Issue 44:

“Loving Pineapple Dance Studios - Sky One 6pm you have to watch it”

My favourite time of year is upon us - rejoice! Spring has sprung, blossom trees are looking blooming lovely and I am feeling rejuvenated thanks to a wonder facial I have to tell you about. I scoured Leeds for a close to, but non surgical, facial that doesn’t just slap and smooth some fancy cream on your face for an hour whilst shivering in the cold salon and listening to the girls gossip. I found a haven at Sharn Gill’s salon in Roundhay, no flourescent pink or giggly therapists in sight. After discussing my needs (“erase all the lines, sagging, blemishes or creases please!”) Sharn recommended I try the Nora Bode Beauty-Tox Ultra treatment and after knowing her for 10 minutes I actually want her as a new best friend - she’s so genuinely lovely. The treatment included oxycrystal microdermabrasion which is a deep exfoliation using tiny crystals and can be used at different intensities, followed by ‘shooting’ Nora Bode Oxyfluid into the lower basal levels of your skin, using pure pulsed oxygen pressure, focusing on the problematic areas, frown lines etc. A collagen mask is applied to the face whilst you inhale pure oxygen and relax on a heated bed! It’s genuinely the most innovative treatment I have ever experienced and most importantly the results were brilliant. You leave glowing and as the treatment targets rejuvenation of the lower skin cells the results become more apparent in the following weeks.

Victoria Beckham and Madonna are believed to be big fans and now this treatment and Beauty Therapist of the Year, Sharn Gill is on your doorstep! Sharn also does lots of other treatments, the Caci facial which uses laser, microcurrent, ultrasound and vacuum for an instant non surgical face lift is on my wish list as well as the Maxi Lip treatment which increases collagen production by 351% and volumises the lips without needles - I will be back! Check out www.sharngill.com or call 0113 265 3927.

As well as tightening my face, I have joined David Lloyd to tighten up my body and ventured to a Power Plates class recently which turned out to be a private class as no-one else turned up, perhaps not a good sign! If you’re unaware what a Power Plate is, it’s like an aerobics step with a handle bar that vibrates very fast and is designed to stimulate your muscles to work faster and therefore maximise your workout. It’s hilarious the first time you step on one because if you don’t bend your knees properly your head goes crazy, making you feel like you’ve eaten a bucket load of popping candy. After a few jumping squats and accepting I’m going to look a bit of a wally I embraced the vibration and ended up lying on it, in all sorts of positions as the trainer tested the flexibility of my IT band (?!) apparently it’s tight! I’ve also become a lover of Body Balance at David Lloyd, I’ve heard of it before and thought it was a bit of breathing and stretching with OAPs but oh no! There were a few OAPs but lovely ones and the class is a real challenge, sequences of yoga, tai chi and pilates all done to modern music I floated out feeling fantastic - you have to try it. I’m going to try and venture out into the outdoor swimming pool this week, the thought of watching the sun go down in the outdoor jacuzzi sounds so appealing, I’ve just got to pluck up the courage.

Jermaine organised the most amazing birthday surprise for me, he hired the Bothy Hut in the grounds at Swinton Park near Ripon and is was decorated so beautifully I cried! Candles, fairy lights, flowers, fires, a gourmet BBQ, 10 of our closest family and friends and very posh waiters thrown in, a herd of bambi-like deer even strolled past to make the scene picture perfect. I’d highly recommend it for a special occasion, our friends called the next day to hire it for a 30th in the summer! My other half also won Player of the Year again which I’m immensely proud of. However, unbeknown to me until after the event, we were supposed to go to a Park Lane awards ceremony to pick it up but he had an army training day the following morning so thought he’d best not go! Flipping professionalism!

Last month I was raving about Married, Single or Other on ITV and now I want to retract that love. The series ended in such tragedy all I did was cry for the last few shows, that’s not what I want to be doing on a Monday night Mr ITV commissioning editor!

I have so much more to say but I have to bottle it up until next month as my word count is probably already over - carpe diem dudes....

Love love love

Pretty Pois necklace - or there’s even an edamame bean one for the cool kids - £106 victoriatryon.com

Pineapple Dance Studios - Sky One 6pm, an old haunt of mine in my London dwelling days, Louie is a legend but Andrew on the other hand - not so much...

Darphin - The passion that Sharn Gill has for these beauty products has made me want to find out more. Combining cosmetic and dermatological innovation with aromatherapy.

Heston’s Feast’s - Channel 4 Tuesdays at 9pm. This guy inspires me. He’s so innovative and even more of a reason to watch it is that there are kids on the idents for Waitrose from my agency Ology Kids Casting.

Toby’s Tea Rooms - I have the perfect Sunday for you - cycle down the canal path to Apperley Bridge and you will come across a gorgeous bacon sandwich and chocolate brownie in Toby’s. With outdoor seating overlooking fields and dogs welcome, it’s a great find.

Until next time, good bye and take care...

Issue 42:

Yorkshire’s finest - Continuation from City Dweller magazine..

Following a very warm, calm nights sleep we threw ourselves into a complete English getaway experience, wandering through the grounds, passing spritely deer, lily ponds, we had a tour of the walled garden where many of the food is grown for Samuel's restaurant. We tried clay pigeon shooting which was wonderful, we were taken by the porter, it was so easy to organise through reception, followed by croquet on the lawn and finishing with afternoon tea in the drawing room, reading the papers and playing scrabble, it was perfect.

Although the grandure of Swinton Park is very impressive it's the little extras and options that make it so special; bicycle polo, treasure hunts, picnics waiting in the 'Bothy hut' in the grounds during your walk. Wellies, fishing rods, bikes, table tennis and snooker it's all been thought through for a romantic hideaway or an energetic, country holiday with the kids. We truly did feel like we should be in a period drama without the desire to rebel! Swinton Park is a real find, I have already booked my parents in to stay, her life will not be complete if she doesn't experience the fresh raspberry sorbet with champagne for breakfast! The impeccable detail of Swinton Park leaves you wanting for nothing, expect to stay a little longer.

LEEDS WEG - issue 42

Christmas is over and the snow has gone. How magical it was; it actually looked like Narnia where we live. Why is it though that pedestrians seem to feel they have a more dominant role in the highways hierarchy than cars when it snows, by always walking in the road and with the confidence and puffed out chest of a battery farmed, artificially injected turkey in December?

Only to have a rather less dreadful but still unpleasant fate of a slush shower from myself for their arrogance! I know it’s icy on the pavement and difficult to walk on but the road is for CARS!

So, back to the festivities. Just before ‘the big guy’s birthday’ we went to London for a Beckford family do. There’s millions of them that I’d never met so not too intimidating for me! I latched on to 76-year-old uncle, Steve, and plied him with whisky and coke - so we had a ball!

I find older people so interesting to talk to, especially as I don’t have any grandparents anymore. The stories are like fantasy tales - just brilliant. By the end of the night he was telling Jermaine to make me his wife! Result! Maybe I should ply J with whisky?!

I’ve been really busy with Ology Kids Casting and modelling this last month, with kids from my agency regularly appearing on Waterloo Road and in commercials such as Kenco coffee, Alton Towers and an anti-smoking campaign all in the last few weeks. I’m very proud of them.
You can see me on the idents for Dreams beds between the adverts in Celebrity Big Brother, on the DFS and Batley Mill commercials and in photoshoots for Harveys, which were all great fun to film.

Last but by no means least, my hero is now Leeds’ hero after my other half only scored the winning goal to break a 29-year defeat record against Manchester United at Old Trafford - in the FA Cup!

I’d just like to take a minute to stick my tongue out good and proper to all you fickle fans and journalists who have no idea who Jermaine is as a person but seem to think it’s your prerogative to make negative assumptions and personal attacks at him and then put it in the media whilst also doubting his ability at the top level, which he has proved he’s capable of against the best club in the world right now!

Also, how can he prove it if he’s not playing with the top clubs? You may just get a promotion yourselves if you start focusing on the positives in life and people and change your negative attitudes!

He’s a passionate, humble, funny gentleman with so many awards that we’re running out of room for them. I’m incredibly proud of him and his achievements and as for the future...one of the only things guaranteed in life is change.

Love love love

The snow! - make the most of it and take some beautiful picturesque snaps like Jermaine does on a regular occasion on the way to training, or drive into the Dales with some sledges or snowboards like we did. It’s not just for kids; we had a brilliant time. Make the most of the stunning surroundings just a short drive from the city.

Mini satsumas - satsumas are my favourites at any time but check out these teeny-weeny ones from M&S! Perfect for dinner parties.

Celebrity diets - it’s laughable to me; all these celebrity diets in gossip magazines, fair enough to them, they make a fortune but come on it’s not quantum physics - if you eat more calories than you burn, you’ll put weight on! Stop obsessing and enjoy life. I was obsessed with food for so long and, now I have no restrictions, I’m the lightest I’ve ever been and the happiest because it’s not even on my mind.

Thank you cards - I was made to do this as a child to send to people for the Christmas and birthday presents I received and still do. I think it’s a lost tradition and I always appreciate a thank you, especially when someones taken the time out to write it. Make someone feel good today and say a heartfelt “thank you”.

Until next time, good bye and take care...

Issue 41:

I hate fake flowers! To me flowers signify freshness, vitality and a beautiful scent, to ‘plasticify’ them is just wrong.

I’m on the train on my way back from London after filming an advert for The Daily Mail and presenting the Euromillions lottery with Tim Vincent, and these neon pink lilies are sat with a deathly perfection that actually makes me shiver! Maybe it is their ‘perfection’ that I dislike so much; nothing in life is perfect, so why try to fake it?

As this issue is themed around health and beauty, I thought I’d scour out the most innovative beauty treatments to freshen your face for your festive frivolities! (Try saying that after a few mulled wines!)

A huge new craze in L.A - as a result of filmstars desperately seeking facial rejuvenation after directors have been banning botox because of its obvious muscle paralysis and inevitable expressionless facial performances - is the ‘acupuncture face lift’! Guess what: I found a therapist perfectly situated in the treatment rooms above Neals Yard in Victoria Quarter for all us city dwellers.

There have been extreme claims from those dramatic Americans such as “it can take 10 years off you” etc etc, but I’ve found some more plausible effects of this cosmetic acupuncture. It is believed to lessen signs of ageing from the face, fine lines, jowls firmed, droopy eyelids lifted,improved moisturisation of skin; increased local circulation of blood and lymph to the face; increased collagen production; improved muscle tone, and dermal contraction; tightening of the pores; brightening of the eyes; with results usually apparent after just a few treatments. Sounds pretty good to me!

Jermaine quickly questioned my state of mind as I booked an appointment with the reality being that I was going to let a guy I don’t know stick needles in my face...but you’ve got to take risks in life and the acupuncturist (Tim from Triangle Therapies) reassured me he has all the qualifications. From our first meeting, Tim seems a very genuine guy, a picture of new-age hippiness. He started to find pressure points on my lower legs and gently inserted these tiny needles. Tim uses silicon-coated needles from Japan, although they cost more than double the normal needles, especially for the face, as they are apparently a lot less painful. This was much appreciated as, although I didn’t feel a few of the needles go in, you do feel a teeny prick.

After 15 minutes of looking like a voodoo doll, he took them out and gave me a wonderfully deep facial massage, like I’ve never experienced before. I loved feeling like he was actually stimulating my muscles to lift and I’m sure the increase in blood circulation will help my skin’s appearance if nothing else! My face was a little red in patches after the treatment but looked very refreshed, as it usually does after a facial. Perhaps my genetically misfortuned drooping jowls have been lifted slightly or perhaps that’s my positive thinking?

So I booked a couple more treatments, one week apart as this is recommended to notice any kind of change. The second time, I was much more prepared but still baffled and intrigued by the sensations, again the massage was welcomed after the needles and I did leave feeling revitalised and Jermaine did comment on my glowing skin!

Third time around...and the poll says I look 16! Result! No - no poll just my man, my mum and the blatant honesty of 30 little children at Ology Performance School, which I own and run every Saturday morning. So the conclusion for the acupuncture face lift; it intrigued me and I guess still does. I have noticed I’m not wearing foundation half as much as I used to, which is rare for me in winter and I have had a few ‘you look really well comments’ - always nice! Personally, there is no comparison with botox, as acupuncture is holistic and botox is poison, paralysing your muscles, simple. Plus, I don’t want to look like a robot; I’m a very expressive person and the lines on my face show that! I like that the acupuncture worked on the energy and overall body wellness, which in turn shows in your face and I do think it did. For a few weeks before a special occasion I’m sure it will help you radiate inner beauty.
Check our www.triangletherpsies.co.uk to book yours.

Love love love

Minx nails - seen on the likes of Beyonce and Rihanna, these nails look fantastic, I can’t wear them every day because of my modelling but I shall be rocking them New Year’s Eve! Available from Bliss Spa in Headingley and West Park for £24.

Beyonce - after watching her at the MEN, I have a new found adoration for her; she sounds better live than on her album, looks better than any airbrushed magazine shoot and has a aura and presence on stage that left me simply in awe, just incredible - Jermaine and I were singing so loud I couldn’t speak the next day!

Studded boots - as Leeds is so small, I’m reluctant to mention this as I haven’t seen anyone in them yet but I’m loving my new Australian Luxe ‘Angel’ sheepskin boots, I think they’re exclusive to Harvey Nichols too! Until next time, good bye and take care...

Laura Jaye - x

Issue 40:

Mulberry on my mind.....

Mulberry on my mind... and surprisingly not the super cool handbag brand!

The colour purple, and in particular Mulberry, seems to be embedded in my subconscious this month for a reason unbeknown to me. After a little research I discovered that purple is associated with royalty and its intended psychological effect was to show that the wearer was a VIP! I’ve discovered in China that the mulberry tree is considered the tree of life, while in Greek mythology it is known as a tree of misfortune. I prefer Chinese food so I’m going to stick with the Chinese symbolism for my subconscious obsession! I would recommend a splash of mulberry around the house - it really has warmed our house up for the cold winter months ahead.

Jermaine and I have been relatively quiet this month, apart from the manic spontaneous painting! I featured on the front cover of the Harvey’s furniture magazine and modelled for Harrogate Bridal Fayre while Jermaine played against Liverpool in the cup and scored but they disallowed it, claiming he was off side. After looking back at the game, they realised he wasn’t! The atmosphere at Elland Road with 38,000 people is unbelievable. I get so nervous watching him - Leeds had better go up this year - I want a long holiday!

I have also taken my first step to becoming a full blown WEG in preparation for the higher leagues by getting my teeth whitened!

I went to a dentist called Aesthetique which is conveniently situated in the Merrion Centre, a small practice with a wonderfully friendly receptionist and dentist giving you a very personalised, welcoming visit. After being stuffed with a mouthful of what seemed like playdough, seven days later a clear mould of my teeth was handed to me with an ominous black box full of little pipettes - very innovative and ‘aesthetically’ pleasing! After much discussion about the different options of teeth whitening we decided this ‘tray’ was the best option, I had initially wanted the laser treatment being an impatient being but when I was told the strength of the peroxide I thought again. Even though I have the teeth of an ox and regularly used to bite into ice cream, the thought of constant brain freeze made me revaluate as I was told it may cause extreme sensitivity.

With the teeth trays I could whiten them to my own preferred whiteness (superdooper brilliant Hollywood white!) and redo them with the extra pipettes whenever necessary - perfect. So night after night I wore the ‘tray’ - goodness knows what Jermaine must have had dreams about as his girlfriend snuggled up to him with white foam oozing out of a gumshield, hearing “night night” with a lisp and kissing peroxide flavoured lips but we’re still going strong...and a week later I have whiter teeth! I only did the top teeth so I could see the difference against the bottom ones and it really is quite a lot whiter. My teeth are more sensitive and there’s no more biting ice cream or sucking my jasmine tea between my teeth as it does cause shooting pains but I don’t really care - I have WHITE teeth!

I must say Aesthetique were wonderful, after speaking with a few of their patients who speak of Mr Hameed, the dentist, with the greatest of respect Aesthetique do seem like a new era of dentistry. They don’t just plonk veneers on people who have the money or, as I have just found out, refuse to do root canals because they ‘don’t get enough points!’ as many NHS dentists will!

They improve the aesthetics of the face by looking at the face as a whole and even offering botox and fillers if required! Dentistry, I have learnt, even has fashions with ‘ incisor dominance’ (two front teeth showing) being at the forefront of fashion right now - Mr Hameed can make it happen. He has a unique eye and uses the latest scientific techniques to construct the perfect smile. He did quote “I have not found anyone who I cannot treat” and with 0% finance they not only provide service with a smile but also make that perfect smile accessible for everyone!

Something I think Mr Hameed would certainly not approve of would be Collagen Boosting Marshmallows!
Crazy I know but as I was snooping through Harvey Nichols they did intrigue me so I sampled them as I want ‘beestung’ lips, without any injections and the thought of a succulent pink marshmallow being able to do that nearly made me wee a little bit with excitement! Sadly my lips are still paper thin but my pocket of belly fat is that little bit bigger as I consumed the whole packet - perhaps it did work but got my lips and my belly confused.

So in my hyperglycaemic state with a full stomach and high adrenaline, I found it hard to breathe, so conveniently took the can of Big Ox, oxygen also from Harvey Nichols, from my bag and inhaled extensively. Relief. I thought it was just a novelty until I read that it’s supposed to relief tiredness, diminish a hangover, help concentration and improve libido. Lucky Jermaine, he’s got a marshmallow/peroxide smelling girlfriend with a foaming mouth and a collagen full belly who’s desperate for sex! I love you honey :-)

Until next time, good bye and take care...xxx

Issue 39:

Hope.....

“Feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best”, what would we do without hope? Think about it.

Would you be completely satisfied if everything you have stayed as it is now, indefinitely? If you’re single, struggling for money right now or just not in a good place the only way out of it is hope and belief. Even if you are in a happy place is it not human nature to aspire for more, visualise, dream....hope? Is it? Or is it just me and my super high expectations - poor Jermaine!

The provoking catalyst for this ‘train’ of thought ironically came as I was hurtling through the Yorkshire countryside on my way back from the capital on a train. I’ve just got a brilliant new presenting agent in London and I’m so full of hope and expectation for the future. I’m an eternal optimist so hope just oozes from me in abundance normally but this moment the feeling was heightened. Hope is a wonderful feeling, my entrepeneurial juices are near to bursting as I’m watching the world go by at 100 miles an hour thinking of how I can bottle this feeling of excited anticipation, happiness and hope. I’d be a billionaire because it’s such a fantastic feeling, imagine cute little apothecary bottles with simple contemporary labels ‘hope in a bottle’?

Some would say that I’m setting myself up for disappointment but my philosophy is to live life to its fullest embracing the highs and lows. As Nana Mouskouri said “If you haven’t learnt about sadness, you cannot appreciate happiness.” I think that’s why many children become underachievers because teachers and parents are constantly saying “stop dreaming”, “you’re in a world of your own”. To me, if you can’t see in your mind’s eye where you want to be, you’re never going to get there. If you have hopes and dreams in your thoughts, thoughts turn into words, words turn into actions and actions determine your future.

Life is about extremes, the older I’ve got the less extreme it has become, probably because I am more cynical and aware of the hurt so I’m more controlling of it but I feel for those who are afraid to take risks for fear of getting hurt or rejected. It will happen, accept it, learn from it and enjoy the highs!

Talking of hope, I have been the main judge for ‘Breeze has Talent’ a fantastic organisation for children where they arrange huge events with inflatables galore in parks all over summer and some of the children who have entered really are incredibly talented. Watch out for the final on Oct 29th....

Anyway hope is the word of the month, so here’s hoping you get to try these innovative little finds I have discovered in my foraging days around town, much fun has been had sampling!

Love, love, love...!

• Rodial After a summer of pad thai and jerk chicken my J brands are a little tight and so I have serendipitously fumbled across these products in Space NK - with quirky names like ‘tummy tuck’, ‘boob job’ and ‘bum lift’ I became intrigued and full of hope! After doing a little research the ‘tummy tuck’ leaflet suggests to do at least 200 sit ups a day, along with 30 minutes exercise and eliminate all carbs to get maximum results. Well I’m sorry but I would lose inches if I did that alone without spending nearly £100 on the teeny tiny product! Call me cynical!

• Hope in a jar Oh dear someone thought of it before me!!! Mine would be, will be (told you, I’m an eternal optimist) better! I love the Philosophy range, like the Rodical, really cute names for the products, make great presents and reasonably priced.

• Dizzee Rascal Playing on 26th Oct at the O2 Academy...”Some people think I’m bonkers but I just think I’m free, man I’m just living my life there’s nothing crazy about meeeee!!”

• X Factor It’s back and I’m going to have my (now experienced!) critical eye on all those wannabes but predominantly on Cheryl’s fashion, hair and make-up!

• Eclat Opulent - By Terry Again an innovative product to be found in Space NK, I tested this foundation which claims to be suitable for ANY skin type, so I tried it and my mixed race friend tried it and surprisingly it did blend to both our tones. It has a luxurious feeling like velvet when applied and gives a matt finish without being heavy or clogging. Apparently the ultra-smoothing Hyaluronic Acid spheres fill wrinkles, Protectine, an antioxidant agent, protects the skin’s cells and
Soft-lift, an optical corrector, diminishes the effects of aging and fatigue, concealing imperfections. It’s designed for older skin but I do like it a lot, even though I’m a ‘dewy’ kind of girl. I can’t see it blending into the darker skintones and at £85 it’s not the cheapest but who can put a price on flawless skin?

• India Arie Wonderful little downloader - ‘There’s Hope’ , keeping with the theme but oh so good - love India Aire.

Issue 38:

FEEL THE FEAR & DO IT ANYWAY!

Visualise perfect, crustless, isosolise cucumber and mint sandwiches, fresh jasmine tea, delectable mini patisseries, warm lime infused scones that melt and crumble in equal measure in the mouth smothered in velvet clotted cream and fresh strawberry jam....where am I? Anthonys in the Victoria quarter, could it be? No. Betty’s? No. I’m sitting in a four poster cabana in my ‘fig leaves’ overlooking the sunset on Seminyak beach, Bali listening to the chill out music which is seemingly coming from the palm tree behind me, interspersed with the meditative whoosh of the Indonesian Sea.

This has become a ritual that Jermaine and I have come to adore over the past week at 4pm and has made me question why we feel such a magnetic almost imperative desire to have this quintissential English tradition when we are 1000’s of miles from its place of origin and our home? It could be the fine china, high quality ingredients, the cold towels that accompany it which my dewy brow is welcoming but probably purely because it was free!! We are embracing the Bali culture, this is one of the reasons why I love to travel, the more I do the more I realise everybody in the world is looking for the same thing. To find and enjoy love and happiness. The people here are adorable - so many smiles and so much appreciation - why the English customer service can’t learn from it I have no idea. The women are so dignified and demure and everybody leaves mini banana boxes filled with fresh flowers, biscuits and offerings outside every doorstep for the Gods to ask for positivity for the day and appreciation.....I think! Whilst trying to immerse ourselves in the Balianese culture we visited Kudetai, a super cool hangout for fashionistas on the beach (we snuck in obviously!) sampling many of their cocktails but eventually came back to a superb version of Pimms until the early hours. Again an English legacy and these weren’t free so why did we do it?! All I can see is that it’s a comfort thing or are we subconsciously overtly stamping our patriotism as we are surrounded by foreigners? Could we be afraid of embracing new cultures, new experiences, anything outside our comfort zone? I often think this column is my therapy substitute but I genuinely believe it can’t just be me that thinks this....please?! There are loads of people that stay in their comfort zone and don’t live as fulfilling a life as possible because they’re scared...I know this I watch Loose Women!

One of my favourite quotes along with carpe diem is ‘feel the fear and do it anyway’. Mr Beckford surprised me daily this holiday with his willingness to try new things and it’s inspired me. It must be my airen ambition but I can now officially call myself a surf dude, I have the certificate from Rip Curl, I’ve white water rafted through the jungle, wakeboarded, jetskiied, Elephant trekked and more and loved them all as I always have done.

Ironically after I partook in all these adrenaline activities I had serious reservations about diving into the pool, it wasn’t for fear of looking silly as it was private and I used to dive as a kid all the time. As the thought manifested itself in my mind, the act of jumping head first into a pool of water really didn’t appeal and frustrated me at its seeming simplicity. So as per my motto I felt the fear, heart palpatations, reluctance and irregular breathing patterns et al drew from diving lessons 15 years ago, and plumetted head first into the pool, emerging successful, if you can class a great dive followed by hair plastered to my face and spluttering to Jermaine secretly filming successful?! This action seemed to be more significant in my life than just realising I can dive I am now free from inhibitions and can experience anything I choose with no fear in my pathway. I am fully aware the lychee cocktail that has preceeded afternoon tea may be influencing my positive perspective at this very moment and the sunshine will not only be increasing my vitamin D levels but also my endorphin levels too! Although I do need these epiphanies, or possibly over analysis occasionally to refocus my intentions and way of living. Being in Bali has also made me see the power of smiling and how simple but effective and contagious it can be. Think outside the box, feel the fear and do it anyway and as the Jamaicans say, which is where I will be next week.....no problem!!!

LOVE LOVE LOVE...

Pimms
Summer’s here it’s official and a great excuse to get friends round because you HAVE to make a jug of it.

Cucumber sandwiches
I was once invited to the Queens summer party at Buckingham Palace and was so excited to try their cucumber sandwiches and to my disgust they used margarine!! Unbelievable and so disappointing. MINE will be real butter, cucumber, a pinch of pepper and sprig of mint-done! And better than the Queens!

Baby Havianas
Six of our friends are pregnant at the moment so on my baby gift rounds I found the cutest flip flops in Accent, think the smallest they do fit around a one year old but you better get there before I get back and bag them all!




Issue 37:

BOGOF...!

”You buy one you get one free!” Yes you do and yes I am the new face of Safestyle UK, well I am actually the old face as I filmed the Safestyle UK adverts a year ago and it seems from all the people who have mentioned it that they are rerunning them! PLUS I am not an actress and most definitely not an opera singer however you may be excused for thinking this as I am ‘gracing’ the front cover of Leeds Grand Theatre magazine and posters this month as I had a modelling job for them a few weeks ago. Also check out Channel M on Thursday’s 8pm as I am presenting a new Fashion programme called Boohoo Style Fix.

Onto my other half - third year in a row Leeds United have made it into the play offs, it better had be third time lucky as I nearly had an anurism last year watching them at Wembley, they do have a great team this year and hopefully Jermaine will be super fit, as last year, not many people know, he had a steroid injection in his ankle days before the game so wasn’t on top form bless him.

I got a surprise present this week, four tickets to go and see Girls Aloud in Manchester, I’m certainly not a superfan but it’s good innocent pop and I do like their new stylist! So off I went with three friends and really enjoyed myself, all the girls have amazing six packs or some serious bronzer contouring, which I know they do! Either way I was seriously put out when I told my best friend that “I’ll have one of those in 4 weeks”, the six pack or at least hard washboard stomach for our holiday and she laughed at me - out loud! SO... I’ve joined a gym after three years and intend to show you the results of my time there and give you some top tips from my personal trainer, saving you a few bob to help you get a tight tummy for your holidays too. I’ve joined Nuffield Health, Fitness and Wellness Centre in Guiseley, it’s the only place that do a full Vi1 full body health assessment and I thought I should get one, I’ve had my cholesterol done, blood sugar, BMI, body fat the lot.

My move of the month is Hamstrings...hello!! Mine have metamorphosised into marshmallow so I wanted to see them again, this is a seriously great exercise for them, you can do it at home on the sofa or with a Swiss ball, check out the photo for a vague idea!

My business Ology Kids Casting is going from strength to strength, we have children in castings for Waterloo Road, McDonald’s TV commercials, Tesco adverts and more this week so fingers crossed for all you little superstars. For more information about upcoming assessment days call 0113 347 0121 or email
laura@ologykidscasting.com. Due to high demand we are now taking up to ages 21, students contact us!



LOVE LOVE LOVE...

Yoga at Kirkstall Abbey
Jermaine and I love doing yoga especially on the beach on holiday, we did it in the pouring rain in the morning in Mexico and it was crazily sexy. The idea of saluting the Sun in Kirkstall Abbey sounds amazing to me, classes are on 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd May 10.30am - 12 noon Tel: 0113 230 5492 / 0113 274 8041.

Juicing
Beetroot, Cucumber, Celery, Carrots, Apples and Pears - sounds gross - tastes yummy and makes you feel wonderful.

Kobe bar in Horsforth
Really lovely, fresh food and a Sunday quiz and half price cocktails. Happy days!