After weeks of trying to get through to my parents, I eventually managed it today and as expected I am in the doghouse once again...sigh. Mum is not best pleased that I dared to have eye surgery and not breathe a word about it, she is also miffed that I havent been able to drive - one wonders if she would have been happy for me to set foot in my car when unable to see?? I also spoke to Dad, I am really worried about him as he isnt very well and on Saturday was particularly ill as he said that he couldnt stop shaking - he likened it to being in the arctic without clothes. I also told him about my eye op and explained that I hadnt said anything as I didnt want to worry them because they have enough on their plate. I said that I need to get the battery charged on my car so that I can go and visit - he doesnt want me driving any distance as I haven't driven for 2 months and so he is now worried about me which is what I didnt want to happen :(
I have been busy today giving advice on a chat forum and getting the low down on a place that I had considered using for stag/hen parties (a cookery school) and out of that came the idea of a wonderful place called Deer Park Hall in Eckington, Nr Pershore, Worcs as a place for team building events, conferences and weddings - so as soon as I am mobile again I will contact them and arrange a visit.
I am still trying to work out what to give as prizes for this draw that I am doing at the wedding fair in September. I am thinking along the lines now of a jewellery set (this has been ordered already), on-the-day co-ordination, a plan (basically a time line of when things should be done), and a book - now do I choose a book of wedding readings and poems, wedding etiquette or budget weddings and possibly a guestbook? I am trying to think which would be more use.
Today, I have been thinking about trade packs too and what to put in them, these are also for the wedding fair.
People think its funny that I am getting myself organised when the fair doesnt take place until 27 September - I would much rather sort it out now rather than leave it until the very last minute. I keep thinking of it as an event and every one of my events is perfectly planned. Anyway, its the first of September tomorrow so it really isnt that long until the fair.
I havent got a banner nor do I have a pop up display - I cannot afford these at the moment so I shall have to make do with what I have got and that is me (I will be dressed to the nines lol), I have asked for a chair too as I cannot stand for long periods without my back stiffening up to the point where I cannot move and certainly not bend (an old war wound...from severe whiplash after a car accident back in 1995).
Plans are also afoot for the Autumn Fair - I need to look for boxes (to use as welcome boxes) and wedding stationery including a guest book (I am hoping to blag one at the show). I am an expert blagger lol.
Well, I suppose I had better carry on with some work - I have had a short break and caught up with Neighbours and Home&Away (I know they are awful programmes but I don't need to concentrate on them and they are just like moving wallpaper). One thing that has got me thinking though - have you noticed that the characters in these soaps never have birthdays? They seem to celebrate Christmas (bizarre to see christmas lights up on Ramsay Street lol - I keep thinking that in Australia that they wouldnt bother) and Valentine's Day although they don't do that very well.
Monday, 31 August 2009
Sunday, 30 August 2009
Printing and yet more Printing
Having checked my diary, I have noticed that the wedding fair I am due to have a stand at is happening on 27 September (eek). You could say that I was a wedding fair virgin having been to loads but never exhibited at any - hence me feeling a bit wibbly wobbly.
As a way of capturing details, I have decided to have a prize draw so today I have been designing a prize draw leaflet and have started printing them - I think that I will need to have about 500 so on Tuesday I had better get a few more reams of paper. I also need to blag some prizes - I shall be offering On the Day Co-ordination which is worth approx. £350 - I am not going to give away the full wedding organisation as that is too much money. One of my friends designs and makes the most wonderful bridal jewellery (as featured in Wedding Ideas magazine) so I shall ask her if I can buy a pendant set. I shall also contact places like the day spa where I am a member to see if they will donate anything and again I will also ask my entertainment agency folks if they will be willing to donate something too. I am also thinking about getting a book - I have a free £10 Waterstones voucher so I can easily get a book on wedding vows and readings.
There is a lot to do to prepare for this event - I already have leaflets that I had printed for something else that never got used. So I am thinking that I need a pop up banner so I guess I will contact my printers to discuss costs and whether or not they would be able to make one. Hopefully when I go to Events UK on 22/23 September that the Promotions Show will be going on at the same time so that I can blag loads of free pens. Pens will be handy when it comes to filling out the prize draw sheets - I must remember to take some clipboards with me too.
I guess I had better prepare a list of things that I need to take before I forget.
Once again, I have tried to telephone my parents to no avail - I do wish that my mother would switch the flippin' ringer on on the phone instead of having it on silent...grrr. There is no chance of getting my battery charged either as my neighbours have all refused to help - the miserable mongrels, just wait until they want a parcel taking in or something.
Onwards and upwards.
As a way of capturing details, I have decided to have a prize draw so today I have been designing a prize draw leaflet and have started printing them - I think that I will need to have about 500 so on Tuesday I had better get a few more reams of paper. I also need to blag some prizes - I shall be offering On the Day Co-ordination which is worth approx. £350 - I am not going to give away the full wedding organisation as that is too much money. One of my friends designs and makes the most wonderful bridal jewellery (as featured in Wedding Ideas magazine) so I shall ask her if I can buy a pendant set. I shall also contact places like the day spa where I am a member to see if they will donate anything and again I will also ask my entertainment agency folks if they will be willing to donate something too. I am also thinking about getting a book - I have a free £10 Waterstones voucher so I can easily get a book on wedding vows and readings.
There is a lot to do to prepare for this event - I already have leaflets that I had printed for something else that never got used. So I am thinking that I need a pop up banner so I guess I will contact my printers to discuss costs and whether or not they would be able to make one. Hopefully when I go to Events UK on 22/23 September that the Promotions Show will be going on at the same time so that I can blag loads of free pens. Pens will be handy when it comes to filling out the prize draw sheets - I must remember to take some clipboards with me too.
I guess I had better prepare a list of things that I need to take before I forget.
Once again, I have tried to telephone my parents to no avail - I do wish that my mother would switch the flippin' ringer on on the phone instead of having it on silent...grrr. There is no chance of getting my battery charged either as my neighbours have all refused to help - the miserable mongrels, just wait until they want a parcel taking in or something.
Onwards and upwards.
Saturday, 29 August 2009
Another Bank Holiday Weekend on my own
This weekend I shall be on my own again - trapped inside my flat as I cannot find anyone to give my car a jumpstart as the battery is deader than a dodo :( So I shall use the time to catch up on boring housework and perhaps tidy my office and do some study.
I havent updated for a while because my eyes got so bad that I started to feel dizzy and generally off colour. You will be pleased to know that I now have my new glasses as I picked them up yesterday - I had a really bad dizzy spell when I was walking to the hospital and ended up holding onto a wall for support. Now I have to get used to my new glasses - its kind of wierd being able to see.
I feel really inspired today - I received my visitor pass for Events UK which takes place at the NEC over two days next month. There are talks I want to hear, seminars I want to attend and maybe I shall even book an appointment for a one to one with a specialist to see how I can improve my business. I am also looking forward to an hour long networking event each day so I had better take loads of business cards with me. Events UK is a place where exciting venues promote themselves and there are also additional services such as entertainers, caterers, bars, exhibition equipment etc. etc. I love this show and feel more confident now that I truly run my own business whereas last year it was still a tiny seed despite my getting some business cards from vistaprint, I have moved on since then and have had some more professional cards printed with a different supplier and now these excude luxury which is quite fitting for my bespoke business.
Once I can get my car started then I can go on my visits which have been piling up: Worcester Rugby Club (its quite a smart place), The Pear Tree at Smite, Hagley Hall, Ragley Hall, Eckington Manor (its a cookery school), Hillscourt Education Centre (although I could easily get there by bus and a long walk up a hill - I have been lazy of late). I also want to look at some more unusual places in Worcester and want to visit the cathedral to find out how much it costs to be married there - its a far nicer cathedral than the one in Birmingham. I am itching to get going - it will be strange because I haven't driven now for over 2 months. I'll also need to visit my parents too - I have tried phoning but my mother is awkward and switches the ringer off on the phone so it could ring all day and she wouldn't hear and dad can't hear the phone anyway because he is deaf.
I need to find more wedding things - I also need to order some bespoke bridal jewellery which I can give as a prize at the wedding fair I am doing next month. I shall run a competition and people will have to let me have their contact details including the groom's name - I don't want to give away the cost of planning a full wedding from start to finish as that is over £2K and to be truthful I would rather have that money. I am thinking along the lines of on-the-day co-ordination (£300) and The Plan only (£150). I can see that I need to get more business cards printed - I still have some vistaprint ones but they are naff to be honest with you, plus I have some free calendar magnets but there is not much point to them as they are dated for this year.
Earlier this week I contacted Access to Work as they have helped me before and they are going to send someone around to see me so hopefully I will be able to get a laptop with a larger screen - the government will pay as I am self employed. Access to Work is for people who fall under the Disability Discrimination Act and they work with you (you have to contact them yourself) and will assess your workstation and suggest adjustments to make life easier - in normal circumstances the employer would make a contribution to the costs with the bulk being paid by the AtW but in the case of self employment the entire cost is borne by the AtW. I shall need to get a move on with tidying the office as it is currently a tad untidy. Perhaps this weekend I shall work out how to erect the galvanised shelves.
I havent updated for a while because my eyes got so bad that I started to feel dizzy and generally off colour. You will be pleased to know that I now have my new glasses as I picked them up yesterday - I had a really bad dizzy spell when I was walking to the hospital and ended up holding onto a wall for support. Now I have to get used to my new glasses - its kind of wierd being able to see.
I feel really inspired today - I received my visitor pass for Events UK which takes place at the NEC over two days next month. There are talks I want to hear, seminars I want to attend and maybe I shall even book an appointment for a one to one with a specialist to see how I can improve my business. I am also looking forward to an hour long networking event each day so I had better take loads of business cards with me. Events UK is a place where exciting venues promote themselves and there are also additional services such as entertainers, caterers, bars, exhibition equipment etc. etc. I love this show and feel more confident now that I truly run my own business whereas last year it was still a tiny seed despite my getting some business cards from vistaprint, I have moved on since then and have had some more professional cards printed with a different supplier and now these excude luxury which is quite fitting for my bespoke business.
Once I can get my car started then I can go on my visits which have been piling up: Worcester Rugby Club (its quite a smart place), The Pear Tree at Smite, Hagley Hall, Ragley Hall, Eckington Manor (its a cookery school), Hillscourt Education Centre (although I could easily get there by bus and a long walk up a hill - I have been lazy of late). I also want to look at some more unusual places in Worcester and want to visit the cathedral to find out how much it costs to be married there - its a far nicer cathedral than the one in Birmingham. I am itching to get going - it will be strange because I haven't driven now for over 2 months. I'll also need to visit my parents too - I have tried phoning but my mother is awkward and switches the ringer off on the phone so it could ring all day and she wouldn't hear and dad can't hear the phone anyway because he is deaf.
I need to find more wedding things - I also need to order some bespoke bridal jewellery which I can give as a prize at the wedding fair I am doing next month. I shall run a competition and people will have to let me have their contact details including the groom's name - I don't want to give away the cost of planning a full wedding from start to finish as that is over £2K and to be truthful I would rather have that money. I am thinking along the lines of on-the-day co-ordination (£300) and The Plan only (£150). I can see that I need to get more business cards printed - I still have some vistaprint ones but they are naff to be honest with you, plus I have some free calendar magnets but there is not much point to them as they are dated for this year.
Earlier this week I contacted Access to Work as they have helped me before and they are going to send someone around to see me so hopefully I will be able to get a laptop with a larger screen - the government will pay as I am self employed. Access to Work is for people who fall under the Disability Discrimination Act and they work with you (you have to contact them yourself) and will assess your workstation and suggest adjustments to make life easier - in normal circumstances the employer would make a contribution to the costs with the bulk being paid by the AtW but in the case of self employment the entire cost is borne by the AtW. I shall need to get a move on with tidying the office as it is currently a tad untidy. Perhaps this weekend I shall work out how to erect the galvanised shelves.
Monday, 24 August 2009
TECHNOPHOBE STRIKES AGAIN
I bit the bullet this morning (not literally but you know what I mean) and downloaded Skype and ordered a nice headset and mic. I have paid for a year's worth of subs for the whole of the world which has cost me £81.48 but now I can have free calls. I did pay for some credit which cost me £10 so that I could get started straightaway. I am really surprised that I managed to follow the instructions without making a hash of things.
I then somehow managed to mess up my business email address and go so mad that I deleted it, then I couldnt log in to virgin media because my birth date doesnt match their records..tut so half an hour later I managed to speak to a nice man in Wales who talked me through what I had to do to reset the password and sort out my emails - now I am working again. I am thinking that I really must set up a pop3 account so that my business email looks as though it comes from the business as opposed to some eejit at blueyonder.
My new shoes arrived today - so now I shall have to get used to ramming my feet into proper shoes as opposed to the crocs that I have lived in all summer. My new glasses on the other hand are still not ready and the liars at the manufacturers have now said that the lenses are being coated whereas last Wednesday they were being despatched. It seems that they may be ready for me to collect on Thursday of this week. It is such a damned inconvience as I cannot see so can't drive, I get blinding headaches because of eye strain and I just feel like a moody mare.
I am going to try something now - that is to load some pictures - whoo hoo. Now don't get too excited - they're just pictures of the car that I sponsored for a local charity (I won't be sponsoring them again or doing any work for them - I shall be looking for a different charity to support). Well I did say that I was a technophobe - the pics have been uploaded but not where I wanted them to be...oh well, its a start I guess.
Sunday, 23 August 2009
Possibilities
I read in the newspaper today that a scientist in Aberdeen claims to have found a cure for uveitis which is the eye disease that I have got, I must admit that I am somewhat sceptical as there are two types of uveitis - posterior and anterior and I have the anterior variety. I have kept the clipping from the newspaper and when I next go to clinic I shall enquire about it.
It has been suggested that I get skype - now I have been thinking about it for a while and need to do more investigation but it could cost me £7.99 a month to call anywhere in the world which will come in particularly handy when I talk to Paul in Gran Canaria about the Federation of Event & Wedding Planners (I admit too that it would be cool to work for him - although I still wish to retain my own business) and to Elizabeth in Gosport.
I am expecting my visitor sometime on Tuesday and he is planning to stay for a couple of days - part of me wishes he wouldn't but he has his uses, I am hopeful that he will change some lightbulbs for me as I cannot use the step ladder and he has ag's hreed to take me to Lidl on Thursday to buy a cheapo filing cabinet. Hopefully, he will take me out for a meal too - although I am getting rather bored with carveries and he insists on chinese or indian food both of which I loathe - let's hope that he takes me somewhere nice.
One day, I will get to grips with uploading photographs - I am afraid that in the meantime I remain a technophobe.
Guess I had better go and take my eye drops (yawn) and sit and do something else for 10 minutes instead of staring at the computer.
It has been suggested that I get skype - now I have been thinking about it for a while and need to do more investigation but it could cost me £7.99 a month to call anywhere in the world which will come in particularly handy when I talk to Paul in Gran Canaria about the Federation of Event & Wedding Planners (I admit too that it would be cool to work for him - although I still wish to retain my own business) and to Elizabeth in Gosport.
I am expecting my visitor sometime on Tuesday and he is planning to stay for a couple of days - part of me wishes he wouldn't but he has his uses, I am hopeful that he will change some lightbulbs for me as I cannot use the step ladder and he has ag's hreed to take me to Lidl on Thursday to buy a cheapo filing cabinet. Hopefully, he will take me out for a meal too - although I am getting rather bored with carveries and he insists on chinese or indian food both of which I loathe - let's hope that he takes me somewhere nice.
One day, I will get to grips with uploading photographs - I am afraid that in the meantime I remain a technophobe.
Guess I had better go and take my eye drops (yawn) and sit and do something else for 10 minutes instead of staring at the computer.
Saturday, 22 August 2009
Trade Fairs
Today, I am reading my little black book that is my essential pocket guide to the Autumn Fair at the NEC which starts on 6 September and runs until the 9th. The book came with my name badge and it looks strange to see my business listed as event management which I guess is what I do.
I have started looking through the book to make note of stands that I would like to visit and already I have found the most gorgeous stationery company - Cavania Cards, their wedding stationery is divine. I love their blog too as it is so colourful whereas mine is all text and no pictures - one day I will add photos, I promise. One of the recent topics on the blog has been the painting of the shed - and there was me thinking that shed were a man thing LOL.
You might think it strange that I would even consider attending the Autumn Fair and its sister show the Spring Fair which is held in February. I intend to try and find some suppliers of gorgeous wedding stationery as well as eco-friendly boxes as I would like some nice boxes to use as welcome boxes. Unfortunately, I cannot buy in volume as I don't have the space but I am hoping that some suppliers will take pity on me and let me buy less.
Following this fair is the BBEH which takes place in Harrogate - this trade fair is purely for the bridal trade and is mainly for bridal shops but its a great place to go to get ideas of what is expected to be in season during Spring/Summer 2010. Harrogate seems to be a difficult place to get to - I certainly don't fancy driving there so I am guessing I will have to spend a day on a train or two - I am determined to go this time.
After this will be Events UK which is also at the NEC - I hope to renew acquaintances and get some more invitations to visit venues. I shall try and do this show over two days as opposed to doing it all in one go - the last time I went was I was so loaded down with bags I could barely walk. The promotions show is on at the same time so that will be the ideal place to visit to stock up on pens and pads LOL I also intend attending some of their seminars as I want to discover ways to improve my business. In fact that has given me an idea....be right back...
I have started looking through the book to make note of stands that I would like to visit and already I have found the most gorgeous stationery company - Cavania Cards, their wedding stationery is divine. I love their blog too as it is so colourful whereas mine is all text and no pictures - one day I will add photos, I promise. One of the recent topics on the blog has been the painting of the shed - and there was me thinking that shed were a man thing LOL.
You might think it strange that I would even consider attending the Autumn Fair and its sister show the Spring Fair which is held in February. I intend to try and find some suppliers of gorgeous wedding stationery as well as eco-friendly boxes as I would like some nice boxes to use as welcome boxes. Unfortunately, I cannot buy in volume as I don't have the space but I am hoping that some suppliers will take pity on me and let me buy less.
Following this fair is the BBEH which takes place in Harrogate - this trade fair is purely for the bridal trade and is mainly for bridal shops but its a great place to go to get ideas of what is expected to be in season during Spring/Summer 2010. Harrogate seems to be a difficult place to get to - I certainly don't fancy driving there so I am guessing I will have to spend a day on a train or two - I am determined to go this time.
After this will be Events UK which is also at the NEC - I hope to renew acquaintances and get some more invitations to visit venues. I shall try and do this show over two days as opposed to doing it all in one go - the last time I went was I was so loaded down with bags I could barely walk. The promotions show is on at the same time so that will be the ideal place to visit to stock up on pens and pads LOL I also intend attending some of their seminars as I want to discover ways to improve my business. In fact that has given me an idea....be right back...
Counterfeit Goods and other things
A news report on the BBC this morning got me thinking about people who buy counterfeit dresses from China in attempt to save some money as they refuse the pay the full price for a Maggie Sottero dress or whatever. Here in the UK it is an offence to sell counterfeit goods but it is not an offence to buy them, however, if you were in France or Italy then it is also an offence to buy them and those buying them could face a jail term. This may seem extreme but theft is theft. I think they should bring in similar laws here too as that may be a deterrent.
Yesterday, I received my mark for my first assignment for my Diploma in Event Planning and I was more than pleased - let's hope the A+ heralds the start of similar marks for other assignments. I admit that I am passionate about organising events and have already considered studying at Leeds Metropolitan University (part time) for a degree in Event Management because I want to be able to organise massive rock concerts and the like (I never think small LOL).
Today, I have been asked to help recruit people for the newly formed Federation of Event & Wedding Planners which will be akin to the Federation of Small Businesses - this is being set up by a friend and fellow wedding planner and an ex student of the wedding planning course who runs his own very successful business out in Gran Canaria (I could learn a lot from him). I am looking forward to this as it will also open up doors for me LOL. Why do I always seek out the opportunities?
I must remember to make a note of my blogspot log in details as it took me an age this morning to log in.
Yesterday, I received my mark for my first assignment for my Diploma in Event Planning and I was more than pleased - let's hope the A+ heralds the start of similar marks for other assignments. I admit that I am passionate about organising events and have already considered studying at Leeds Metropolitan University (part time) for a degree in Event Management because I want to be able to organise massive rock concerts and the like (I never think small LOL).
Today, I have been asked to help recruit people for the newly formed Federation of Event & Wedding Planners which will be akin to the Federation of Small Businesses - this is being set up by a friend and fellow wedding planner and an ex student of the wedding planning course who runs his own very successful business out in Gran Canaria (I could learn a lot from him). I am looking forward to this as it will also open up doors for me LOL. Why do I always seek out the opportunities?
I must remember to make a note of my blogspot log in details as it took me an age this morning to log in.
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