Intro Blog
So hey, this is my first blog. Let me first of all, tell you a brief little description about me and what has lead me to this point in time, and the reasons for me doing what I'm currently doing. I'm a mother of one to the most amazing Lily who is 4 years old, and soon to be mother of two, come January. Along with my husband Lloyd and three hairy babies, my cocker spaniel girls; Bella, Pippa and Lola. All very mischievous in their own right. We make the carter household, and all live together in a mad but very happy house, full of the usual chores of everyday living. My back ground is very much in customer relations. Having worked for selfridges & co for 7 years, which I loved. Mainly because I met some of my best friends there. During my time with them I studied floristry at college and set up my very own florist shop in Melton Mowbray - the home of pork pie and Stilton. The shop didn't work out for one reason or another. Mainly because of staffing the shop, as I couldn't afford to give up selfridges or employ someone to else work in the shop. But there we go. Time passed and me and Lloyd got married in the year 2010 and in 2012 little Lily was born. All was going rather well until selfridges made me redundant while on maternity leave. 2 weeks before my due date. ( I found out on Facebook) pretty rubbish. It was either that, or I had the choice to commute to their flag ship store in London ( yeah right, I'd just bought a house and had a baby in Leicestershire??) So after that, I was busy for a while doing baby stuff and getting used to gluten free living, after being diagnosed with cealiac disease. This was seriously tough as a lover of bread and pastry. Also during this time, I did the odd wedding flowers for friends and family. Keeping my finger on the pulse as it where. I also designed a website, this has since been sold, but it was a one stop party planning shop - which was aimed at anyone organising a party on any budget. I had a lot of fun doing this as I just love the prep work and planning of a good party, be it a children's party or wedding. And all the different ideas and possible themes there could be, not forgetting all the amazing suppliers there are. On the other end of the spectrum, I helped out family members with their rental properties. Which I enjoyed too. Lloyd and I then decided (well, we had no choice) but for me to go back to work as money was tight. As I'd helped family members and had a great interest in property ( favorite program being homes under the hammer) I thought estate agency was the way to go. And I landed myself a little 4 day job in my local village for a well known estate agency brand. It was all working out fine, my mum who also lived in the same village, looked after lily and I would go to work, checking in on dogs on my lunch and being able to actually have my lunch around my mums with Lily. It was great. For a while that was. until Lily had a bout in hospital with breathing issues. Upon my return, my boss changed somewhat, and asked me to prioritise my life. ( I thought I was, my daughter came first. Always) At this comment he then threatened to reduce my hours as he did not find me reliable enough as I had a daughter, and that I was not working to the business needs. I had 2 days off!! Anyway, time passed and I hung on in there, mainly because it was so darn convenient. Anyways, let's skip forward nearly 2 years and this brings us up to more current times. So, after my pregnancy announcement to my boss, in the same breath as congratulating me, he then said we needed to discuss a reduction in hours ( just mine that was). Then, to cut a very long and boring story short he terminated my contract, thus making me redundant. Joy of joys ey. Yes there are still people like this out there in the world. One which I am currently trying to battle. But that's life I guess. Just one hurdle after another. So let's tune in to something more cheery and positive. This news of redundancy has jerked me into restarting my floristry path. Much more pretty, less stressy, more happy cheeryness involved and more importantly, I'm my own boss. A mum boss. I am in control of my own destiny. Cheesy I know, but it's much better then it being controlled by some backwards thinking twit who still thinks we're working in the Bronze Age. Plus, I've been told that I'm pretty good at doing flowers! So, I have devised a plan. With the help of my loyal steed, that is lloyd - and with his editing skills and funky beat rifts, I will be delving into the world of vlogs. Eeek! Apologies in advance for the no make up one's ... And for my roots as they really do need attention... And anything else. It's all very cringey for me at the moment, as I hate to listen to myself on a voice recording, let alone watch a video of me. But, hoping I get used to it. So the plan is, I'll making a little diary of all the things I do surrounding flowers and events. Also, in other great exciting news, my sister Hannah is getting married next year. I am maid of honor ( maiden of honor makes me sound way too old for my liking) and she is trusting me to help her make decisions for the big day. Which is all very exciting indeed. And I thought I would share how I get on with this, along with my tips and ideas with my audience. All 4 of them at the moment (let's hope I get some more?) So, my you tube channel will be featuring me - getting back into full florist swing. Along with any wedding knowledge I pick up on the way. Also, any gluten free- ness stuff I think might be helpful to anyone suffering from coeliac. ( I have found the most amazing cookie recipe so will share this soon) people did not believe they were made with gluten free flour and what's best is its super easy, as Lily helped to make them! Also, mixed in will be some useful party planning ideas. Thanks for reading and stay tuned. Sarah
