Getting to Know You....

Our March meeting was all about getting our Belles mingling and getting to know each other better.   The gals were all given a number when they came in which ascertained what side of the table they would sit on.  We would then every 5 mins or so blow a whistle and whichever side of the table the whistle referred to, they would move down the table a couple of seats so they would then be sitting opposite somebody new and get chatting to them.  

Whilst all the frivolity of musical chairs was going on, we also gave our Belles the task of creating their own name badge out of felt and glitzing them up in any way they chose to see fit. 

 

 

The Committee Gals gave ourselves the unenviable task of choosing the best name badge, which we almost immediately decided would have to become the top three as by 10 minutes after starting the badges it was clear that it was going to be tough to choose just one.  When the time came to the actual judging we realised it was completely impossible to choose just 3 and stuck to our guns for a top 5!  (Well we are ladies after all, it is our prerogative to make up the rules as we go along!)

 

 

Our Belles Fabulous Efforts

I have to say we have some ridiculously creative and talented ladies in our group and every badge was fabulous.   However after much deliberation we chose our Fab Five and they were…. Drum roll please……

 Bonnie, Caroline, Emma, Jill and Melanie !!!

Winners of the Top 5 Badges Accolade

 

Congratulations to our Top 5 and a very well done to everyone who took part creating gorgeous badges and making our task as judges extremely difficult. 

 
We of course had our Trade Table in attendance which this month was craft themed.  Remember if you would like to bring along something to sell (either for yourself or on a friends behalf) then please contact Rebecca London on hertsbellesstalbanswi@gmail.com   15% of profits go to the Group. 

Trade Table at March Meeting

 

Keep an eye out on the Meeting Dates Tab here on the blog and of course check our Facebook page for news of our next meeting.  Sadly Anya will no longer be able to host the frilly knickers workshop in April, but fear not - we at Belles HQ have got our heads together and come up with an equally fabulous activity for you so check back soon...

Until next time Belles, bye for now!

 x

Birthday Belles & Cupcake Delights



Well we were completely blown away by the turnout for our February meeting! Thank you so much to everyone who came along and made our first birthday such a special night.  

 

 

 As it was our first birthday we couldn't think of a more fitting way to celebrate than with the gorgeous Charlotte White of Restoration Cake.  Charlotte has been running her business since 2009 and has made regular appearances on The Food Network as well as The Great British Bake Off, and has been featured in Wedding Magazine, Perfect Wedding Magazine and Vintage Life and has just released her very own book Burlesque Baking, which she was only too happy to sign and dedicate copies for our Belles.

 

 

We were also extremely honoured to have been joined by The Right Worshipful the Mayor of St Albans City and District, Councillor Annie Brewster.  Annie has shown her support of our group in the past at our Burlesque Circus evening and so we were thrilled to have her once again show her continued support by donning the W.I. apron presented to her by our Acting President, Lia, and get stuck in with the cupcake decorating.





Charlotte's book is inspired by various Burlesque Performers and were designed by Charlotte to reflect each lady's personality.  We were shown how to recreate her 'Tempest Rose' cupcakes using coloured fondant (or sugarpaste depending on which description you prefer!) topped off with a fondant rose. 

 

 

                  
   
And once again our talented Belles did not disappoint, using our own colour creations and not forgetting that all important bit of sparkle (well edible glitter) there were some extremely impressive creations around the room and after Charlotte had cast her eye on them, she declared Jane Barnett as the worthy winner of a Restoration Cake Goodie Bag!

Jane Barnett with her Restoration Cake Goodie Bag

Following the demonstration, Annie Brewster said a few words of thanks to Charlotte and a hearty congratulations to Emma and Lia for getting the group off the ground and making it what it is today, something I think we can all agree with.

 

         Charlotte White & St Albans Mayor, Annie Brewster 

 

                                                                                   Charlotte with Acting President; Lia Nelissen & Secretary Emma Golding

             Charlotte White & Annie Brewster with Secretary; Emma Golding,

                   Acting President; Lia Nelissen & Treasurer; Dawn Golding

 

                                                                                                              Birthday Card from St Albans Mayor, Annie Brewster


It really was so wonderful to see so many new faces alongside many fabulously familiar ones and every one of our gals getting stuck in and enjoying the evening, we hope you have all gone away with some new acquaintances and look forward to seeing you all again next month!! 

 
We gals on the Committee will be meeting up at Belles HQ in the next week or so to come up with some fabulous ideas for the next meeting and we will keep you updated so keep checking back here and the Facebook page...
 
Until next time ladies, ciao for now!
 
xx