This is a True Story! - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hi there my friends.
How's it going?
Seems mother nature wants us all to return to normal with this horrible wet weather she's dished us.  It seemed slightly easier staying home with sunny, warm weather - but with rain and cold wind it's not pleasant at all.  I stopped by my daughter's earlier today and even with the car window slightly open I got soaked - she got cold standing in the doorway so we had to cut short our chat!  Let's hope there's an end in sight, but I'm not holding my breath for it!
Well today I had planned to share a recent gifted outfit from Bonmarche - but as the weather wasn't playing fair at all I've postpone for another day - hopefully next week if the weather improves for photos!!!  So what to share today???
Well this will make you laugh and be amazed at the same time.  Now do let me know if this has happened to you.
Many, many years ago I was involved in fun hair and fashion shows, nothing big just a local salon where my best friend worked along with various fashion shops periodically putting on fashion shows to promote the salon and some local dress shops.  We'd have our hair done by the hairdressers and wear a couple of outfits selected by the shop owner so we could show them off.  It was always good fun, and we'd all dream about being "super-models" strutting our stuff to Five Stars' album. Lol!

My friend had been looking through some old photos and came across one that showed the two of us in bridal style dresses along with a bunch of other ladies.  We were wearing white dresses and had various hair additions added with a bouquet of flowers to boot - we looked an absolute picture, well we thought so at the time!  She sent the photo to me yesterday along with a close up of another lady - that other lady turned out to be one of my other best friends who I didn't actually meet until some years later!!! Yes I was shocked to find out we had been in the same show years before and didn't even know each other.  Life has a funny way of putting people together, and then they seem to find each other again, really knowing they should be friends eventually.  How weird is that???  Here's the photo - not very good quality but remember it is probably about 30 years old!

That's me far right - with my bestie next to me. 

Style not Age - Comfy Casuals.

Hey there - how you doing?
Been having a bit of a down day actually.
With birthday season in the Mummab household, it's really hit me that I can't celebrate with ALL the family.  I'm so lucky to have my eldest daughter with me, but not having my other daughter and eldest son around is really getting to me.  It was my daughter-in-law's birthday on Saturday and we had to greet from afar - being a tactile person I automatically wanted to kiss and hug them and almost forgot that I couldn't.  We have another two birthday's this week and again I know I'll be with them, but the other family members wont and it breaks my heart.  I keep telling myself it won't last forever, but sometimes it just gets to you doesn't it?

On a brighter note the blog has really been helping me concentrate on something other than the lock-down, and today it's the turn of the Style not Age ladies to share their offerings on the latest challenge - and the topic, which was set by me is .....
Comfy Casuals.

Cream Pleats and Paisley- #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hello my friends.
Thanks for staying with me during these unprecedented times. I really appreciate your support.
My days have been full of quizzes over the past few weeks and some have been driving me mad!  My mum has set some brainteasers of cryptic clues of surrounding towns, and the kids have set general knowledge puzzles to stretch our brains too!
My running is going well and I'm now up to just over 3k - it's a work-in-progress but I'm aiming to increase that to running 5k with ease in the coming months.
Today is my eldest daughters' birthday - it's actually really nice to have her with me on her special day as she's been married a few years.  It's been awkward to get things I need like cards, wrapping paper and gifts, but I managed to buy her something online and have also given her some money to get what she wants.  I normally try and buy the whole months cards in one shop, but as that's obviously closed I've resorted to the supermarket - not much choice and hugely expensive - the big supermarket chains have the upper hand here don't they?  I'm not sure how long before companies will be in uproar.  I was surprised to find all sections of Tesco open and they were happy to sell anything to me - even something from the clothing department (which I must add I often buy from) but it's hugely unfair that other clothing stores are unable to open - even under the "2 metre rule"!
What are your thoughts on this?
So onto today's outfit ..... Another from my closet that you've seen before in a different guise.
The pleated skirt which came from M & S a while ago is a firm favourite for warmer days - it's neutral beige with a gold sheen running over it.  I've worn it a multitude of ways, and as it's a basic colour there's so many options for it.  Today I've picked out the gold/beige in the paisley design of my silky blouse.  Again you've seen this on the blog paired with my palazzo trousers and aztec jacket.

Style Steal

Hi there my lovelies.
Are you all well, staying sane and keeping busy?
It's at times like these when learning something new is the ideal thing to do. You can learn languages, learn how to cook, keep fit, improve your makeup or hair styling skills.  My daughter has started to learn sign language which she's picking up really well.  I prefer to stay in the garden, but it's a shame the garden nurseries aren't open though - my garden would look a picture! That being said I'm currently watching Beauty & The Beast with the grand-kids because it's pouring with rain!!!
Have you tried anything new during lock-down?  Do share we all want to hear about it.

Sunday was more like a normal day, with a lovely roast dinner for some of the family, lamb was the choice and we all tucked into roast potatoes and all the trimmings.  I even managed to bake a fruit cake too.  For a first attempt it wasn't too bad, I'm going to look for another recipe though as it wasn't quite what I wanted - a bit dry and needed more fruit.
The family have also started doing lots of quizzes since lock-down, so Sunday evening was spent getting together via computer to take part in one set by my son and daughter. Hubby and I won by four points, & we were chuffed with that outcome - we may have to set the next one, so i'm getting my thinking cap on!

I've had a bit more time to read your blogs, and have found an excellent copy for my struggling Style Steal series.  Can you guess who I've stolen this outfit from?

Delivery Girl Outfit - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Morning my friends and Belated Happy Easter wishes to you all.
Did you have some kind of normal Easter celebration or not bother?
We had a small gathering obviously only with the kids and grand-kids who are living with me, really missed not having my daughter and her husband & my son, his fiance and my grandson along with my mum with us.  We want to have a big family celebration when this is all over - we'll appreciate every single second spent with friends and family then won't we!

When this nightmare is FINALLY over what (if anything) will you keep doing?
I've started running again, and after a break of nearly four years I was pleasantly surprised at how much better I was.  My breathing technique has improved and I've put that down to the spin classes I do twice a week - it really has made a difference.  So I've been out five times just for short 20 minute spurts, but I feel amazing once finished as well as feeling very proud of myself!  So that my friends will continue.
I've been doing more shopping in my local shops since lock-down and have enjoyed buying from local butchers, green grocers and smaller stores. I've hated queueing round the car-parks so have used the less busy shop with shorter queues.  I must say the meat has been exceptional - so have decided to carry on buying from the smaller independent sellers when this is over.  I've paid a little over what I'd usually pay, but I'm sure it's better value and probably better quality too!
Do share what you'll continue to do - I love to hear from you.
Today instead of sharing a stylish dress I thought I'd share something you'd find me wearing most of the time.  I'm either in jeans and tee shirt or something like this,  easy-to-wear comfy trousers and no-crease top!

What to wear to the Races- #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Morning my friends.
Are you doing well and staying sane being stuck indoors?
We all seem to be going a bit stir crazy in mine, fortunately we have a big garden where the kids can play to there hearts content, but they are still wanting needing to be getting back to some sort of normality.  It's hard to explain why they can't go the school, after-school clubs and have friends over for play dates.  I can only imagine how hard it is for families stuck in flats with no garden to enjoy - I feel for them.
One thing I am enjoying at the moment is cooking for a larger family. (My daughter and family are living with us). Normally I've only two kids at home both of whom often do their own thing, I'm relishing the fact I can cook for six again, although I've had to adjust everything and it's almost like learning from scratch.  To keep a routine we've been planning our meals in advance which has made a big difference, I don't want to be shopping all the time like I usually do, so with our proper menus I know just what to buy - it's made it a whole lot easier.
Some of our meals were: Spicy Prawns, Chicken & Mushroom Pie, Roast Lamb, Meatballs with Spaghetti & Stir Fry.  I'm not even going to think about their house being finished and them moving out!  I'll be going through the empty nest tears all over again!

Let's do a little daydreaming shall we?  These photos taken over three weeks ago are literally the last photos I have to use.  I'm hoping one of the children will take more for me. 🤞
I bought this dress for a party back in January, but opted for another so this was holed up in the wardrobe ready to be worn at the drop of a hat.  Don't you think it would be perfect for a day at the races?  Well let's imagine that's where I'm off to all dressed up in my glamorous dress.

March Review.

Morning my lovely friends.
Hope you are all okay.
So how's your weekend been?
Me I've had a fabulous and very busy weekend with an evening at the pub having fun with friends, shopping for a new dress on Saturday, followed by a fun and lively evening at a friends party - overloading on the drinks as well as setting the dance floor alight.  Sunday was a mad, day after a very long lie in I had brunch with the family, we all decided to go out for an afternoon pub meal.  The night ended with tea and biscuits watching telly with the grand-kids tucked up in bed.  Imagine my upset when I woke up and realized that it was all a dream with lock-down still well and truly in place and having not ventured outside the door!!! How annoying eh? Ha ha ha!!!
Anyway enough of the dreaming, I'd like to share a new post with you today.  Each month I'll be reviewing the past month and re-visiting some of my previous posts.

This plan seems to have come at the right time. It's coincided with the 'c' virus & I genuinely don't have any new photos (or outfits for that matter)!  Do join me at the beginning of each month when I'll be re-visiting some blog posts.

The beginning of March seems a lifetime away doesn't it?  Life has changed almost beyond recognition hasn't it!  Back then I was eagerly looking forward to my daughter and her family moving in with us, little did I know that by the end of the month they would be with me and we'd all be in lock-down together - how strange things have of working out for the best.  I'm lucky to have three of my grand-kids to kiss and cuddle when I want.  Sending virtual kisses to everyone else in my family. 💗

A Fun Spring outfit - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Good morning my friends.
I've been having some real moments lately, wondering just what's happening!  I feel a bit 'lost' not really knowing what I should be doing.  Should I be blogging, should I be devoting my time to my family, should I be panicking or acting normal.  I've decided to try and work some routine back into my life.  With my daughter and her family living with us it's such a different world for me without the dreaded 'c' word joining in!  So by the beginning of next week I hope to have planned my days to establish some sort of routine - starting with exercise of some sort.

It's been so nice to see some of your blogs over the past couple of days, some of you are sharing your views on the Coronavirus, others have decided to omit any reference to the dreaded word.  I've toyed with the idea of reducing posting to once a week, but really don't want to resort to that just yet! I'll carry on as I normally write, mentioning when I feel it's fitting.
I'm hoping my daughter will be able to take some photos for me as understandably Esther won't be able to.  So please stand by for some possible photo-bombing from the grand-kids at some time! Lol.

Today I thought I'd share a fun outfit that I'd don in an instant for a Spring day out ... well out anywhere would be nice really!!!

The black edging really takes it up a notch and makes this exquisite jacket a timeless classic.