Pilates … is within my reach

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I went on holiday this year to Malaga as you may well know. I spoke about it enough before I went, while I was there … and hey 6 weeks on I’m still chirping on about it!

I have to admit that while I was extremely excited to see the girls and spend a few days away with them, I was dreading the prospect of donning the old bikini.

I know, I know how silly and vain.

I should [ like I was told 101 times] just embrace what I have. Lets face it I am 47 and don’t do any exercise at all . If I’m honest I hate the thought of exercise as much as doing it. I know I’m not fat; I am  in my opinion slightly over-weight which is making me feel uncomfortable. I just didn’t feel ready to bare all, you know, the weight had been steadily creeping up along side the dreaded peri-menopause. I have back fat that I’m sure I didn’t possess at this time last year … and an extra chin. I generally felt a bit bleurgh.

I have nothing against larger people either. You do you. I just feel that I have personally looked and felt in better shape in the past when I was slimmer . Feeling the best version OF YOU , FOR YOU is what it’s all about isn’t it … no matter what your size.

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TASSIMO My Way …

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I am Tracey and by my own admission I am a member of the fully fledged coffee addicts club. I love the [preferably] ‘milky and frothy with a sprinkle of chocolate’ on top variety.

I’ve tried to ween myself off it in the past. You know just the 3 cups a day … rather than my current 6 but figured why if you love something? Life is too short

So you can therefore imagine my delight when TASSIMO got in touch to see whether I’d like to try out their ”My Way’ TAS60xx Machine. Of course I said yes and waited patiently for it to arrive.

Can I just reiterate I don’t just like coffee. I LOVE coffee. I want it first thing in the morning, last thing at night and lots in between . Most importantly I want it to coffee shop standard in my own home. I want to invite my friends around and play ‘hostess with the most-est’ serve them great coffee [and cake]  so they’ll come back and see me again. 

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One year on …

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I wasn’t sure whether to write this post . I fear I’m just going over the same old ground, repeating myself … but then that’s grief for you. You are constantly reliving moments , remembering and dealing with them. How you felt at the time. How you feel now. I guess that’s what it will be like forever … only maybe [ and hopefully] not so raw?

Firstly there is nothing pretty about death. It is what it is …

Death is an all-consuming sadness , it’s dark and it’s morbid. It’s feeling constantly sick and not being able to catch your breath. Death is final.

Our memories however… they don’t have to be. Our memories can be whatever we want them to be – fluffy, bright pink and vibrant just-like the person whose passed .

How’s that saying go…. “there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel”. I figure I’m still in my tunnel , bumbling around in the dark. Somewhere in the middle, scrapping away and searching for answers. I occasionally catch glimpses but mostly I’m still in darkness grabbing the light where I can.

On July 10th it will be a year … 365 days … 52 weeks … since we lost my mum. Vicious, beautiful, full of life. She was 72 and taken far too early .

Cancer is one cruel bastard.

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Introducing – Turtle Bay to Sheffield

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At the end of May I got invited along to the press night of the newest ‘eating and drinking spot’ to hit Sheffield – Turtle Bay on Holly Street, which is next to the City Hall. Turtle Bay is a chain of Caribbean restaurants that are scattered all around the country.

It was a great evening, spent with lots of fellow bloggers; drinking rum cocktails and sampling the food. I did come away slightly deaf as the live band where extremely loud. I found myself shouting to get heard on more than one occasion .

Ey’ up it’s ‘Nana Tracey’ here!

Some of the Sheffield Posse – Katie, me, Prue, Leanne and Tracey

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Beauty | Dermabiome by Marie Reynolds London

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I’m laid horizontal in the garden , factor 50’d to the hilt, glowing in the aftermath of an England win over in Russia at the World Cup … and copious amounts of beer. What a score eh ? Even the commentators looked abit dum-founded at full time.

Anyways I’m not here to give you a match low-down and analysis , but I will quickly mention that I do think Harry Kane looks like a rough version of Ryan Gosling . After every penalty I was willing him to start doing a little dance, while singing ‘City of Dreams’ … Harry if your reading [ I can dream right? ] please make it so next game.

I’m digressing aren’t I ? If you read my blog regularly you’ll know there’s nothing new there.

My skin! Let’s discuss…

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Introducing | Asquith London

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My mum used to call me Mrs Gunna , “gunna do this, gunna do that . . .“

She has a point I guess [ aren’t mums always right!] I am full of broken promises. Mainly that I’ll start to do some more exercise , get fit and run that marathon I keep threatening to do . Yes this is something I often spout on about, usually during the weeks following the London Marathon when I’m feeling suitably inspired.

So when Asquith London approached me to road-test some of their clothes I was chuffed [ I always am when I get offered to work with a brand ] I thought ha ha I’ll show them all. If I look the part , maybe just maybe I’ll feel it too and get off my arse and do something.

Makes sense right?

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Beauty | Holiday Routine

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After posting some photos over on my stories while in Malaga last week, I had a few ladies ask me about my holiday makeup and beauty routine.

By a few make that 4 … [oh to be popular] but I thought it might make for some interesting reading and went with it anyway.

First off we only had a 10kg hand luggage allowance each which meant we were restricted on what we could take with us. Nothing bigger than a 100ml bottle and any liquids had to all fit in just one of those airport approved plastic bags.

I suppose we could have waited and transferred all our liquids across into a free bag at the airport. However to save messing around we [ rather Karen ] ordered some gear from Amazon, 2 plastic bags and 5 plastic bottles [ great to decanter shampoos, suncream etc. into ] for £6.00. I think Primark do something similar.

When I go away with the girls, I also know they’ll not be much time to ‘phaff’ or that I’ll get much sleep , so I pair it all down. Simple is best.

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A Sheffield Girls Guide to Malaga – Part Two

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I’m back … this time it’s to talk about the fun and cultural stuff to do in Malaga city centre . There’s so much I kinda guess we only touched the surface …

We called at a few roof-top bars but I’m going to start with my favourite Atico which is situated on the 15th floor of the AC Hotel by Marriott Málaga Palacio. It came highly recommended by a few people and I can see why.

Entry will set you back 8 euros ; for this you get your first drink free which conveniently costs 8 euros . We had a large Gin & Tonic each which was so good we had a couple more!

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