At Home With ... - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Morning all, how you doing?

Did you catch my post on Monday?  It had me dreaming of my holiday to Abu Dhabi last year, oh what a fabulous time David and I had.

I'm still eagerly awaiting my ski trip on Sunday, still praying that me and the rest of the family, who're travelling with me, are negative.  It's such a worry and puts an extra stress on vacations that's not wanted!  I do hope the days of hassle free travel are just around the corner.

I've still to pack my bag for my trip, I'm nervous about tempting fate, so am leaving it till nearer the time.  With that being said I don't take a lot and have everything I need already.  Skiing isn't really a dressy holiday.  I tend to wear jeans or tracksuits with comfy boots.  I've even been known to wear my slippers in the bar, when feet have been cooped up in tight ski boots all day it's so nice to relax in a pair of slippers.

One thing I will be taking is this coat.  The puffer will be right at home among the cooler climate and is sure to keep me warm when venturing out in the evening.  You may have seen my Instagram post showing it off on my trip to Rye last year, it certainly kept me warm that weekend.  At under £100 it's definitely been worth the money, and it'll be a welcomed addition throughout the coming Winters!

Have you been following my At Home With ... series?  It's a monthly post where I share secrets, facts and information about one of our fellow bloggers, some you may know and follow others might be new to you, it's a nice way to find out more from someone you might admire already.

This week it's the turn of my friend Alison, her blog Midlife and Beyond shares her love of fashion and likes to inspire ladies of all ages with her stylish and imaginative outfits.

I'm going to jump right in with the questions, answers and photos.

When & why did you start blogging?

• A few years ago, I felt there weren't a lot of magazines that represented my age group sufficiently.  Then while surfing the internet, I stumbled across a few blogs where like-minded people were talking about style, beauty and life in general.  Gradually, the idea of starting a blog began to swirl around my head!  I didn't know where to begin and there was insufficient time back then.  then, a few years ago, I got the chance to retire and, because I've worked since I was sixteen years old, I seized the opportunity.  This all coincided with my family growing up and standing on their own two feet, which has given me some free time for myself - at last!!  I started my blog, "Midlife and beyond" - posting for the first time in September 2018.  My main aim for my blog is to have a "bold and bright" message in midlife instead of fading into the background.  I don't think I'm alone there!

Have you any technical or fashion experience?

• I have a very basic knowledge of IT so when I get stuck, I shout for my long-suffering husband to help.  He's better than I am, but as he's much better at playing his guitar (he's a musician), he gets as frustrated as me.  I want to be self-sufficient when my blog needs updates etc, so I watch many "YouTubers" advising on widgets, plug-ins and other IT terms which made no sense to me!  I get very frustrated and sometimes admit to wanting to end my blogging malarkey.  But, after a day or two I begin again!                                                                                                                    I have no training in fashion either but from a young age I was introduced to high-end, well-made garments.  When I was aged between the age of 12 and 16 years old, my mum worked in a designer label shop.  Occasionally, I was allowed to try the merchandise on which, of course, I loved doing.  I've never forgotten the cut and feel of those beautifully made garments.  I got to know all the designer names in clothing, footwear and handbags ... it was bliss!

What was your favourite subject at school, college or university?

• My favourite subject at school was English.  I used to love using my imagination and losing myself in my story.

Do you have a favourite item at the moment?

• I have never worn sequins, ever!  Then, after seeing a few sparkly pants on Instagram, I decided to take the plunge.  The result is these black wide-leg sequinned pants from Marks and Spencer.  they are so comfortable (elasticated waist) and have the bonus of pockets!  I've worn them a lot since buying them and will wear them beyond Christmas with a big warm sweater.

Who takes your photos, do you use a camera or phone?

• I have two cameras.  A canon 7D SLR and a small pocket Canon G7X.  I set up the cameras and the shots, and my husband snaps away, taking my photographs, when he's around.  I also have a tripod just in case.  It's all about the light in photography terms which I have to learn a lot about.

What do your family and friends think about your blog?  Are they supportive?

• Yes they are.  Though, my sons probably thought I was going through some midlife crisis when I started.  This is because I had never done anything like this before and they weren't used to it!  I had never even used any form of social media.  They don't trust it.                                                    I Agree that Instagram isn't the best, but my stats show that people do pop over to my blog for a browse.  And, if that is the case, then I'll keep on doing it.  I've also connected with some very stylish women on Instagram - some I have met in real life. 

What is your favourite hobby if you have one.

• Around the same time, I started my blog I wanted to learn photography.  So, I bought my first camera and did a short course at my local college.  I still have so much to learn.  I love taking photographs of people, especially.  I keep getting into trouble with my sons for snapping away with my camera when I think they're not looking - I've got some lovely shots of them.  But my best muse is my cat, Jarvis - who is a born poseur and loves every minute of getting his photograph taken.

Can you remember a special item of clothing you had when you were younger? - can be any age, just something that sticks in your mind.

• I once had two cardigans in the same style by Ossie Clark (fashion designer of the sixties) in both grey and black.  the design was beautiful, hence, I had to buy two in different colours.  The cardigans had a knitted lace detail from the neck to shoulders, finished off with a small frill around the edge.  I wish I still had them - not only would they be worth quite a lot of money as a collector's item, but for sentimental reasons too.  I bought them from a small boutique in Newcastle in the late seventies.

Town or country?  What is your favourite area?  Or maybe somewhere else?

• Since the pandemic, I have got into the habit of walking.  We have a country park near us, and I always feel so lifted when I've been out in the fresh air, looking at nature.  I am a beach girl at heart, though, and love snorkelling in a warm sea looking at the underwater world.

Who, if anyone do you look up to in the land of blogging?

• The many bloggers who I follow are all unique in their own way of writing and style.  I take great inspiration from that.  Not only do I follow fashion and beauty bloggers, I'm also subscribed to photography and the dreaded IT blogs, too.  I learn so much from them.  They are so generous sharing their knowledge.  It helps me so much as a relatively new blogger.

If you'd like to see more from Alison - please do stop by her blog Midlife and Beyond.

Alison would love you to see her on Instagram to check out her latest looks and style.

Many thanks for agreeing to join me today Alison, it's been fun to learn more about you. X

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Let's party!  It's #Chicandstylish time.

Let me introduce you to Katie - Hello Katie girl, who's this weeks favourite blogger. This is just an amazingly beautiful skirt that looks like a dream to wear and style.  Thanks so much for sharing it with us Katie.  X

Now let's start linking up.

Here are some guidelines.

Please follow your host on Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Link up your fashion and beauty posts, other topics allowed.

We all like to get compliments, so please leave a nice comment when visiting a blog or two.

Please link back to Mummabstylish blog post.

You could also share the love on social media.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Cheers for joining me today, and please do contact me via email or in the comments if you'd like to join me on my At Home With ... series - I'd love for you to join.

I'm away on Monday & Thursday but have planned posts for you to enjoy - hope you'll look in!

Do you follow me on Instagram? I'd be thrilled if you would and if you do too we can be friends on there too!

Cheerio for now though. X