The Best Weekend Ever: Part 6 - First Convention Lessons Learned

Sherlocked was my first convention. Here is what I learned from this experience.

1. My feet hurt. 
I wore my comfiest most broken in trainers and I got blisters! The combination of queueing and concrete floors do not make for happy feet. I only took one pair so I couldn't relieve the pain the next day by changing shoes. It didn't spoil the day but I have a MASSIVE amount of respect to all the Irene Adler cosplayers who spent the day in killer heels. Bravo ladies that is commitment. 

2. Set a budget. 

As I expected there were lots of lovely things to tempt you to spend your monies on. Merchandise, extra photos, autographs all sorts. I took cash and left my card at home. This worked brilliantly I got all the things I wanted from the weekend. I confess I did have to get a little extra cash out for food and wines on the train home but convention wise I stuck to budget. Success! 

3. These are my people. 

I loved having a good old geek out at Sherlocked. The levels of enthusiasm in the room were exceptional. People were so friendly all jammed together in queues chatting, asking who you'd met so far, how you had travelled, squeeing over photos, and generally sharing in the group joy of this experience. Compliments were going off all over the place! "I love your bag" "Your cosplay is fab" "That photo is amazing". I have deduced that the Sherlock Fandom is awesome. 

4. Friendships grow at cons. 

Whether it's old friends you have come with, Internet friends your meeting for the first time or people you talk to in line, sharing the con experience makes it sooooo awesome. Vicki and I got to spend some quality friend time together. We got to meet Jackie and Darren prop-ly and made a new fangirl friend in line in Harley. I'm sad I didn't get to say a proper hello to my Twitter pal Julie but I have a feeling that will come one day. 

5. Fangirl friends are the best kind of friends. 

Outside of the excitement of actually meeting the stars of Sherlock my favourite experience of the weekend involved being with friends. Catching sight of Jackie across the room and running over waving pictures and fangirling unapologetically. Making the most of every moment the four of us went for tea on the Saturday night and had a show and tell session. Getting all our pictures out to have a proper look at and telling our stories of what we said to who. Just reliving the day, really extending the fun with Prosecco and Pizza! They are there for the highs and the lows. When the weekend was over we were so sad to go back to normal life we were there for each other too. Because no one really gets it like fangirls do. Friends will be excited to see your pictures and will want little anecdotes. BUT fangirl friends will repeatedly listen to your blow by blow account and be excited even though they were stood next to you when it happened! And join in a chorus of "I want to do it all again" with a verse of "Take me back" and an extended mix of "Where is my time machine". 

So in conclusion planning and preparation make for a good experience. The meeting your idols and them being lovely humans makes it wonderful but sharing the experience with friends makes a convention truly, truly epic. Thank you.

Much Love 

Charlie x

OOTD: Sherlocked the Event - Holmes and Watson

As soon as I booked my tickets to Sherlocked I knew I had to get some casual cosplay together. First I thought of using my Jim from IT look but I'd already done that and I wanted something new and special for this occasion. As a two day event I needed 2 different outfits and the choice was simple. The consulting detective and his blogger.

Sherlock Holmes 

For Sherlock I wanted the purple shirt under a blazer look. Classic Sherlock. But could I find a blouse anywhere that was a suitable tone of purple. No I could not. I decided that to have the colour was more important to the look than a shirt. I found a purple top that was as close to the purple shirt as possible. Teamed it with black jeans and a blazer and my first look was done. 

John Watson

Two words spring to mind as soon as you think of John Watson check shirt and jumper. So my outfit choice had to include one or both of these items. I went for the check shirt in the end as happily I already has a suitable one in my wardrobe and all of the jumpers I tried on made me feel frumpy! I teamed my blue check shirt with my navy denim skirt. It has military style buttons down the front and I thought they gave a nod to John's military past. 

Accessories 

I wanted to bring in elements from the different characters that make up the world of Sherlock. A fun and simple way to do that was through lots of charm bracelets! With the colourful thread they brought a pop of colour to my outfits. 

I really loved my first experience of casual cosplay at a con. I don't know if anyone spotted my little attempt. I'm sure they did Sherlockians are an observant bunch. I loved all the full Cosplays I think next time I might be more adventurous with my outfits! 

Much Love

Charlie x

5 Fandom Friday: Your 5 Most Binge Worthy Shows

1. Buffy 

The original and best. Got me through many a student hangover and helped me procrastinate and not study! Happy times. It's still my constant favourite to watch and watch some more. It's the go to box set when I am under the weather. 

2. Doctor Who 

There is an episode for every mood. If I'm down and need to get a good cry out of my system I pick the sad ones. Or if I need a good old giggle I pick all the really silly episodes. Putting on Doctor Who is like being with old friends. I could watch it all the wibbley wobbley timey wimey.

3.The West Wing 

I never watched this when it was on TV. So we got the complete series as a boxset and watched constantly for about 6 months. I wasn't sure when the hubby first suggested it but I quickly got addicted. Other shows had to be pretty damn good to beat this one it is quick, funny and taught me everything I know about American politics!! 

4. Game of Thrones 

I came to this quite late. Like season four late. We went on a rainy caravan holiday and took season one with us for evening entertainment. Needless to say in two days we needed to buy season 2. Addicted. I was so disappointed when I went outside and no one was wearing fur capes or carrying swords. 

5.Once Upon A Time 

This is my latest TV addiction. Tele like this is what Netflix was made for. Whenever I get the chance I stock up on snacks and drinks and hold up in bed watching episode after episode! Halfway through season 2 so far and I have got 3 friends addicted too. 

What do you love to binge watch? I'd love to know.

Much Love
Charlie x

The Best Weekend Ever - Part 5: Sherlocked Scottie Sunday

My alarm beeped me awake. As I lay there I realised EVERYTHING ached, feet, legs, back, shoulders. On any other day I would have groaned and rolled. However this was not just any day. This was Andrew Scott day and I sprung out of bed with glee! Having been very careful with our pennies Vicki and I decided we had to get Andrew Scott's autograph. Vicki wanted to add to her Pride T-shirt signature collection that now already boasted Ben Schnetzer and George MacKay and I wanted him to sign my Pride DVD.

As I stood in line DVD out ready to be signed, I could see Andrew chatting, signing and being lovely. Wow is he handsome. I mean he is in pictures but in real life it's just something else. Vicki went first (of course) and Andrew was thrilled to sign her t-shirt and had a look at the other signatures. Vicki explained she'd seen Ben Schnetzer's play in New York and Andrew praised his Irish accent in Pride. When Vicki met Ben she told him she was seeing Andrew that week (At Mark Gatiss and friends in support of LLGS) and Ben told her to say hi. So 5 months late she passed that message on! Andrew in mock annoyance said "Vicki where have you been I have been waiting ages for that message" he was super funny and sweet. 

Then it was my turn. He said hi Charlotte and began to sign my DVD. Inside my head I was telling myself. Say words Charlotte speak to him. And I suddenly blurted out "Pride was my favourite movie of last year I just love it" he thanked me. Then I told him that we went to see George MacKay's play on Thursday night. I will never forget how he looked up face all lit up and animated as he asked about the play, did we enjoy it and we told him it was wonderful and George was fantastic. He said I need to go and see it. It lovely how supportive he is of other people's work and how genuinely interested in our opinions he was. And with a lovely to meet you we were out the door. A little stunned and shocked we stared at our autographs in disbelief. Did that really Just happen?! 

Next couple of hours we spent taking in everything that Sherlocked had to offer. Looking at the stalls, buying souvenirs and admiring all the props costumes and sets set up around the arena. There was a huge double decker bus with Sherlock on one side and Moriarty on the other, 221b set, Mycrofts office, a taxi and the iconic front door. We had a grand time posing on all the sets and taking lots of pictures.

Being that it was my first con I was super excited to see all the cosplayers round and about the venue. I saw some amazing ones and wished I'd had the courage to ask for pictures with the, but I didn't want to be a bother. So I really enjoyed the Cosplay display on the second stage. The detail in the outfits and the was they portrayed the character was amazing! I don't know how they picked a winner! I particularly enjoyed the props and costume exhibit. Getting up close to all the outfits and seeing all the detail the put into the show is amazing. Nothing is left to chance on Sherlock. Being interested in casual cosplay I was interested the little details I could use in an everyday outfit and got some great ideas! 

Before we knew it it was time for our last photo op of the convention. This time with the lovely Andrew Scott. I was so pleased we had had time with him in the morning too. He was so lovely and it completely calmed my nerves for our picture. Once again with the efficient staff the line moved quickly and Vicki and I had decided we wanted a "victory to the miners" fist pump in our pictures. It was great to see as we waited how lovely Andrew was and how great at interacting with his fans. Which made me feel miles better about asking him to do a different pose. Vicki went first. Standard. And as she was about to have her picture it didn't look like she was going to ask him to do it so waiting in the wings I just shouted "victory to the miners" and Vicki got her shot! My go... "Can I get a Victory to the Miners too?" "of course you can sweetheart." And with a flash my time with Andrew Scott was done. 

This brings me to the end of the Sherlocked experience. With a quick goodbye to Jackie and Darren, Vicki and I headed to the station for our train journey home. Back to normal life which just wouldn't quite be the same again! 

I really hope you enjoyed reading my experiences at Sherlocked. I've loved reliving it all! Did you go to Sherlocked? I'd love to hear your tales too. Please comment below. 

Much Love 

Charlie x

The Best Weekend Ever - Part 4: The Cumberbatch Experience #Footgate

Ok so technically I could have squeezed this into the Saturday post but I think Benedict deserves his very own special post. Because ... Well ... He's Benedict Cumberbatch *Sighs Dreamily* 

The time had come. 2.30 Saturday afternoon. Vicki and I headed over to photo area 1 where behind grey partition walls stood Benedict Cumberbatch. Eek. A considerable crowd of excited fans gathered around with tickets and passes in hand. We eagerly awaited the instructions of the staff and in a smidge of an anti climax we were told to come back in an hour because we were Batch 3 and there were lots of people a head of us. But on the plus side it gave us the chance to nip to the loo as nerves we playing on my bladder! Because.... BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH!! 

An hour later we returned to the throng of fans and waited to hear our batch called. I really hope it was a decision to call them "batches" not "groups" because it really tickled me. The staff working Photo Area 1 were brilliant and brave. They spent all day organising excited fans and answering the same question over a million times I'm sure, but they did it with good humour and smiles at all times. This added to the great experience and fun had by all. With the request not run and the reassurance everyone would get their turn Batch 3 was called and we were in the line. 

Nerves were upon me. Tummy churning butterflies a-go-go. It was actually happening. I was going to meet him. I was in the queue it was moments away. As we shuffled forward we reapplied lip gloss and checked our hair. Vain yes but I was about to stand next to one of the most handsome men on the planet I had to give looking good my best shot! Then with tickets scanned we were round the corner and in the same room as Benedict Cumberbatch. 

I could not stop staring! He is so beautiful. Vicki however was distracted because she recognised the photographer from previous conventions. Hello Vicki! Priorities!! The line moved really fast as people were in and out for their photo really quickly. The room had a strange atmosphere of nerves, tension and excitement. Suddenly we were at the front of the line. I obviously made Vicki go first! Then I walked in and said hello nice to meet you, the greeting was returned in that voice. Speaking directly to me. No one else. Just me. As I moved in to assume the position for the photo it happened. I felt something underneath my foot. I stepped on his foot. What. An. Idiot. Mortified I whipped my head round and said I'm so sorry and he look at me and said not a problem. I had eye contact and I was inches away from his face how I held it together I have no idea. I turned back round and was half way to removing my hair from my lip gloss when FLASH! 

Fortunately they did another one. In which he looks flawless and I look normal. I don't know how I'm not bright red after stomping on his foot! He was so handsome and his eyes were something else. Just wow. 

As I left the photo area I wave of mortification hit me. I covered my face with my still shaking hands and repeatedly muttered "I stood on his foot. I can't believe I stood on his foot" causing a few giggles from people waiting in line. Vicki helped me see the plus side when she pointed out I got two pictures, longer with his arm round me and a funny anecdote to tell. That is what friends are for. Then that was us floating on a Cumbercloud of happiness for the rest of the day. Life goal achieved. Big smiles on faces. What a day and we still had Sunday and Andrew Scott to come.

To be continued 

Much Love

Charlie x

The Best Weekend Ever - Part 3: Sherlocked Saturday.

The alarms went off early on Saturday morning and in a flurry of make up, hairspray and bacon butties we were ready and off to the station. Sherlocked was my very first convention and I really didn't know what to expect. We arrived at the Excel and you could feel the excitement from everyone in the room. We got a pic of the Saturday time table and did a lap of the venue to get acquainted with where everything was. I was super nervous and my tummy was full of butterflies but once we had got our bearings and made a plan of action I was much calmer. Saturday was pretty full of photographs so we decided to leave looking at the stalls and exhibits until Sunday. 

As silver pass holders we were assigned photos and I bought extras that I couldn't miss. Despite what you read in the papers there were lots of different ticket options for different budgets. It wasn't a cheap weekend but it was worth every penny. Here are the stories of my Saturday pictures with the lovely folk of Sherlock!  

First up was Jonathan Aris (Anderson). This was my first Photo shoot experience and I didn't know what to expect. Vicki had been to a few things before so I made her go first! We were called into line and filed round the snaking line taped to the floor. We waited for previous shoot to finish and out came Mark Gatiss and Una Stubbs. Then we were up. We quickly moved in to the photo area our passes were stamped and we put our bags on the table. Before I knew it I was next in the queue. Jonathan was friendly and much more handsome than his character on Sherlock. So a quick hello, nice to meet you, smile, flash of a camera and I was done. I was please he was first. He set me at ease for the rest of the pics we had lined up. 

Clive Mantle (Bob Frankland - Hound of the Baskevilles) was such a lovely gent so friendly and pleased to see everyone. And seriously tall I'm no shorty and he made me feel positively petite! He had so much time for everyone when you saw his autograph queue he was always chatting. 

Louise Breckon-Richards (The Lady in Pink -A Study in Pink) she was also brilliant asking us if we'd had a lovely day and who we had seen. We asked if she was tired and she said she was but didn't mind because she was having lots of fun. These meetings really added to the great atmosphere of the day. 

Louise Brealey (Molly Hooper) was a little ball of energy and enthusiasm. Greeting everyone with hugs and smiles. When we weren't queueing properly (not standing close together) Louise would run round and push everyone closer. She kept telling us off when we let gaps appear. "you lot just want me to touch you all again" and off she would go. It's so much fun when the star is having fun too. Then with a "hello lovely" and a big hug the Loo Brealey experience finished! 

We rushed to Una Stubbs (Mrs Hudson) as her shoot was close to finishing. She was stood chatting to the staff as we walked in called over "Come on in ladies". She is tiny. I can't stress this enough she is a teeny person and so so sweet. I went over for my picture and she said "Don't you look lovely." Complimented by Mrs Hudson! So happy. As I was leaving I told Una my mum was super excited that I was meeting her, she responded "Do tell your mum I said hello". I want to keep her she is so adorable. 

Rupert Graves (D.I. Greg Lestrade) was wonderful and so handsome. Really really handsome. He was game for anything pulling faces, striking poses and even giving piggybacks! As Vicki and I entered the queue we started chatting to Harley who was VERY excited to meet Rupert. She had only got tickets to see him and Mark Gatiss. She was lovely and Vicki and I did our best to calm her down before her pic. Rupert was utterly charming and greeted me with a big smile and "Hello love". When I requested a hug he said of course and we clinched! I love this picture! Rupert was an absolute highlight of the day and I heard many people say how much he was enjoying himself and it really came across. He got a lot of new admirers that weekend! We caught up with Harley after who was so please she got a hug from Rupert too. A fantastic experience all round! But the best was yet to come.

To be continued.....

Much Love

Charlie x

Best Weekend Ever - Part 2: Pride and Preparation

Now if you have read this blog before you may have picked up on my love for the movie Pride. If you haven't watched it I strongly urge you to. It's the true story of a group of lesbian and gay activists who come together during the miners strike, raising money to support miners and their families. The film shows how these to very different groups become strong but unlikely allies. It is done with warmth, humour and is very, very moving. We took the opportunity of being in London to visit a filming location and a shop very important to the LGSM story. 

Vicki and I awoke bright and early Friday morning. Much to our surprise without hangovers although feeling a little fuzzy. We were up and out as we had arranged to meet Jackie and Darren for breakfast somewhere rather special! The Regency Cafe. The scene of the first meeting between LGSM (Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners) and Dai Donavan a striking miner from South Wales. 

Vicki and I were very excited when we arrived as the table used in filming was free! Sadly by the time we made it to the front of the queue it had been occupied by four very hungry builders and their breakfasts. We found another window seat, Jackie and Darren joined us. As we tucked into a delicious breakfast we took pictures and quoted Pride! I don't know what the people around us thought. We must have sounded quite strange but we had a very happy morning indeed. 

After a few more pics outside we said see you later to Jackie and Darren who were off for a tour of the National Theatre. 

Vicki and I headed off to Gays the Word. When we arrived we spotted an original poster for the Pits and Perverts Benefit Ball. As we were looking at it we got chatting to Jim, a member of Gays the Word staff, about the film and the LGSM story. Simple things that really bring home that it was a true story. Like if LGSM members stepped off the pavement lights outside the shop when they collecting they could have been arrested as they were off the shops property. Some of the things Jim told us especially about Mark Ashton the leader of LGSM gave us goosebumps. One mans idea and a small group showing solidarity for another could make such a big change to the LGBT community. Which is an important lesson for us all to remember at a time when things are going to get tough. A little kindness and support goes a long way. 

It was of exciting to go to the original shop where LGSM were based. The actual shop was not used in filming as it was too small to fit all the cast and crew in. We are already proud owners of Pits and Perverts T-shirts so we each bought an LGSM 30th anniversary pin. I found a copy of Jón Magazine featuring an interview with George MacKay and lots of lovely pictures! 

If your ever in London and a fan of Pride do go to Gays the Word, buy a pin or a book and support an independent book shop and if your lucky get to hear some great stories. With a fond farewell to Jim, Vicki and I headed to the pub of course! Life doesn't get much better for me than being sat outside a pub in London with a cold pint and fabulous company! Lots of laughter and discussing what Jim had just told us made a happy few hours pass quickly. 

Feeling rested an slightly merry Vicki and I headed over to the Excel to register for Sherlocked! What I feared would be a long process was super quick and simple. E-Tickets were scanned and passes given out. Done. We were registered! 

The excitement was building! Next up we headed all the way over to my sisters house on the other side of London. An early night was on the cards so we looked tip top for the next day..... because that was the day we were going to meet Benedict Cumberbatch. Yep. I'm going to be in the same room as......

To be continued....

Much Love

Charlie x