Braids & Blooms

If you don't already know her, let me introduce you to my instagram turned real life friend, Becca. We first connected via Instagram summer 2017, as soon as we realised how close we lived to each other (literally roads away!) we quickly arranged a cup of tea date, although I had to reassure Becca I wasn't a serial killer posing as a heavily pregnant woman.

We hit it off straight away and the rest is history... IF ONLY. Not long after I became a mum and moved house, only 40 minutes away, but felt like the other side of the country. Becca also got poorly and for the next few months we dipped in and out of conversations with each other.

Whenever I have a missed call from Becca I always think, oh goodness, what's happened now!

A couple of months ago I was walking home from the gym when I saw I'd had a missed call, I rang back straight away and Becca picks up, before even saying hello she blurts "Steph, I want your honest advice, I don't know if this is a stupid idea, and I don't know if it's feasible, but I'm thinking of doing an instagram meet up, it probably won't work, and I doubt anyone would want to come, but I just thought..." - STOP BECCA, that was it, my excitement for her took over, I couldn't give her much advice on the setup with how she did her braiding tutorials or floral arrangements, but I could be the annoying voice constantly saying, you are doing it, you can do it, you're doing it!

I also knew this would be a massive challenge for me. Ultimately what was my motivation to push myself out of my comfort zone and put me into an environment I used to thrive on was because I wanted and needed to support my friend.

The day was absolutely perfect. There were 20 lovely ladies, getting to know each other over afternoon tea and lots of instagraming.

Becca started off by showing us different plaiting techniques, which I won't reference because knowing me I will get them wrong! However, we all left looking bridal ready! Becca, your braiding talent is truly amazing, I will be booking you for when we eventually get round to planning our wedding party!

We ended the day by making real floral crowns, a little bit sticky and fiddly, but utterly satisfying and just the most beautiful gift to take home.

And of course, we weren't allowed to leave the venue without taking a Braids & Blooms style photo!

The beautiful flowers were from The Ivy Florist

The day didn't end after the event finished as we were packed off with the most wonderful goodie bags. The contents for me was very exciting, I'm on the never end quest to look after myself, skin and hair better, but being a bit of a tomboy I do need help to be steered in the right direction. The Braids & Blooms goodie bag was a little push onto that path, so thank you Becca, you really did give me the gift that keeps on giving!

A little peak at what was inside the goodie bags