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 

The Best Weekend Ever - Part 1: Fangirl Friends and Ah, wilderness!

Thursday 23rd of April marked the start of a most epic weekend of fangirling. It began on the 2.20 train to London from Warrington Bank Quay. This is were I met my bestest fangirl Vicki. We've all got one. You know the friend you don't have to explain obscure quotes to or start sentences with "Do you watch...?" Or "Have you read...?" And the one that is there when you are crushing hard or obsessing, doesn't judge and you know just gets it. That's Vicki.

After a 2 and a half hour train journey of squeeing, giggling, Prosecco and talking at the speed of light we arrived in London! The greatest city on earth. 

Straight to our hotel to freshen up and get glam to go to The Cut to meet Jackie and Darren. This was no ordinary meet up. This was the first time we would meet face to face! Vicki and I met Jackie on Twitter. We connected through a mutual love for the movie Pride and quickly found we were kindred spirits. With Jackie being from Canada popping round for a tea and biscuits wasn't really an option! But Sherlocked the Event saved the day and brought us all together for the first time. 

Meeting your internet friends really is as great as you hope it will be. I felt I was sitting down with an old friend not a brand new one! The gorgeous Jackie was just as lovely in person and the conversation picked up where we left it online. Nothing felt awkward, Jackie's husband Darren was so lovely and fully joined in the chatter! 

The excitement was fuelled by the fact we were going to watch Ah, wilderness! Featuring the wonderful George MacKay who plays Bromley/Joe in Pride. The movie that brought us together! Ok so a lot of my excitement was due to the fact I have the teensiest of crushes on Mr MacKay and I was over joyed to be seeing him perform live.

Ah, wilderness! did not disappoint. The set was a beautiful sweeping sand dune and the lighting made you think of lazy days and hot summer nights. The whole cast were fantastic, you really got the sense of a family and all the fun and problems that can cause. George MacKay was brilliant as the idealistic Richard he captured the anger and sting of adolescent heartbreak, the innocence of his romantic sole underneath and was a perfect drunk. For personal reasons my favourite scene was when Richard is hungover and flounces around the stage dressed entirely in black wearing sunglasses. The entire performance was witty and wonderful and I would watch it every night until the end of its run. 

Much to my delight we managed to meet George (Can I call him just George? Well I am!) as he came out from backstage. The Young Vic doesn't have a stage door so all the actors have to come through the The Cut Bar. Which is nice as you can enjoy a wine while star spotting. 10 minutes or so after the rest of the cast George appeared. He had to dry off.... He gets a little wet during the show...... *sighs*.

He was so sweet and I think a little taken back that we were waiting for him. Vicki asked him to sign her Pits and Perverts tee from Pride. He was surprised that she had one and pleased to sign it. He signed my program and we told him how much we all loved Pride and it's the reason we were there and how we had met. He was lovely enough to have pictures with us all before he headed over to a table with the rest of the cast to have some post show drinks. I was in heaven. I think I grinned for the rest of the night! And I kept the staring to a minimum.... I hope! 

As we discussed our post show thoughts and the loveliness of Mr MacKay our thoughts turned to the rest of the weekend and the exciting times that lay ahead! We arranged to meet for breakfast the next morning and headed our separate ways. 

To be continued....

Much Love 

Charlie x

OOTD - Fairy Godmother

I was on Auntie duties today taking my two nieces to watch Cinderella at the cinema. This was a good opportunity for a quick and simple cosplay.

Today with a blue dress and a pink scarf I am transformed into Cinderella's Fairy Godmother. Quick simple and super fun.

We all loved the film and I got lots of good Auntie points for buying sweets and pop corn! 

Much love 

Charlie x

OOTD - Thor

Whosoever wears this outfit, if she be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor. I'm pretty sure that's how it goes...... Is there something about a hammer?! If you hadn't guessed already I will be cosplaying the golden haired God of Thunder, Thor. (Cue blatant excuse for posting pictures of Chris Hemsworth) 

Sigh...... Any way back to the outfit... 

Base layer is nice and simple. Black skinny jeans and knee high boot combo. On the top I'm wearing a grey V-neck tee to represent Thor's breastplate armour. Over this I'm got on my long red cardigan instead of a majestic cape. Of course a majestic cape would be preferable but alas I don't have one in my wardrobe!

I styled my hair in a similar way to how Thor has it in Avengers Assemble. I would have liked to add a couple of plats but they didn't work in my Midgardian hair. 

Accessories! I was very annoyed I didn't pack my wing earrings. These would echo the wings on Thor's helmet. 

I made this lightning bolt necklace using a little kit I bought from my local haberdashery shop. The charm was from a pack I bought on Etsy. Super simple to make and adds the finishing touch to my outfit. (Happy Little How To coming soon!!)

I hope you like my cosplay and I am found worthy! The only thing that's missing is Mjölnir.

Much love

Charlie x

OOTD - Red Nose Day T-Shirt

It's Red Nose Day 2015 and good eggs all over the UK will be donning red noses and making their faces funny for money! I'm particularly fond of Comic Relief they do brilliant work in the UK and Africa and they have supported my company Jigsaw Dance. They funded our projects helping bring dance and fitness to adults with learning disabilities. 

I love buying the red nose T-shirts. I think my favourite one was from the 90's when the big red nose changed colour in the heat. This year TK Maxx have done a fabulous range. You can still buy them here. I'm going to be showing you 4 different ways you can style yours. 

Style 1: Tom Hiddleston. 

So for this look you won't be wearing the T-shirt your Tom Hiddleston will. But look how handsome he looks in it. Key elements for this look are: adorable noodle hair, glasses on or off, a jacket on his shoulders and jeans. I'm sure you agree this is an excellent look for any T-shirt.

If like me you sadly don't have a Tom Hiddleston lying around for you to dress in you RND tee the here are some other style suggestions. 

Style 2: Dressed up.

For this look I've paired the tee with a red & black tartan skirt, tights and my trusty black boots. Giving the t-shirt a fun and edgy look.

Style 3: Classic. 

This time I've kept it simple and gone for classic black jeans and a jacket.My little wedges keep the look smart. Ballet flats or trainers would make the look more casual.

Style 4: My Style. 

This is how I will actually be wearing my Red Nose Day T-shirt today. Once again I'll be keeping it practical as I'll be teaching lots of Zumba today. So leggings and trainers are the order of the day! I will be accessorising with red ribbons in my hair and of course a red nose. Not sure how long that will last while I'm teaching!!

Have you supported Red Nose Day by buying a T-shirt? How are you wearing yours? If you would like to find out more about Comic Relief and the brillant work they do please visit their website. http://www.comicrelief.com You can also donate through the website too. 

Have a brilliant Red Nose Day I'm off to singalong (badly) to the official Comic Relief single by Sam Smith featuring John Legend. You can download off iTunes here. 

Much Love

Charlie x

HLHT - Simple Adjustable Cord Bracelets

One of my favourite ways to add an extra elements of characters that inspire my everyday cosplay outfits is accessories! For me they make a big difference in bringing my cosplay to life or adding a touch of geek glam to ordinary clothes.

You will need:

• Waxed linen cord the colour of your choice. This can be found at most craft stores or on Amazon or eBay. 
• A charm of your choice to represent your chosen character.
• Scissors.

1. Cut a length of cord approximately twice the length of your wrist.

2. Thread on your charm. If you want to keep your charm from swinging round at this point you can tie two knots either side of the charm to keep it roughly in place.

3. Tie a simple knot round the opposite piece of cord.

4. Repeat with the other end of the cord. You now have an adjustable bracelet. 

You may want to experiment with the length of the cord so you get the right fit for you but make sure it can slip easily on and off your wrist when you need it to.

I think this will go towards a future Arrow cosplay. I hope you enjoyed this Happy Little How To please show me if you make any use #HLHT or tag me in! I'd love to see.

Much Love
Charlie