Sometimes, no matter how much we try to avoid problems and mishaps they find us. This can be family matters, work, finance, health or general wellbeing. But work and crafting can take our mind from this. The more free time we have to dwell, the further our minds may become complexed with stuff which is unnecessary, as worry is a form of self abuse.
So today whilst styling the final room at Belleva I decided it was time to unbox one of the mannequins. Danielle (my housekeeper) and general morale booster, plus aspiring designer, took to dressing her like a duck to water. Where as I have a past in fashion, mannequins and window dressing. It may look simple, but propping up a stiff dummy is not easy.
The wig I have had for a couple of years and the outfit was from a market in Blackpool. ‘Belde’ which is an anagram of Danielle and my middle name ‘Belle’ seemed fitting. So here is our new resident!
Well I added six rooms at Belleva to go live and take bookings. Not entirely happy with any of them yet as I can see little faults. But you just have to hit the green light, otherwise it will be another year before I feel ready. Then due to requests for the bank holiday, I put on a large suite that I recently dressed. However I sort of threw what I could together to co-ordinate with the main vibe of the room and I am still not happy.
The rooms will find their own wings with time. TBH
I passed Tender Paws Cat Rescue a few days ago and in the window was a painted tin ornate table with grooved legs. It was £45. I loved it but said to Danielle, ‘I want that but I don’t know where I’d put it?’. Just dawned on me it would have been perfect for the Tiffany Belle Harper Suite in place of the bistro table I somehow inherited. So I hope tomorrow it is still there.
The metal chairs in the dining room are also from Tender Paws. They’re not my ideal taste but then, I am not sure what is in terms of the lounge as it sort of manifested by itself? I just knew however, the cafe style chairs would match due to their neutral colour. Chrissie at the rescue said I could have the further 4 chairs in a similar design for £30, as the stoppers on the bottom had come off which meant they could potentially scratch the floor. I declined, then discovered I could buy transparent leg stoppers to put on the foot of the chairs. So I sort of ended up with 8 chairs. Now I don’t want any of them … in favour of another couple of sofas. So everything is constantly shifted and whizzing around.
The house is haunted. Most places are but one of the little spirits can turn everything on and off, also peel things from walls and play with the lights. I think it’s probably due to the fact the house hasn’t had guests since 2014, so they’re enjoying the adventure of the place being occupied. Naughty little souls!
Anyways. Am waffling. Been making pictures all day and couldn’t sleep. The chores are endless. I have not found a good laundry company yet so there is going to be a lot of washing. Oh f*cking hell.
There is a video on instagram of me dancing. I look twice my actual size on the footage. I hate it but then I thought, ‘at least I am enjoying myself.’
Why worry what others think – that’s their bag not mine. It is like anything in life, a glass is half empty or half full. Why do humans procrastinate so much about things that really are never going to matter. I am sexy and I know it. Fine in my skin. I am alive and grateful. We all end up bones one day so make the most of life. Okay, I don’t always brush my hair (and some days my teeth). I like that about myself. But I am nonetheless, proud for going down a dress size as I feel better in myself. Death in the family can make us turn to chocolate. But I got past it.
Oh and my bath bombs are now officially ‘Bath Fizz’ and I am fully licensed to sell 5 of my own recipes. Apparently, they really bubble up. I fear the jacuzzi situation. ‘Bubble’ House … lol. FFS. Also made a notice to put in the tubs, as you should never use any chemicals such as shampoo, bubble bath etc in a spa or jacuzzi. Just water. But there will be disasters. I don’t sleep worrying someone is going to totally bubble my attic suite. They will get my wrath and that is for sure. Don’t push my buttons!
A Gypsy spoke to me about Dad on the prom. He can see me. I am glad. My heart is broken. Oh to love you Dad. He did suffer towards the end. But I was there when he went. I kept my promise. And that part was peaceful.
Wrote lists today of things to do for the craftsmen and house keeping. Then a huge one of stuff I must finish before the weekend. I feel shabby but dynamite. I like my challenge. I like me. I am ever powerful in the face of all diversity and teachings. Possibly perfect by comparison to the small minded majority (ha ha). TBH.
Hungry. Got crumpets in the bread bin. Love to toast them so they go slightly crunchy then dollop with blackcurrant jam and peanut butter. I sneak around at night. It’s my best time. I see and hear more things. This industry never sleeps. Then … there’s the alleyways. I could go on forever. Then what would I write about if I was writing all the time? We first need adventures. I am still scrap booking. One day with the bae I will slow down. How beautiful is that bae? Youse bad ass genius of mine – our history is something to hold. Had Madeleine Peyroux on all day, I didn’t realise she’s made so many songs. Perfect for stress free ear noise.
I have a fear of deadlines. Years ago, I used to design, sell and hire out mannequins. They were not the easiest things to package and deliver. Human size. A little like working in a morgue but within the fashion sector. I had to ensure the mannequins were delivered to venues, then dressed accordingly and returned immediately afterwards, as otherwise I could lose them. They would end up buried away in prop rooms or worst still, stolen. I did ask for a deposit to cover this eventuality, so we still got by. But you know, I sort of got attached to the dummies. There will be mannequins here at Belleva and we are at 30 St Chad’s Road Blackpool.
I have spent over two years renovating Belleva. It’s been done in stages, and I have paid attention to each small detail. As this is a project with my ‘creative’ side, I have not simply done the basic requirements to get the doors open and take bookings. I have savored each small move, as I want to appreciate everything life gives to me. I want to see the reason why I have had so many challenges. It’s certainly made me wiser, because when things go wrong, I take time alone to reflect where this could have been done differently. And when humans intentionally hurt me, I ask myself why I allowed this to happen. Being ‘creative’ has the same ‘empathetic’ values within our sensitivity radar. It goes hand in hand.
The important thing in life is not to go looking for negativity and to have strength to focus only on that which drives us forward with optimism and positive mindset. I have had some promotional opportunities but it’s a 7-bed hotel, so I don’t really want to overburden the public arena. It really is about balance.
I don’t want to exist hanging on reviews either, as doing this trade for over 3 years most of ‘my’ visitors don’t do mobile phones etc, which surprised me with this ‘internet culture’ many live almost simulations existence within. When in the past I have had the ‘not so nice’ reviews there is always a hidden reason. And it’s usually we just didn’t get on – but generally speaking I did well considering I didn’t really know what the hell I was doing. It is a pity small business cannot review their guests by return as there are some shitty manners out there. Although I always say and will stand by, most people really are adorable. And there is nothing wrong with constructive criticism. But when a guest leaves smiling saying they’ve had the best time ever then resort to the web to complain, it’s too late for me to do anything.
With Tripadvisor they do a hashtag to position each venue and this is based on many factors to include how often the venue is open and available. So for instance if a hotel closes during the week they will be near the back of the hashtag score. I don’t buy into that shit.
I have made Belleva in Blackpool an adult only hotel and often wonder whether I have made a mistake but the amount of washing up and laundry we get with larger occupancy to rooms is a lot of work. It took me sometimes until lunch time to get up straight after breakfast and then the piles of laundry were overwhelming. I am 56 years old and think that running a couples (adults) hotel will be more manageable, as I do have a life beyond cleaning.
I am really excited to share my home. And yes, to me it is my home – as I put my heart into the things I have chosen to do in life. Although my apartment at the back is my own little hub of happiness. It’s like having two lives all in one place and I am glad to be on this journey.
There have been mishaps. I flooded my bay window room. Nothing really matches (but I knew it wouldn’t). I shouldn’t have stored my furnishings in there whilst it was still being renovated but I was so excited I couldn’t wait.
If I could start again though, I would still make mistakes. But I am being true to myself and have some good people around me. St Chad’s Road is a lovely street. We cannot get along with everyone as some people don’t want harmony in favour of resentment but generally speaking I have met the most inspiring and sweet people in my life within my neighbours and community. They really have given me so much support in so many ways. I hope we continue to get along as Blackpool is big enough for everyone. There is so much progress being made here. The town is shifting and changing and the art is mind blowing. Tonight I have been invited to watch Alright play their first live gig and I am taking Josie. Also, I am doing some work for Stay Blackpool this weekend. Blackpool is a good place to live as there are no awkward introductions, you can get straight into groups and crafts. Everyone is very sweet.
As for breakfast. I have had a lot of feedback about this. My guests want the full English. I also want to offer a more extensive vegan option. Since we have local produce delivered to our doors I will probably stick with the more traditional approach. But I will also be doing meals. Belleva is my ‘social’ too and I want to talk with you all. I want us to nibble at posh natural cheese, organic fruit, dips and yummy desserts.
Remember I have my soap and wax counter too. If anyone fancies making some melts or candles with me let me know. Would love to play!
You will also meet my friends some of which are other hoteliers and interesting people from our community. They just drop in. I have no idea where this will take us but life’s short.
Tiffany Belle Harper Design and Crafts 