Have you met the lovely Melinda who tweets and blogs?  She also co-edits, with Sonia from She’s Sonic, the fabulous Shop Me Chic, an excellent destination for girls who like to shop!

Melinda was running one of my favourite things to do on a Monday, the Let’s Write blog hop, on her Mumma in Heels blog.  Melinda is a gorgeous soul with a lot on her plate, so as she is stepping aside from her Mumma in Heels blog for a while, she’s graciously offered to let me take over.  Thank you so much, Melinda!

The theme for this week’s Write Stuff, which coincides nicely with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, is “Celebrate Your Inner Princess“.  I’d love for you to link up with me!

Most of us can unleash a bit of drama queen once in a while, but we like being treated like a princess too.  I’d love to hear about you celebrate your Inner Princess!  Is it treating yourself to a bubble bath once a week, or perhaps a bottle of French bubbles?  Maybe your Inner Princess needs are satisfied with some “me time” to read and eat chocolates without having to share?  Perhaps you have a story about your Inner Princess?

My Inner Princess story is about my wedding dress.  Do you have an Inner Princess story to share?  Please do!

I’m the only daughter in a family with three sons.  I am the eldest grandchild and great-grandchild on both sides of the family.  I refused to wear anything but pretty dresses from when I was a toddler.  I took ballet, jazz ballet, gymnastics and tap dancing lessons, and competed in dance competitions in New Zealand for years.  Let’s face it – my Inner Princess has always been pretty close to the surface!

My Inner Princess was fully unleashed during our wedding planning, which we nicknamed The Big Day Out.  My Inner Systems Junkie got a good workout too, just quietly.  I think every Inner Princess may spend a bit more time hanging out on the outside when wedding planning is in the offing.

There are frocks to try on, hairstyles to choose, nails to be groomed, bows to be tied on invitations, flowers to select, spending time with your besties, beauty regimes to be maintained … the opportunities for Inner Princesses to emerge are endless and oh so much fun!  It is possibly the only time in your life where you are allowed to obsess over the littlest details, like are the napkins the correct shade of lavender?  Are the flowers too purple?  This silver ribbon is too, um, silver!

Please note – it is very important to remain an elegant Inner Princess at all times, and not launch into full on Bridezilla mode.  Dear gods, the temptation is strong, but trust me, no one loves a Bridezilla!

My wedding theme was “lavender roses”, inspired by the most beautiful piece of lavender silk embroidered with rosebuds.  I had this made into a wrap, handbag, pocket handkerchief and ring cushion.  I also made a little pouch to contain my great grandmother’s lace handkerchief that had been carried by my great grandmother, my grandmother and my mother on their wedding days.  A proud tradition of eldest daughters marrying eldest sons.  The Welshman is the eldest twin but not the eldest child in his family, so I think we’ll get away with that one for another generation!

Once the theme was set, the Inner Princess was unleashed.  I even drank my tea out of a lavender rose teacup on my wedding day.  Oh yes, the theme was carried through, believe you me!

Strangely for me, I was somewhat ambivalent about my wedding dress.  I had in my mind that I was going to wear a pale lavender blue, or maybe silver, strapless column dress.  I even had a pattern and a dressmaker lined up.  Until the fateful day I went bridesmaid dress shopping with my girls, and they insisted I try on wedding dresses.

I walked up the stairs and saw the loveliest dress in front of me.  It was a sample dress that had been discontinued before they could get it on the floor, so it was ridiculously reduced in price.  But I was so taken with it, I didn’t even notice this.  Me, the original bargainista!

It was ivory with crossover straps, a separate bodice and the prettiest organza overlay over a full skirt with a sweeping train.  It bustled up beautifully, just like a princess dress should.  I did try on a few more dresses, including an amazing pure white, tulle skirted, diamante-embellished bodice that was just too princess, even for me.  However, I knew “my dress” was the one.  I bought the first dress I tried on and I still love it, ten years later.

My Inner Princess leapt to the forefront and that dream dress belonged to me!  My Inner Princess has emerged today, as I’m writing this wearing the tiara from my costume party last weekend!

 

 

 

I’m linking up with With Some Grace for Flog Your Blog Friday.

Come and check out the fun!