Friday 30 January 2009

Nicola and James

Out at the weekend with a group of friends for dinner and some drinks, we got separated in the various bars and dancing areas that we visited in the Village. I was enjoying a bop in Via, with some of the girls, when they went over to the quiet area, I found myself dancing in a corner and starting chatting to Nicola (yes, a blonde) and her partner James, who were visiting Manchester for the weekend from Newcastle.

We must have chatted on and off for about a good hour, talking to Nicola about breasts, body padding, clothes, and things-t, and with James about the female necessity for buying £400 designer handbags, and then a £4 top and £5 skirt from Primark to go with it. It was funny to have a foot in both camps, being able to agree and disagree with them depending on the subject. I’m not worried that I was able to agree with Nicola on more things than with James, though.

Thursday 29 January 2009

T-time

I’ve been spending a fair bit of time at the Trafford Centre in the evenings during the last few weeks, just browsing around and chatting to some lovely girls who work on various counters in the big stores at Selfridges and John Lewis. Carol from Dior has given me a load of skin care samples, and a lovely brown mascara sample to try out. She’s lovely.

Then a couple of weeks ago I had the full-on makeover from Emmalee at MAC, after they’d cancelled the one booked for the week before due to staff sicknesses! She did a great job, and was pleased herself. She said that most MAC t-makeovers are done at Kendals on Deansgate, where it’s a bit more private. I hadn’t given it any thought, the fact that they take all your makeup off and start again, with people passing by behind you. It made me think how terrified I was 2 years ago going in to the MAC branch in Liverpool, for my first time.

Wednesday 28 January 2009

Basics shopping

I’m enjoying my supermarket shopping these days! That’s 3 times in the last 10 days, with 2 evening visits to Tesco at Handforth Dean, and last week I went to my local Sainsbury’s. Ok, I’m not going in the middle of Saturday afternoon yet, but it’s a start. It was one of the remaining items on my ‘to do’ t-list.

I didn’t know that Sainsbury’s had such a range of clothing, and took the opportunity to try on and buy 2 lovely TU blouses in their sale.

In future I might just get there 30 minutes earlier each time I go, and chance it with a few more people there.

Is that man having his nails done?

I was in the beauty salon last week having a repair done to one of my acrylics. The work table is in the window, so sometimes people stop and look in. when I was there, this lady in her 60’s came in. She was elegantly dressed and well spoken – very ‘Cheshire-set’. She asked Angie if an appointment was needed, whilst glancing and curiously smiling over at me.

Angie asked her to check at the reception on the next floor if they were free. I found out later, when Jan came down to tell us, that she had been asking about the man downstairs having his nails done, which had surprised her.

Jan had said to her, ‘Oh he’s always in here. A regular customer’.

Not sure if she told her about the waxing etc!

Monday 26 January 2009

Christmas-time in Manchester

In mid December we had the 3rd Annual Northern Angels Christmas meal. It seems to be that we have this at Villaggio’s traditionally and they always look after us well there. So it was another long t-weekend, and I stayed at the Place apartments with Kaz from Scotland. On the Friday evening we went over to the Trafford Centre for some t-retail therapy. It was busier than we expected, but had no hassle, and shopped, browsed, and had a meal in the burger restaurant in the food area. Vicky from Selfridges joined us for a bit; she is very friendly, and has asked us to join her for a drink after work on a Friday in future.

After we got back to the Place, it was time for some dancing, so we got changed and headed out. I’d decided on wearing my new black heels, which I’d bought that evening. Big mistake. By the time we’d walked 200 yards, they were rubbing, so I had to turn back and change my shoes. I didn’t want to develop blisters which then would have ruined the weekend. So Kaz carried on meeting up with Di, and I went back. When I got back to the apartment, I just didn’t have the energy to change my shoes and go back out, so I had a warm drink and went to bed!

On the Saturday we had decided to go shopping in town, but Di didn’t show up for the roll-call (another late night!), so Kaz and I started off in King Street. I like it here; not too chavvy. We split up, as Kaz always likes to head straight for Monsoon. I tried on a lovely top in Planet, which I bought. Then after browsing in Hobbs and a couple of other shops, headed for Monsoon, but there was no sign of Kaz. I did ask one of the assistants if she’d seen a stunning blonde with ‘to die for’ cheekbones, but she hadn’t. So I sent her a text and headed for Kendals on Deansgate. I must have been in here for an hour, trying on various outfits in their sales. It was crowded, but not uncomfortable. I got 1 or 2 looks from the bloke half of couples, but on the basis of ‘it takes one to know one’, I wasn’t that bothered. These people don’t give you lingering stares, as long as you just get on with your business being confident.

After a few texts I’d caught up with Kaz, who by now had met up with Di so we agreed to meet up at Ama-zing in High Street. This was funny. This shop has got some great clothes, but sometimes is a bit chavvy, with kids being dragged in to there who don’t want to be there. This was the case when we were there. Kaz, Di and I were browsing around, and trying things on in the changing rooms, when Di said she’d heard one of the bored kids, sat on the step, say ‘Look, there’s another one!’ we must have made their day!

Afterwards we just had time for a leisurely coffee in Tribeca before heading back to get changed for our party night out.

I’d settled on my new black and gold halter neck dress; just right for a Saturday night out. The girls were all meeting at Tribeca, and we took over the upstairs lounge. This was a first time for a few of the girls, as they hadn’t met up with the group before, plus a few girls had come from different parts of the country. It’s nice to think that our meals have this interest from so far afield. This GG girl in there got really friendly and complimentary, and insisted on having her photo taken with me; as it was all friendly then I didn’t object. The attention was quite flattering! I think there were nearly 30 of us at the meal, and it was a great atmosphere at Villaggio’s, as expected. San tried to burn the restaurant down with a lit napkin, and Di’s skirt caught fire, but they still said we could come back in future. After that it was over to Velvet’s bar, to listen to some grooves, and then most went to Nap’s. Somehow, I don’t remember how, Justine and I ended up in a straight club on Whitworth Street, after dancing for a while in Via. Now that was an experience, and we arranged to get back there in the New Year and visit a few more ‘proper music’ clubs!

Nap’s was the usual Saturday night experience, where we met up with the rest of our group who had stayed out; you have to grin and bear it, music-wise. Sometimes it’s just too cheesy for me in there.

I recall we had to take someone back to her hotel, so the 2 Kates, Kaz, Di and I kind of shuffled our way to the Days Inn. By this time it was about 4am, and Kaz and I got approached by 2 party girls and a bloke in Charles Street, still wanting to know where they could party. They were very friendly to us and we kissed and embraced, and it was one of those feel-good moments that come unexpectedly.

Kaz as usual had to depart early on Sunday for her train north back to the Colonies, and Di was nowhere to be seen. I’d decided I was going to go to Selfridges and buy some Secrets silicone breast enhancers. In Naps the previous evening I was chatting to a GG comparing boobs and she told me about the Mel B gel bra, which when worn with inserts makes a decent difference to chest size. So, I searched out La Senza in Debenhams, and was in there for about 40 minutes, getting my first ever bra fitting, and having a few jokes with the 2 lovely sales girls in there. They gave me a few to try, and now I’m very happy with a more natural result; these days the silicone boobs now stay in their boxes!

It was turning out to be a busy day; later on I went to choir practice and mass at the MCC in Manchester, and then in the evening there was a lovely Christmas
Meal with the church group at Cromers in town. The restaurant was packed, and whilst I got 1 or 2 looks from other diners, by now I was completely in my groove after 48 hours of heavy L-time.

A highly enjoyable weekend!

Sunday 25 January 2009

Mrs K! I’m so pleased!

Out with dear friends in town a couple of weeks ago, I was a bit glum. On the way in to town, I’d popped in to the Trafford Centre to return something to La Senza, and whilst at the centre, I’d lost one of my favourite ear-rings, which I only noticed when I returned to the car. I’d bought them at Pilgrim in Denmark, and whilst I’ve noticed the brand in Browns and John Lewis, they only have a tiny choice. I was that devastated, that I was thinking about getting my ears pierced.

This week I was at Cheshire Oaks, when I came across an actual Pilgrim store, like they have in Denmark. Well, I found my ear-rings on sale in there for £5. Result! Crackin’!

Christmas-time in Blackpool

Renaissance had their annual meal in early December, and I went along with Becky, to join up with about 30 other girls. It was in a private function room in a hotel near the North Pier, and the meal was good, but the seating arrangements were not brilliant. Certainly no top marks for organizational skills there. But, we made the most of it and danced a fair bit, and were later joined by a group of resident pensioners from Liverpool (classic line from the drag DJ when they came in: ‘watch out, mind your handbags!’).

Thanks to Becks and her ‘block-bookings-at-prices-as-cheap-as-chips’ I was able to stay over at the new Travelodge in Blackpool, and then the next day I went over to the Trafford Centre for some Christmas shopping. As I was checking in, there were quite a few smartly dressed couples in the reception area, as I found out they were going to a Rock FM Christmas Charity event. But, sadly, by the time I came down, they’d gone. I think I might have enjoyed mingling for a bit, for the reaction!

Friday 23 January 2009

Burying a demon

Last evening I was able to call closure on an incident that had been on my mind for a few years.

About 9-10 years go, I went for an evening stroll in my home town. I was wearing a dark coat, black skirt and boots, trying to blend in as a woman on the way home from work. Probably the makeup wasn't too brilliant in those days, but I thought I was doing ok, until I came across a group of teenagers in town playing on their skateboards. As I crossed the road at the traffic lights, I heard one say 'That's a bloke', and then as I continued walking past, there was a 'Hey, mister'. This freaked me. I carried on, ignoring them, but had this thought of 5-6 of them following me and pestering me up the road. What would I do? I was in heels, and couldn't walk off quickly. It hadn't happened before, as I'd rarely been outside of the house in those days. There was nowhere to go, as the shops had closed. But as it happened, they didn't follow. It was more important for them to play on their skateboards, rather than bother a tranny. Perspective.

Fast forward to last night. Brown mac, dark trousers, and heels.

I'd popped in to the charity shop in town at 5pm, dropping off some of Bob's clothes. He doesn't need so many now. After that I had an appointment with Rox at the Beauty Clinic. All very cosy, and some friendly teasing with the boss. I left there about 6, and crossed the road, to the place I'd been those years ago, which I recalled. As I got to more or less the same spot, 2 women approached me, and asked for directions to a local bar they were looking for. We talked for about a minute or so, and they went. Total acceptance.

Then, 3 teenagers appeared, on bikes, messing around. Almost deja-vu. They didn't even stop what they were doing, and I walked on by.

Closure, and a happy bunny!

Thursday 22 January 2009

Are you a professional drag queen?

I was in London a few weeks back accompanying Sarah to her appointment at Charing Cross. We drove down for the day for the 4pm appointment, so had a leisurely natter in the car on the way down. Another first for me, taking a comfort break at Oxford Services on the M40. As it was lunch-time, it was like land of the giants in the ladies loo, as there was a coach party of pensioners arriving at the same time as us! All these little old ladies getting under my feet….

We got in to London with an hour to spare so took a Christmas Starbucks across the road. Then at the clinic Sarah went in for her appointment, whilst I chatted to the 2 lovely Aussie receptionists. Afterwards we headed for the shops at Westfield and had a meal in the up-market food hall. It was a great experience! The mall wasn’t all open yet, so the place looked a bit incomplete, with most people just browsing. We found the MAC store, and the first person I saw in there was Ann who had just moved down from the branch at Selfridges in the T Centre. She gave me a mini makeover and a few tips; it was lovely to see a familiar face. After that we headed for the west end for a bit of a stroll. We went to see the ice skaters at Somerset House, and walked over to Covent Garden, but it was a bit quiet. We had a coffee in Charing Cross Road before heading back to the car. On the way back along the road I got stopped by a blonde (seems a familiar story this) called Samara who was convinced we’d met at a party a few months ago in London, she just wouldn’t accept that I’d never met her before, and wanted to show me the photo of us, before realising she didn’t have her camera with her. Eventually she accepted that she was mistaken, and as we chatted generally, asked me ‘Are you a professional drag queen?!’ I still have absolutely no idea how to take that! She was a lovely girl, and we swapped contact details, but I never got a reply!

Sarah and I chatted all the way in the car back to Cheadle, where I met her father. What a lovely, sweet man! In his 80’s, and he wanted to make us tea at 3 in the morning! It was a great day out.

Tuesday 20 January 2009

The Trafford Centre

When I think back to 2 years ago, when I had by first escorted shopping trip to Meadowhall, to nowadays, when I‘m happy to go over shopping to the Trafford Centre on my own, it‘s been quite a journey. In fact, I‘ve been to the T-Centre shopping almost every week in the last 2 months, and also an occasional little venture to Cheshire Oaks, to look and try on a few outfits from my favourite stores.

Nowadays, I really enjoy shopping, and find it’s fun to go into the stores, and be remembered by the staff, and having a chat with them. Last week I went into M&S to find a pair of shoes, but I wasn’t keen on what they had, and everything I tried on didn’t fit. Still it gave me the chance to have a browse in the lingerie area, and stock up with a few essentials. Later on I tried Evans, for their jewellery, and tried on a few of their shoes. I bought a lovely pair of patent black courts, with the heels just a bit shorter than the 4” ones I always wear, for wearing with my trousers.

I had a lovely chat with Emmalee on the MAC counter, who treated me to a mini-makeover, and got me to try the Studio Fix foundation, instead of the Full Cover, which I’ve always used until then. The reason being also is that I’m now using the SuperCover Blue Concealer, which I thinks works far better than the Grimas which I’ve used until now.

Thursday 15 January 2009

The Selfridges Party

Becks, Jane and I had arranged to go over to the Selfridges 10th Birthday Party at the Trafford Centre, early last month. Apparently they were selling 800 tickets, and it was all taking place in the make up area, with free food and drink thrown in, plus a lovely goody bag at the end.

We had a fun time, strolling around and talking to the girls on the various counters, and entering a few competitions as well. Some of the other shoppers in there were also very friendly and chatted with us. There were 1 or 2 double takes, but by and large, it was a lovely and friendly atmosphere, with hardly any blokes in there, as you’d expect, really. The MAC girls looked after us really well, and we all had a mini-eye makeover done by Melyssia, who’s a lovely and friendly babe. I bought some lovely eye shadows from them for the party season.

We must have stayed there until about 11pm, and it had really emptied out by that time, but we’d had such a lovely experience, and made some new friends on the counters.

Tuesday 13 January 2009

Belated Happy Birthday Mrs K!

We had a lovely meal and evening out at Velvet in Manchester a few Saturdays ago, to celebrate Mrs K’s birthday!
Velvet was great as usual; not too busy at 8pm, but later on filled up, but that was where it lets itself down, as the service becomes very slow. The food was excellent, the pudding was fab, and the company was greater! I had one surreal moment in the loo’s, when a gorgeous blonde in a lbd came out of one of the cubicles, and we started chatting, as we ‘powdered’. She was very friendly, and even shared some of her Agent Provocateur with me. I know what I want for Christmas now!