What is Lifestyle Management?

As my business is in its infancy, I have to use the "elevator speech" quite frequently.  Which goes something like this:

"The Lifestyler is a fresh thinking lifestyle management company offering support to those that need assistance running their homes, lifestyle and business."

The word "Lifestyle Management (LM)" visits this sentence.  So what is LM?

There are no actual definitions available online, so I have tried to put it into my own words:

"Lifestyle Management is the provision of services by a Lifestyle Manager to people who have little time.  Services such as diary management, marketing, personal shopping, event management, decluttering and relocation services to name but a few.  Basically activities that busy people need organising like a dinner reservation, travel and website management.  A Lifestyle Manager is a professional organiser."

The benefits of using such a service are:

• Exceptional quality service, 7 days per week
• Trade discounts off lifestyle services, such as florists, hairdressers, alterations, dog walking,  and more
• No recruitment fees, no PAYE and no holiday pay
• Pay by the hour only, as and when you really need some help
• And above all, the gift of time to spend time doing things you really want!

If you are busy and need a little support or if you know any one that needs some help, I am offering up to 4 hours service at £15.00 per hour (instead of £25.00).  Just quote "Lifestyleblog" to info@thelifestyler.co.uk. 

Thank you for reading.

Olivia
x

Why I love Wedding Fayres

So...I am lucky enough to manage a pretty stunning venue called Old Down Manor (www.olddownmanor.co.uk/), which opened only last October and is fastly becoming the areas most popular wedding venue.


After the success of last years Fayre, we decided to organise another..so Sunday 22nd April 2012 was the date!

The lead up to the day was exciting with exhibitors tweeting about it, brides tweeting about it and us telling every bride and her groom about it!  With over 30 exhibitors there was a real buzz and fabulous atmosphere during set up.  Each exhibitor (we believe), who we invite are the bees knees in the wedding biz.  They know their stuff, they are professional and most importantly friendly :)

Here are some images from the day...will have some more soon.

As well as the beautiful Orangery, Atrium, Library and Bernay's Room, we were lucky enough to have a marquee organised by www.countymarquees.co.uk.  The room was styled by Kirsten at www.littleweddinghelper.co.uk/ and flowers by Maria at www.sororidesignflorist.co.uk.  It just looked stunning with the starlight lining, dancefloor, DJ courtesy of Matt and Corinne www.newcitysound.co.uk and first dance instructors www.movementor.co.uk.

The marquee was also used to showcase the true artistry that our Head Chef Manuel Perez-Monzon creates on the foodie front. Canapes such as Goats cheese puree with tomato bread and Westphalian ham and fig to name but a few.  With the delicious canapes a selection of our wines were served (this obviously went down a treat!).  We also created a little cafe serving refreshments such as homemade West Country cream teas.

In the Orangery (where we conduct wedding ceremonies and wedding breakfasts) we had the following suppliers:
www.hannahbanks.co.uk/

www.icedmagiccakes.co.uk

www.auntiesvintagechina.co.uk

www.weddingdaymovie.co.uk

www.5starcelebrations.co.uk

www.ctheworld.co.uk

www.hopedesigns.eu

www.menshire.co.uk

www.archibold-edwards.co.uk

www.dcmagic.co.uk

www.celebrationroadshow.co.uk

www.lizzy-may.co.uk

In the Hallway we had music by http://www.harpmariefrance.co.uk/ and John the pianist and a very talented Caricaturist. Along with our stand.  We held a raffle for the RSPCA with lots of goodies to be won.

In the Piano/Bernays Room:

www.jessicamillsmakeupartist.co.uk

www.trulyyoubridal.co.uk

www.cupcake-delight.co.uk

www.caroline-alexander.co.uk

www.bijouxfloral.co.uk

www.partyfromabox.co.uk

www.englandsfinestcars.co.uk

www.kenskars.co.uk

The day just ran so smoothly.  Lucy did a great job of organising the event, Matt and Jane worked solidly for 6 hours taking people on tours, Chloe was fab making sure everyone had drinks and cupcakes, Manuel and Sian talked about food and wine non-stop, the chefs ensured that copious amounts of canapes were available and the exhibitors just did their thing...and it worked.  Lots of happy couples and their families left the event with new ideas and new contacts.  So all in all it was a very successful event...here's to the next!

I am so so proud of the team and where we have come since we opened only 6 months ago.  It has been massively challenging but I am confident that huge success will follow.  With over 50 weddings already booked and many local people hosting their parties here, Old Down Manor will be sure to leave a lasting legacy.

Olivia x

Being a Bridesmaid

Well....what an absolute honour! I have been asked, along with my closest friends from school (N, A & P), to be Katie's bridesmaid.  I haven't been a bridesmaid since 1999 when I was a school girl, so I am really looking forward to being a grown up b-maid!

We have all known eachother now since secondary school.  We have all shared so much together like the school prom, holidays, GCSE's, A-Levels, nights out, nights in, cocktails, boy talk, tears, tantrums, sad times and fun times.  I am so pleased that we have all remained close since I left Chelmsford in 2007.  We tend to meet up at least 3 times a year if we can.

Now two of my closest friends are engaged to be the Mrs to their Mr's :) I am so happy for them both and I am so excited to share such a special time with them.  Being a wedding and event planner, I guess I get more excited than others to a certain extent.  I deal with weddings every working day and don't get bored of it!  I would like to think that the girls could ask for advice about trends and general organisation.

Although I deal with weddings on a daily basis, I am a bit rusty on the old bridesmaid duties and what is expected of us, so I did a bit of research and came up with the following:

helping the bride shop for her dress and bridesmaids’ dresses

when asked, giving advice on decorations, favors, music, and more

helping the maid of honor to plan a bridal shower, and, if appropriate, chipping in for the costs of food, decorations, or venue

helping to plan a hen party

helping the bride dress (and stay calm) before the ceremony

providing moral support at all times

being useful at the wedding reception. The couple may ask you to help direct guests to the guestbook, assist with a special moment, make sure that suppliers have arrived, or do crisis management.

being social. Be sure to talk to as many guests as you can, making them feel warmly welcomed. If there's a dance floor, help get the party going!

We are all so excited we could burst.  2013 is going to be a good year.  Congratulations Nicola and Katie!

xxx

Moving House?

If like me you are moving house very soon, there is quite alot to think about! I have 1 month to organise my move and relocation, you may have more time. 

Couple of to do's before the big move:

• Buy some nice "New Address" cards to send to family and friends.  Why not try these http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/lottielane/product/change_of_address_cards or for a more environmentally friendly option send an ecard at http://www.ecards.co.uk/

• You need to inform a variety of people of your new address such as: DVLA, car insurance, house insurance, TV licence, Internet/phone provider, loyalty schemes such as tesco clubcard or nectar, utility providers, banks and building societies, council tax and schools
• Contact the new local doctors surgery, dentists and opticians and register your details
• Start packing.  You can gather free cardboard boxes from supermarkets or local businesses.  Start with the items you don't use very often and then closer to the time finish with your everyday items but keep the boxes open and accessible
• Organise a removal firm such as www.mrgrays.co.uk or a nationwide firm if you have a lots of belongings!  Alternatively (and like me) how about hiring a van try http://www.selfdrivevanhire.co.uk/

Relocating is exciting....

If I am honest I am a bit nervous about relocating.  I love where I am now but for me and Mr B to be together we have to make sacrifices.  The town we are moving to though has so much Cotswold charm and is very up and coming. 

Here are a few pointers when relocating:

• Join a local club/society in something that you enjoy - in my case this will be AmDram! You will meet so many people
• Check out local websites for the latest news
• Read the local newspaper - familiarise yourself with the area
• Go on some walks in your new location - you see so much more than travelling in a car
• Join a fitness class at the local leisure centre
• Pop for a drink at the local pub
• Say hello to your new neighbours.....introduce yourself - what are you waiting for?!
• If you are a business owner join a local networking group and get your name out there

If you need some assistance with the moving process or relocating, please contact me at info@thelifestyler.co.uk for affordable and helpful support.

Good Luck with the move! :)

Why not try these out for your home

Spring is finally here and I have a couple of tips for your home.

Buy a cute blackboard to hang in your kitchen or hallway, this one from Gisella Graham courtesy of Wood and Willow http://woodandwillow.co.uk/product.aspx?Id=20 is perfect.

Write anything you like on here from a family message like my "Happy Easter"  message in the last blog to chores and shopping lists.


Give your washing machine a spring clean

• Switch off and unplug machine
• Wipe rubber seal with lukewarm soapy water
• Remove detergent drawer use a toothbrush to clean
• Check filter and remove fluff or small objects
• Run the machine empty at 60 degrees to get rid of bugs with a couple of dishwasher tablets
• Leave the door ajar to air

Hope the above has been helpful :)

Happy Easter

Had a lovely relaxing, family orientated Easter Saturday yesterday.  This consisted of drinking many g&t's, watching the annual Oxford/Cambridge boat race, general silliness and yummy food. Mummy Mills did a great job of subtly decorating the house in all things Easter.

Being an Oxfordshirian it is very important to watch the historic boat race.  I was horrified to see a crazy man in the water (typically nearer to the Oxford clan) who stopped the race in its tracks.  Never in over 150 years has such a dramatic scene taken place.  Such stupidity halted proceedings, the race was restarted and Oxford lost..boooo.

So after the excitement of watching our team lose and the bonkers man in the Thames, we settled down for a feast courtesy of Daddy Mills, the sisters and Nana.  A Jamie O inspired fish pie, tart au citron and Nan's famous strawberry pavlova (which we also ate in abundance for the Royal Wedding!).

Easter naturally consists of lots of chocolate eating (see Lindt bunny below) but more importantly is a Christian holiday. The talented actor Michael Sheen has recently played Jesus in a reenactment of events http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-17596122.

Happy Easter everyone - enjoy some well deserved time off with special peeps in your life!

New blogger!

Hello everyone!

Well I am new to this "blogging" stuff. Not really sure if I particularly understand the concept but I think a blog is basically a diary entry of your life or an article about something interesting?!


I am going to be as good as possible and make entries fairly frequently (maybe twice a week if possible!).


I am looking forward to sharing some moments with you and also some helpful and interesting tips and hints on organising. My business "The Lifestyler" only launched at the end of March 2012, so very early days and lots of hard work to get the word out there. See my website www.thelifestyler.co.uk for an insight into what I offer.


Bye bye for now :)

x