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.
Sunday, 23 August 2009
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.
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
Wednesday 19 August
Hello readers
It has been hospital day today - I had to get up bright and early to get there for 9.45am, this meant getting a bus to town at 8.30am and then getting another one out of town. My eyes are progressing well and I have had a slight reduction in my steroid drops but still haven't managed to get rid of the dilating drop. I have to have it because they don't my pupil sticking to my lens which is what happened last time. I did however have some good news - my glasses will be ready on Friday.
I went back to town and went and did my mystery shop - I ended up spending £58 on some gorgeous perfume but will only get £10 for the work, I wish the client was a bit more realistic with their minimum spend limit of £25 because you cannot get a bottle of fragrance in this partcular shop for less than £50! I ventured onto the fourth floor where I tried on a lovely pair of shoes to be told oh you can either buy a size 4 (I am a 4.5) or a size 5 and buy an insole or you can buy them in half sizes off the internet. Needless to say I am choosing the internet option. Why don't shops sells shoes in half sizes?? I then consoled myself with some lunch and have discovered that I don't like tarragon as it tastes aniseedy..eww
After lunch, I headed back through the Bullring to the bus stop and popped into a shop called Roman Originals - they sell clothes for ladies between 10-22, when I was in there the other week they had an offer on where you could buy a pair of trousers or a skirt and get the jacket free. I didnt buy anything. Today I ventured towards the back of the shop and found that they were selling dresses that could possibly be used as wedding dresses or better still bridesmaids dresses. The dresses were ivory (almost satin like material - I am admit I am hopeless with textures and fabrics) with detachable straps and a taupe band beneath the boobs with a rose on one side - these were for sale at £37.50 instead of £75.
This afternoon I received a call from the Britannia Hotel in Manchester and now I am waiting for them to send me some information (I hope my email address is working) - they have a bridal package for £999 to include a bucks fizz reception, wedding breakfast and evening reception and a lot of other things besides - hence me waiting in eager anticipation for the email.
One of my fellow students contacted me via Facebook to congratulate me on gaining my Diploma and she told me that she is trying to do as many assignments as possible before her new baby arrives. I have seen scans of him - his name will be Thomas Ryan and to be honest with you he looks like a bean but I guess that's what I see on the scan LOL. Hey Anna, if you are reading this then I hope you are ok and that the iron tablets are working their magic? It seems strange that Anna and I have become quite good friends even though we have never met - no doubt when she comes to Birmingham for an appointment then we will meet up for coffee :-)
It has been hospital day today - I had to get up bright and early to get there for 9.45am, this meant getting a bus to town at 8.30am and then getting another one out of town. My eyes are progressing well and I have had a slight reduction in my steroid drops but still haven't managed to get rid of the dilating drop. I have to have it because they don't my pupil sticking to my lens which is what happened last time. I did however have some good news - my glasses will be ready on Friday.
I went back to town and went and did my mystery shop - I ended up spending £58 on some gorgeous perfume but will only get £10 for the work, I wish the client was a bit more realistic with their minimum spend limit of £25 because you cannot get a bottle of fragrance in this partcular shop for less than £50! I ventured onto the fourth floor where I tried on a lovely pair of shoes to be told oh you can either buy a size 4 (I am a 4.5) or a size 5 and buy an insole or you can buy them in half sizes off the internet. Needless to say I am choosing the internet option. Why don't shops sells shoes in half sizes?? I then consoled myself with some lunch and have discovered that I don't like tarragon as it tastes aniseedy..eww
After lunch, I headed back through the Bullring to the bus stop and popped into a shop called Roman Originals - they sell clothes for ladies between 10-22, when I was in there the other week they had an offer on where you could buy a pair of trousers or a skirt and get the jacket free. I didnt buy anything. Today I ventured towards the back of the shop and found that they were selling dresses that could possibly be used as wedding dresses or better still bridesmaids dresses. The dresses were ivory (almost satin like material - I am admit I am hopeless with textures and fabrics) with detachable straps and a taupe band beneath the boobs with a rose on one side - these were for sale at £37.50 instead of £75.
This afternoon I received a call from the Britannia Hotel in Manchester and now I am waiting for them to send me some information (I hope my email address is working) - they have a bridal package for £999 to include a bucks fizz reception, wedding breakfast and evening reception and a lot of other things besides - hence me waiting in eager anticipation for the email.
One of my fellow students contacted me via Facebook to congratulate me on gaining my Diploma and she told me that she is trying to do as many assignments as possible before her new baby arrives. I have seen scans of him - his name will be Thomas Ryan and to be honest with you he looks like a bean but I guess that's what I see on the scan LOL. Hey Anna, if you are reading this then I hope you are ok and that the iron tablets are working their magic? It seems strange that Anna and I have become quite good friends even though we have never met - no doubt when she comes to Birmingham for an appointment then we will meet up for coffee :-)
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
Late update
Once again, time has run away with me and I haven't been able to blog. I had a visitor over the weekend who manages to disrupt my life and hog my laptop. He left this morning so now my laptop is my own again as is the tv remote :-) Not much to report really, I received my diploma from the Institute along with a press-release which I need to amend and send back with a sticky label. Yesterday I received my certificate from the FSB which needs to be displayed in case any unsavoury government types start visiting LOL.
One good thing about the visitor - he charged the battery on my car and took me shopping last night - I haven't set foot in a supermarket for 2 months and I went clutching my shopping list and a ton of vouchers. I managed to save £14.35 yesterday and was even more surprised when ny shopping was paid for too. I do wonder though why men insist on putting things in the trolley that are not on the list? I did get a few items that weren't on the list but only because I visited what is commonly known as the whoopsie shelf and managed to get a load of bargains.
I have done a bit of studying this weekend and attempted to write another assignment but think it is rather pointless my tutor still isnt marking them due to her op that she had a few weeks' ago. I am off to the eye hospital tomorrow so hopefully I will be able to get rid of the dilating drops and I will poke my head in with the dispensing optician to see if my much needed glasses have arrived - it is causing me real problems as I have tons of venues to visit and yet I cannot go anywhere. Tomorrow, I have a mystery shop lined up and I need to complete this form and send it to the council - I tried to get an appointment at the neighbourhood office but cannot get one for another 3 weeks and the council need a reply within 14 days!!
I have been giving debt advice, wedding advice and even business advice on a forum so I have been busy in other ways - just not in wedding ways as such.
One good thing about the visitor - he charged the battery on my car and took me shopping last night - I haven't set foot in a supermarket for 2 months and I went clutching my shopping list and a ton of vouchers. I managed to save £14.35 yesterday and was even more surprised when ny shopping was paid for too. I do wonder though why men insist on putting things in the trolley that are not on the list? I did get a few items that weren't on the list but only because I visited what is commonly known as the whoopsie shelf and managed to get a load of bargains.
I have done a bit of studying this weekend and attempted to write another assignment but think it is rather pointless my tutor still isnt marking them due to her op that she had a few weeks' ago. I am off to the eye hospital tomorrow so hopefully I will be able to get rid of the dilating drops and I will poke my head in with the dispensing optician to see if my much needed glasses have arrived - it is causing me real problems as I have tons of venues to visit and yet I cannot go anywhere. Tomorrow, I have a mystery shop lined up and I need to complete this form and send it to the council - I tried to get an appointment at the neighbourhood office but cannot get one for another 3 weeks and the council need a reply within 14 days!!
I have been giving debt advice, wedding advice and even business advice on a forum so I have been busy in other ways - just not in wedding ways as such.
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
A damp Tuesday
Today, the Institute of Professional Wedding Planners sent me an email containing a link to the logo that I am allowed to display on my website and stationery. I felt that it was a good time to add the logo for the Federation of Small Businesses too and as it is a rather complicated (well, it is for me) process I contacted Laura at the printers, she agreed to make the additions for me and charged me £23 which isnt unreasonable considering coding is involved. There will be space on the front page for the Events Planning logo too when I have finished that course.
I ventured into the rain today to go to town to see Laura and pay my dues as well as looking for a vanity case to keep my emergency kit in, one of the planners suggested I use a handbag but that doesnt look very professional and I would feel like a right twit walking round with two handbags. I looked in quite a few shops but the choice was somewhat limited so I eventually settled on a hard Antler case which has a carry handle and a detachable shoulder strap. I chose it because it has a myriad of pockets plus it will last me a lifetime, it was also the best that I could afford.
On arriving home, I found a large envelope had been wedged inside my postbox - it was a letter from the Institute and contained my diploma as well as a press release with plenty of instructions, I need to amend the press release as it give my personal number and states that I will be setting up a business - I have already set it up LOL. I am only going to submit it to the Chamber of Commerce for their Chamberlink magazine - they may use it, they may not but I know they are always on the look out for interesting and unusual businesses.
I decided today that I will write to the General Manager of Selfridges in Birmingham because they don't have a wedding section and I think that the store needs one - they have one in Oxford Street, London but who wants to go down there when we are the second city? I shall endeavour to offer them my planning services too - to quote Deborah Meaden "it takes an entrepreneur to spot an opportunity where none existed before" - I wonder if I will become rich and famous like her?
I ventured into the rain today to go to town to see Laura and pay my dues as well as looking for a vanity case to keep my emergency kit in, one of the planners suggested I use a handbag but that doesnt look very professional and I would feel like a right twit walking round with two handbags. I looked in quite a few shops but the choice was somewhat limited so I eventually settled on a hard Antler case which has a carry handle and a detachable shoulder strap. I chose it because it has a myriad of pockets plus it will last me a lifetime, it was also the best that I could afford.
On arriving home, I found a large envelope had been wedged inside my postbox - it was a letter from the Institute and contained my diploma as well as a press release with plenty of instructions, I need to amend the press release as it give my personal number and states that I will be setting up a business - I have already set it up LOL. I am only going to submit it to the Chamber of Commerce for their Chamberlink magazine - they may use it, they may not but I know they are always on the look out for interesting and unusual businesses.
I decided today that I will write to the General Manager of Selfridges in Birmingham because they don't have a wedding section and I think that the store needs one - they have one in Oxford Street, London but who wants to go down there when we are the second city? I shall endeavour to offer them my planning services too - to quote Deborah Meaden "it takes an entrepreneur to spot an opportunity where none existed before" - I wonder if I will become rich and famous like her?
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
CLEARING OUT
The weekend was fairly restful and spent doing household tasks and studying.
Yesterday I decided to have a massive clearout in my office which will be continued today. I have accummulated so much rubbish, two sackfuls were binned yesterday and I guess there will be another 2 sackfuls today. I am being mercenary and ditching all catalogues and dodgy looking suppliers and even piles of business cards. It seems quite mean getting rid of business cards but one bridal shop insisted that I have half a box but they were given to me loose and I have nowhere to store them so I have binned them (I kept two). I am trying to make space for another set of galvanised shelves which I need to try and erect myself or find someone to help me, then I can move my desk to in front of the window and put the shelves where my desk is now.
I also rang Wedding Professional magazine as I haven't received a copy for a while - they no longer produce it which is a great shame as it was useful for planners like myself. Today I have contacted the Federation of Small Businesses because I haven't been able to log in - I have since discovered that the code printed on my membership card is too short and two letters were missing off the end. Now I can access all areas - I want to look at the various contracts to see if there is one that I could use for the events side of my business.
My website was also updated to recognise the fact that I can now offer new services - I also updated my facebook site. I am also making plans for the various trade shows that I want to attend: Autumn Fair, Events UK and BBEH - the last one is difficult because it is held in Harrogate which isnt the easiest place to get to from Birmingham, I may have to take the train and I hate trains especially having to change trains and then there is accommodation to sort out.
I am due to meet with one of my fellow planners this week as she has just set up her business - at the same time I hope to be able to buy a vanity case to put my assorted bits of emergency kit in - I still need to get a few more things for it, this will be lodged as a business expense. I am sad that Woolworths folded as I would have been able to get a few things from them such as a sewing kit, safety pins etc from their haberdashery department. I also miss the pick n mix too LOL.
Its a fairly mundane day today - I am hoping that my new glasses will be ready this week so that I can see to drive and therefore make appointments to visit venues.
Yesterday I decided to have a massive clearout in my office which will be continued today. I have accummulated so much rubbish, two sackfuls were binned yesterday and I guess there will be another 2 sackfuls today. I am being mercenary and ditching all catalogues and dodgy looking suppliers and even piles of business cards. It seems quite mean getting rid of business cards but one bridal shop insisted that I have half a box but they were given to me loose and I have nowhere to store them so I have binned them (I kept two). I am trying to make space for another set of galvanised shelves which I need to try and erect myself or find someone to help me, then I can move my desk to in front of the window and put the shelves where my desk is now.
I also rang Wedding Professional magazine as I haven't received a copy for a while - they no longer produce it which is a great shame as it was useful for planners like myself. Today I have contacted the Federation of Small Businesses because I haven't been able to log in - I have since discovered that the code printed on my membership card is too short and two letters were missing off the end. Now I can access all areas - I want to look at the various contracts to see if there is one that I could use for the events side of my business.
My website was also updated to recognise the fact that I can now offer new services - I also updated my facebook site. I am also making plans for the various trade shows that I want to attend: Autumn Fair, Events UK and BBEH - the last one is difficult because it is held in Harrogate which isnt the easiest place to get to from Birmingham, I may have to take the train and I hate trains especially having to change trains and then there is accommodation to sort out.
I am due to meet with one of my fellow planners this week as she has just set up her business - at the same time I hope to be able to buy a vanity case to put my assorted bits of emergency kit in - I still need to get a few more things for it, this will be lodged as a business expense. I am sad that Woolworths folded as I would have been able to get a few things from them such as a sewing kit, safety pins etc from their haberdashery department. I also miss the pick n mix too LOL.
Its a fairly mundane day today - I am hoping that my new glasses will be ready this week so that I can see to drive and therefore make appointments to visit venues.
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