Blackpool Bound For Rose-Marie's Album Launch 07/12/15

Another journey today but this time not by plane but rail, I do love the train its so much more relaxing & less stressful.
I started the day off working in Blackpool & then it was off to the big event, my lovely friend Irish singing sensation Rose-Marie's new album launch party.
Rose-Marie has been a chart topping singer for many years all over the world & she has spent this year in the studio recording her latest album.
I found out on the day that I was booked into the same hotel as my friend Mark who was also in Blackpool to attend the launch event, so we met early and went off into town for some dinner & of course some vino before heading off to the launch.
The launch was being held in a prestigious venue in Blackpool which has hosted many an event.
In true form Rose-Marie was the perfect host she had her usual energy & bubbly  friendly character shining all around the room.
We were all treated to a great performance from Rose-Marie which included some racks from her new album along with some long time favourites. There was also a touching tribute to the late Cilla Black when Rose-Marie performed the hit 'You Are My World" What a voice & stage presence she has.
The night was a great success with many lovely people attending you could just feel the warmth & love in the room that everyone had for the star of the night.

                                                 Rose-Marie On Stage Where She Shines

                                                       Touching Tribute To Cilla Black

                                              Enjoying Lots Of Laughs & Vino's With Mark

                                                     With The Star Herself Rose-Marie

                                                         Great Times With Janice

After the launch party it was time to relax with a few drinks before heading back to the hotel after what had been a great night.

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Christmas Is Coming 01/12/15

As the 1st of December arrived I felt that it was time to get into the Christmas spirit.
As usual I would be going to Scotland to spend Christmas with my family so I wouldn't normally bother decorating my hime but this year was different.
This year for Christmas my good friends from Spain were flying over to London to spend Christmas there while I am away in Scotland so decorations were in order.
I felt that 1st December is far too early to put decorations up but I wanted to enjoy them before I left for the Frozen North so today was the day to do it.
I opted for a contemporary Christmas tree this year as the thought of either pine needles or piece of tinsel all over the floor was driving me mad!!

                                                  My Contemporary Christmas Tree

After my early start & the tree being erected it was off to London for some work meetings, first stop a quick coffee with my lovely friend Hayley who is expecting her first baby. Always lots of chit chat & laughs when Hayley and I get together and never enough time. Hayley is one of those friends who I can not see for 6 months then when I see her its as if I saw her the previous day.

                                               Hayley & I Having A Laugh A Minute

After a jam packed afternoon of work meetings it was off for dinner with my friend Andrea. We hadn't made plans on where we would go so we enjoyed a nice walk along the river to the Strand where we had some gorgeous Italian food, My favourite.

                                                    Just The One Glass Of Wine (Honest)

                                                  Andrea & I & It Is Still The Same Glass

After dinner it was time for the train home & all before 11pm which was bliss, what a busy day & it was certainly beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.

Centre Point Charity Sleep Out 12/11/15

                                              Centre Point Charity Sleep Out

Steven & I At The Brick Lane Site 

Steven & I Getting Ready For The Night Ahead

The day had finally arrived that my good friend Steven Smith & I had been preparing a few months for now.
We had decided to take part in a charity sleep rough event for London based charity Centre Point which helps homeless young people in London.
We had both campaigned tirelessly to raise by promoting our cause through our Twitter, Facebook & Linked in feeds.
As the day had drawn closer we were both urged on by the amount of donations that we had both received, between us we had raised over £1600.00.

On the day of the even London had turned cold & windy with spells of rain and at time we both had moments of thinking "what have we let ourselves in for"

We had our warm clothes on and our sleeping bags in hand as we headed off to London's  Brick Lane where the event was taking place.
When we arrived the event was well organised with volunteers policing the area to prevent any passers by causing any issues, the RAF were on hand to give us all a warm meal before the night turned to darkness.

 A Quick Refreshment For Some Dutch Currage

 Steven & I Ready For The Night Ahead

The Wonderful RAF Providing Us With A Hot Meal To Keep Us Going

The even had been very well organised with sleeping bag covers provided to help protect our sleeping bags and give us that extra bit of warmth. The atmosphere was a very friendly and lively one with everyone present there with the same thing on there mind, to raise funds for this amazing charity.

 Centre Point Patron Lisa Maxwell

Ready To Settle For The Night

As the night started to fall everyone started to settle down around 11.30pm, it was a cold windy night and a few hours in the heavens opened.

We were all cold, wet and very tired but we all kept each other going knowing that this was only one night that we had to do this where others are doing this night after night without the additional people around to support them and gee them on that we all had. 

At 6am the deed was done and you could feel the mixture of emotions from everyone there was almost a silent cheer as people started to pack up their sleeping bags feeling proud of what they had achieved but also feeling the effects of the nights weather conditions but at the same time never far from anyones minds the poor poor souls that do this night after night.

Steven & I left Brick Lane with heavy but proud hearts, reading the numerous text messages & social media posts of support that we had both received.

The following day was a very strange day for us both filled with a lot of emotional ups and downs but again both feeling a great sense of achievement for the money that we had raised to help this wonderful charity.

13/05/15 The Wedding Of The Year

Well the big day has finally arrived and a holiday from work.

It was lovely having Bryan & Hilary in the hotel. We all met for a relaxing breakfast full of chat and laughter.

Then my friend Tina arrived at 11am to help me get dressed in my kilt for the wedding at 1pm.

The wedding was at a beautiful location in the Bathgate hills called the Vue. Ally looked stunning in her brides dress as did Donna as her bridesmaid.

         With My Amazing Friend Donna (Bridesmaid)

              With The Bride & Groom (Ally & Paco)
It was one of the best days of my year as the wedding was fantastic & I also got to catch up with "the gang" who I hadn't seen altogether for a long time.

I spent a lot of the evening sitting with Donna's fabulous family her Dad, Mum, Son & Daughter.

Then in my true fashion I spent the last 5 hours non stop in the dance floor.

What a fabulous day.

                                 The Lovely Steph

Let's Go To The Ball 21/11/15

Today was the day to head North to Manchester with my good friend Steven Smith to attend our friend Denise Welch's annual charity ball.

This event is always a fun occasion for myself and Steven and we laugh from the minute we meet at Euston station for our journey North.

We always have our lovely M&S cans of G&T (for me) & Vodka & tonic (for Steven) as at weekends Virgin trains do not serve alcohol in the First Class carriages. 

As per usual Steven & I have a total hoot on the train relaxing, gossiping & just enjoying the relaxation. 

Once we arrive in Manchester we check into our usual residence, the Double Tree Hilton at Picadilly.

We head for our room for a bit of a chill out before we start getting ready.

This years theme for the ball is Motown, Dancing In The Street. The idea is you either go in costume for the theme or black tie.

Steven was going in costume and myself in black tie.

After we had gotten ready we headed up to the presidential suite in the hotel where friends of ours were staying for pre evening drinks & Canopys before our car arrived to take us to Old Trafford stadium for the ball.

                 Ready To Leave! 

Once we arrived at the event the fun started.

We met up with other friends at the venue and chatted before we headed to our table for dinner.

           The Boys Are Back In Town! 

     With My Lovely Friend Steven Smith

           With Scott Wright & Danielle

The evening is in support of the GEM Appeal which Denise is a strong supporter of and she has held her annual ball for this amazing cause for the last 14 years.

The entertainment is outstanding with the Drifters and other singers performing as well as an auction to raise money for the charity.

Once the auction is completed its time for the dancing to begin.

I had lots of time to catch up with friends on and off the dance floor, managing to hit some moves with the lovely Angela Carson & Rose - Marie.

         Lots Of Fun With Rose - Marie

          With The Lovely Angela Carson. 

The night is attended by numerous celebrity guests including Shane Ward, Jane McDonald & Real housewives of Cheshire stars, but all of them joining in with the fun. 

           Singing Star Jane McDonald

      With Dawn Ward (Real Housewives)

What a night, Steven & I left with Rose - Marie & our friend Janice to head back to our hotel room for a few nightcaps in our room.

We all went to bed exhausted after an AMAZING night. 

Hectic Day 08/10/15

What a day.

Full on day at work with an all day meeting before dashing home for a quick change and to finalise my packing.

Then into town to meet my lovely friend Steven to go and see out friend Denise perform at G-A-Y in London.

What a great night and amazing atmosphere.

Getting the 3am train home for a quick shower before heading to Gatwick to fly to Alicante at 630am.

Return Of The Mac!

I can't believe it's been 5 months since I last updated my blog! 

The original plan of a daily blog is definetly not going to work.

I think the best route moving forward is an update when I have something to blog about.

I am now lecturing myself & saying I must try harder 😉

Watch this space!