#HellHathNoFuryLikeAWomanInPink

Well this weekend saw the Race for Life events in Portsmouth/Southsea.  An annual event to raise money for Cancer Research, traditionally they're girls events, but more men and boys are allowed to take part these days.

My cousins beautiful wife has this year embarked on a personal challenge for her special birthday coming up - 40 for 40.  Katherine has pledged to race 40 miles before her 40th birthday in December, and the Portsmouth 10k Race for Life counted as 6 of those 40 miles.  I got drunk one family party and convinced my cousin and her sister in law that we should join Katherine and keep her company for this 10k. So before anyone could change their mind - I signed us all up, whoops!

Now whilst on holiday, (drunk again), I saw a status pop up on Facebook that my friend Traci was signed up for the 5k Pretty Muddy and she had no one to do it with as her friend couldn't make it, before you could say 'Sammy what about your bad back' I'd signed up to do it with her, whoops!

So this weekend saw those two events, two events I never thought I'd be able to complete one of let alone two! So thank you all girls, for pushing me, supporting me and encouraging me, we did it!

The Pretty Muddy.

We met up with my Step Daughter, Lauren and her sister Lynsey - at the beginning and the end. Traci and I completed the course in 1 hour and 15 mins ish including waiting time to go over the obstacles and it was such fun!

Next up was Sunday's 10k, in the wind and rain!

We were joined by my cousins little boy, Toby to race across the finish line! We managed the 10k in an hour and 48 mins! We got bluddy soaked!

All in all a great weekend and so so pleased I managed both events.  We've raised more than £500 for cancer research this weekend and that's certainly not to be sniffed at! 

Sadly on the way back to the car, I've somehow managed to damage my foot and I've been strapped up with ice ever since! I've been xrayed and they don't think it's broken, but possibly a stress fracture that won't show up for a few days until new bone regrowth! But definitely soft tissue damage, ligament and tendon problems. Only me!!

TTFN, Sammy xx

I'm tattooed... I'm sorry - does that offend you?

So today I went out in a knee length skirt and faced some strange questions. Yes I'm tattooed, yes some of them they aren't small, but no I'm not in any way ashamed of my 'permanent' life choices.  

I've always been around tattooed people - my dad for one is quite decorated.  It has never made me feel differently about people or situations - just their choice and I'm cool with that.  People with or without tattoos are just people to me.

I'm in double figures for the amount of tattoos I have - am I worried? Do I regret any of them? The simple answer is no!  Do I think people who don't have tattoos are strange? Or should have them? Hell no, personal choice is a wonderful thing.

People sometimes ask questions about my tattoos such as - why did you have a specific something done or what does it mean to you etc? But today's questions were a little obtuse.

'What does your tattoo mean' is always a tricky one or why did you have it done.  I then start feeling I ought to make up stories behind my tattoos!  Some of them I had for specific events - my Alice in Wonderland piece was for my 30th, I'm a big fan and had a Mad Hatters tea party - my tattoo totally symbolises that and what a memory.  We're all mad here!

Picture & Tattoo by Tim Childs at Southsea Tattoo Company.

https://www.facebook.com/southseatc/ 

My flowers on my foot, Nanny drew - but that wasn't the reason I wanted or had them.  I liked them and went for it.  Nanny was alive and kicking then, so in no way a memorial tattoo.

I love this song, the lyrics are beautiful and I could apply it to many parts of my life or people.  But should I, just to make people understand?

Tattoo by Pamela Green at ABH tattoos at a tattoo convention. https://www.facebook.com/ABH-Tattooing-174251212607814/

I don't have Mr. B's name tattooed on me, but I do have my alter ego on my wrist.  Not because I might forget my name, but just because I wanted to!

Tattoo by Christine at Dinos tattoos at a tattoo convention. https://www.facebook.com/Dinos-Tattooist-Ltd-336751280200/

My newest tattoo means more than I could ever tell you - I'll write you a story about it one day.

Tattoo by Ollie Sims at Southsea Tattoo Company.

http://www.southseatattoo.co/ 

But I have lots of others as well that mean literally - not a great deal, just I liked and wanted them.

Today I was told the other person couldn't dream of having a tattoo because they wouldn't want it to define them, and how did I feel about that?  I'm not defined by my tattoos, I'm Sammy or Mrs. B with tattoos or without tattoos. Had I have worn trousers or long sleeves today, I simply would've behaved in exactly the same way and still been me - these tattoos made no difference whatsoever!

I was also told that this other person couldn't have a tattoo because their life is fluid and always changing, they wouldn't want something to remind them of their past, how possibly could I?

How sad is that?  My past has made me who I am today.  I don't regret much; I don't wish it hadn't happened, my past shaped me into who I am today - how awful is it to feel like you can't relive or be reminded of your past, no matter how painful it is.  I have lived my life so far, no matter what bad things have happened and I'm proud I've come out the other side.  But at the same time, if I had no tattoos - I wouldn't not remember them, I wouldn't not have let them shape me. It totally makes no odds.

I was also asked why I would have tattoos on my lower legs where people could see them.  I have a few answers to this - Why not? Where else? What if I had no other space?  Seriously again, my legs???

Today's questions really made me think about my inkings, it also totally re-enforced in my mind why I have tattoos.  

Because I want them and it's my body, my choice.

So by all means; admire them, dislike them, ask me questions, talk about them with me - but don't judge, I'm not asking you to understand it or even partake yourself.

They're mine - not yours.

Your body is a canvas, what you choose to decorate it with, perforate it with or dress it with is totally up to you and quite simply, you rock.  Whatever your reasons for whatever you do - who cares, you body is yours and no one else's.

TTFN, Sammy xx

She's my hero.... The London Marathon for Rett UK

Well what can I tell you? 

It's Monday the 25th April and it's all over.  Not just all over, but all over and she totally nailed it!  London Marathon take 2 - smashed in a smidge over 5 hours.  What a hero 💜💚 

It's been a really tough few months; training and fundraising has been relentless, but Lauren has never wavered or given up.  

The fundraising target is surpassed; raffles, car boots, eBay sales, donations, charity events and loads more - all contributed to this amazing total. 

3 weeks ago, Lauren's training came abruptly to a halt.  Lauren was told she had shin splints, the pain was so severe even cycling to keep up the fitness was unbearable.  They told Lauren at least 6 weeks off running and rest was the only answer.  Was this going to hold Lauren back? Ha!

Compression socks, compression tights, countless advice, painkillers, physio appointments, blood sweat and tears, meltdowns, deep heat and sheer determination saw us arrive in London yesterday.

Train selfie of course!

Number on and ready!

#TeamCarly

 

In all to soon after reaching the start with Lauren, she was off....after getting a selfie with a Chaser of course!

We boarded the tube, the DLR and shanks' pony and tracked that girl around the marathon.

Sadly, Lauren's Mum and Stepdad couldn't be with us during the day.  I know; could her Mum have had teleporting abilities - rather than having to catch a plane to get to us, she'd have been there in a heartbeat.  I also know how disappointed she was not to be with Lauren, but they were certainly there in spirit and in constant contact on the phone with us and tracking her progress on the VLM app so as not to miss a second.

Our first viewing at 14 miles.

Second viewing at 21 miles - doesn't she look amazing?!

London was at its busiest and the crowds again didn't disappoint for their cheering abilities!  The sound of the crowd, the clapping and the shout outs along the whole 26 miles were just overwhelming. The police presence in London was massive - they did an amazing job of keeping everyone safe and London incident free.  

Done! London Marathon in 5 hours - what an inspiration, she's simply - my hero.

Even with her injuries, Lauren shaved 17 minutes off last years time and is now a multiple marathon finisher. What a girl! 

I can't possibly convey how proud we all are of her, full time uni student (who is today in a presentation assessment), employee at 3 jobs and multiple marathon finisher.  One of the most selfless, passionate people I know and I admire and love her just so much, we all do.

Even laying on the floor being stretched out - she just looked fabulous!

Back to the tube we went, for a trip back to the car.  It was completely packed and the heat was unbearable, we had a quick pit stop for a lay down, but we were back to the car and Portsmouth in no time.

Hey - if a girl can't have a lay down at a tube station after running a marathon, when can she?!

Final destination - the pub Lauren works in; where we were met by Lauren's Mum and Step dad straight off the plane to congratulate her and a cheer from all the locals.  Lots of her friends arrived to join us; for celebratory hugs, loves and most importantly drinks!  

Lauren - what a girl, what an achievement!

Here's Carly catching up on the marathon coverage, trying to spot her sister.  Her sister who was running, just for her.  A sister who; when her legs became tired, ran with her heart.  

#TeamCarly 

#Sisters (a lovely shot taken previously)

Thank you to everyone who has helped get to where we are today; for donating raffle prizes, helping with charity events, donating boot sale fodder, donating to Lauren's fundraising page, sharing posts on social media, training with her, giving her valuable advice, wishing her well, cheering her on, supporting the cause and just being all amazing people. 

Rett UK is such an important charity and the funds Lauren has raised in honour of her sister, will help them keep achieving their goals. 

A massive thank you to Lauren for making us so proud yet again. An amazing experience and what an achievement. She is a force to be reckoned with, a super sister, a super daughter, simply a superstar and I'm so proud to be her Wicked Stepmum!

#TeamCarly #TeamRettUK #TeamBarcroft #ThisGirlCan #ShesMyHero #LaurenYouveGotThis

 

She's only gone and done it!

Well what can I say?  I'm just so proud of my step daughter, Lauren!

Amazing fundraising night organised by Lauren and her sister Lynsey, fabulous music, lots of booze, lots of dancing and lots of fun.  Most importantly, lots of money made for Rett UK!  

Lauren raised over £1600 last night towards her £3000 target, which means on top of the £1590 (without including what Carole and Lauren have on sponsor forms to be collected after the race) she already has.... 

She's smashed it!! What a girl! 

The raffle went down a storm, thank you again to everyone who donated, your generosity has helped Lauren reach her target and raise funds for such a brilliant charity.

I'm so sorry, I don't have a list of who won what, but we had winners in the room and winners who took part online too. It was a whirlwind of an evening and so enjoyable, it felt like it was over in the blink of an eye and I'm sure everyone had an amazing time.

Loads of fabulous people pitched in to help organise, help set up, sell tickets, support Lauren and Lynsey and it was just awesome! Same time next year everyone?!?

Next stop.... London marathon #teamcarly 

I'll keep you posted!  TTFN, Sammy xx

Roll up roll up..... We're holding a Raffle for Rett UK

Ladies and Gents, today I bring to you... An amazing raffle - with all funds raised going to Rett UK.

My beautiful step daughter Lauren, is running the London Marathon and she needs to raise £3000 for this place.  Lauren has organised a fundraising event on 1st April at The Irish Club in Southsea 7pm, a night of Northern Soul music and fun to be had by all (tickets £5 each on the door).  We're also holding a raffle on the night, but even if you aren't coming you can still get involved! 

We have some amazing prizes for you, donated from our fabulous local businesses. A massive thank you to you all, without you we couldn't do this! 

Here is the start of our collection...

Paddle boarding session at Portsmouth Watersports Centre.

http://www.portsmouthwatersports.com/or https://www.facebook.com/Portsmouth.Watersports/

Two beautiful necklaces and a pair of earrings from The Art of Glass https://www.facebook.com/TheArtOfGlass/ also known as I Am. Jewellery https://www.facebook.com/Iamjewellery4u/

 A voucher from Koh Thai Tapas http://www.koh-thai.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/KohThaiTapas/ 

Three vouchers from Paws and Claws Photography https://www.facebook.com/pawandclawphotography/

Print vouchers from Through The Looking Glass https://www.facebook.com/lookinglasslove/ http://www.ttlgdesigns.co.uk 

Voucher from Ab Fab Beauty http://www.abfabbeautytraining.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/Ab-Fab-Beauty-Treatments-and-Training-516408151714510/

A silver pendant from Gun Powder Silver https://www.etsy.com/uk/your/shops/GunPowderSilver/story  https://www.facebook.com/GunPowderSilver/

A treatment voucher from Meadowsweet Reflexology https://www.facebook.com/Meadowsweet-Reflexology-1554262771479807/

A sweet jar from Miss Molly the Vintage Caravan https://www.facebook.com/missmollythevintagecaravan/  http://www.missmollythevintagecaravan.co.uk

The Who album covers framed print, donated by A. Barcroft Painting & Decorating https://www.facebook.com/A.BarcroftPaintingandDecorating/

A voucher from Mama et Moi https://www.facebook.com/Mama-et-Moi-1473529796300568/ http://mamaetmoi.co.uk

We also have - 

* Nutrition pack from High 5 Nutrition 

* Voucher from Loch Fyne Gunwharf https://www.facebook.com/LochFynePortsmouth/

* Cutlery Set from Villeroy & Boch http://www.villeroy-boch.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/VilleroyandBoch/ 

* Knife Block from Zwillings www.uk.zwilling-shop.com

* Signed copy of the Body Coach 'Lean in 15' book https://www.facebook.com/JoeWicksTheBodyCoach/  http://www.thebodycoach.co.uk

* Voucher from Le Cafe Parisien https://www.facebook.com/lecafeparisien/ http://www.lecafeparisien.com

* Breakfast Pack from Hyden Farm Originals https://www.facebook.com/hydenoriginals/  http://www.hydenoriginals.co.uk

* Younique make up from Younique with Dani https://www.facebook.com/Youniquewithdani/ 

Thank you to everyone for your kind donations - we are adding more to the list over the coming days, grab your raffle tickets while you can! 

If you would like to purchase raffle tickets, they are £1 a ticket or £5 a strip, every penny is going to Rett UK. Please email me at - mrssammyb@gmail.com to buy, or comment on my fb page or send me a message.  I'll just need full name and telephone number (and payment of course), the raffle will be drawn on the night and we'll contact you as soon as possible if yours is the lucky ticket.

Look forward to hearing from you and good luck!!

Sammy xx

Fund raising on eBay for Rett UK

Well I'm sure you all know by now that my beautiful step daughter is once again running the London Marathon.  Lauren this year is running for Rett UK, to raise awareness for Rett syndrome and fund raise for their worthy cause.  This is a cause close to Lauren's heart (and us all) as her sister Carly has Rett Syndrome.

For her place in the marathon, Lauren has to raise £3,000 in addition to running the 26.2 miles, so there is lots of fundraising to be done!

If you'd link to donate please click here... https://www.justgiving.com/Lauren-Barcroft4?utm_id=13 

Lauren is raising money in all sorts of wonderful ways and this weekend has seen carboot sale number 2, which has bought in £175 in funds.  

We've finished the carbooty runs now, but we still have some good items left to sell which have been kindly donated to us, so I'm on the eBay trail!

Please go and check out our items here...  http://m.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?isRefine=true&_pgn=1&_nkw=seller%3Asambarn&_sasl=sambarn&LH_Auction=1 

I'm starting items low in the hope we will sell everything and every penny counts!  Please do check out our items here (wide range of items and sizes) and feel free to share amongst friends so that we can raise as much as possible!

Thanking you all kindly xx

Irregular Choice Limited Edition, Alice in Wonderland 'One lump ortwo'FOR SALE

So I'm about to combine 3 massive loves in my life!

*Shoes

*Alice in Wonderland 

*My Step Daughter

So the limited edition Alice in Wonderland collection were released by Irregular Choice last Friday. It was a disaster, the website crashed, no one could buy them - people were posting links all over to other stockists, they were sold out in minutes... But somehow I ended up with a pair! 

I ordered the last pair left in a size 4 (I am generally a 4 or 5) from another outlet and I eagerly awaited their arrival.  Whilst waiting for the big day, I was dismayed to find the shoes already for sale on eBay at double the price! Seriously, why buy them just to sell them! Greedy fudgers.

Well the day dawned, they arrived and alas they don't fit and I can't get my feet in them.  It was such a sad day in this household, lots of grumps all round. I spent hours trying to decide what to do, keep them anyway? Try and get another pair (from the USA and shipped) or send them back and give up.  Well none of the above!

I'm going to sell them!  

No I'm not going to join the greedy profiteers on eBay, but I am going to list them.  I paid £199 plus postage for them and I've listed them for £150 plus postage.  Anything I get over this amount will go straight to my step daughters fund raising for her marathon. So if by some miracle we do get more money for the shoes, someone will get the pair they're after and a well deserving charity will gain too.

So check out the shoes on the link below and also the link to the just giving page for the fundraising.

eBay listing of shoes Here

Just giving page... https://www.justgiving.com/Lauren-Barcroft4 

Please do feel free to share around!

I'll keep you posted xx