Dolly Parton came to town...

Dancing round the kitchen in my big blonde curly wig, my moms snake skin boots on and a hairbrush in my hand; I'd sing along to Jolene to my hearts content, I thought I was world class. From that day on I was hooked and in my opinion nothing could compare to the wonder of Dolly Parton's magical voice.

Which brings us to Mother's Day, as a surprise I thought I would get me and mom tickets to see Dolly at the LG arena in Birmingham; we missed her when she came in 2013 so I defiantly wasn't going to pass up this opportunity. I booked the tickets and then when Mother's Day arrived I left mom little suttle clues to her big surprise.

First off I left Dolly Parton's greatest hits on the side, told her that Dolly's was coming to Birmingham but how frightfully expensive the tickets were; then finally let her know by putting that very big blonde curly wig that I danced around the kitchen in on her bed with cowboy boots and the tickets...

Wells tears, tears and more tears followed very shortly after that...

22nd June came around fast and before I knew it were on the train from Birmingham New Street to the LG arena; walking in the arenas direction dozens of pink feathered cowboy hats and checked shirts shuffled to the entrance.

Finally in and sat down we waited for the big show to begin...

In enters this tiny person covered head to toe in white swarovski crystals, nothing could explain the excitement that bubbled up inside of me and mom; and if I'm honest it was all just worth it to see the great big smile on moms face! 

All the songs id loved for so many years were sang so beautifully, and the instruments Dolly can play are never ending! 

Saxophone, guitar (electric and acoustic), banjo, piano, fiddle, harmonica, auto harp, recorder and lap sliding guitar.

Coat of many colours (moms favourite) Jolene, Little Sparrow, I will always love you, Home, 9 to 5, Better get to living, Blue smoke and Here you come again (my favourite).

It was defiantly a moment that I'll never forget and I would recommend it to anyone!

 

My first Rockabilly Rave...

For weeks I've been looking forward to the rockabilly rave, although it's my first I've been watching videos of previous years for months and feel like a child in a sweet shop! On the morning of Friday 13th June we (as in my sister, mom and aunt) set off from Birmingham at 12pm on our travels to Sussex, we were expecting the journey to take around 3/4hours but when in fact it took 8 hours; that's what you get for travelling on Friday the 13th! Rockabilly rave is held in a Pontins holiday centre at Camber Sands East Sussex. We finally got to the rave on the night, had some food, got ready and headed out for a wild first night. On the first night I wore my black animal print double breasted wiggle dress from Lindybop. Seeing the variety of dresses and take on rockabilly/1950's style that people had was crazy, whether it be in a wiggle dress or in a full petti coat circle dress no-one was the same.

There were so many couples who could jive I your socks off, I could watch them do there thing for ages. After a long night of bopping (and some uncomfortable blisters) Saturday arrives swiftly, for the Saturday I wore a navy trouser jumpsuit, white wedges, white cat-eye sunglasses and my large blue and white round sun hat (it felt like a real Jane Russell number!) as a mad car fan this was my only goal for the morning; there was such a variety of classic cars I was in heaven, the Pontiac was a car to die for. After listening to a couple of bands during the day we headed back to the room for a much needed siesta! Outside we had a mini part with a neighbouring chalet, ukuleles were out in revenge; it was so refreshing to meet so many friendly people. Saturday night i finally got to showcase my new mint green and white floral dress that's been waiting for the rave to come, I bought the dress off eBay from a lady in Yorkshire who hand makes them; if your interested her name is Sherrybaby. To ensure that my halter neck and bolero could be seen and fully appreciated I went for a curls on top hair do which I will include on another blog post. Although I'm not a keen jiver I'm a mean bopper, so comfies had to been worn on my feet and Bill Haley's classic 

13 women had to be asked for!

Had to get a picture with a classic Pontiac, favourite car of all time!

Sunday soon came along which involved car boot shopping and a browse through the upstairs market; managed to bag myself a new gingham top, western circle skirt, the most gorgeous blue lily hair accessory, new bag and bits of jewellery. After a bopping and drinking packed weekend it was finally time to head home, it was defiantly money well spent and I thoroughly recommend that anyone interested into the rockabilly/50's hype attends; as someone who lives in Birmingham there's very few events available so an event like the rave is really refreshing, I'm already saving for the next one and booked in for Rhythm Riot in November! 

My first pair of Freddie's of Pinewood jeans and im totally in love with the brand, they make you feel a million dollars! Defiantly not going to be my only pair!

Managed to haggle the man down from £25 to £20, as my nan said take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of you!