S T Y L E | faffing around over lockdown …

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My mum always used to say I was a ‘faffer ‘ who liked nothing better than ‘faffing around’ with skincare and beauty bits .

F A F F E R – to spend your time doing a lot of things that are not important instead of the thing you should be doing . i.e “Tracey please stop faffing around”

I in turn always blamed Mum and her Avon [lady] sample kit. I can still see it now her little suitcase of complete and utter joy. The bundles of sachets of cream and THOSE Lipstick samples. Back in the 80’s lipstick samples were actually miniature lipsticks ; absolutely brilliant for handing out to customers with their monthly catalogue as they could fit through the letterbox. Great to try before you buy AND for my tiny hands to pinch & play with.

I’m not sure why they stopped doing them; in today’s weird ‘social distancing’ climate they would be ideal. Bring them back!

I found these photographs on Pinterest [ below ] can anybody remember them too?

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L I F E | Grandad Clarke’s photographs

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I adored my Grandad. Today as we celebrate 75 years since VE Day I find my thoughts are drawn back to him.

While he was alive he was just ‘ Grandad Clarke‘ to my younger brother Mark and I. My Mum’s Dad who smoked a pipe , had an annoying budgie that sang. Enjoyed a cheeky glass of Sherry , ate tripe , ALWAYS wore a shirt and tie and made the best eggs and soldiers.

He didn’t speak very much my Grandad but he had a kind face and a smile that could light up a room . I guess that’s where my Mum got it from [but my mum could talk! ]

It was only after he died and I was old enough to understand that I found out my Grandad had spent the majority of his life serving his country as a solider in the British Army. Grandad Clarke was in fact ‘Lieutenant [Quarter Master] Edwin Clarke Corps of Royal Engineers.

He died when I was 9.

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B E A U T Y | first impressions – Antipodes Skincare

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* Gifted products with no obligation to post. Contains affiliate links *

A few years ago I stumbled upon the brand Antipodes. I can’t remember which but if I recall rightly I had just read a blog post or watched a vlog by Megan from ‘Wonderful You‘ 

She was running through her daily skincare routine which included the ‘Juliet Brightening Cleanser’ . I immediately searched online and purchased it ; I mean she had amazing skin! What was there to lose? A lot actually . I’ve found in the past what works for somebody else might not necessarily work for you and it’s a total waste of money. [That’s why I wish more brands did sample sizes] BUT on this occasion we happened to love each other … and so my love affair with Juliet began.

I adore this cleanser and the brands ethos ; they are cruelty free, organic and vegan approved. I have made several purchases of the cleanser since. I am lucky in that I am in the position where brands send me products to try but I always seem to steer back to this cleanser.

Fast forward to a few days ago and the delivery of a care parcel from Antipodes.

Mucho excitement on my part !

I was kindly gifted:

  • Baptise H20 Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel
  • Kiwi Seed Gold Luminous Eye Cream
  • Moisture Boost Natural Lipstick in Forest Berry Red & Queenstown Hot Chocolate

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L I F E | lockdown PR

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Morning Campers how are you all doing today as we enter week 6 of lockdown ?? I think its week 6 anyway – who knows ?

[ I’ve just been advised it’s actually week 7! Bloody hell how time flies when you … don’t do much ! ]

Is anybody else losing track of the days, or is it just me? Days are blending into days and weeks into weeks ; it’s like one big old round of Ground Hog Day!

I have to admit I’ve not struggled too much with the lockdown, in a weird way I’ve actually enjoyed some parts of it. Tik Tok. Reading actual books . Afternoon Gin in the garden followed by decadent baths. Binge watching ‘Gangs of London’ and the beautiful ‘Normal People’. Friday Night Zoom quizzes with my friends. However as the weather has taken a turn for the worse and I’ve found myself confined indoors I have found myself feeling a little like spider man … and crawling walls !

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L I F E | happy birthday mum

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Hey Up Mum …

How is life up there on your cloud?

Can you remember Monkey Magic [ how could you forget it was Mark & I favourite programme! ] Well that’s how I like to envisage  you … zapping around on your super-powered – all singing -all dancing cloud

It’s been a funny old year. My 50th and your 75th year – the BIG one’s that we had discussed and made plans for on numerous occasions has turned into a bit of a ‘shit show’ Continue reading →