I'm walking on sunshine, and don't it feel good!

Oh, 2012, you're here at last! And WHAT an auspicious start!

My Rat Pack New Year's Eve party was a rip-roaring success. I honestly cannot think of a better way to see in a fresh new year full of fun than with my favourite boys and girls, dressed up to the nines, drinking The Boy's blue champagne cocktails and amaretto sours, and dancing the night away by the Christmas tree!

What did you get up to on New Year's Eve?

The end of 2011, on the other hand, was not exactly golden. I spent all of December working as a temp PA in a central London financial firm from 9 to 5 [a la Dolly Parton!], and even though it was only for a few weeks, it made me realise that I can never, ever do a standard desk job. It's the quality of life of a tinned sardine! Squished against other people's elbows and briefcases on a packed train for an hour, with no room to even lift up one's book to read... not leaving one's desk for eight hours, even to eat or go outside... Il mio dio, how do people stand it?! All my fellow workers were welcoming and kind, but I didn't really get to speak to them much as everyone was glued to their computer screens.

Never fear, my friends, I did manage to find a spot of Sparkles & Crumbs amidst the drudgery - I made daily lunchtime pilgrimages to Bea's of Bloomsbury for a glittery Chocolate and Grand Marnier cupcake overlooking St Paul's! But it still didn't quite make up for the dull, grey rest of the day.

And can I tell you the happy ending to this tale, my tin soldier[esse]s?

I am SO GRATEFUL for every one of those dull, grey days. More than I can ever say. Because they gave me the wake-up call I needed, and made me recognise and go after what I really want.

.

Here's how it happened; I met an old friend for after-work drinks [admiring expensive dresses and drinking Cosmopolitans at Selfridge's!] and a good old-fashioned rant. I described how dispiriting I found this kind of work, and my despair that I would never find something different. I explained how much I had enjoyed running functions at my previous work at the cocktail bar - moving around and communicating with people - and how I felt there were so many things I loved, but no paying career I could really apply them all to.

"I like too many things and get all confused and hung-up running from one falling star to another until I drop."

-Jack Kerouac

That's when my friend snapped her fingers and announced, "WEDDING PLANNING."

And something just clicked! Sometimes, a new purpose can spring out at you from the most unexpected places and people [in this case, the most cynical person I know!]...

I went home that very evening, completely revamped my CV and fired it off to every job and internship ad in the industry I could find!

And said a very fervent prayer to Greg Peck, of course...

..And...

..I can't quite believe it!!!...

I have just landed an internship. With a chic company that plans weddings in Italy. Writing their style and inspirations blog.

The lovely ladies were apparently taken with my - ahem - enthusiasm [adding footnotes to my application saying "PS. I hope you don't mind me saying that I REALLY REALLY want this position, and I truly believe I am PERFECT for it!!"] and this very blog. Who would have thought it? Sparkles & Crumbs actually landing me the first foot on the ladder of my dream job?!

Italy. Dresses. Cake. Champagne. Romance. Writing. Everything I adore.

I am absolutely gob-smacked, and waiting for the other Louboutin to drop! But until then, grazie mille for looking out for me, Mr Peck. And I'm taking inspiration from one of my favourite heroines - Maria Von Trapp! Well, before she was a Von Trapp, and stepping out of her safety net towards a daunting new job...

"I've always longed for adventure,
To do the things I never dared,
And here I'm facing adventure,
Then why am I so scared?

...Oh, I must stop these doubts, all these worries,

If I don't I just know I'll turn back,
I must dream of the things I am seeking -
I am seeking the courage I lack...

The courage to serve them with reliance!
Face my mistakes without defiance!
Show them I'm worthy,
And while I show them,
I'll show me...

...So, let them bring on all their problems!
I'll do better than my best!
I have confidence they'll put me to the test,
But I'll make them see I have confidence in me!

...With each step I am more certain,
Everything will turn out fine,
I have confidence the world can all be mine!
They'll have to agree, I have confidence in me!

...I have confidence in sunshine!
I have confidence in rain,
I have confidence that spring will come again!
Besides which you see I have confidence in me!

Strength doesn't lie in numbers,

Strength doesn't lie in wealth,
Strength lies in nights of peaceful slumbers,
When you wake up - WAKE UP!

...It tells me all I trust I lead my heart to,
All I trust becomes my own,
I have confidence in confidence alone...
Besides which you see I have confidence in me!"

"What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the mornings, what you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.!

-Pedro Arrupe

Truer words were never spoken - and this is the year to act on them, darlings! It's a Diamond Jubilee year, after all! [Isn't that just a wonderful word?!] Make like Maria, and "follow every rainbow, 'til you find your dream!" A distinct lack of rainbows? Whipsawed by confusion? The lovely Miss Franzen, and the [recently - congratulations!!] Mrs Darling have some spectacular soul-searching prompts to get you unstuck and started.

That is what I wish for you in this Diamond Jubliee year, my dearest heroines. The courage to refocus your life, so that EVERY DAY is simply full to BURSTING with sunshine, sparkles & crumbs!

[Whatever the haters may say!]

Here's to a life of true love and high adventure, as always, mie principesse!

Will you come and visit me at my new bridal blogging hotspot??

i cock my chin like i was

a storybook. like i was tom sawyer

but a girl

all guts and good looks,

like as if i could get away with anythin just by grinnin.

-Nina Buck

Love, the Sistine Chapel and the San Marco mosaics xxx