Saturday 28 September 2013

My latest brace adjustment appointment

Apologies for not blogging for so long on this subject, but progress has been so slow that I genuinely think that missing a post won't matter.

It's eleven weeks since the last adjustment I blogged about. These weeks were uneventful and even my previous adjustment appointment left me with nothing to report. I've now had my braces for eleven months and had my latest appointment at the orthodontist this week.

My bite has been fairly stable recently, meaning that my molar that seems to take most of the brunt of my teeth clashing has settled down. That meant that I wasn't dreading the appointment quite as much as I normally do. The surgery was in a bit of turmoil as their computer system was down. As such, I had to fill in a new patient form, just so they had a record that I'd been there, and to check there wasn't anything they should be aware of. After that it was a quick chat about where my biting point was (primarily a front incisor catching on a bottom bracket) and then into the chair.

My wires took a bit of wiggling to come out, showing that they were still active. My orthodontist then spent quite a long time bending the wires. My top wire still has a bend by my second incisor which was set back, but now it's also bent to exaggerate the curve, to try to widen my bite slightly. The bottom wire is bent upwards, to encourage my premolars to move up, and my molars to move down. It's all very clever. Despite all the bending the wires went in easily. You can see slight chips in the white coating on the wires in the picture below, which show where the wires have been bent. It's a bit of a mess, and so a good job that I'm really not bothered what my braces look like any more!


In the few days since my appointment my premolars are definitely sore, and my troublesome molar is slightly tender, so the bent wires are definitely doing something. As I said to my orthodontist, I'm just bored of it all now, and can't wait to be wire free. I just need to carry on being patient as it'll be worth it in the end.

Bristol Fashion Week - Autumn / Winter 2013


I was lucky enough to be invited to the live blogging event at Bristol Fashion Week, which took place yesterday at Cribbs Causeway shopping centre to the north of Bristol. This was my first bloggers' event, so I didn't really know what to expect.

I picked up my blogger's pass from the information centre and joined the queue outside the pavilion. Before long we all moved inside where there were complimentary drinks and snacks. Any platinum or silver ticket holder were ushered through, and once they were in the seats, the rest of us were shown through.
 
River Island were first up. The fashions were a little edgy, as you'd expect, with graffiti and the season's favourites of tartan and red.


 After the River Island section, Mark Heyes and Andrew Barton took to the stage, to explain how the next hour would pan out and keep the audience entertained.


The next segment was from John Lewis, featuring dresses made from dark floral materials, which will be one of the season's key looks.


After John Lewis came womenswear from Wallis, featuring little black (or purple) dresses, with jewellery from Accessorize. Don't worry about the first model, she hasn't got a nasty eye infection, there was a pirate theme.



Marks and Spencer were up next with plenty of animal print, alongside jewellery from Ernest Jones and sunglasses from Sunglass Hut.

 

The J D Sports section was very different, with models banging (and sitting on) oil drums. The sportswear looked good though, almost enough to get me to the gym.


In complete contrast, CC Viyella and Austin Reed came next, bringing a little class and elegance to the show. Not a shop I'd ever been in, but having seen their collections, I may nip in for a browse around.


The next section was the model makeover. The team had identified a model who'd lost her confidence after having a baby recently. She looked better in the 'before' photo than I do when fully made up, so I can't believe they had too tough a job! She was made over and escorted up and down the runway, to show off her outfit. Nice red jeans!


Ann Summers was always going to be a tricky one. There were a few murmurs of discontent that the girls were in their underwear and flimsy lace dresses, whilst the men were in suits from Next, but hey, I guess this wasn't the time or place for an animal thong.

 

John Lewis were back on next, with plenty of little red (and blue) dresses.


They were followed by Fat Face doing what they do best, casual wear.




Lipsy glammed things up with their party wear, together with more menswear from Next.

 
 
 Marks and Spencer were the last show on the catwalk, with their winter whites and a ballerina.


The show finished with outfits from a number of retailers, all showing season's key features of red and tartan. The model in this first one is stunning, who says that redheads shouldn't wear red??


With that, the doors opened and we headed off to collect our goody bags. I enjoyed the show much more than I'd expected to, and I'm hoping to be invited to the next event were the Spring / Summer 2014 collections are previewed.

If I had any feedback on the event it would be that it was a little frustrating as the first two rows of seats were taken up by the platinum and silver ticket holders, and the space at the end of the runway reserved for people who were working at the show. As such, it was difficult to find a spot to take half decent photos from. I'd have hoped as a live blogging event, there'd be a spot put aside for bloggers who want to take photographs. If anyone can let me know if there is a way of getting a coveted end of runway spot, I'd be very grateful! It was also a little odd that the health and safety type announcements in advance of the show told the audience not to use unauthorised cameras and to turn off phones, which seemed an odd instruction at a live blogging event. Good job we ignored them!

 I hope you've enjoyed looking through the photos, if you've seen anything you want to buy everything should be available from the aforementioned retailers. Equally, I'd love to hear what you think of the key looks for the season.

The Liebster Blogger Award

I had a message on Twitter a few weeks back letting me know that Louisa from Duck in a Dress had nominated me for a Liebster Award, before I could upload a post I'd also been nominated by Michelle of Life out of London. Amazing!


I'd uploaded a Liebster Award post at the start of the year, but was new to blogging and had very few readers, so hopefully no-one will mind if I repeat myself slightly, after all, I'm sure no-one remembers my post from the first time around!

The Liebster Award is to encourage up and coming bloggers who have fewer then 200 followers. It's a good way of discovering new blogs that you might not otherwise happen across.
 The Rules

The nominees must link back to the blogger who nominated them;
if you are nominated, write "11 Random Facts" about yourself;
answer the 11 questions given to you by your nominee;
nominate 11 blogs / bloggers who have 200 or fewer followers;
make up 11 new questions to be answered by the bloggers you have nominated; and
notify your nominees so that they can join in.
 
11 Random Facts About Me...
 
I got married in a tree house 
I'd love to emigrate to Sydney one day 
I used to be able to solve a Rubik's cube in less than 60 seconds 
I frequented the same newsagent as Fred West 
When I bought my first house, I painted each room a different colour 
My favourite animal is an echidna 
I love cars and used to be a real petrol head 
I'm secretly a bit of a geek 
I once had to take a day off work as my fake tan had gone so badly wrong 
Although I live in suburbia I love the open countryside and hope to move back there someday 
I love, love, love Chelsea buns

My Questions from Louisa

What's the story behind your blog's name?
When I started my blog, I knew I wanted it to be a lifestyle blog and wanted to write about things that provoked a strong reaction in me. I thought that 'Things that make me go aagghh!' would just about cover anything I'd want to write about. I know it's a bit long and unwieldy, but it's kind of stuck.


If you could choose any career in the world, what would you do?
 I'd love to work in a wedding dress shop, but knowing me, I wouldn't be content to just work there, I'd want to run it. I'm really organised, and so taking the wedding theme a little further, I think I'd be suited as a wedding planner. I think that would give me enough to keep me busy!


What special super power would you like?
Probably the ability to fly. It'd get me out of traffic jams, mean that if I was running late I could arrive on time and no doubt be fun!


Are you a tea or coffee person? Or neither?
After a spell of heart palpitations I was encouraged to give up caffeine. As such, I've pretty much given up coffee and only drink decaffeinated tea, which really isn't the same. I miss a nice pot of Twining breakfast tea!


Printed paper books or ebooks?
 I've only had a Kindle for about a year, but I'm a convert. It's much easier to transport on holiday than a pile on books, and easier to read in the dark and lying down. What's not to like?


What would be your specialist subject on BBC's Mastermind?
 I've never put any thought to it, maybe the collected works of Robbie Williams??
 

Is there anywhere in the World you've never visited and would really like to?
 Probably Norway, but not necessarily because it's Norway. I have a burning desire to see the Northern Lights, and hopefully going as far north as possible will give me the best chance. Apart from that I've love to go to New Zealand and Canada at some time.


Which Harry Potter house do you belong to? (apologies if you have no idea what I'm on about)
I came to the whole Harry Potter thing a bit late, and couldn't even remember the names of all the houses. However, this sorting hat quiz (how many questions??) and am Ravenclaw. Hopefully I'd get to hang out with Luna.


Which crafty skill do you wish you were good at?
 I'd love to be able to draw. I've tried, failed and given up.


What's your favourite season of the year and why?
I love Autumn, so we're just into my favourite time of year. I love the leaves changing colour, not feeling guilty about being wrapped up in front of the television with candles lit, and being dressed in boots, scarves and my trusty bodywarmer.
 

If you could bring back one children's TV programme from your childhood, what would it be?
Probably the Adventure Game, I loved it when I was younger, and I'm sure people would still watch it now.

My Questions from Michelle

1. What's your signature dance move? 
2. Who's your hero? 
3. What's your best fancy dress triumph? Extra points if you've got a picture! 
4. What was the last thing that made you belly laugh? 
5. What do you want to be when you grow up? 
6. Cats suck, dogs rule - discuss! 
7. What's your worst habit? 
8. Is there a story behind your blogs' name? I want to hear it! 
9. What's the thing you like most about yourself? 
10. Why did you start blogging? 
11. Batman or Superman? 
- See more at: http://lifeoutoflondon.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/leibster-award.html#sthash.ML87sBmk.dpuf
1. What's your signature dance move? 
2. Who's your hero? 
3. What's your best fancy dress triumph? Extra points if you've got a picture! 
4. What was the last thing that made you belly laugh? 
5. What do you want to be when you grow up? 
6. Cats suck, dogs rule - discuss! 
7. What's your worst habit? 
8. Is there a story behind your blogs' name? I want to hear it! 
9. What's the thing you like most about yourself? 
10. Why did you start blogging? 
11. Batman or Superman? 
- See more at: http://lifeoutoflondon.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/leibster-award.html#sthash.ML87sBmk.dpuf
What's your signature dance move?
Great question, but I have literally no idea. I think I just shuffle from foot to foot, moving my arms a little. Sounds amazing, doesn't it?!

Who's your hero?
It's a bit gushy, but probably my husband. He's not had the best of luck with his health, but generally just downs a couple of painkillers and gets on with things. I've had a few health worries myself this year and it's made me realise how well he does not to let things get to him.

What's your best fancy dress triumph? Extra points if you've got a picture!
Probably when we decided at the last minute to go to a friend's 70s party. With no time to shop it was literally a case of trying my best to resemble someone from Abba with some flares, a scarf around my head and some flower power jewellery!

What was the last thing that made you belly laugh?
You know, I can't think of a specific thing, although I do it a lot. It's normally just either my husband or I say something or do something and we set each other off and end up with tears rolling down our cheeks.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I went through a phase of wanting to be a nurse, but I think that was purely my liking for a uniform and being able to boss people around for a job. I think that had passed by the time I reached eight. By then I just wanted to have a dog, or dogs. Career was no longer the most important thing.

Cats suck, dogs rule - discuss!
See above! I don't dislike cats (apart from the ones that crap in our garden), but the loyalty of dogs appeals. Dogs want to spend time with you, cats make you feel like they're doing you a favour by gracing you with their presence.

What's your worst habit?
I'm a complete spendaholic. I'm much better than I used to me, I no longer have anything unworn in my wardrobe with the tags still attached, but I still spend an awful lot on clothes, make up and anything shiny. Trying to control it is a constant battle!

Is there a story behind your blog's name? I want to hear it!
See my answer for Louisa above.

What's the thing you like most about yourself?
My self belief. I didn't do well at school, and ended up with a pretty unimpressive degree from a pretty unimpressive institution, but I refused to be defeated. I've worked hard and been tenacious and managed to get myself a good job in a well respected profession. I'm also married to a pretty awesome bloke (don't tell him I said that), despite thinking that would never happen given my track record with men!

Why did you start blogging?
I think I just wanted an outlet. Much as I can talk to my husband, I wanted a wider audience, particuarly for my travel blogs and photographs. I hoped that some of my posts would be useful to people going to similar places or going through similar experiences to me.

Batman or Superman?
Superman, despite that whole pants over the top of tights thing.
1. What's your signature dance move? 
2. Who's your hero? 
3. What's your best fancy dress triumph? Extra points if you've got a picture! 
4. What was the last thing that made you belly laugh? 
5. What do you want to be when you grow up? 
6. Cats suck, dogs rule - discuss! 
7. What's your worst habit? 
8. Is there a story behind your blogs' name? I want to hear it! 
9. What's the thing you like most about yourself? 
10. Why did you start blogging? 
11. Batman or Superman? 
- See more at: http://lifeoutoflondon.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/leibster-award.html#sthash.ML87sBmk.dpuf

The 11 Bloggers that I'm nominating

I only nominated four last time, as I read so few blogs:
Andrew at The View from my Soapbox
Michelle from Ananyah
Charley from News from Newies
Dawn of Dawniepopsies

My seven extras this time are:
Becca Louisa of Becca Louisa 
Sian of Just Dory
Alison of Rock and Glitter 
Sarah of Slap Snap 
Rhiannon of The Sparkly Panda 
Lisa Marie of This Girl Is... 

Questions for my nominees... 

If you were invisible for a day, where would you go and what would you do? 
Have you ever Googled yourself and been surprised by what you found? 
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? 
What is the best book you've read? 
What is your favourite film? 
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? 
What was the last song or album you bought or downloaded? 
If you could only take three items to a desert island, what would you choose? 
What is your guilty pleasure?
What is your most treasured possession? 
What three words would you use to describe yourself? 
  
Please let me know if you respond, I'm looking forward to reading your posts!