With plans kind of coming together I can now tick another thing off of my wedding to do list….. BECAUSE I have chosen my DREAM WEDDING DRESS! YES wedding dress shopping finally happened and I found in my opinion the most stunning dress and I honestly couldn’t be happier with it, and I can’t wait to wear it on my wedding day!

So let’s rewind so I can give you the details!

It was Thursday 22nd April when myself along with my Sister (who is also my Maid of Honour) and my Mum headed to Ketteringham in Norfolk UK to visit Adella Bridal for my Pre booked appointment. I booked my appointment well over a month in advance as they are very busy, so brides to be…. don’t leave it until the last minute.

I found Adella bridal by pure chance on Instagram and instantly knew this was the one and only place where I would find the most stunning dress to wear on the biggest day of my life. I loved the Instagram page and when I headed over to the website and got a sneak peak of the show room I decided that it was THE place to go, and no other bridal boutique would do!

Norfolk is actually over an hour and a half away from where I live in Essex, BUT when a bridal shop looks so good and you get THE VIBE it was most definitely worth the travel.

I really had no idea what to expect from an afternoon of playing dress up as this is all very new to me having only gotten engaged in December of last year. Up until recently I had found trying to plan a wedding during lockdown difficult due to the many many restrictions in place, it kind of made everything a little deflating, with not bein able to view venues and get completely stuck in. I was wondering how trying on wedding dresses during restrictions and a pandemic would be, and was slightly worried that it wouldn’t be the dream experience I had been hoping for.

Adella Bridal is nestled away in the beautiful countryside, and is situated in the most stunning building at Ketteringham Hall.

On my arrival I was met by Amy owner of Adella Bridal who was warm friendly and welcoming and by the end of my personal 2 hour experience I felt like I had known her for ages.

The boutique I can only describe as beautiful and luxurious, it was everything I had hoped and more. Beautiful soft carpets, and stunning decor, and even complimentary slippers upon arrival. And even though face masks had to stay on there was still a selection of complimentary drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic, which was the perfect touch. One of the very many reasons I fell in love with this boutique is because it’s quite simply not a shop.

Amy spent the first 10 minutes or so talking me through the different designs and getting an idea of what I was looking for. She then left myself, my sister and mum to our own devices to have a browse and choose the ones I wanted to try on. Of course I went in with a Pinterest board idea of what I thought my dream dress would look like, but I was most definitely open to playing dress up!!

Amy was great at letting us browse the designs and then offering her opinion, I mean after all she is the expert so I was super happy to have her input.

I picked out a total of 7 dresses to try on, and I definitely had my favourites (one in particular) that I couldn’t wait to try on and one that my mum picked out that my sister and I didn’t like at all.

So after picking out the dresses to try on (7 in total) I must admit I was a little concerned that maybe I wouldn’t find my dream dress…. I think I’ve watched WAY too many “say yes to the dress” episodes and was completely overthinking things (as usual).

Amy took myself along with my chosen dresses through to the large spacious changing room where the fun could really begin! Oh and the slight worry I had about stripping down to my underwear to try on the dresses (hello potential awkward situation) was just another classic overthinking on my part, because I actually didn’t batter one of my false eyelashes when it came to it! Amy and I were chatting making it so much less awkward, and I’m sure she’s more than used to seeing many many brides in their underwear!

So remember the dress I mentioned earlier (you know the one my sister and I turned our noses up at?) well I tried that one on first, to get it out of the way and it was the one my mum picked out so I thought I’d show her and take it straight off. Well in a turn of events I put on the dress and completely FELL IN LOVE WITH IT! It was crazy, I mean I know they say you will know when you’ve found your dress but I don’t think I actually believed it! But I can confirm that the saying is completely true, I just couldn’t get over how stunning it was. I then learnt that Amy had actually designed this dress (so talented) and to make it even more dreamy, unique and special, I could actually make certain alterations to the dress, making it a one of kind!

Of course I still tried on the other 6 dresses just to make sure that I had made the right decision, and I loved them all but none of them measured up to dress number one.

I got to try the chosen dress on again where I spoke with Amy about what tweeks and alterations I wanted, and how long I wanted my veil and what bling (if any) I wanted to add on, and of course none of what I have chosen is going in any blog post until after the wedding in January 2022. BUT I can say that I am in love with the most beautiful dress and I can’t wait to wear it!

Saying YES to the dress was such a lovely happy experience that I got to share with my mum and sister and Lukes mum over FaceTime. What could have been an overwhelming experience was chilled and fun and surpassed my expectations completely.

Amy was wonderful throughout the personal 2 hour appointment, and what I really liked was that she didn’t mention prices, and that was important for me as I didn’t want my dream dress to be defined by a set budget. I wanted to find the dress I loved and then get the price, instead of shopping only for dresses in a certain price range.

The dress was bought for me by my mum and dad, and yes I was given a pretty decent budget but I knew if I went over I’d just give Luke a call and get him to put the rest of the money, I mean at the end of the day he does benefit from seeing me in such a gorgeous design for one day only.

My sister has photos of me in the dress and the dress on her phone but I don’t have them nor do I want them. I don’t want to keep looking at them and then start overthinking wondering if this was in fact the dream dress for me or should I have stuck with my Pinterest board ideas. I KNOW I made the right decision and I can’t wait to revisit Adella Bridal for my dress fitting, I am so excited to see my dress with all the added detail.

Saying yes to the dress was a day I’ll never forget.

Brides to be…. check out Adella Bridal!!

The post Saying YES to the dress appeared first on Lifestyle Lisa.

Morning!

Today i thought I’d through in a post about my boyfriend Luke …. ahhhhh. It may be slightly mushy in places so I apologise in advance.

Seeing as my boyfriend has left me (for 2 days, whilst he’s on a training course) I thought it was time to share a little post about how we met!

It’s probably one of my most favourite stories and one that I am only too happy to share, and have done countless times.

Firstly we need to rewind back to 2013, a time when mine and Luke’s Facebook profile pictures looked like this ??They now look like this ??So we’ve matured a little, and I now have a good set of full eyebrows! but they are minor details right?

Our story starts at the end of August 2013, that’s when I met Luke on a standard night out in my local town.

I had (at the time) a great group of girlfriends (I have parted ways with some over the years but remained close with others and have met new girlfriends along the way) Every Saturday night without fail you would find us “out out” coming from a small town it was great going out as everyone knew everyone, literally!!

I had been single for a solid 5 years, and wasn’t really bothered by that. Okay yes at times I thought how nice it might be to have someone to go on fun dates and trips with, but for the most part I was really happy living for my weekends and friends.

My mum always asked (as mums do) if there was anyone special in my life, or if I had met anyone, but the response was always the same, it was a no. I always told her that when I met someone they would be special and I would know when I’d met “the one”

I guess I did have a preconceived idea of what “the one” should be like. I knew what I did want and certainly what I did not want which would be someone like my ex partner who I will not speak about, because quite rightly as the quote goes “If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all” and I honestly do not have ONE nice thing to say, so it’s best we leave it there.

My idea of the “the one” was somebody who was just normal! Had a good outlook on life, worked hard, had good morals and come with a lovely family – not too much to ask really!

Meeting Luke that night was a stroke of good luck, I think it came down to being in the right place at the right time.

Mine and Luke’s paths had never crossed before that night, and when we checked on social media (Facebook) we also had no mutual friends at all!! WHO WAS THIS GUY!!

Ironically when our eyes first met – okay they didn’t meet really, I actually spotted him but he was oblivious to me! We were both outside in the smoking area of the local pub…. and neither of us smoke!! We were just with people who did, coincide or what!

I saw Luke standing there texting on his phone (and hoped he was messaging a long term girlfriend or worse, and fiancé or a wife) I took one look and him and thought “HOT” (my over used word at the time) Wanting him to notice me I decided to do what any self respecting girl who had drank a few Gin and slim line tonics would do…. I removed my straw from my glass (before you ask……. it was a plastic one, but this was long before using plastic straws was pretty much a criminal offence, and no I’m not knocking it, I’m all for helping the planet where I can) Anyways self respecting girl (me) a few too many Gins (me) and the straw in my Gin glass that I proceeded to take out and launch in Luke’s direction! Both CRINGY!! And HILARIOUS!!

Looking in Lukes direction to see his reaction and hopefully start a potential conversation, I was actually greeted by what I call “the look of death” from Luke, he looked disgusted with me, clearly unimpressed by my flirting technique (attempted flirting technique) I aborted the mission and went off in search of a new straw for my drink!

The story could have very easily ended right there, but by pure chance, a short while later (back in the smoking garden) My “friend” who I was out with that night made a beeline for Luke’s friend and just started chatting to him, which left Luke and I to start our own awkward conversation. And it was awkward to begin with, but got less awkward as the night went on. Oh and in case you were all wondering there was no girlfriend, or fiancé or wife in the picture…. thank god!!

We all chatted for a couple of hours, and when it was time to leave no numbers were exchanged but of course the obligatory Facebook add was done, a kiss on the cheek and the night was over.

I must admit I was a little excited about the private message Luke was probably going to send me about how nice it was to meet me, and maybe we should go for a drink, so naturally you can kind of imagine my surprise as I checked my phone in the morning and saw………. NOTHING!! That’s right no message, no “it was great to meet you” there was nothing there!!!!!

Remembering the year was 2013, I decided to grab the bull by the horns, so to speak and make the first bold move and message Luke first!!

Facebook message sent, I then went off to work (and kept checking my phone every 5 minutes) eventually he replied, and we chatted on and off for a few weeks before actually arranging our very first date in October 2013!! October 7th 2013 to be precise.

Luke and I have now been together 6 years in December, and they really have the best years ever! We became proud first time homeowners in January of this year.We have travelled together, we love exploring and finding new things to try together and sharing every new experience with each other. We also share our love of lobster rolls together!!

Busy at the moment making our house a home, I feel extremely lucky to simply have been in the right place at the right time. I met “the one” who ticked every one of the boxes, and we are building our lives day by day.

I was always very independent and never wanted a relationship like I had before so was very conscious and wary, but Luke actually taught me that not every guy in the world is “like that”

I’ve also lost friends and drifted from those I once felt so close too, over the years, but the real ones have remained and I am thankful for that.

I wouldn’t change a single thing of my past, if it meant that mine and Luke’s paths would never have crossed. He was completely worth everything and more.

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So now you know me, I’m a nosy kind of girl, so I would love to hear your story’s!! How did you and your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife meet?

Drop me a comment below!!

Don’t forget to check out all my other posts at lifestylelisa.com ?? https://lifestylelisa.com/

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And check out my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lifestylelisa/

L xxx

The post The significant other (and how we met) appeared first on Lifestyle Lisa.

Weekends are just so precious, I look forward to them, I can’t wait for them, and when the sun is shining it just seems to make everything a whole lot better.

This weekend Luke and I spent our Saturday chilling out on Mersea Island, if you follow my blogs you will know that I particularly love spending time here. It’s beautiful and picturesque and we both love being here whether it’s Summer, Autumn, Winter or Spring.

Mersea Island is an island in Essex England. The island is split into two main areas, West Mersea and East Mersea, and connected to the mainland by the Strood, a causeway that can flood at high tide. Which quite literally means if you don’t check the tide times, you could be stuck on the island!!

For me I love the smell of the sea, and the salty air, and walking along the beach is one of my most favourite things to do, it’s nice to do something so chilled out and simple on a Saturday. Especially since Luke and I have been super busy since January!

I am so lucky to have this beautiful island virtually on my doorstep (about a thirty minute car journey) Whether you come here and eat out in one of quaint little pubs or restaurants or you pack up a picnic and find a little spot overlooking the estuary, it’s peaceful with beautiful scenery.

Sunday Luke and I decided to make the most of the sunshine, and have an absolute stay at home and chill out day! In fact I’ve spent my afternoon sitting out in the sun reading blogs and posts about Seychelles, (our vacation destination 2018) I am trying to be a little more organised with this vacation but at the moment we still don’t have a countdown or an itinerary!! That is never ideal for a serial planner like myself!!

Hope you all had a lovely weekend, wherever in-the world you may be

Thanks for reading

L xxx

The post Precious Weekends appeared first on Lifestyle Lisa.

Okay so here is where we’re at! I have noticed such a serious decline in my motivation and progression, and for the past 2 weeks I have felt extremely disappointed in myself. This week was my 22nd week, I have now officially been running for 22 long hard whole weeks. I’d love to say that it’s fun, that it’s easy, that I am doing so well, but I can’t. It’s a constant struggle, I don’t have the stamina and I am nowhere near where I should be at week 22. I have decided that running isn’t for me, it will always be a struggle and after my Tough Mudder in August I will be more than happy to hang up my running shoes FOR GOOD! Call it early retirement! Until then however I have to struggle through, because we are now in DOUBLE FIGURES in the countdown to the tough mudder! And the closer we get the more nervous I become!

So at the beginning of the week I decided that I was going up my game, disappointed with last weeks work outs, I mentally put together a plan that would see me out running at least 4 times this week. Obviously that never materialised, because as good as it sounded in my head, the reality was nowhere near as appealing! 

I managed to avoid any contact with running until Wednesday, Luke was going to be late, and had somehow managed to convince me to go out for a run, I was extremely reluctant of course, but I knew he was right and that I should get out there!! It was so humid out, my legs seriously did not want to work, but I struggled through and managed a pitiful 10 minutes! I’m not even proud of that! I don’t have the motivation to push myself further and further, and just constantly feel like given up!!!

And with that said that was actually my only work out this week! To be fair I was thinking of heading out Friday night but with his happened….???

??I’m not even exaggerating (for a change) it poured down, and we had thunder and lightning too. And I know for a fact the last place I should be is in the middle of a field when lightning strikes!! I mean health and safety before running right!!! I’m pretty sure if Luke had his way we would have been out there, but luckily I over ruled on this occasion!

So as much as I was relieved not to go out running on a miserable rainy Friday night, I couldn’t help feeling that little twinge of disappointment, I’m the only one who will suffer at the end of the day!

Okay well no point in dwelling on the past… it is after all the WEEKEND! And we all know how much I LOVE THE WEEKENDS!!  And this weekend was full of impromptu little things!!

Starting with a little visit to the Blue egg in Bardfield for lunch on Saturday. I love this place, particularly at Christmas as it has the cutest little shop which does the nicest gifts. However I am not so keen on the food (sorry) but twice now I have been there and would give it a mear 5/10 plus the tables never look cleaned. But definitely worth a visit for the shop.

Luke and I then headed for dinner to TGI’s with our friends for some gossip and cocktails! Okay I’m on a diet and really cannot afford the extra calories so I stuck to my bloody Mary’s (hoping that it’s at least slightly better than cocktails) We were actually home by 10pm as I don’t really seem to be able to party like I used too!!!!

Unfortunately Luke and I got home just after 10 and watched the awful events unfolding in London on tv. Truly very very sad, just as the awful attack in Manchester 2 weeks ago. I really am not keen on talking about these awful events on my blog as I feel that there is so much tragedy going on all over the world a the moment, I want to keep my blog posts as happy and upbeat as I can. But I will finish by saying my heart truly does go out to all affected

Our impromptu weekend continued into Sunday when we went STRAWBERRY picking! Luke and I have never been strawberry picking in our almost 4 years together!! So off we went too cammas hall farm near Bishops Stortford in the Essex countryside. Here you can pick your own (PYO) strawberry’s or Gooseberries! Now I’m not a lover of gooseberries but I love strawberries! So we took a basket and off we went!!!…. I have to say that Luke is far more thorough than I am, and he checks the fruit and makes sure they’re all looking good before they go into the basket …. I on the other hand just wanted to pick ALL the strawberries!!!!

So with a basket of fresh strawberries picked, it was time for a quick lunch at Nando’s (veggie option for me) and then cinema to watch Baywatch!!! (Very funny and highly recommended).

So with that busy day over with, it left a few hours in the evening to chill out before the working week started all over again.

Who knows what week 23 will bring, I’m hoping not to be so lazy and deflated, but that’s easier said that’s done!…. WATCH THIS SPACE!!

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The post A week of DEFLATION! (My Tough Mudder Journey) appeared first on Lifestyle Lisa.

I just love weekends, I live for my weekends (who doesn’t right!) You work hard all week, and rewarded by 2 beautiful days off that are all yours, to do whatever you want with!

I’m lucky as both Luke and I only work Monday to Friday and never have to work a weekend, believe me though when I say I’ve done my fair share of working Saturdays and Sundays, and I am now done with that!! 

Luke and I made a list when we first got together of things we wanted to do, it’s a very mixed list with a variety of things on there from playing monopoly, to weekends away. There is no set time to do the list, and we add things and tick them off as we go along. 

Some weekends we are pretty active and will pick something off the list, and have a random little adventure, and some weekends are more chilled and we do our own things during the day and meet back up later on during the day.

Being a couple who are very much in love, it’s still massively important for us to have time apart, living in each other’s pockets is not healthy. And to be honest it’s lovely to have some Saturdays on my own to catch up on things or pop to town to do a bit of shopping. Luke normally heads off to the gym, and to Nando’s for some guy time!

As well as working full-time, blogging, working out, I also have a hen do I am busy planning, and between Luke and I we are also busy planning our up and coming 2017 Florida vacation!!. 

One of my favourite places to visit recently is Mersea island which is situated near Colchester. We have spent part of our last 2 long bank holiday weekends there, chilling out, walking along the beach and enjoying the scenery.It’s so peaceful there and the views are pretty beautiful!! Perfect for some selfies, or Polaroid pictures. I also love the fact that I hardly get a signal whilst I’m there!! I won’t lie, social media is quite a big part of my life, I use it a lot for blogging, but I’m also one for flicking on and off of Facebook regularly. So heading to Mersea and loosing all contact with the real world is very refreshing!! And it’s nice to look at other things other than my phone, which let’s be honest is like an extension of my arm!!

Heading to mersea for us is fairly non expensive, I am lucky enough that my family have a little place there, and it’s less than an hour from home. It’s a nice little get away, and is particularly great for me, being a big lover of seafood! As you can see I’m pretty spoilt for choice!! Here is a little sample of food from The Oyster bar

Delicious food from the oyster bar

My absolute only stipulation for weekends is that Sundays are left for lay-ins!!! I don’t care if I have to be up and out the door by 7am on a Saturday, Sundays I have to hit at least 9 hours sleep time! (I say I but Luke is in total agreement with me!!) And there have been times when we have had those awkward moments where someone asks us if we want to do something on a Sunday and Luke and I just look at each other….. like we both know if it involves us getting up early on a Sunday then the answer is NO!!! 

Like most people I work towards my weekends, and I never feel like I waste one, so whether we’re out and about on an adventure or laying in till 11am and watching movies, that is quite simply what our weekends are for.

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