Out & About at Caldecotte Lake!

My Hotel!

It’s Time for Some New Running Shoes!

Now Which Ones Should I Choose!

Oh Dear! My Poor Worn Out Old Shoes!

If you caught my last blog you will know this last weekend has been all about my accounts. I have to confess it has been a little hard going this year. I don’t know if it’s because I might have had more to write-up this time around or if I’m still a little tired after the Christmas season. Ether way I’m home now and I’m proud to say everything is up to date and ready for my accountant even though I don’t have to present them until late March/ April. I like to be well prepared and organized and I now feel I can face 2016 with confidence having put 2015 to bed.

Every year I check into a Premier Inn for this accounting task. This year I chose to stay at The Windmill at Caldecotte Lake which is both peaceful and quite. It’s also great for running. I like to go out running every morning which really helps when you’ve been sitting the whole day blasting through accounts. It’s such a boring job but it has to be done and staying in a hotel I find really helps. When I’m at home there are too many distractions and sometimes it’s nice not to have to worry about my hair or clothes. So yes I confess – shock horror I have been seen out and about this weekend in a track suit but only because I’ve been running between figures! If however you were hoping for a photo of me in my track suit then I’m afraid I will have to disappoint you. Running is one of the few occasions where I don’t carry my camera however I was able to get a few nice ones of the Windmill and  lake before I headed off this morning.

When I go away for my accounts weekend I make a point not to watch television although as I was able to get everything done before sitting down for dinner on Sunday evening I did treat myself to watching “Call the Midwife” and “War and Peace”. I’ve been watching “Call the Midwife” on DVD taking in the fashions and make up, in particular Trixie’s eye liner which I hope I can re-do for Sunday. I thought last Sundays episode was very moving when we saw the first of the thalidomide babies. This was touched on in series four when thalidomide was given to a mother with bad morning sickness and we all sat at home with hind sight shouting at the screen –  no no you mustn’t! On a lighter note seeing the Midwives in their black nylon boat neck leopards took be back to an age when I had one of those. This was for me was in the 70s before we had discovered the wonders of Lycra although I know Freeds still make those cross over cardis today. When the midwives changed into their new uniforms they were all wearing “What Katie Did” underwear which just goes to show sometimes you can buy retro items off the peg.

I’ve been enjoying “War and Peace” very much too. I’m a big fan of the actress Lily James who also played Lady Rose in “Downton Abbey”. Just like me I can see she’s a Ballet girl and she was so lovely in the Ballroom scene this week. She has beautiful poise and is one of the few actresses you see on television these days who knows how to hold herself. She does Ballroom scenes so well which is probably why she was rightly cast as Cinderella and in War and Peace. Last Sunday’s episode was so romantic and Lily was a true delight to watch. She made me want to waltz too!

It’s Time for a Run!

I however have had to hung my dancing shoes up for this week-end so I’ve been busy running instead. All this running has made me realise that my running shoes were long over due for the dust bin. You should change your shoes after running 500 miles although thinking about it I’m sure my shoes have done more like a 1200 miles. When I looked at my soles I could see I had worn them right down, so on my way home today I called into “Up and Running”. Finding that perfect pair of shoes takes a bit of time and one thing they do at “Up and Running” is film your feet on the tread-mill so they can gage your gate. I run more on my toes and turn my feet out slightly which is due to all that Ballet I expect. In the end I went with a purple pair of Brooks. They look very modern compared to the rest of me but when you run it’s so important to have the right shoes.

My New Running Shoes!

I have a busy day tomorrow as I’m back in the gym with Elliot at 10am and then I have a show in the afternoon. In the evening I shall be meeting up with my friends Betty Lynda and Chris as we have tickets to see The Glen Miller Story at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury. Something to put us In the Mood you might say as I love all those Glen Miller arrangements! On Wednesday I’m in the recording studio with shows on Thursday and then it’s all about hitting the beauty trail in prep for Sundays shoot.

That’s all my news for now and I look forward to catching up with you later this week when I tell you everything about the fourth coming shoot. Keep Watching and Toodle Pip! 😉

I’m in a bit of a dash tonight as I’m getting set to go away tomorrow for my accounts weekend. I do this every year, check myself into a Premier Inn and concentrate on getting my accounts up to date and ship-shape for my accountant. I like to be organized and this week has been very productive. Dates are selling well and I’ve sent out more than 60 contracts this week alone. It’s great to see the year taking shape and I’m looking forward to a fantastic 2016.

This time of year is all about getting ship-shape. Connie went in for her service last week, I was at the dentist this week and I’m booked into the opticians for my annal apointment next week. I also paid my tax bill in full and recived my new Equity card so you could say all is on track. Investing in a trainer has really paid of and I was back in the gym with Elliot today. My ankles are still a little week from twisting them last Thursday but they are getting stronger and I was able to go out jogging on Tuesday and Wednesday or be it rather carefully. It was important for me to wear heels today as I had a show this afternoon. I could feel my ankles were still not quite there but as long as I’m careful I think all will be well.

I’m pleased to say I’ve lost a little more weight this week although my tummy still isn’t quite as flat as I would like. I’ve been doing my tummy exercises every day  and we are getting there as I want to look my very best for camera. I had a dress fitting tonight with Judi for my Capri pants and to check on my dresses. Capri pants can be very unforgiving if ones tummy isn’t flat although I made a slight change to my design. I’ve decided to extend the leg to mid calf rather than just under the knee. I think the longer leg will make me look a little taller and as I’m only 5 foot 3 looking like I might have longer legs wont be a bad thing!

I’m going to have to leave it here tonight as I must get on. Next week I’m in the recording studio and I start on filming so more on that next week.

Keep Watching and Toodle Pip!

Angela Busy Styling my Hair!

Hello every-one I’m back after spending this weekend away with Paul at South end -on-Sea attending the wedding of Brian Shaw and Cherie Lay. I’m sure many of you know Brain from the Barbershop Quartet “Puttin’ on the Blitz” and from seeing Cherie and Brian work together as the singing duo “Perfect Vintage”. Paul and I were really honoured to be invited and what a fabulous day it turned out to be too. Of couse with it being such a special occasion I wanted to look my very best so I had my hair done especially. Thursday was my beauty day so after having my roots done Jenny was able to put my hair in curlers making it easy for Angela to style come the morning.

The French Pleat!

Sleeping in curlers is never much fun as it’s a little like laying on a hedgehog however the results far out way the discomfort. It’s only when the hair is properly cooled that it styles to best advantage and gives what my friend Kim calls “Root Lift”. I would really love to have naturally curly hair but as my hair is straight the rollers are essential and it’s the only way to achieve the best results. On this occasion I asked Angela to style a 1950s french peat with waves at the front and curls at the back.

Friday was a bit of a dash as I set off to Southend after the hairdressers and I met Paul at the hotel. The wedding wasn’t until Saturday so it was lovely to spend some time away with-out having to worry about shows. Brian and Cherie had booked the Red Brick Barn at Sutton Hall, Rochford which is a lovely venue for a wedding. The bride and groom had chosen a vintage theme and Cherie looked radiant in her beautiful fish tailed ivory lace gown,

Perfect Vintage – Brian and Cherie!

Dancing at the Wedding!

Lunch with Rock Hudson!

finished with sequins and accessorized with a delicate vail and prity feather worn at the side of the hair. Brian looked very smart in his morning suit and wore a rose button-hole which matched Cherie’s beauque. Afterwards we enjoyed listening to songs from “Puttin on the Blitz” and friend crooner “Stephen Dunnett” who sang some wonderful vintage numbers which included songs by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin to Elvis. It was a wonderful day and Paul and I would like to wish Cherie and Brian all the very best for the future. Thank-you so much for inviting us to your special day we were really honoured and wish you so much happiness.

As you can see I’m now back at my desk and I’ve posted up lots of photos from the wedding on Facebook so if you haven’t yet seen them do take a look. Today Paul and I took a stroll along the prom in Southend which was a little bracing but then thinking about it, it is January! We stopped for lunch at Bobby Jo’s 50s Diner and sat at a table with Rock Hudson. Brian has just told me the Jive Acres used the diner in one of their videos and there is a link on my Fiona Harrison A Voice in a Million page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fiona-Harrison-A-Voice-in-a-Million/143965822288531 so do click-through.

This week I still have loads of contracts to finish off and I’m away next Friday as I’ve booked some time away to do my accounts. I do this every year where I book myself into a Premier Inn for an accounts weekend and concentrate on getting my accounts ship-shape and writain up for my accountant. It’s a great thing to do and very rewarding as you don’t have the distractions of home.

At Bobby Jos Diner!

I always make a point of going out jogging every morning and I enjoy the peace and quite. The following week I will be back in the recording studio with Richard laying down some new tracks for the show reel and then we start shooting on the 24th. I’ve noticed my skin is starting to look a little shiny in photographs. This might be because I’ve changed my moisturizer and my skin is feeling much better for it. However it’s important when I go before the cameras on the 24th I use lots of powder. I don’t want my skin to be caught shining on camera.

Toodle Pip and Bye for Now!

Paul at Southend on Sea!

All Ready to Be Waxed!

We’ll what a day it’s been! Today I was out bright and early this morning putting Connie in for her service. I had to replace her battery on Tuesday and it looks like she will be needing two new tyres soon. We are ok for the mo but it’s one of those jobs I must do in the next month or so. I forget just how much mileage we do together and it’s so important to keep everything tip-top. It was fortunate on Tuesday I was only going into town, so after a jump-start I was able to take her straight round to Halfords and had a new battery fitted.

The Work-Out Must Go On!

Apart from Connie being serviced today I was back in the Gym with Eliot at 10am for my work-out. I’ve been exercising every-day and it’s great to see everything knitting together. It’s been good to get my running shoes on again, although I think I could do with a new pair of trainers and some new training kit too. Odly enough today’s session didn’t go quite as smoothly as it should have done. When I stept off the cross trainer after my warm up I twisted my right ankle only to twist my left ankle 45 minutes later after catching my foot on a mat while I was running on the spot.  Fortunately I was able to walk and perhaps my ankles are a little more flexible and stronger than they were thanks to all this running I’ve been doing. But it has left them a little week and a little bit swolan so I kept my leg warmers on today just in case. tomorrow I’m heading off to Brian and Cherie’s wedding so the last thing I want is swolen ankles!

My Poor Ankles!

As Connie was being serviced I walked up to Angela’s Hair and Beauty after having lunch in town. (Or perhaps I ought to say hobbled up) Today was my beauty day as there is always so much to do after a busy Christmas season. The usual girly things like having ones roots done, leg waxing and eyelash tinting. My eyelashes are naturally blond so I must have them died which frames the eye and looks very natural when done. When it comes to leg waxing I’m very lucky as I have very fair hair so I get away with so much once I have my stockings on. It must be so difficult for Spanish and Italian girls as hairy legs are never a good look for any-one!

Having an Eye-lash Tint!

Off Home in my Curlers!

I shall be back in the hair-dressers tomorrow morning for styling and a manicure. So yes I did have to leave tonight with a head scarf on and my curlers in looking ever-so slightly Coronation Street – Not that I’ve ever seen the program! The things I do for my art although in this case I want to look my best for Brian and Cherie’s big day.

This week I’ve been working hard on contracts for 2016 and dates are selling well. So if you are still waiting for your contract don’t worry I hope to get them to you in the next week or so.

That’s about all my news for now. Toodle Pip and Bye for now! 😉

Time to Get Ship Shape!

It’s a new year and I’m working hard to get everything in order before I head off to Rochford this coming Friday. I was back in the gym today with my trainer Elliot and I’ve so much to plan for with filming scheduled for the 24th. I’m also filming on the 31st January too so this evening I was with Judi my dress-maker going through costumes and sorting out dresses. We start filming my 1960s songs on the 24th  and then I will be doing the 50s on the 31st. Both days will require different hair dos and I’m still trying to make up my mind although I have a feeling we will be going for a 60s beehive and a 50s pony tail so watch this space and I shall keep you posted. I also fancy a pair of Capri pants and while I was away in Chichester I was able to pick up some fantastic orange and green fabric which will look very 50s when made up.

Sadly I can’t spend too long blogging tonight but this Saturday Paul and I will be attending the Wedding of Cherie and Brian Shaw which we are so looking forward to. Paul and I will be heading off on Friday and the Wedding is taking place on Saturday with a vintage theme. I’m still trying to decide what to wear although I have a few favourites and I might make up my mind on the day.

I’m going to have to leave it here tonight although I almost forgot. Last week I was on “Come Dine with Me”. I filmed the episode a couple of years ago and it get’s repeated from time to time. I was engaged to sing at Peter Pickering’s dinner party which if I remember rightly was the Tuesday night. I didn’t have time to watch it this time around but I’m so pleased the rest of you did and enjoyed the small part I played.

Toodle Pip and Bye for Now!

Home on Leave with Paul at The Watercress Line!

Christmas Day Lunch with Fredie at The Berystede!

Hello every-one – alow me to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy New Year! As you can see I’m now back at my desk after enjoying a busy Christmas and New Year season and for those of you who follow me on facebook will have already seen I’ve posted up many of my photos from my time away

as I promised. I still have loads of e-mails to go through, not to mention lots of contracts to type up and send out. So if you are waiting for me to send you a contract don’t worry I’m on the case. I’m looking forward to a fantastic 2016 and dates are selling fast. I’ve already sold over 100 shows for 2016 with the Queens 90th Birthday celebrations trending through the months of April, May and June. Easter falls early this year and is taking place on the last weekend in March which always sells well for me along with my Pearly Queen St Georges Day show and Halloween. I know it may seem a little early but much of my Christmas for 2016 has already sold with 13 dates gone so far. So if you would like me for your 2016 Christmas function it’s always best to book early and I would be delighted to hear from you.

I love this Painting!

In the meantime I have so much to tell you about my time away. On Christmas Day I was engaged to perform my Great American Song Book Show at The Macdonald Berystede Hotel in Sunninghill. As it turned out my show couldn’t have gone better and the audience just loved my choice of music. But then when it comes to The Great American Song Book what’s not to like and it did make a refreshing change from all those Christmas songs! I was then invited to join the guests for Christmas Day lunch afterwards and I had a wonderful conversation with a charming gentleman called Fredie whose company I enjoyed amensly. Afterwards I took some time out to look at some of the paintings which hung in the foye including one of a very distinguished lady from the 1920s. I don’t know who she was but her painting was lovely to see. For Boxing Day I was over to do a show in the village of Much Hadnam and then on Sunday I drove down to see Paul at The Watercress Line’s 1940s Home on Leave Event.

Paul and I at The Pavilion New Years Eve!

Paul and I had arranged to meet at The Bell Hotel in Alesford. Paul had booked a table for 1.30pm and it had been my intention to be with him at the railway for mid day. As it turned out the traffic on the M25 was horrendous and I just made it into Alresford for 1.20, just in time for lunch – phew! The Bell is a great place to dine having dined there once before and as you can imagine we were both ready for lunch. Sunday was one of those rare days where I wasn’t engaged to sing so it was a real treat to spend some time with Paul and not be expected to perform. It was my first visit to the Watercress Line and I enjoyed riding on the steam train very much. Something else I usually never have the time to do as I’m always singing. For once it was fun just to be a member of the public!

Off to the Ball!

Paul was able to join me on stage for my shows in Chichester and at Hayling Island and then we traveled along the coast to Bournemouth for New Years Eve. This December I performed 32 shows but oddly enough the way they fell left New Years eve free and Paul and I were sure to make the most of it by booking into the The Royale Hotel. We had tickets for the Bournemouth Pavillion Ballroom Dinner Dance which was just lovely. Of course I couldn’t decide when I packed what to take in the way of evening gowns so I took a selection and in the end I went with my 1920s beaded Gatsby gown. The wonderful thing about these 1920s style dresses is they alow for a wonderful freedom of movement and I do love to dance. When I sing I sing for others but when I dance I can dance to please myself as Paul and I danced our way into the wee small hours. We even caught the New Years fireworks.

Changing into my 1920s Dancing Shoes!

On New Years Day I had a show in Aylesbury which I had to dash back for and now I have a busy January ahead with so much to sort out before I start filming on the 24th. Next weekend Paul and I will be in Rochford in Essex for a very special occasion. We have been invited to a Vintage wedding  and we are both looking forward to the Wedding very much – but more on that in my next blog!

I must dash now as I need to do a few jobs before bed. Thank-you for following and Toodle Pip!

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Hello every-one I couldn’t go to bed tonight without first wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and I wanted to thank you all for your continued support over this last year. I’m amazed by just how many of you follow my blogs as it’s a wonderful way of me keeping you all up to date with everything that’s happening in my world. Sadly I can’t spend too long tonight as I have an early start in the morning. I’ve just got back from performing at Cliveden Manor and tomorrow morning I’m booked to sing at The Macdonald Berystede Hotel in Sunninghill nere Ascot. I’m on stage bright and early at 11am just prior to lunch and I’ve been invited to join the hotel guests for lunch afterwards too. Oddly enough on this occasion I’ve been engaged to perform The Great American Song Book for Christmas Day which I’m looking forward to doing very much. I would have loved to have been at midnight mass tonight but I didn’t get back that early and I’m aware of the time so I shall make this blog a quick one.

Angela Working Her Magic!

Boxing day I’m performing in the village of Much Hadnam and then on Sunday I’m off down to The Watercress Line in Alresford for The Railway Station’s “1940s Home on Leave”event. I have a rare day off on Monday and then shows in Chichester and Hayling Island on the 29th and 30th. Paul and I will be in Bournmouth for New Years Eve and then I’m back up to Aylesbury for a show on the 1st January. I will then be getting set to film on the 24th January with much to do in the recording studio first so do keep watching this space and I shall keep you posted.

My Hair all Set and Ready for Christmas!

This will be my last post for 2015 and I look forward to catching up with you all when I get back in 2016. I will make sure I’ll have lots of photos to share with you of my days away. In the meantime I have left you with a few photos of me this week with Angela in the hairdressers. This season I have been sporting a Lady Rose 1920s 30s hair do. I love this style as it doesn’t require any back combing – Hooray! It will be a different story come the 24th when I sing the 1960s to camera.

Gosh I must go now. Have a lovely Christmas every-one and here’s to a fabulous New Year! Oh I almost forgot but my magazine now has its own page. If you scroll to the contents at the top of this page do click onto my “Vintage Fair Magazine” and you will be able to read all my features.

Toodle Pip and Bye for Now! 😉

Lily, Kim and I between Shows!

I’m sorry to say I can’t spend too long blogging tonight only because I need to get to bed and I’m back in the gym for 10am tomorrow morning. It’s been a full week of Christmas shows, ten in total and I’ve shows everyday again next week before dashing off to do some more on the South Coast. As you might imagine at this time of year most people want the same sort of show although as the month wears on its important to change the repertoire slightly and go a little more party. I’ve seen a growing trend for more Rock and Roll. In fact my 1950s and 60s show is now one of my best sellers so I guess this show reel can’t come soon enough. I stat filming on the 24th Jan so it’s important to make sure I’m camera ready as I work on toning and shaping up my figuar.

I love this Shot – Lily, Kim and Trigger!

This week I’ve been trying to catch up with friends and play father Christmas a little between performances although I confess I’ve not been looking my best, it’s a hair thing! Thank goodness I’m in the hair dressers on Wednesday while I sit back and let Angela work her magic! I’ve only seven shows to do next week before heading off down to Chichester and then Paul and I will be in Bournemouth for New Years eve. Last Wednesday my net book crashed just before I was due to go on stage. Fortunately I always carry a back up but thanks to a cleaver IT chap in the audience by the name of Keith he was able to get my net book working again and back on track. So let’s hear it for life saver Keith!

I really must dash now and I will try to post again before the end of the week. In the meantime I have left you with a few photos of when I caught up with Kim, Lily and Trigger the dog between shows on Saturday.

Keep Watching and Merry Christmas!