DIS Girly Weekend ~ Cardiff, 7th/9th Oct '11

[mandymouse]

Castmembers

Mandy (mandymouse), Jules (saratogagirl), Sue (florida sun), Claire (Claire L), Joanne (PoppyAnna), Rachel (Tinks1984), Nicky (darthtatty), Bethan (BethEJo) & Vicki (Sue's DD)

Friday 7th October '11

Plan of Action ~ Check-in at hotel/Drinkies in Mandy & Jules's room/Cocktails at Pica Pica/Dinner at Hooter's

The Girly Weekend for me began at 10.30am when hubby came home to pick me up and take me to Birmingham New Street Station. My train left on time at 11.30am and the two hour journey went quite quickly as I texted and Facebooked the other girls

I arrived in Cardiff Central at 1.30pm and within a few minutes I ran into Jules who had taken the bus from Merthyr. Rachel was arriving 10 minutes later on the train from Manchester, so once we met up with her we exited at the rear of the station where Sue had kindly offered to pick us up and drop us at the hotel

After our short journey to the Future Inn, we checked-in, and Rachel went off to unpack and joined us a little while later. Sue had made us all these cute little party bags filled with goodies and a mini bottle of Champagne (though she wasn't impressed when I asked if it was real champagne ... as I thought the bottles looked like those ones that you get at Christmas filled with bubble bath )

Jules had also brought her bear (Naughty Nigel) that she'd had for her 40th, and Sue had brought us this blow up doll thing which she had named Donald, but after seeing how small he was, he was renamed Dinky Donald ~ you'll find more photos of these two on FB

Anyway we got the wine out, made up the plastic wine glasses and got the nibbles out ready for everyone else to arrive, and over the next hour or so we were joined by Rachel, Joanne (who had travelled by train), and Claire & Nicky (who had both driven)

I know I say this every time on the GW's, but my favourite time is when we all chill in the room on the first afternoon, drinking, eating, laughing and generally getting to know each other

At one time Claire popped back to her room, and came back .. IN HER BRIGHT ORANGE HOTPANTS !!!

Around 5.30pm everyone headed back to their rooms to get ready for our evening out, and we all met down in the lobby at 6.30pm where we took taxis to Pica Pica. We enjoyed a lovely hour or so in there, drinking their 2 for 1 cocktails (Mmm), and we were joined by Bethan, Sue & Vicki

 

[mandymouse]

Cont'd ..

After a drinky or two, we walked down to Hooter's, where we all had a lovely time enjoying the noisy and fun atmosphere

(Spot the Jules !)

(LOL, at Bethan's face !)

After dinner (which I don't really remember much about ), we walked round to a gay bar called WOW !, and for some strange reason we all sat outside We had a bit of a giggle here, especially when the two drag queens were singing, bless them they looked a bit tragic, but then again I've not seen many before, thanks for the pic Joanne

When we got too cold we took some taxis back to the hotel, and we were off to bed

 

[mandymouse]

Saturday 8th October '11

We all met up in the lobby at 9.30am. Some of the girls had had breakfast, and some of us were going to pick something up in the shopping centre. Reception rang for a taxi for us, and we were dropped off outside John Lewis in town. We walked through to the shopping centre, and straight away I saw a Costa Coffee, so it was time for some refreshments and a cupcake for me

We had a good look around the shopping centre and it was lovely to see all the Christmas decorations in the Disney Store, I was very impressed. Most of us did some shopping, and Joanne was wearing a pretty dress, and once I found out that she wouldn't be wearing it that evening, I bought one from New Look

Around 12ish we went to TGI's for lunch. We were seated upstairs and it was 'cocktail time !'. We had a nice relaxed time and never once felt rushed

After lunch we finished off our shopping then caught some taxi's back to the hotel. As most of us were a little tired we relaxed in our rooms (and a few of them had a kip)

After an hour, Nicky joined me and Jules in the bar for a glass of wine, then when Sue got in touch to say she'd be at Eli Jenkins at 5.30pm, I let everyone know to be ready for 5 if they were up for it

We met in the lobby at 5 and walked down to the Bay. Poor Rachel was on edge as her beloved St. Helen's were playing Leeds, and she spent the next few hours nervously receiving updates from her family and friends

We enjoyed a few hours in Eli Jenkins, where some of us also enjoyed the £6.50 for a bottle of wine, and others paced themselves

At 9 o'clock we had a reservation at Demiro's. We had already pre-ordered our food, so once the drinks were ordered, out came the food. It all looked very nice, and I really enjoyed mine

The atmosphere in here was fun. There was a guy (with a very 'Go Compare' kind of voice) and a girl whose voice I'm sure could shatter glass were wandering around the tables singing 'Happy Birthday' when required

'Go Compare !'

'Earplugs anyone ?'

'Are we in Chef Mickey's ?'

Later on a little band came on, and then a guy came out singing some Italian songs (though I was most put out that he didn't do 'Just one cornetto')

Cont'd ..

 

[mandymouse]

Cont'd ..

After a lovely time in Demiro's, we wandered round to Salt, we did try to last out, but we were all flagging, so after a drink, a bit of a sing-song (I'm in the mood for dancing !) and taking the mick of some lad who thought he was a bit of a mover we walked back to the hotel, though as we passed through the Red Dragon centre we had one last photo opportunity

(I must try to photoshop a Stitch into this pic )

Sunday 9th October '11

All too soon the Girly Weekend was over We got ready, packed and after watching Jenson Button win the Grand Prix, Jules & I went down to the bar ... FOR A COFFEE (what are you lot like ? )

Ian turned up to pick Jules up, we all said our 'goodbyes' to each other and Ian dropped me and Rachel at the train station

Once again I have had a fantastic Girly Weekend. Thanks to everyone who turned up, it was lovely to see those that had been before, and to the newbies too Thank you, I loved it, now all I can say is .. Roll on next year !! Where do you fancy going ?

 

[Claire L]

Mandy, thank you for organising such a fun weekend. Great report and fab pics This year it was my orange hotpants that came with me, last year it was the heels, now what for next year

x

 

[irongirlof12]

Well you gals had a fab time wonderful photos , how has the hotel?

 

[Tinks1984]

Absolutely brilliant weekend, thank-you very much to all the girls for making me feel so welcome and relaxed! And for looking after me and bump!

I do have concerns and I wish to say, that the photo of me in Ely Jenkins makes me look rather drunk and I assure you I was not I was quite happily drinking my non-alcoholic cocktails

A lovely weekend and it was great to meet some of the people who I speak to on here and FB!!

 

[tennisfan]

Looks like you all had a fab weekend, thanks for sharing the photos

 

[wickesy]

Talk about if looks could kill. I bet the kids in the playground didn't mess with Beth.

Great report Mandy, glad you all had fun.

 

[darthtatty]

wow Mandy, youre super speedy. A trip report done already!
It was a fab weekend-thank you so much for organising it all, you did a super job.
Lots of fab pics.
I really fancy a cocktail right now- that Purple rain I had in TGI's
it was great to see everyone again and meet those that I havent met before.

I would love Manchester next time, Ive been many times but have never managed a proper night out.

 

[BlondeViki]

Looks like it was a fun weekend! Really glad to hear you had a great time - the cocktails look delicious!

 

[Ware Bears]

Looks like you all had a great time

I've just nearly choked on my cup of tea when I got to the 3rd photo and saw that little bear blindfolded on the bed and then to find out he is called Naughty Nigel he looks far too cute to be naughty!

 

[Pinky166]

It looks like you all had a fab time.

 

[Muscateer]

Sounds like a great weekend had by all. Thank you for sharing

 

[Tammy Stringer]

Glad to see you all had a wonderful time


Brilliant pictures.

Hope I can make the next one

Tam

 

[Sarah28]

looks like you all had a fab weekend, thanks for sharing the pics

 

[jjk]

Fab piccies, looks like you all had an amazing time

 

[fizz13]

aww what a great weekend you ladies had, was so nice to see all your happy faces (and some scary ones..miss bethan), I think i really missed out, great report mandy

 

[TotallyAngelic]

Looks like you all had a ball .... great photos and lots of cocktails to be seen which is always good. Some of Bethan's facial expressions are interesting Hope she doesn't do that to her patients
Thanks for sharing Mandy

 

[Chilly]

Looks like a great weekend, a lot more fun than being bored at work like I was.