thought we'd better make our way over to Harrods. This was about 2.30pm. We walked and arrived at Harrods at around 3pm. 
We had an hour & a half until our Tea.
We spent that hour & a half mooching around Harrods. 
Despite having never set foot in there before it was pretty much like any other large Department Store. It had the same areas as you would tend to find in any other store, Women's, Men's, Swimwear, Shoes, Beauty etc.
I got to say though you don't tend to find many with Pet Spa's (which we went to visit of course), a rather large Toy department, very nice, I saw THE Harrods bear. Woo. (Enthusiastic I know, but please, I'm weak, I need food.) They also had a 'Disney @ Harrods' section. Not too impressive if I'm completely honest.
Did have a nice lifesize Ariel & Belle though. I love Little Mermaid & my friend loves Beauty & the Beast. They are our Princesses! So that was cool.

They did have an amazing looking & smelling Ice Cream Parlour & food court, it has to be said! 
They had an amazing chocolate department!! wow.
By this point I'm surprised you couldn't hear my tummy rumbling!! In fact, if you did hear thunder shocks at around 4pm, blame me! 

Reminiscing is making me quite hungry now to be honest with you! 

We looked at the time, 4.20pm. We're off. Thank god! I am starvin' marvin here! 
We made it to the Gregorian Restaurant (2nd floor). Taken to our table & seated. 
Funny thing Afternoon Tea. I don't drink Tea. Yes Afternoon Tea, expect Tea, Tea is in the bloomin' title!! 
So I was given a nice bottle of Harrods Mineral Water. 750ml bottle infact. I drank 500ml! Go me. All out of a wine glass might I add. So sophisticated these days!  

Our Afternoon Tea was presented to us. 

Sandwiches included:
Lobster Roll no thanks, I don't eat shellfish
Goats Cheese & Apple no thanks, I'm not a fan of Goats Cheese
Coronation Chicken no thanks, not so keen on fruit in sandwiches
Egg Mayonnaise that's ok, that'll do
Smoked Salmon YES finally something good Spinach & Cream Cheese maybe not, not keen on spinach or cream cheese, well not that much anyway! 

So I had the egg mayonnaise. It was extremely perfumed, the 3 of us agreed on that much. Wasn't the tasty either. 
Sandwiches done. 

Scones:
2 each. One with raisins and one without. Accompanied with clotted cream, strawberry preserve and marmalade. 
I had the one with raisins & strawberry jam...sorry preserve. I am not so keen on marmalade and don't have a taste for cream.
It was quite nice actually. The scone that is. Not the cream. It may have been slightly on the drier side so I didn't take the plain one. 

Patisserie selection:
Lavender Macaroon no thank you, nothing else needs to be said!
Light Fruit Cake full of lemon/orange rind & looked dry
Chocolate & Hazelnut Square chocolates always good right?
Apple & Cinnamon Frangipane Sponge possibility
Lemon Meringue Tart oh hell yes 

I had the chocolate & hazelnut square, extremely rich and the base was rather soggy. I also tried the lemon meringue, it was ok, but the lemon had that bitty texture that stayed in your mouth after you had finished, you know?
It definitely wasn't the best, and by no means any where near as good as my Mom's Lemon Meringue Pie (I can make it too, just as good, if not a teensy bit better :P) I also tried the Frangipane, had this solid piece of squishy apple inside, and god knows what on top. 
So not the most fulfilling Teas in my life, thats for sure.
We didn't get refills on our drinks, or on our cream/preserves. 

Obviously don't have the right 'look' about us! 

We left there at about 5.45pm. I then had to re-educate myself with the ways of the Underground to get myself, my friend and her Mom safely back to Euston station. We were not going to walk, no way. My knowledge soon returned, and half hour later back in Euston. Well not quite half hour, had to do a detour to the Disney Store on Bond Street first! 

We had about a 40 minute wait until our train was ready on the platform, so we went and got ourselves some drinks for the ride home (more Diet Coke, 0kcal thank you very much) and a big sharing bag of Salt & Vinegar M&S (oh yes, Posh all the way now!) crinkle crisps!

They, along with the hot chocolate were the yummiest part of the day! 
Overall a lovely day out, lots of healthy walking and interesting food. At least I can now say I have officially been in Harrods, seen the Toy Department and seen the Harrods bear.

Afternoon Tea isn't really me, and by that experience not something I will be doing again soon, I will try it again one day, but can we have some 'normal' posh sarnies please.
Like Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese (no green), Cucumber, Cheddar, you know, the normal 'posh nosh' as it were.

Ta Ta for now old (& young) chums.