I’m not T anymore….

This week has been an eventful one. A very long and deep psycho-therapy session earlier in the week, and on top of the hypno sessions I’ve had in recent months, has brought home the facts. For me, it isn’t the XY imbalance, which I’d believed for decades, to be my reason for being T. I now know the reason, am able to deal with it, and have done. Some T-friends have asked me why I need to know. That was my choice, which I decided to take. Anyway, from now, Lisa Karen Devonshire is no more. For the last 30+ months I’d been convinced that there was a certain road to take, and now I realise I didn’t need to go there.

Anyway, this weekend the clothes are coming off the hangers and are being boxed and cleared. Ditto, what’s in the drawers. The make-up is being boxed up, along with the hair, and is going to someone close for safe keeping.

It’ll be no Sparkle for me this weekend, and the start of a new life chapter. Some friends know this already, and as I’ve said to them, we’ll always keep in touch as friends.

Thanks to all for following this blog.

So, it’s goodbye from her…

You are feeling sleepy....

Well after my last hypno-regression session a few weeks ago, I've just found time to book another session next week. It'll be a bit of a marathon, but I'm ready for it.

I have a different perspective on my t-issues these days. I'm certainly more comfortable, and controlling, with the situation now than I was 3-4 months ago, before I'd had any hypno.

Someone asked me a few weeks ago, why I wanted to know the reasons for being as I am. Fair point. I now know, or rather believe, that it's because of a 'conditioning at childhood', rather than me just being born this way. The issue is, 'Is it curable, or do I want it to be?' Certainly, those that know me in the north west may not have seen me out as much in recent months, and that is honestly through choice. I didn't need or want to be Lisa. Another thing going through my mind, is whether it is possible to have another 'purge' in middle age? As that seems to be an age when a lot of my t-pals seem to be most active. I have to admit that on a few occasions in the last few months, when I've seen the dresses in the wardrobe, I've felt that they were just in the way, and was close to putting them all away in boxes.

Another issue is that this time next week, I'll be at Sparkle. I just can't get the enthusiasm for it. I remember the buzz I got from going to the last 2, but this time: zilch.

Can a new up / down / up down /up relationship really be the reason for this?

Maybe next week's hypno will throw some light on things!

A day beside the seaside

Last weekend was the Unique Summer Weekend at the Edelweiss Hotel in Colwyn Bay. Teela from Transpose has asked Natalie and myself to go over for the day, and man (?) the stall that they were setting up for the delegates. I was really hoping for a hot and sunny day, to wear my new long white summer skirt; however it wasn’t to be, so I settled on a brown patterned vest and beige pleated trousers. The weather was dry, but generally cloudy.

We met at the shop at 10, loaded up the car with bits to sell and then got to the hotel about an hour later. We were met by the chairperson from Unique, and shown where to set up the stall in the dining room. We were to be the only stall in there. Whilst they were still preparing the room for us, we took tea in the sitting room, where we met some of the other residents who were still recovering from the events there the previous evening. I can’t go into too much detail here; I was surprised to find a baseball bat half-shoved under one of the settee’s though.

I remember having met some of the girls at the Christmas buffet I went to last year, some of whom were a pleasure to catch up with again. Later on, Anna and Catherine from the MCC choir turned up, so it was good to see some more familiar friends.

Overall, the day was relatively quiet. Teela probably sold more wigs than anything else, although there was a good range of items on sale. I even managed to get a complimentary manicure and polish from Tilly! She had put together a snack for us so that did us for lunch, where I was also sold the concept of getting an Easi-Yo from QVC.

We were going to stay for the dinner, but our circumstances changed during the day, so we packed up and got away about 6-ish. After unpacking back at the shop, I finally got home about 8 pm. So there I was, a Saturday night ahead, and ready to party. Then the phone rang: a special friend asked me what I was doing later, so out came the ROC cleansing wipes, nail varnish remover, and it was quickly back to bob mode for a further wonderful 36 hours!

LBD

In the spare wardrobe is a lovely plain black Max Mara dress, a timeless classic, with little sparkly diamonds on it. It's been in there for a few years, and was left by my ex when she moved out. In the past, I'd tried it on, but couldn't get the zip up more than halfway.

I tried it on again this week, after having lost a few inches from my chest in recent months. I can now zip it up fully, and it fits perfectly!

Bliss!

Shopping time

Three visits to Cheshire Oaks in the last 4 days: yes, things are getting back to normal, and I’m enjoying the interaction with other shoppers and staff. It was pleasant to get back to Phase Eight, where I picked up a lovely blouse, reduced from £45 to £13.50. The sales assistant was great fun, telling me about her recent fab family vacation to Vegas. A surreal moment: I was trying on a blouse and 2 dresses in the far cubicle, and wasn’t in any hurry. After a few minutes, I heard one of the girls ask: ‘Is everything alright? Lady in the far cubicle?!’

I also had a bit of time in Next Clearance, where I picked up a jacket, black velvet skinny jeans, shorts and a long white floaty skirt. Had to take the jacket back on Saturday though, as I’d picked up a size 16, but I must have dropped a size in the last few months!

On Wednesday night I also made my first visit to my local Tesco. It was late on in the evening, and I had long enough to pick up a basket-load of basics. The double-take from the young check out girl when she looked was a picture, and the smile that she returned was lovely!

‘Normal’ service has resumed....

Some friends will know why I’ve not been around much in person for the last few months, and why I’ve spent even less time keeping the blog up to date. It’s not that I haven’t been out and about, although those times have been less frequent in recent months.

A special relationship was the reason, which opened up ways of looking at personal issues from different angles, partly through hypno therapy analysis. I thought I’d cracked a certain issue, and then about 10 days ago something else happened, which threw everything back up in the air again.

So, single again, life goes on.....and, I’m back.

Ouch, again.

But not really though. I had session 2 of the IPL about 10 days ago. I can hardly call it painful. Just an occasional flash and a bit of burning, and that's it. I felt like parts of my face were a bit sunburnt for a few hours later, and that was it.

I think that in the next few days a few of the dark hairs will fall out, and for now, I've got a few bare patches on my chin and lower neck.

The worst part is putting on a high SPF cream.....no sun allowed!

I had a cunning....

plan...!

So much has happened in the few weeks since we looked at the possibility of taking part in Comic Relief. The idea was for me to work the reception at the salon in town for the day, whilst everyone would be dressed as pirate princesses! The theory seemed ok at the time, and plans were being made in good time. Then, during those few weeks, the friendship with the boss developed into something else, and, as some friends will have seen, Jan and I have started to get out into the Village together, and we'll be out again for the Concord meal tonight.

I'll still be keeping this diary going, but it might be looked at from a slightly different perspective in future!

Perspectives?

Last Sunday after Mass, I went for a meal in to town with some friends from Church. As usual, its a friendly mix of TS and TV, but this time we had a GG with us who I was out with for only the second time. A very lovely and friendly girl who has an amazing life challenge. She has to take 28 tablets a day to survive (that's 26 more than me!), her body immunity system is shot to pieces, and she can't work regularly. She has to watch what she eats, and suffers after certain foods, so that she can still have a social life. And boy, can she talk for England!

Yes, I did go back to her flat afterwards (no etchings involved) to try out a very scrummy home-made apple crumble mix!I've also learnt a little bit more about the L side of LGTB!

Thanks D, for your friendship!

Ouch!

I had my first IPL laser session last weekend.

Roll on July, when it’ll mostly be over. But, no sunbathing until then?!

Ditto for two ...

The last fortnight has been a hectic one, with family coming over from all over Europe and having to ferry them around with airport, relative visit runs etc. Despite that, and what with trying to grind out extra work for the business, there’s still been an opportunity for some L-time. The difference this time also was that I had big sis to accompany me socially.

Last Wednesday was a pleasant evening meal at Velvet for 8 of us, when June came over from Ireland. Also managed to bump in to Jane Maybe in Canal Street, forever the girl-about-town!

If it’s Thursday, then it’s Cheshire Oaks time, and last week I went over with my sis for a couple of hours of browsing. Phase Eight had a few lovely dresses, but I wasn’t in the mood for spending excessively, and settled on some jewellery from East. The whole area was quiet though. On Friday we went over to the Trafford Centre, and that place was buzzing. Something to do with an event on the following day. The MAC girls were pleasant as usual, but had little time for chat as it was busy. The lovely girls on La Prairie however had loads of time to talk! Vicky from the fragrances in Selfridges was very friendly and we met up with her and work friends in Dexters afterwards, where we had our meal (and shared one of those massive ice-cream desserts, with the spicy choccy sauce!).

Evans had some new ranges of footwear that were quite attractive, and will be worth going back to try out again soon.

Then last night there were 11 of us in Velvet again for the monthly Northern Angels meal; well, with 50% off the food bill this month, it means we get out twice as often. It was pleasant also to have our T-jetsetter Jenny D join us at Tribeca for a drink beforehand. A bit of a short evening though, as we had to be up at 5 a.m. for the airport run. It still seemed that there was a decent-sized delegation of Northern Angels in Nap’s afterwards!

I have a cunning……..

...plan.

Friday 13th March.

It’s Comic Relief Day.

If things fall into place, I will be participating, in public.

Excuse me!

Coming home late after a night out a few weeks ago, I drove past a guy in a suit who was wobbling along the road, a bit the worse for wear, about 100 yards from my home, 3 miles out from town. People rarely walk along here in the daytime, never mind at 2 in the morning.

So I get home, reverse up the drive, and as soon as I stop the car, this guy appears at the top of the drive, about 10 feet from the car and starts shouting ‘Excuse me’. I was sure next doors dogs were going to start barking, and this guy could see me sat in my car, but I was in no hurry to get out of the car, or talk to him, as in his state you couldn’t have had a simple conversation with him! So I waited, and he stood there, and kept saying ‘Excuse me’. I thought any moment now he’s going to set the dogs off, and then wake the neighbours up, so we had a stand-off! He just wasn’t going away, and I wasn’t going to get out of the car whilst he was there.

So there was only one thing for it…. Turn the engine on and drive out on to the road, and drive round my village! I don’t think there’s anything else I could have done!

I passed him on the way back home, heading off in the general direction of town.

Shopping friends

Well, not exactly in that sense, but it was back to Cheshire Oaks again earlier this evening, to see what was new in my favourite shops.

I must admit the girls in Phase Eight are very friendly, and make me welcome each time I go in there these days. They even remember my size now, and if I’m in the changing room, bring other items for me to try on, saying ‘I thought you might like this!’

Well, that is good service! Almost a personal shopper service!

At lunchtime I’d been into Jan’s place, for a leg waxing. Only 2 hours long this time, but still long enough for a good chat and gossip. We even talked about some voluntary reception work there for me. Hmmm, the daytime work is going to have to pick up a bit…..!

What's occuring?

There was previously a phenomenon known as ‘turbo-trannying’, which I’ve gone through, and I now need a new description for my activities. For the first 4 weeks of this year, I’ve probably spent about 70% of the time living as Lisa. That’s not only at evenings and when I’m working from home in the day, now that I’ve the house to myself, but also includes several shopping and social trips out.

Last week I took a massive step and went out in my home town, something I’ve wanted to do for so long. I came across a Beauty Salon that I’ve visited 4 times in the last week for various bits. Nowadays I tell new girls that I meet about my L-life, and show them the usual photos. Often they ask Lisa to come in, so this time I did, and we had a bit of girly banter for a bit. After that I thought I’d go to La Senza and try on the new double-gel bras that they are now selling, but unfortunately the shops were closing by this time. I thought that as it was Thursday then there’s one large old department store open until 7pm, but when I got there, it too was closed. So it was just a chance to walk around the town at the end of the day, and just to mingle with people on their way home. All quite normal, really. I thought I’d get across to Next on the out of town Retail Park, but that was rubbish in there, and I stayed for about 10 minutes, before heading off to Cheshire Oaks for some proper retail therapy!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!