This week my Covets and Craves are all along a certain theme;

Paisley Daisy

Currently based on the Isle of Wight, the designer creates unique vintage textile collectables such as retro handbags, cushions, purses and clothes. And who doesn't want a unique bag? www.paisleydaisy.co.uk

Jo Weldons Burlesque Handbook.

Jo Weldon is an established star of the Burlesque World. Based in the USA she's written a must have handbook for the aspiring Burlesque star. Full of tips on creating your burlesque persona, routines and costumes as well as advice from many other stars of the circuit. Well written and the best investment I can think of for anyone wanting to start in the burlesque circuit.

www.schoolofburlesque.com/

 
Dolly De Lash

Dolly is not only an award making Pastie maker, she's also responsilble for making my Pasties for my Stig act and is the first person I'd recommend to any burlesque startlet. www.dollydelash.co.uk

That's right, this weeks theme is they are all in the goodybag giveaway! We have a Paisley Daisy bag, Fan dance workshop DVD and pasties (among other goodies). Just comment on any of my posts by the 23rd of July and the comment that makes me smile the most will win.

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Giveaway! 07/15/2010
 
To win this bundle of goodies, all you have to do it comment on any of my blog posts. The comment that makes me smile the most by Friday the 23rd July will be the winner!
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Included is the Fabulous Jo Weldons Fan Dance DVD (http://www.worlddancenewyork.com/product/silk-feathers-burlesque-fan-dance), The Bombshell Manual of Style
(http://www.bombshellmanual.com/bombshell5.html), Pasties from the Couture pastie maker Dolly De Lash (http://www.dollydelash.co.uk/), a unique handmade bag from Paisley Daisy (http://www.paisleydaisy.co.uk) and a couple of extra surprises.


Good Luck xxx
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A fabulous fourth of July,

Some pictures from backstage at the Orange Rooms Fourth of July. Performing on the same stage as Mr Joe Black, the fabulous Anna Fur Laxis and the beautiful Billie Rae. I had an amazing time.

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Myself and Anna Fur Laxis

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(L-R) Anna Fur Laxis, Joe Black, Billie Rae & Yours Truly 

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Myself & Mr Joe Black

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Book Review 07/15/2010
 
The True Blood Series - Charlaine Harris

It took me a while to start reading these. I admit I was among those who associated current books about Vampires with the Twilight loving crowd. (I will admit that my only experience of Twilight has been the first movie, but I've never felt the urge to delve further). I like my heroines with some independence, humour and awareness. Vampires, Fairies and goblins were not on my required reading list. Being urged to try one I sat down with the first of the set and tried to ignore the memories of the TV series (I liked the series, but wanted to allow my mind to be uninfluenced). One week and eight books later I was very happy to be proven wrong. Yes these books are never likely to be loved by those who submerse themselves in the literary world - they are far too readable for that.



The world manages to be believable, despite being filled with the cast of old wives tales. Vampires have issues with builders, Werewolves have dating issues and America's far right have a new section of society to hate. Sookie may suffer from the chick lit curse of having a far too active love life, but even this is treated with a tongue in cheek lightness of touch. There are small touches that stop these being my favourite ever books, but with every new book these niggles are less and less.

Four Pasties (with tassels) A very pleasant surprise. Almost like Krispy Kremes, you know they aren't Michelin star food, but they are unapologetic about it - and perfect for when you crave something bad that's oh so good.

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Book Review 07/15/2010
 
The Reluctant Bride - Lucy Mangan

As I'm sure some of you know by know, Lucy Mangan is one of my favourite columnists (and almost spookily mirrors my inner thoughts on a far too regular basis). And as I'm getting deeply into the details of organising a wedding, this read of her own experiences wedding planning seemed perfectly timed.

The wedding industry works in a way similar to a factory line - it may be your special day, but you're expected to want the same special day as everyone else with the dress, cake and flowers. The Bridezilla cliché has become firmly imbedded in society consciousness along with the idea that girls start planning their wedding at the age of 6 and have opinions on the smallest detail of 'the best day of their life'. Ms Mangan fits in far more realistically with my personal experience of not wanting the excessively ordered and timed wedding, and instead wanting to be left to indulge in a good book, a glass of wine and the luxury of an empty flat.

Following Lucy's story from the meeting of her future husband through to leaving for the honeymoon, it perfectly captures the unexpected stress, drama and moments of pure pantomime involved in wedding planning. I found myself nodding in recognition or laughing unexpectedly at moments scattered among the pages.

I do wish it had delved slightly deeper into the comic aspects instead of keeping the light tone developed during the limits of column writing, but as criticisms go it's a small one. And I'd also have liked more detail on her life outside of the relationship, but hopefully that novel won't be too far away.

Four Pasties - A must for bibliophiles, those lacking the bridezilla gene and who appreciate the peacefulness of an empty house and a good book.

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I do apologise for my long silence, my Computer decided to fail in a most spectacular fashion and it's taken me a while to catch up with everything. Luckily all my posts that wouldn't publish were still buried away so I'm able to publish two weeks of information over the next couple of days.. The giveaway has been delayed and will be announced tonight.

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Just a quick note to say thank you for all the birthday messages. Thank you fabulous people xxx

As an extra thank you, Tonight I'm launching a giveaway on my blog. All you have to do is comment on any post in the next week and the comment that makes me smile the most over will win a small goodie bag. There's DVD's, books, A pair of Dolly De Lash Pasties and a couple of extra surprises. I'll announce the winner on Saturday the 10th.

xxx

(PS. If your reading this before the official announcement, then I guess you get a head start ;) )

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