April Review.

Hello and welcome to my blog. 

How’s your bank holiday weekend been?

I love having extra time with the family, & this one has been brilliant. I’ve not done much though so it’s been nice to enjoy some down time without having to rush around like I normally do. 

I’m sad to say I didn’t manage to get into town to change the barrel leg trousers, so I’m planning on going tomorrow! I’m interested to see if there’s some new styles in the shops and maybe I’ll come home with something new to share. I fancy another pair of Mary Jane shoes, possibly in white or black. I’ve seen these online but will see if I can try some on before I buy. Fingers crossed I find some. 

So nice to have you here today and you’re in time to read about last month for the April Review. 

At the start of April I was having fun styling some Spring dresses. I’m a big fan of wearing dresses so marvelled at the next one which had my name all over it. 

I just need a special occasion for it now!

Styling linen trousers - Chic & Stylish Linkup.

Good morning my friends. 

Hope you’re having a brilliant first day of the new month. 

Another busy week and I’ve been trying to get into town to change a pair of trousers. There always seems to be something else to do! Anyway, I’ll let you know how I get on next Monday. Oh and don’t forget as it’s the first Monday of the month it’ll be time to review April!

So you all know I’ve been following a Keto diet since January, well I’m pleased as punch to say I’ve now lost a stone! I can’t even say it’s been hard work because with the meals David and I have prepared - it’s been okay. I’ve been allowed Prosecco as long as it’s included in my calories and have had the odd cheat when I’ve eaten cakes and sweets along with some bread etc when I’ve had a takeaway curry. But wow wee when I’ve been scanning piccys I’ve really noticed how well I’ve done. Not only that I feel so much healthier, my tummy is happier and my fitness has improved no end! I’m more or less at a weight I want to try to maintain and one of the main reasons is some saggy skin that’s become quite noticeable! I’m conscious of it but am too nervous to have anything major done so for the time being I’ll try to stay like this! 

When I popped to my local supermarket yesterday I had a quick look around the clothes section and along with a couple of other pieces I like, spotted these fab casual trousers. At only £19 I figured they were a great price so popped them into my basket - in a smaller size I might add! Imagine the joy when I tried them on at home and they looked like this. I felt amazing in them and really wanted to share just how different I reckon I look, do let me know what you think (scroll for photo)!

Style not Age say Yes to the Dress!

Good morning everyone. 

How are you?

I’m doing okay and have had a super weekend. 

It was David’s birthday yesterday so we had the family round. We also welcomed some family and friends throughout the day to celebrate with us with a couple of drinks to boot. We’d decided on having some tapas so David and my youngest daughter Sophie went to the supermarket to buy ingredients to prepare the following delicious dishes! Meatballs in spicy tomato sauce, chorizo & peppers in sherry sauce, tortilla (with and without potato) spicy garlic king prawns, hummus and flat bread, mushrooms in garlic butter and a tasty salad which consisted of peppers, cucumber, red cabbage, spring onions & parsley with a dressing of orange juice, white wine vinegar and olive oil. This was topped with pomegranate seeds and was truly delicious. It really brought everything together and the meal was devoured and I must add enjoyed by all the family!

Today is the last Monday of the month and I’m not sure how that happened, however it’s time to welcome Hilda, Emma and Anna to the stage to share their looks for Style not Age which are based around the prompt  ….

Say yes to the Dress. 

This beautiful pink maxi has my name written all over it. 

Another Spring Dress from Izabel.

Good morning.

How are you?

Well this week just ran away from me, I’ve woken up today and realised no blog post!

So here’s a hasty catch, up with stunning spring dress to share. 

Yesterday was my eldest daughter’s birthday. We popped over to see her and had a couple of drinks to celebrate but came home early to have dinner, so that was a quiet affair. Today I’ve a couple of errands to run and then I’m looking after Max as his mum and dad are out this afternoon seeing a show in London. I hope the weather improves as he loves playing in the garden. We might go to the park if it’s warmer - as there more to do and again, he loves it. 

I went into town on Saturday to change a couple of bits. I’m trying to find the best pair of barrel leg trousers and after finding some from Next but thinking they’re a tad snug, took them back & found another pair in M&S. They’ve come up great but have quite a baggy section on the back which I don’t like. I might take some photos to see how they look but maybe change them for a smaller size! My Keto diet has really worked as I’m a stone lighter and possibly getting into a size 10, albeit from Marks & Spencer which offer generous sizes, but I’m taking it!

So today I’m sharing a stylish maxi from Izabel London. 

I’ve added items to dress it up and make it suitable for Spring dressing when the weather is still cold. 

Items marked with * have been gifted to me, however these are 100% my own honest comments. 

Spring Maxi Dress from Izabel.

Good morning, thanks for joining me on Easter Bank Holiday Monday. 

I do hope you’ve had a super long weekend, I certainly have!

After a really busy week, the weekend was hectic too!

I keep waiting for things to die down, but there’s always something by to do! Are you the same?

Friday went quickly ending with my usual ballroom class. We finished learning a tango routine and it’s another I fell I love with. In the afternoon I went to my nephew’s house to enjoy a birthday celebration for his little boy, it’s nice to share time with my sister and her family and we took full advantage of catching up with my nieces and nephews. 

Saturday morning was a bit of a nightmare, well I got myself up and ready early and had planned to go into town to change a couple of bits. I’d been so occupied with making sure I’d got change of clothes for working at my MIL’s house and also planning the food for the following day I managed to forget the bits I was going to take back!! Yes I had to return home to collect said items and head back into town! I was furious with myself! I keep doing silly things like this and am worried I might have a problem! Anyone else do stupid things like this?

On Sunday after a clean at the Airbnb, I prepared food for our roast turkey dinner. Eighteen of us enjoyed a roast with all the trimmings and I put my diet on hold devouring everything I shouldn’t! I certainly paid for it in the evening as my tummy wasn’t happy at all! There’s something to be said for following a certain diet and veering off piste isn’t as good as it seems to be. I’m back on the diet today and am starting to feel much better. The diet I’m following is keto which means no carbs, I included potatoes, roasted parsnips and various vegetables, some of which do have carbohydrates in them. Let’s not mention the chocolates and cakes I picked at though, if I don’t mention them then maybe I didn’t have them! 😂

Today, will be a quiet one and although I’ve not planned dinner, it’ll definitely be keto friendly. Are you following a diet and did you go off plan over the holiday weekend?

Items marked with * have been gifted to me, however these are 100% my own honest comments. 

Aery - Sharing Products to help Stress Awareness Month.

Hi everyone. 

How are you doing?

A really busy few days for me! It’s been great sorting & editing for the blog and with the weather so nice I’ve taken some cracking shots. Just not enough hours in the day to get more done, which is a shame because I feel like I’m on a roll!

I’ve actually been working on some lovely clothing reels and can’t wait to share them with you. Spring is most definitely in the air and dressing for the temperatures has been fun. I’ve even been out without a jacket or coat a few times and even wore sandals the other day!

Did you know April is Stress Awareness Month? If you need to de-stress after a busy day or need to wind down from your troubles Aery have you covered! I’m delighted to share a few of their unique and individual products to help you along the way. DISCOUNT CODE BELOW. ⬇️ 

Items marked with * have been gifted to me, however these are 100% my own honest comments. 

Collared Jumper with my Denim Skirt.

Good morning everyone. 

How are you?

Did you have a good weekend? I’ve had another hectic one! Well Saturday was very busy! I was painting ceilings! The family are getting my MIL’s house ready to sell so there’s a few little bits and pieces that need doing before it’s put on the market. It was a hot day so once I’d finished that I came home to do some gardening. I cut both front and back grass and strimmed the edges as well. I also did some weeding, giving special attention to an area I’ve decided to use for taking photos - I fancy getting something like trellis or a mirror and some pots with tall plants in. It’s sort of a rockery area and might work well for taking shots! I’ll keep you informed about that one. 

On Sunday after helping my daughter do an AirBnb clean I spread some weed killer. There’s an area in front of our house that draws loads of weeds and every year one or other of us weeds it for it to grow again! I vow this year to keep on top of it and get the weeds under control, let’s see how that pans out! 😂

With the weather being so nice lately, I’ve actually even wearing some outfits more apt for Spring. Today’s look is an easy to wear feminine and casual look featuring this fabulous little top. 

Items marked with * have been gifted to me, however these are 100% my own honest comments. 

Giveaway win - Chic & Stylish Linkup

Good morning everyone. 

How’s it going?

Another busy week after a busy weekend. 

I went to my grandson’s birthday party on Monday evening - he had a roller-skating party and guess who just had to have a go? Yep me! It’s been many, many years since I donned a pair of skates and I did wonder if it was a silly thing to do, but I did it anyway. I put the boots on and immediately felt like I would fall over so I grabbed onto the side and carefully slid my way along till I got into the arena. Still I didn’t give up and gingerly pulled myself around the rink holding on all the time. The kids whizzed past me egging me on, but I didn’t leave the side. I did a couple more laps letting go at various times and grabbing onto the side again to steady myself. By the fourth circle I’d made some progress, actually letting go and trying to go round corners with a bit more elegance. By lap five I decided to take my boots off and quit while I was ahead. I didn’t want to tempt fate and hurt myself. But I’m pleased I decided to give it a go and promised to go again when my daughter takes the kids! Fingers crossed that goes well too! 🤞

Items marked with * have been gifted to me, however these are 100% my own honest comments. 

 

March Review

Morning my friends.

Hope you are well.

April has arrived and the weather has stayed nice here.  Still quite chilly at times and especially in the evening - but if you can find a nice little sheltered spot the sun is quite warm and soothing.  I've been embracing a slightly more Spring like look with my outfits and have been wearing jackets when I've just been popping out to run errands.  Anything like walking along the beach or being outside for longer stretches still calls for a coat or thicker jacket.  I'm excited to share a new one with you on Thursday, it was part of a competition win and I'm elated with the fashionable leopard print classic and it's been on repeat since I got it!

The weekend seemed to fly by - well actually the week did too!  What with my three gym classes, swimming session and two dance classes the days have been filled!  It's our turn to have the wave of birthdays and last weekend there were two!  I popped over to see one of my grandsons on Friday evening.  He attends a karate class and it was a nice treat for me to watch him!  He, along with his sister loved to show off what they could do in the session which was 45 mins long and it's a brilliant way to teach discipline, fitness and have fun at the same time.  When it was finished I quickly rushed over to enjoy my ballroom class.  We learnt a new routine which was a Tango - I managed to grasp the steps and was lucky enough to show the rest of the class whilst it was being filmed.  We can watch the routine on our phones so we can practise at home in order to be ready for the next class!  

Saturday was spent with Sophie (the baker) and Emily.  We went to a local school that was holding a Sci Spy Comic Con event.  It's all about characters in films like Star Wars, Ghost Busters, Marvel characters and other Sci Fy people (you might have seen my IG stories) and Sophie was asked if she’d like to have a cake stall there. She took loads of cakes and bakes to the local event where her cake stall was a great success.  She sold so many cakes and tray bakes along with cake jars - yes cake, jam or chocolate and cream in a jar!  They are delicious and a lovely alternative to a cake that can get dry when left in a tin!  These don't last long and I had to use lots of self control so's not to hinder my Keto diet!

I raced home once it was finished to get ready for a night out with friends.  We went for a few drinks and to have a curry.  I was really happy with that meal because since dieting I'd not had my favourite takeaway!  I was very good and only had a small amount of rice (no carbs on Keto) and managed to eat all the chicken patia.  We had side dishes too, a cauliflower and mushroom bhaji - which are both our favourites, we scoffed nearly all of it!

Sunday was fairly quiet.  The second birthday of the weekend  - which was Freddie's. We celebrated at his house with nearly all the family before returning home for an early night.  School holidays for the next couple of weeks so it'll be great to spend time with the grandkids.  We’re planning a trip to the woods, possibly to a Wildlife park or maybe a trip to the cinema.  

So shall we get back to today's post?  It's a new month so time for the .....

March Review.

Spring Floral from Izabel - Chic & Stylish Linkup

Welcome dear readers.

Thanks for being here today. 

Hello April. 

After a busy weekend, it’s been a busy beginning of the new month. I’ve got so much planned so along with birthdays, blogging, photo taking and shopping I’m going to be a very busy bee!

On Sunday it was Mother’s Day as you might well know. I was feeling a bit jaded after a late night and few too many glasses, but I can tell you I was completely spoilt with gorgeous cards and some lovely gifts, but what makes it even more special is being with all the kids along with my mum! 

I’ve finally ordered some new trainers.  I’ve wanted a pair in a mink brown so am waiting for them to arrive (should be today). I’m not too obsessed with having named trainers, I prefer to have something that’s good quality and look right so these from M & S should be just right! I’ll let you know how I get on!

I’ve got a stunning dress to share with you today. If you’ve got plans for a special occasion like a wedding or christening, I’ve got you covered! Check out this beautiful chiffon maxi, it’s got all the elements you need to get noticed, but not take all the limelight. You’ll want something that’s fairly classic and quite modest. A maxi or midi is a good choice and something that’s a modest fit is ideal. 

Items marked with * have been gifted to me, however these are 100% my own honest comments.