I've been driving for nearly 30 years.

My ritual for dealing with tax discs, insurance and MOTs has remained the same for most of those years which is I wait for reminders to drop through my letterbox.

But that style of laziness has landed me in trouble. One morning last week, after the school run, I was on my way to collect the prizes for the school Hallowe'en party and yet more sweets when I was 'pulled over' by an unmarked traffic police car complete with blaring siren.

The officer delivered the shameful news that a random check had been carried out on my car whilst they were travelling behind me and had discovered that my MOT was out of date.

I was truly shocked given that the week before my car had been serviced and had new tyres fitted which cost an arm and a leg!

My shock continued into disbelief when I was told just HOW out of date it was. To my utter mortification I had been driving illegally for two whole months with an out of date MOT.

A one hundred pound fine later, I belted it to the garage to rectify my oversight. It seems I have become far too reliant on the state to lead me by the nose when I should be more on top of things myself.

With the new tax disc system in place, which means renewal is done on-line by yourself, I'll have to get my act together. An expensive lesson learned.

To tan or not to tan

I make no apologies for my penchant for a wee tan. Whilst not as bad as Tommy I still prefer and feel better if I have a glow. Hence the reason why I think I've slapped on every fake tan that's been blended whether it's been expensive or not.

From Guerlain and Coty to St Tropez and Dove. I've had my modesty reduced to zero by a stranger spray tanning me and I've tried to follow the synchronised routine of the spray tan booth. You name it, I've rubbed it in.

My latest colour fest is Fake Bake which I've got to say has been a success. My pal and make-up specialist to the stars, Craig Alexander Wilson, recommended I give it a go. So I did. Craig assured me that even I could master it. It is applied using a smooth glove which means I don't end up with brown palms.

I've known Craig for a long time and when he says it's good, it's good. He's even got my very private sister-in-law Carol trying it. (Should I have told everyone Carol?)

Spare a thought for the cosmetic girls

On the subject of make-up artists, and specifically make-up girls, I've got to mention the lovely Joanna at the Clinique counter in Boots St Enoch Centre.

She made Gabrielle's day on Saturday when she sat her in the high stool and applied lipstick to an over-excited nine-year-old.

Although I was thinking that no matter how much or how expertly make-up was put on the chances of looking remotely like this gorgeous young lady were zilch.

Many, many years ago I worked in Frasers of Buchanan Street. The girls who worked in the perfume department were affectionately referred to as the 'painted ladies'. I was always in awe of them as they were glamour personified.

At this point I should mention my good friend and comrade from BA Katie (or Big Doll to her friends) who now works in John Lewis at the Dior counter. She was always a glamorous air stewardess and continues to exude panache. These girls in the stores are in for their busiest time of year.

They work hard and long hours constantly on their feet yet still look stunning. Well done girls. I take my hat off to you all. I hope your stores value you as much as they should.