Progress

We're making good progress on The Parlour. For a while it seemed as though we were always taking one step forward and 2 back which was very frustrating, but we've gotten most of the main construction out of the way, with just a few of the fiddly bits to do.

I can't wait to start decorating! It's going to be my own little slice of 1950's heaven. I have been planning every aspect of The Parlour for the last 2 years, down to every design detail and I'm so excited to finally start seeing it taking shape.

Here's a mood board that I made 2 years ago that shows my design inspirations. I've had it pinned to my desk for the last 2 years to keep me focused on what I am working towards.

I will be holding off posting any pictures of The Parlour until it is finished as I want it to be a surprise. I can't wait to be able to finally show you what I have been working towards for such a long time in all of it's reality. 

Until then,

Hayley x

Back to Reality

I've been home a week today and I haven't stopped since I've come back. I'm so tired!

My last day at Absolutely Animals was lovely. I'll really miss all the friends that I've made there. I can't believe that I passed my whole course with distinction!

 

Since I've been home I've been working really hard on trying to get The Parlour finished. As with any DIY work it seems to be one step forward and two steps back. It's really frustrating and having to rely on others for help after being completely independent for 5 weeks is taking some getting used to.

Here's Bear helping to lay the floor. I'm going to keep pictures of the process at a minimum because I want it to be a surprise when it's finished. I can't wait for this all to be done so that I can get back to work. It's driving me crazy!

My family threw me a little surprise "Congratulations" dinner when I got home which was nice. I hadn't had a home cooked meal in weeks so I was very grateful of it.

Must get back to work now. I have plaster boarding to do!

Hayley x

 

 

 

Back to School - Day 24

I passed my final exam today!

I had my last practical exam, I groomed a miniature poodle called Pippa. Very cute!

So I've passed all of my exams now and I passed my course overall with a distinction. I'm so pleased!!!

Hooray!!!

Back to School - Day 23

So today I had 2 of my 3 exams.

In the morning I had my practical exam where I had to groom Gizmo the Lhasa Apso under exam conditions.

AND I PASSED!!!!

Then in the afternoon I groomed another cutie pie (not an exam) and had my written test.

I passed that exam too!!! Wooohoooooo!

Only one more left now.

Hayley x

Back to School - Day 22

This morning I groomed a Japanese Spitz called Crystal. Her owners requested for her to be shaved off so that's what we did. We tried to make her look as cute as possible whilst also doing what the customer wanted. Crystal is also a little on the chubby side, bless her!

In the afternoon I groomed Holly the Portugese Water Dog.

She was really matted but we managed to save some of the hair on her legs so she didn't look too odd.

Exams this week so you might not here from me again until Friday.

Eek! X

Too Far Gone

Today marks the first day of the last week of my training. My exams and assessments start this week and I am absolutely terrified. 

Trying to remember this statement and stay positive.

I've come too far to go back now ✌️💖

See you on the other side xo

Back to School - Day 21

Had a really nice day today.

This morning I groomed Trixie the gorgeous standard poodle. She had a short lamb cut ready for the warmer weather.

In the afternoon I did some cat grooming and also groomed Will the Kerry Blue. He was shaved off all over and we styled his head a little bit so he wasn't completely naked on his face.

I have tomorrow and Monday off now to relax and finalise all my coursework. I'll also be revising for my exams next week. Scary!!!

Hayley x

Back to School - Day 20

It's poodle time!

This morning I groomed a lovely miniature poodle names Jasper. He's very cute and well behaved.

 My first ever topknot :)

In the afternoon I did a bath and tidy on Ruby the German Shepherd. I had to wear a protective mask as she was shedding so much coat I could barely breathe! She also got me absolutely drenched when I was bathing her but she was a very good girl. She came in with her sister who was a little Westie and they both left looking and smelling nice.

I usually have the weekends off but I'm back in tomorrow morning for day 21 and the I'm off on Sunday and Monday to prepare for my exams next week.

I'm freaking out!!! X

Back to School - Days 17, 18 and 19

Hi guys.

Sorry I haven't posted my blog for the last few days. I've just been so tired when I've gotten home.

Day 17

The morning was spent grooming Hactir the Labradoodle. He was very matted and his owner was very upset, but she soon cheered up after seeing his lovely new haircut and he felt loads better afterwards too.

After lunch I groomed Jasper the Yorkie. He was absolutely tiny! As you can see he's about the same length as my clippers and the pen that is next to him looks huge!

Day 18

This was a real hump day for me. It sunk in that I really only have a few days left and I started to panic. I groomed William the Shih Tzu in the morning and really struggled. It was a simple lamb cut but William is the hairiest Shih Tzu I've ever seen and he hasn't been to a groomer in over 6 months. It was a lot of work and he was just a massive ball of hair. I really struggled to put the shape in from scratch and started to get a little flustered but Christine really helped me and MADD him look lovely when he was finished.

In the afternoon I had a nice easy dog to do. Barbaro the Longhaired Chihuahua was in for a Bath and Tidy, and seeing as I have 2 at home, I felt pretty sure I knew what I was meant to be doing with him but it was good to learn some tips from Christine about how to best deal with the undercoat.

Day 19

In the morning I groomed Louis the Westie. I felt pretty confident about what I aw doing and was just able to get on with it without asking too many questions.

He already had good shape and lines put in so it made it a lot easier and I was really only trimming him but it gave me the little confidence boost that I needed.

The afternoon we were short-dogged so I  gave the dog that I was going to do to a fellow student so that she could do her exam. She did a beautiful job on him and passed! Hooray!

I helped (kind of) to groom Toby the Yorkie crossbreed. He was shaved off all over and we did his head like a border terrier. He was really cute and kept sticking his tongue out at us.