Steal My Sunshine

Well, its been a glorious few days,hasnt it? Sorry for lack of blogging,as I finished my previous post I was just coming down with a nasty cold that took AGES to shake off. I did wander around looking and feeling like this for about a week:

(yes,Dr. Who fans, this is a picture of the Ood.I know.But honestly,without makeup, this is what I looked like.Minus communication light ball.)

After ignoring people asking me to rest (as Im stubborn like that) I got better.Yay.Unfortunately, I didnt make the most of the first few days of glourious weather as my personal body temperature due to the cold resembled the Gateaux section in Iceland.Sexy.

On a more exciting note, my famous sweetie garlands are now offically back on sale! After a MASSIVE waiting list for them last year, I decided to launch them a month early at a market we held at the cafe (which went very well thankyou) and Ive already got two orders! Looks like my social life between October and December wont be happening again,but I dont care as I can make such a great gift for someone :)

With it currently spitting outside (raining,not actually someone spitting) looks like its back to my A/W 11 wardrobe of maroon,tweed and leather finished off with my crochet scarf (Cheers Aunty G!!) .

However,and this will be a situation that all girls-and some boys-have been in;

at the end of this month, me and the boy are going to Edinburgh.Very exciting.Whats even more exciting is having Going Away outfits.and Going Away Essentials.More importantly,GOING AWAY SIZED BEAUTY THINGS.Makes me giddy. Ive already said we have to wear matching pac-a-macs and oversized bags on the front of our bodies.In tartan print. You never know, I may post a pic when we get back.Maybe.

xx

The Best Things In Life Are Free.

Whilst at work today, I was working REALLY hard by flicking through old fashion magazines that someone had left behind.The kind owner of these magazines had left the free inserts of new beauty products;So as well as my wages,I also picked up a Neutrogena face wash.Result!!

I recently spent a happy couple of hours going through all of my old magazines (and I have a LOT),picking out the free samples I had left in them.I walked away with day and night creams,face serums, eye creams, lipgloss shades,shampoo,conditioner,hair mask, and hand lotions.Basically, half of Boots in one hand and all for FREE.I was really pleased with my beauty find and gave them all to my little sister,who was about to go to London for a while for her work.Rather than have her spend a small fortune,I managed to save her some money :)

(One of my best beauty finds-worth £10!)

So, I look forward in the future where I can gather some more freebies,maybe even enough for when the time comes in October for me to travel with my modelling work,as everything is now confirmed-its going to be one busy month!!

xx

The Ice Dance.

So... the boy took me ice skating for the first time yesterday.As a ice hockey nut,he can skate backwards and generally look at ease. After introducing a Vulcan Death Grip on his hand and promising me he wouldnt let go, I actually enjoyed myself.And didnt fall over,which was a result, as I was wearing my nice new jeans.

Anyways, I know he'll read this, so thats all for now.

Speaking of ice, the chilly weather is making me yern for chunky knit jumpers, boots and thick tights (100 dernier all the way!) If the weather is anything like it was last winter; where the snow cut off general day- to day- life for six weeks- I was moving 1ft of snow every day from my drive- then Im rocking the Eskimo look this winter.Warmth rules over fashion anyday.

XX

New.You're So New.

Has it really been May since I last blogged? I do apoligize, but for those in the know,I have been slightly busy.


Since my last post, Ive taken the plunge and opened up a cafe with my Mum,called Vintage Cafe.11 weeks in,its proving to be one hell of a ride and its opened up my eyes to the world of business.Since opening,I dream about cakes (not in a good way), get OCD with colour coded boards and chopping knives (Cheers for that,Environmental health) and have dozens-yes,literally- of window cleaners,trying to charm me for their trade. I never knew there was a ongoing turf war with window cleaners.Its very enjoyable,and it seemed the next natural step to feed my cake addiction. Yum.

(This is me on a daily basis.)



Due to the cafe taking over my life at the moment whilst we find our feet, the floristry has been put on the back burner at the moment.However, I am still providing arrangements for corporate events and customers, and since we have a spare room in the back of the cafe, this has become my floral studio workshop, where I create and store the arrangements.The advantage of this is being in a larger workspace,and the odd occasion of creating some quick floral arrangements for some cafe customers- I spruced up a wrap of Chrysanths for a regular recently which she loved and appricated.

(As I didnt take a photo of my work as it was so quick,this was taken when I was in London.In Topshop. Also known as Heaven.)

The fashion stuff is going really well too.I have mental moments when Im doing five shows in one month, and then two months off, then back doing fashion shoots again.I do love it, and my love for fashion has grown even more (however, I do prefer having the extra ten minutes in bed rather than putting an outfit together and my love of Carrot cake can be a bit of a problem when I have to squeeze into some shorts for a shoot.....) This past week alone,Ive been offered two amazing opportunites regarding fashion stuff, so we'll see what comes of that :)  

(Circus shoot by Goldielocks and Cupid and A Polaroid Dream)

One more thing.And this will shock people who know me and my ways.I have met someone.

And hes a boy.

And hes lovely.

And I know he'll read this,so thats all for now.

Since my life has changed massively since my last post, Im also thinking about changing the style of the blog,into a general artsy,fashiony,waffly thing that just grows and grows with my endless babbling.And the odd photo. we'll see.

xx





"Hi every-body!"

Well helllllooooo....

Sorry for the lack of posts, Ive been mega busy with various things and updating my blog has usually been a fading thought whilst losing consciousness in bed at stupid O' clock in the morning!

Wedding season is fully upon us,with Wills and Kate kicking it all off (I may have been wrong about the shape of the arrangement,but spot on with the colour scheme!) and it seems every female I know at the moment is getting married, engaged or having ickle babies therefore its a perfect time for flowers :)

So, take time to stop and smell the flowers..... :)

xx

I do I do I do

So, Union Jack flags are popping up, the merch is everywhere and Boots are selling super-shiny glossing hair serum faster than the Pope blesses a crowd- yep its the Wills and Kate Royal wedding!!

With less than a week to go now, the world and its wife (literally) will be tuning into good 'ol London Town to watch the ceremony take place.With estimated viewing figures ranging from 700 million, heres hoping Kate doesnt trip down the aisle in her dress.Because of these figures, worldwide televison networks have gone mad for wedding themed programs,to Big Fat Royal Gypsy Weddings,Come Dine With The Royals to the (now infamous) online viral ad of the Royal Wedding and the cringe-worthy American T.V film "Willam and Kate: a love story."

The BBC have done the best pre-wedding program by far, going behind the scenes to talk to industry workers to helped to make previous royal weddings iconic. They spoke to Diana's official wedding florist, who made a 3ft (yes really!!) white shower bouqet filled with jasmine, lilly of the valley,roses and ivy. Simply stunning.

After seeing this, it got me wondering- what will Kate have? Ive got a feeling she will opt for a handtie arrangement- a shower or teardrop arrangement will swamp her tiny frame and she will want to be seen as cost-aware as possible during this recession. I also think she will opt for white, pastel colours at a push as she will want to impress the 700 million guests and the family shes marrying into (Ive heard the granny rules household). I  also think she will opt for a low-key British designer to boost the British fashion industry or go for Stella McCartney.

Any which way, she will look amazing and she ends up marrying the Prince at the end.No wonder Americans go mad for this stuff.

(Oh,and by the way, Ive got my Royal wedding outfit sorted- its a sexy NHS hospital gown courtsey of Leeds General Infirmary.As Kate is walking down the asile gracefully, I will be trying to be graceful inside a MRI scanner.Afterwards,I'll toast the happy couple with a plastic water cup and Tesco's sandwhich.)

Now, did someone say "wedding buffet?"......

 

Glue,solder,knit,sew,cast,sketch,go!

Hey,

So, as promised, the Folksy store is now online! Here's the link: http://www.folksy.com/shops/FTPDFLOWERS

Ive had a lot of fun playing around with the settings, but being a florist,expect it to change constantly! More things will be added up online soon, but for now, go and have a browse :)

Hope youre all enjoying the sun (and slapping on the SPF like I am!)

xx

Buzz Buzz Buzz

Hey,

So its late,Ive had a long day but I'm SUPER BUZZY right now as Ive just seen the video playback for my floristry teaching! I cant believe how professional I looked/sounded even though my insides were                s-w-i-r-l-i-n-g around as if they had the Golden pass to Alton Towers. Plus, I dont look red-faced in the video which is a major plus for a Casper complexion- type like me (Someone commented I am my own Sun the other day because I am so pale-cheers for that!) Once I am savvy enough to post up the vid (I struggle with photos!) and when Im confident enough for my mug to be on the Tinterweb I will do.Maybe.

So,how was your Mothers Day? Mine was super-busy as usual,and my immune system couldnt hold out for much longer afterwards due to the stress and chaos of it all and gave up on Tuesday,so was perscribed lots of bedrest.All better now though,and was back at the flower market bright and early this morning :)

I took my mum with me this morning and she hasnt been in years, and she loved it.

Anyway, moving on- Ive decided to sell the ORGINAL and BEST sweetie garlands INTERNATIONALLY after getting inquires from someone in Ireland (Hi, by the way :) ) so currently setting up online shops for all you lovely people can buy from. I'll post the link when they are up and running.

Whilst that is being made, dont forget to drop by the Twitter (www.twitter.com/FTPDFLOWERS) or the Facebook (Search "FTPD flowers") for regular musings and pictures.

xx

Mothers Day

So, its that time of year again to say thankyou to your Momma this Mothers Day! Before you hasten to say "nahhh"- think of all the times she looked after you when you're poorly,slipped you a extra fiver here and there and spent COUNTLESS hours hunched over constructing various primary school Christmas play outfits (I've been a Medieval queen,a tree and a the golden chicken from Jack and the Beanstalk.Yes,you read that last one right!)

So, here at Faith,Trust and Pixie Dust I have different flower arrangements available for your Mum on her special day (April 3- mark it on your calendar!) These are as follows:

• Beautiful hand-tie bouquets starting at £15.The sky is your limit with this design with plenty of colours and textures available.Just give me a shout on any specific colours you would like.
• Striking contemporary arrangements starting at £ 15. Again, any specific colours can be included in  your bouquet.
• For sweetie lovers everywhere, I also do the ORIGINAL and BEST sweetie garlands.Perfect for a sweet tooth! Prices start at £15, with varieties include: Cadbury's Chocolate Eclairs,Raspberry Ruffles, Werther's Originals and Love Hearts.

If anyone would like to see some other work from Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust flowers, pop over to the offical Facebook (Search "Ftpd flowers") or Twitter www.twitter.com/FTPDFLOWERS and place your order.See you all over there!!

xx

Under the sea....

Seeing an advert for the fame-hungry Katie Price's new show on Sky made me think of a lovely post I saw a while back on great blog, www.peoniesandpearls.co.uk called Under Water Bride. For those who know a bit about me, know I do a bit of modelling on the side due to my lanky frame and its similar to a fashion shoot I saw a while back showcasing some jewelry-the light highlighted parts of the accessories making it perfect for magpies like me!

Anyway,heres the link:
http://www.peoniesandpearls.co.uk/2010/10/under-water-bride-zena-holloway.html

I JUST LOVE how the light is reflecting off the flowers and the water is showcasing the different layers of the dresses to their best.Fab. And drool-worthy.

xx

Are you settled? Lets begin....(again)

So ze blog is being resurrected back from the dead,a land where pale skinned boys glimmer in sunlight and where Gaga is Queen (or King,depending which gossip rag you read) My last post was in November,and lots has happened since now and then- far too much to go into detail with unless you want a mind-numbing post- and life in the floristry world has been made more difficult with various rises in petrol, tax,shipping costs and handling fees.

However, this hasnt beaten me.Oh no.

Floristry is my passion,and my life.Anyone who knows me knows (and has put up with) my stubborness to succeed in life. Therfore Ive been really working on my Facebook and Twitter pages (@FTPDFLOWERS),completed the first stage of a teacher training course,currently doing the second required stage and today doing my first ever proper teaching class.Forget one-off demos in various senarios,this was proper big- girl pants stuff.After the class (which went amazingly well), I celebrated by buying my own pair of big- girl pants and letting a good DJ friend teach me how to spin the decks.That part of the night didnt go swimmingly even though I now know how to cue a record in and mix swipe (nope,me neither)
This next month or two is turning out to be stupidly busy (everytime I look at my calender on my phone I cry) so I PROMISE to keep this blog updated.I cant guarentee it will be instantanous as Facebook and Twitter, as I can quickly access that on my phone (and yes, my phone never goes off and I do Tweet in bed.Sad I know)

So I will keep you all updated with floristry musings.Until then,Im off to paint my nails.

xx

BAD BAD BAD!!

Firstly,

I would like to apoligize for the lack of posts on here as I will admit Twitter has taken over my life. I have Tweeting Fever. I may turn into the blue bird soon. Anyways, tons of stuff has happened between then and now, 90% I cant remember etc as the past few weeks have been such a whir.

My sweetie garlands are now more popular than ever,with 50 or 60 approximately being sold. Phew! my hands are crippled,and my house resembles Willy Wonkas (without the small orange men in the corner).

Ive still got lots of floral contracts, and Ive just done another market with the handsome Fruit boys today. My stall was a a mixture of two Christmas' rolled into one-before and after copious amounts of sugar.Pictures up soon! Ive been asked to do the flowers for a masked ball in two weeks which Im REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO as its a 1930's/1940's theme- so glam! I saw the designs and layouts the other night at a planning meeting and it just looks amazing! Plus, its raising money for charity, so even better!

details about it can be found on www.fruitspace.co.uk

if you have facebook or twitter, dont forget to add me at www.twitter.com/ftpdflowers
or search "ftpd flowers" on facebook.

See you online!

xx

Ive been a bad blogger!

Hey,




Sorry for the delay between posts, Ive been sucked into Twitter world and briefly forgot all you handsome bloggers!





So, keeping up with news, the fab people at Fruit are holding their second market this Sunday (10th October) and yours truly will be there again,selling arrangements and other gifts such as heart shaped Pine cone wreaths,and sweetie wreaths-ideal for Christmas presents! Get yourself down and have a browse thru the stalls, or just have a drink and soak up the funky atmosphere :)

In other florist news, Ive been working away at various bridal packages for 2011 weddings,ideal for brides on a budget! More info on that coming soon!

last but not least, I want to say a MASSIVE well done,to my sister (and fellow blogger) for raising £130 from doing a bake sale today to raise funds for her Degree film show. Experts on here will be able to find her, shes Goldielocks and Cupid. Well done Olivia!! :D

Addisons Disease

Hello,

Just a quick note to say that Im mentioned in the Septemeber edition of Addisons Disease Self Help Group' newsletter, about raising funds for the charity in using my talents as a florist! In one day, I managed to raise £300 for the charity.

My mother was diagnosed with the disease two years ago,and ever since her diagnosis I am determind in making as much money as possible for the charity, as its not a Government funded charity. Even if it pays for the stamps for the charity, or publication costs for the newsletter, the money raised potentially could help save my mum's life as there is so much advice with their newsletters.

Please take five mins from your day to research this disease!!

xx

McQueens, how I love thee....

Hey,

So I thought I would share my love for my favorite florist,McQueens in good ol' London town.

I fell in love with this place ever since watching a documentary about the place a few years ago,and I love their personal style (mainly contemporary, but with traditonal hints within some of their designs).

Whos is everyones favorite florist? Tell me and share some pictures!!

xx

Twitter and Facebook

Hello!!

For all you Twitterers and Facebookers out there, you can now add Faith,Trust and Pixie Dust on Facebook (Search for ftpd flowers) or find me on Twitter www.twitter.com/FTPDFLOWERS

Add me and Tweet away :)

Hope to see you all on there!! xx

As We Forgive Them @ Fruit

Hey, I did some funky designs for the VIP night of the great play As We Forgive Them at Fruit the other night.

Flowers within a cabbage. I put this on the bar so it would be a talking point with people. (Sorry about the green stripe, a lot of my photos seem to do this when being uploaded!)

I wanted to incorporate fruit and veg into the designs, and this is what Ive came up with.The Lemon design smelt georgeous!!

A Sunflower tree with weaved leaves to give texture.I love this one.

A MASSIVE thankyou to Andrew Pearson, director of the play and one of the brains behind Fruit.

xx

New layout!

Hey, So Ive got a new layout...let me know what you think!! xx

Pretty Flowers :)

just saw this picture and I had to post it :)

Hope you're all having a good weekend :)

x

ideas aplenty!!

hello,



So, Ive been asked to decorate my favorite venue, Fruit in Humber Street next week for a special VIP night of a fabby play, As We Forgive Them.



So, my mind went into overdrive of how I could incorporate fruit and veg into floral designs and I made this today:










Flowers in a cabbage! Brilliant!!




What do you think?

xx