My Winter 'White' Tale - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hiya there!

Wow that was a whirlwind few days, how did it go for you?

Sharing a short post with you today on what is the last one of 2022!  

Seems only a blink of my eye I was getting ready to go out on Christmas Eve.

I got up early to wrap the remaining presents, made my traditional red cabbage and started to get ready.

I really, really enjoy Christmas Eve, we always go out, except for the last couple of years when Covid was rife.  I wore my recent purchase from Germany.  It's an off white cable knit dress, that was a bit out of the norm for me, but I think the look was very nice, especially with my white boots and coat! 

Do you remember I'd booked a table at El Sol in Canterbury?  It was a replacement from the one I always used to frequent on Christmas Eve.  Well it turned out to be fabulous, such tasty dishes I can't wait to go again in the New Year.  

Christmas Day, albeit a quiet and small affair with only four, was still very busy.  I made pate and David made his usual amazing turkey gravy.  It really is the best bit of the meal for me and I don't know what I'd do if he didn't make it.  We sat down with my two kids who still live at home and we devoured our meal in no time, my middle daughter had popped round in the morning before spending the day with her husbands family.  We opened presents together and looked forward to the following day when there would be 18 of us!!! Once the dinner was finished I spent the evening with a box of chocolates, a bottle of fizz and my favourite film ... The Holiday.  Well Christmas wouldn't be Christmas if I didn't watch it!

Boxing Day, well what can I say.  It went brilliantly!  Everyone mucked in and I managed to seat all 18 around two tables in our small dining room!  Pleased as punch as it all looked amazing too.  I'd divided all the dishes into two, one for each end of the table so there was no passing, well except for the turkey plates.  Dessert was served after a game I'm going to tell you about and some present exchanges.  I'd made profiteroles and a big vanilla cheesecake, and these along with the Christmas pudding and trifle also went down very well!  Like most of you we were still eating some a couple of days after!

See the ladies from Style Not Age Sparkle and Shine.

Hi there and a very Happy Boxing Day to you all.

I hope you had an amazing day yesterday and are enjoying today.  If you've stopped by I want to say a big Thank You as it means a lot. 🙏

Today I'm going to keep it short and sweet, there's plenty of blog post ideas in the pipe line for next year, & I hope you stay around to enjoy them.

Have fun and enjoy the last installment from the ladies from Style Not Age and me.

This month we looked to Anna for the prompt and her topical title of ...

Sparkle and Shine went down well with us all.

So let's look no further and she just how well we shine. ✴

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

My Personal Fitting with Rigby & Peller - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hi there,

Hope all is well.

I'm getting really excited for the festivities ... are you?

Presents are all bought and wrapped and my shopping list has only a couple of items on that I need to get. Great feeling eh! 

I love the build up to Christmas, especially when I've got everything, it makes me feel smug and quite relaxed ... lol.  I've got a couple of Carol concerts to go to and have been out to eat at the kids, so not much cooking for me and quite a chilled week ... hooray.

On Saturday I'll be popping into town to grab a couple of bargains, have a little drink and go for dinner with whoever is around from the family.  We've always visited a particular restaurant which has, unfortunately closed since Covid.  We've been looking for a replacement and have got somewhere in mind that might be suitable, we like to have tapas so El Sol might be great substitution, I'll let you know how it goes and if it meets the criteria.

Do you recall I dropped a little teaser last week?  Well today I can spill the beans on where I went.

I was kindly invited to have a personal bra fitting with Rigby & Peller in my local boutique store.

I've been really impressed with how it went and what I found out.  Have a quick read about my experience and you can book your own via the link below,  I'd thoroughly recommend it!

This is a sponsored post and the items were gifted to me, however these are 100% my own honest comments.

What to wear with a Boucle Coat.

Hi there everyone.

Hope all is good for you, are you ready for next weekend?

I'm finally there, just have to collect a couple of pieces I ordered online and get them wrapped then I'm done!

It'll be nice to enjoy the run up to the special day this year, as I think it's one of the first I'm not running around like a headless chicken at this stage of the game .. lol!

David had a couple of bits to do on the new build over the weekend.  Two big steels had to be fixed to the footings and he managed to get it done albeit in the cold and damp weather.  The bricks have now been delivered too, we had to get them passed by the council because we live in a conservation area.  They are ready and waiting to be laid which will most probably be in January ... I hope! 

So the jeans are a dark wash, which I prefer to wear in the Winter.

So today's outfit is one I've been wearing before we had snow.  The boots are suede so I didn't want to ruin them and the coat is a tad short and quite thin to wear in the extreme temps we've had recently, so I've been wearing my padded maxi at every opportunity, which has kept me dry and toasty warm.

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

What to wear with a Jacquard blazer - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hi there my friends.

Hope you are well.

Big apologies for being a whole day late, I have no excuses!

I'm still feeling tired, probably just the fact I'm doing something everyday trying to get everything ready for next week!

How are you all?  Have you been affected by the weather?  It's so cold here in the UK with freezing temperatures and some snow, as you can imagine here in the UK everything comes to a standstill . Main roads were closed and people were stranded, my son stayed in a hotel instead of coming home, he didn't want to spend the night in the car and I don't blame him! But we're just not used to it are we!  I need to be skiing when it snows, not trying to get to the shops and running errands .. lol!

I did a stupid thing when I went shopping though, I cleared the snow off of all the car windows except the rear glass so when I went on my way. I wanted to put bits in the boot so I opened it and all the snow, which was melting, slipped into it! I was furious and had to scrape it out with my hands which were freezing.  I came home and took the carpet out to bring in doors and dry off in front of the radiator.  No problem it dried by the next day so I replaced it on my next journey out.  I placed everything back in which included a plastic bottle of screen wash - next time I opened it I found the bottle had tipped over and it had a hole in it meaning half the contents were in my boot!  It's now drying, again, by the radiator!  Fuming wasn't the word. Grrrr!!

Last week I went to Bluewater which is about 3/4 of an hour away, I had an appointment for a fitting and will be sharing my afternoon with you soon. I did a bit of shopping and got a couple of gifts, it's a good way to spread the tiring job of present buying - little and often it my motto!

Anyway I wanted to keep warm but still look chic and elegant when I went so wore this classic outfit.  What do you think, did I succeed?

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

Drinks at The Old Neptune.

Hi there, how are you?

I've been feeling really tired over the past few days.  With my busy weekend away being the foundation the rest of my week and weekend have compounded it - I've had nights out, late nights and hectic days trying to get all my Christmas shopping done (I've still not finished 😧).  It's the same every year, but this one feels particularly harder!

Anyway let's brush over that and move onto more interesting matters.  I had a lovely afternoon out yesterday celebrating a friends birthday.  Drinks in a local pub on the beach was the order of the day, and as always, I had brilliant fun with them.

As it's so chilly I decided to go with trousers and boots and what better time to wear my stunning new blouse from Izabel London. 

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

A Weekend in Baden Baden - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hello and welcome to Mummabstylish, so good to have you here.

Did you remember I've been away for the weekend?

I went to Germany and visited Baden Baden which is in the Black Forest region and absolutely stunning it was too.

I flew out on Friday with David and our sister & brother-in-law, our other friends drove out to meet us too. It was a quick flight and we arrived to meet our private taxi in no time.  The transfer was short too so it was nice to get there and settle in.  Our friends bought our suitcases with them and as they were arriving later we didn't have anything to unpack, so made use of the hotel's bar until they arrived!

It was a beautiful hotel, which was near the center so, close to everything we needed.  The Hotel Beek turned out to be a fabulous choice and I would thoroughly recommend it. The rooms were stylish, friendly, had the obvious en suite facilities and offered a mini bar with tea/coffee making facilities in the room as well.  The hotel also had an adjoining cafe patisserie which offered very tempting cakes and pastries along with drinks which included prosecco and beer - we had a fun few hours in there on Friday afternoon before we went out!

November Review.

Morning my friends.

How the heck are you?

Have you got into the festive mood yet?  I'm definitely getting full of Christmas spirit and most probably plenty of Prosecco and Jager's too!  I've had a weekend in Germany and will be travelling home today, let's hope the power of a scheduled post works and this is published!

It's the first Monday of the month, so as usual I'm sharing my posts from the past month in the ....

November Review.

At the beginning of November I was just getting over a really horrible chest infection, it was so bad I needed antibiotics which is almost unheard of for me.  I'm very lucky and seem to get over colds and coughs really easily, but what started with a sore throat, cough and cold ended up in a full blown chest infection.  Anyway I digress.  

I went out for lunch with my sister and our mum for her birthday treat.  We dined at a local venue having two courses and a couple of glasses of fizz.  We had a super few hours and as usual put the world to rights as we ate and drank.  I wore this snazzy Geo print dress that's covered in bright, bold shades of blue, black and cream.  Do pop back and find out all about it.

A Navy Padded Coat for Winter - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hello and welcome to the blog.

Huge apologies for being so late today!

Wow 1st December has finally arrived and all I ask is "Have you finished you Christmas Shopping"?

I'm feeling smug as I'm getting it done slowly and surely.  This is the best I've done over the past few years, so I'm on target to get everything done in time to really enjoy the run up properly.  

I want to be enjoying the Christmas films in a relaxed state with a glass in my hand and wrapped presents under the tree.  The only thing I want to be worrying about is where to spend Christmas Eve lol!

I've been a busy bee this week as I'm away tomorrow.  I'm off to the Black Forest in Germany. It will be my first visit to this European country and I'm looking forward to enjoying the scenery of Baden Baden, visiting the Christmas markets and the savouring the Bratwurst and dare I say the Jagermeister (I love a Jager-bomb so will be sure to have one or three when I'm there 😏!!!)  What else should I be looking out for, do let me know so I don't miss out! 

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

Gold Necklaces - But First Style Not Age share Spots & Stripes.

Hello and a big welcome to the blog.

Hope you're having a super month, not long to go until the run up to the festivities really start to get serious ... sorry to remind you!  I've started my shopping and am pleased with how it's going.  I'm trying not to worry this year which is my normal deliberation - which is really stupid I know.  Every year the kids and grand-kids love their gifts and I end up wondering why I worried so much!  

We put up the decorations over the weekend.  On Saturday David put the lights over the Hawthorn bush.  That's always good to watch (not do) because it usually ends up in a row as it's either being pushed or pulled in the wrong direction and nearly always ended up broken in some place so David has to do a DIY repair to make it look good!  It's rather like watching a Laurel and Hardy sketch and if I was watching would be in fits of laughter!  This year was different.  He'd trimmed the tree to nearly half it's size and with the help of our SIL it slipped over a dream - if you fancy seeing the finished look pop over here to see my IG post.  

Sunday was my turn to put the indoor decorations up.  I love doing it, but it takes ages and I usually do it over a few days, kind of a room at a time.  I want to decorate the hall this year, but not sure what I will use.  I keep adding to the trimmings and always get told off as we have way too many on the tree ... not in my opinion though, lol!

As it's the last Monday of the month, it's the turn of Style Not Age to take over the page and share their interpretations from the prompt …

Spots & Stripes.

I always think of the American flag when I hear spots and stripes mentioned, so it was an easy choice, with what I had on offer, to go down the route of red, white and blue like the flag.  As many of you know the American flag represents the 13 British Colonies and 50 American states.  As a bit of trivia for you. My New Years Resolution last year was to learn the 50 American states.  I hate to admit to failing miserably with this one as I haven't learnt any!  Maybe I will try again for my next New Years Resolution - well I can only try eh!

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

This is a sponsered post.

Gift Ideas for Dog Lovers - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hello and welcome to my blog.

I like to share my outfits with you for most occasions including casual looks for running to the shops to full on dressed up wedding guest attire.  Today though, I want to share something a little different for me - today it's all about a Christmas List for dog lovers!

I've been lucky enough to have three dogs in my life, the first when I was much younger and lived at home, so our Labrador called Champagne was really my mum's dog.  Fast forward to when my children were younger my husband suggested we get a dog.  I didn't really want one mainly because of the mess they cause, the dependency & the upset they create when anything happens to them.  I eventually gave in and our little Jack Russel, called Candy, arrived.  I fell in love immediately.  A little bundle of fluff who curled up on my lap and showered me with affection.  After a few years we decided Candy should have puppies, so five arrived - one boy and four girls.  As you can imagine we were all smitten with them and nearly ended up with all of them staying with us! Lol

We found good homes for them all and kept one gorgeous spotted girl who we named Roxy after Roxy Hart in Chicago.  Two dogs were fun, and weren't much trouble at all, that was until my darling Candy started showing signs of dementia and became very poorly with it - we had to make the terrible decision to let her go which was one of the worst things I've had to do.  Some years later after a wonderful life the same happened to Roxy - such a hard thing for people to go through and those of you who have animals will understand how I felt.

But let's talk about happier times and the fact that my son recently got a dog, naming her Halle - you may remember my post about looking after her when they went away.  She's a Bichon-Poodle and is an absolute darling, I mean just look at that face!

This is a sponsored post, however these are all my own honest comments.

Navy and Green Should Always be Seen at the Women & Home Christmas Event!

Hiya, how are you doing?

Have you been up to much since we last spoke?

Have you started Christmas shopping yet?  Every year I vow to have got everything done by now, alas it's the same as previous years as I haven't even bought one gift yet!  I'll have a day of it soon and hopefully will get the majority of things bought and if I'm clever wrapped!  

I'm planning on putting the decorations up at the weekend, I'm away the following week so putting them up the week after would be too late in my eyes.  I know many of you put them up last minute and take them down very soon after the festivities, but I love to have everything looking Christmas-y - it's such a special time and I want it to last as long as possible.

Last Saturday I went to London and I thought it would be a good idea to let you see what I wore and what I did!

I was invited to attend this PR event, however these are all my own honest comments.

A Bonmarche Maxi Skirt with Black and Red - #Chiandstylish #LINKUP

Hello and welcome to the blog.

How are you all doing?

Hasn't the weather been awful!  I admit to wet weather being the worst for me, everything gets so damp doesn't it!  Well after the dry Summer we've had in the UK it's no surprise we're having these downpours.  As I sit here on my computer I'm reluctant to go and do anything, I certainly believe the sun has a positive effect on our bodies, and I'm missing the rays on my skin - don't you agree?

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

Grey Leo Skirt with a Red Roll Neck.

Hiya, how are you?

Hope all is well with you.

I've had a super fun weekend.

On Friday we finished off learning the quickstep.  It was a fun dance and I seemed to pick it up easily.  You can view me dancing with the teacher here, chuffed to have been chosen to have the steps video'd for everyone to practice at home. 

Didn't do much on Saturday just saw the grand-kids at various stages in the day.  David and I baby sat on the evening for my daughters four kids, they were all really good for us, although I did have a bit of a time trying to get my 8 month old grand-daughter to sleep.  I tried everything laying on the bed, cuddling her, rocking her and even let her older sister to try to settle her, I gave up in the end & gave her to hubby to try.  Guess what!  He only had her for about 2 minutes and she swiftly fell asleep on him!  Seems I'm losing my touch!

On Sunday I went to my grandson's first birthday party.  I can't believe how quickly the past year has gone, and he's growing up into a really cheeky chappie.  My daughter hired a local hall & some soft place pieces for all the kids to play on.  She also did some tasty party food, I adore little snacks like this and often eat way to much!  I seem to graze my way through the sausage rolls, sandwiches and crisps - not forgetting cakes too!  Max had a wonderful time as did all the other kids, I think the adults rather liked the bar too! 😉

Some items have been gifted to me, however these are 100% my own honest comments.

What to wear for Afternoon Tea - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hi there my friends.

How's it going?

Hasn't the week gone quickly?  Mine seems to have flown by, must be because I've been back on top form, going to the gym and seeing all the family.

Yesterday I went for Afternoon Tea again.  It was a treat from my daughter to my Mum and lucky for me I was invited too!  I spent a lovely couple of hours in Deal at a little venue called The Lane,  

The stunning Afternoon Tea was almost overwhelming.  There was so much choice with a plethora of sweet and savoy fancies that had us all swooning over.  Checkout what was on offer below - I hope I don't make you jealous!

 

October Review

Morning all.

Hope you are well.

Another week and it's starting to look a lot like Christmas.  It won't be long until I put my decorations up and to be honest the chap down the road has put some of his up already!!!  

What do you think?  Are you putting yours up soon?

I'm still not quite over my chest infection, and at night have sporadic coughing fits that just come on from nowhere!  It's starting to get on my nerves now and every time I have one it brings on a headache.  I've booked my spin class today, so am hoping I'll get through it one way or another. I can't just sit about now. 

I felt so much better after going out on Friday.  I went with three friends for one of their birthdays, to Port Lympne for Afternoon Tea. It was an absolutely stunning venue and well worth a visit.  I fancy going to stay there for a night or two.  Included in the price is your very own buggy that you can use to venture round the safari park when it's closed.  Now doesn't that sound appealing?

I also went ballroom dancing on Friday evening too.  We learnt the quickstep and you might have seen my story on IG where I danced with the teacher for everyone to video!!  Next stop Strictly Come Dancing ... Lol.

As it's the first Monday of November, let's look back on October and see what I got up to and more importantly what I wore for the ...

October Review.

Do you remember these fantastic trousers I wore at the beginning of the month?  These wide leg bottoms have been my favourite style of the month and I've worn them so much since buying them.

Are they a fashion you like to wear or are you still to try them out?

What to wear for a Birthday Lunch - #Chiandstylish #LINKUP

Hi everyone.

How's it going in your neck of the woods?

I'm just starting to feel normal after having a horrible chest infection.  I've never had one before and it really did take hold and made me feel really unwell.  I've got two more days of antibiotics - one a day which I've never heard of before!

I'm attempting ballet this morning and after having done nothing since the Monday-before-last I think I'll probably struggle.  I'll take my time and rest if I can't carry on, do wish me luck!

So as you can imagine I've not taken many photos over the past week, but had these waiting in the wings from last Friday.

They were taken when I went out with my sister and mum to a local restaurant for our mum's birthday lunch.  I wasn't on top form, but felt I couldn't let her down.  I ended up having a super meal and a brilliant time and although we didn't stay long, all of us had good fun chatting, laughing and planning future outings.  

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

Style Not Age Share ... "Orange you Excited for Halloween"

Morning my friends.

How are you?

I've been suffering with a bad cough and cold for the past week and have been well and truly out of sorts.  I finally went to the doctor on Saturday and after a 2 1/2 hour wait I was prescribed antibiotics for a chest infection.  I hate being unwell and don't have much patience for it ... lol!

I've got my fingers crossed that it'll be on it's way out soon so I can get back to normal!

I've had a couple of birthdays over the past few of days, it was my mum's on Friday and my second eldest daughter's yesterday.  My sister and I took mum out for lunch to a local restaurant.  It was yummy and delicious and we certainly had a lovely experience in the fine dining venue.  Mum was so impressed with  The Tylers Kiln, she's booked a table just before Christmas when my uncle visits her.

Yesterday Emily wanted us to go bowling, so we had a couple of hours with all the family enjoying some fun at our local bowing alley.  We ended the day with a takeaway, it was nice to not have to cook too.

But shall we get back to today's task?  It's the end of the month so it's time to take a look at what my four friends have been styling around my prompt of ....

Orange you Excited for Halloween! 

This month it was my choice, & as the challenge fell on 31st October it felt right to base the prompt around Halloween.

Orange always reminds me of Halloween - probably because pumpkins are orange and play an important part in this annual event.  It's not a shade I choose very often, but still like to include it occasionally, so when I spotted this dress on the Izabel website I thought that would be a perfect wear for Autumn - what do you think?

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

Casual but Still Stylish - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hi there everyone, thanks for joining me today.

What have you been doing this week?

I've been all behind this week and most probably the reason being I've been going down with a cold.  Two of my daughter's have had it and it's been going round the grand-kids, so no surprise I got it!

It's left me feeling really tired with a barking cough and sore chest - I'm hoping it doesn't turn into something more sinister and have been chucking paracetamol and ibuprofen down my throat and drinking honey and lemon at every opportunity (with a brandy in it at night - for medicinal purposes you understand).

Fortunately I haven't had either dance classes this week and cancelled my two classes on Wednesday.  It's pointless trying to exercise when I feel ill as I'm sure it will have a negative impact!  I hope to be feeling on top form by Friday as it's my mum's birthday and then my daughters on Sunday, so will be a busy weekend!

So with that being the situation, I've not felt much like taking photos.  I had to drag myself and get this outfit together yesterday, but once I had it on, I quite liked it!

Autumn has Arrived!

Hi there my friends, how’s you weekend gone?

Apologies for such a late post! My weekend ran away with me as did Monday, so for this week it's posted on a Tuesday!

Didn’t the weekend go fast? I think it’s because I was out on Saturday to celebrate a friends birthday for a bottomless brunch at 100 Wardour Street! It literally was “bottomless” as the glasses were filled at every opportunity! The food was good too, just enough and really tasty. I chose avocado on sour dough with poached eggs (my usual pre-flight breakfast - so thought I should be flying off somewhere nice! 😂) I followed this with a main course of Korean spiced chicken burger with chips. I managed to eat most of the chicken and chips and left the roll, wasn’t I good!

I had a dance too, the music was typical ... err I'm not sure, but it had a good vibe.  😆 Everyone there was enjoying the fun and dancing, it seemed strange when we left that it was still light!  Another couple of drinks in a nearby bar followed, before catching the fast train home. It was a slow day on Sunday, as you can imagine and the family roast was much appreciated. I caught up on Strictly too, which rounded my weekend off nicely.  What did you get up to?

With the weather still really changeable - wet and windy days, followed by sunshine and milder temperatures, but it's still noticeably Autumnal.  There's plenty of leaves fallen already and lots of berry's on the bushes and trees.  I do like having seasons, but Autumn is one of my favourites.  The colour palettes are fabulous and I like to blend in with the surrounding hues, so today's outfit fits in beautifully.

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

Classic but still Fashionable - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Morning my friends.

How's your week going?

I've not been up to much this week, just the usual gym classes and spending time with the family. 

Having said that I've been too busy to actually go into town and go shopping! In previous years I would shop in town every two weeks or so, but over the past few years it's dwindled.  My reason is mainly because the high street shops just aren't what they used to be. I do still try and pop into town every once in a while, but often end up disheartened!  Let's hope my next trip will be a different story as I need to have a look for some new pieces in the fashionable shade of khaki.  I really fancy this colour and reckon it will suit me too.  Remember my navy and olive faux wrap dress? 

Fingers crossed I find loads of bits that will fill in any gaps I have in my wardrobe!

But let me tell you about this colour combo I love to wear.

Caramel, black and leopard print. 

I've fallen for is this leo print shirt from Salamander Shirts, and whoever said a classic shirt can't be modern certainly didn't study their site.  Just look at this funky shirt I've teamed with wide leg trousers and an elegant blazer.

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

Black and Cream Maxi Dress from Izabel.

Morning my friends.

Hope you are well.

I'm been doing a lot of day dreaming over the weekend, wishing I was back in Sicily with David.  We all need that time to re-connect with our partners don't we!

I'm not sure when we'll have time away on our own, but we do have a long weekend on the horizon to Germany to visit the Christmas Market with friends.  I can't wait as I've never been to Germany & I’m  excited to see what it's like there.  

I went dancing on Friday as usual, we continued to learn the Cha Cha Cha, and I think I've got this one under my belt.  I just need an occasion to practice it, oh and a partner .. ha ha ha!

Sunday wasn't the normal family roast day. David and I went with friends to have lunch and watch a band at a local venue.  It was very much a fun afternoon with lots of drinks and a bit of dancing.  The band was called Bamboozle and certainly were very lively.  I actually got up and danced along with my two friends, the boys abstained - they preferred to carry on drinking!! Lol.

So today I thought I'd share what I wore on Sunday afternoon.

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

Would you wear Pink & Grey? - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Morning everyone. 

How’s life treating you?

Nothing much to report from me, just the usual keep fit classes and general daily chores, all rather boring really! 

I looked after Halle Berry again yesterday. It was nice to have her and kept my 'wanting-a-new-dog' yearning at bay.  She’s a real sweetie and looks so cute, just a ball of fluff that goes from running around like a lunatic to sleeping soundly on my lap or anywhere on the floor. She's still a puppy and is into everything, I have to put all the shoes that were on the floor up high as well as anything that was remotely 'playable' tooha ha! My house looks a picture when she goes home. 😂

Today I thought I’d share a new jumper with you. I was kindly gifted this from Evaless & although it’s a cold shoulder style it’s still worked out quite well on warmer days like the ones we’ve had recently. 

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

Pink Floral Shirt with Jeans & Statement Tan Boots.

Hello and welcome to my blog.

So pleased you could make it!

Have you had a good week?  Mine has been very busy as usual and it was nice to have a more settled weekend.  

On Friday I went dancing where I learnt the cha-cha-cha.  It was a great routine and I remembered the steps from my previous lesson a few months ago.  Class members get the pick two dances and then vote on what we'd like to learn, this makes it quite fair as everyone can chose their favourite.  I've moved up into the 'improvers' class which means we learn the dances at a fast pace and fortunately I can keep up .. most of the time!

Saturday was glorious, I should have been in the garden cutting the grass, but ended up doing a few chores and getting the little things I'd left done.  Things like sewing a couple of bits for my son and getting rid of some clutter in my dressing room.  I went to my daughters for dinner & we had something called tartiflette.  Made from sliced potatoes, Reblochon cheese, onions and lardons all baked to make a really tasty meal.  It's a traditional dish from the Savoy area in the Alps and always reminds me of skiing as it's a meal we always have when we are there.  It's served with cold cuts of meat, cornichons and pickles.  Yes it was as nice as it sounds.

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

Navy & White - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hello my friends.

How's you week been?

Mine has been really busy!  I wouldn't say I've achieved much, but it's been full on!

I managed to grab a couple of hours shopping on Tuesday, I visited Westwood Cross and although there's not many shops there now, I was pleased to come home with a lovely pair of trousers.

I've wanted more of the easy to wear style of wide leg and stretchy waist like my pair from Primark and found these in Marks and Spencer. Aren't they the top of fashion at the moment!  I’ve been after a pair in the trending colour olive or khaki, as it's also called, alas I didn't find any, but have spotted some on the M & Co website that I might get.  I bought my second choice of navy and am really taken with this pair.  The fabric has a good heavy drape and the elastic waistband makes them extremely comfortable and as you can imagine they've been worn already!

This is what I wore yesterday and to be totally honest I might be wearing them again tonight when I'm off to The Cotswold Company in Tunbridge Wells for their Autumn Event. You'll have to watch my Stories to see if I do!

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

September Review.

Hi there, how’s it going?

I’m stunned we’re in October already, how on earth did that happen?

The weather has acted accordingly and dropped temperatures to make way for layers, jackets and warmer clothes. It’s nice to have a change & wear warmer clothes isn’t it?

I’ve started to think about Christmas and after a couple of years when I’ve hated to embrace the festive season I’m excited to get going on present buying and Christmas Day planning. 

Both my daughters will be with their other half's family on Christmas Day, and although I hate it, I accept that I have to ‘share’ them so will enjoy their coming to us on Boxing Day. After all it’s better to enjoy the Xmas period for longer is it?  It's My mum's turn to come to us, and that will be lovely to have her join us.  Have you planned your Christmas Day yet?

Anyway let's forget about the festive season and think about the new month, a new month can only mean a new review ... so it's time to share the September Review.

Styling my Salamander shirt with Jeans - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hi there my friends.

How's you week been?

I'm actually out in London today.  I'm visiting The Shard for lunch with my sister, so do look out for a post about it soon.  I've wanted to go there for ages, and I hope the views are worth it!  My friend told me when her friend went the weather was foggy so she couldn't see anything! Lol

That would be bad luck wouldn't it!

I'm hoping we can have a look in a couple of shops whilst we are out, and am looking forward to having fun with her whilst looking at the latest fashions.  Will try popping something on stories for you to see what we get up to! X

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

Style not Age Show off Their Luxe Layering.

Morning everyone.

Hope you are well.

Can’t believe it’s the last Monday of September! The weather has changed to too, it’s much cooler and the mornings have dew on the grass and a definite chill in the air.  I know that first hand as I was looking after my son’s puppy last week which called for two visits into the garden in the early hours each night I had her. Our garden isn’t very pet friendly and has no gate to have kept her in! I didn’t want to risk her running off so had to take her out on a lead every time!  She’s home now, and I have to say I’ve missed the little bundle of fur called Halle, our second name is Berry!  It’s most definitely confirmed I don’t want another dog and am content that I can have a part time pet when my son and his family go away again. 

On Saturday night we went to a friends house to have a takeaway curry, it was fun and quite sedate really, no dancing but lots of laughs.  We all need that in our lives don’t we!

On Sunday we had the second roast dinner in quite a few months, it was really nice to have the typical spread and the roast lamb and veg went down rather well as did the hot chocolate with dipped marshmallows that followed - bang goes the calorie counting. 

So let's get back to what's on the agenda today. Me and the ladies from the Style not Age collective have been getting to grips with the latest challenge set by Gail.

She's given us the suitable for the season prompt of ...

Luxe Layering.

What to wear to a Christening. - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Morning my friends.

How has your week been?

Thanks for stopping by today - great to have you here.

It's been a weird week.  After a very emotional day on Monday, things have to get back to normal don't they!

On Tuesday my son went off on holiday and left me with his dog - Halle.  He was going to get someone else to look after her, but both David and I said we'd like to have her.  It's been nice to have a pet again after the loss of my little dog Roxy back in 2021 and my darling Candy in 2016.  She's very much a puppy and wants to play all the time.  I've been on duty most of the time to take her outside to make sure there's no little puddles for me!  I have to say she's been a delight so far, and it's going to be hard to give her back.  Pets are a tie though aren't they, so having got my 'fix' from her, my desire (at the back of my mind) to have another dog has been well and truly fulfilled!

Today I thought I'd share my Christening outfit with you.  I admit to having many dresses that I could have worn for the occasion, but decided I'd have a look in town when I was picking up some dry cleaning.  

Farewell Queen Elizabeth II.

Hello and welcome to the blog on this very sad day for the UK and for the whole world really.  

Today is the funeral of our beloved Queen Elizabeth II. We say goodbye, thank you and farewell to our monarch who's reigned for 70 years and most of us have only know her as the monarch.

Our lives will never quite be the same and it’s almost like losing a family member or close friend. 

Here in the UK we are having a very special Bank Holiday, with many places closed and only the people doing necessary jobs actually working.  Nearly everyone has been given the opportunity to watch the day’s proceedings for her majesty’s funeral.  My son is among the few who will still be  working,

He works on the River Thames and will be working for Thames Clippers carrying mourners on the boats so they can watch and feel part of the events.  Are you travelling to London to join the thousands of mourners? It's mentioned there could be a million people - staggering!

I’ll be watching on TV and it’s sure to be a sad and somber day. 

My Weekend in Sicily - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Morning my friends.

Welcome to Mummabstylish today.

Apologies for no post on Monday, I just couldn't get myself together and get a post sorted.  

It's been such an emotional week with a few tears shed here and there for our Queen Elizabeth II.

It's crazy that someone I didn't know can affect me like it has, but losing her made me think of all the other people I've loved and lost along the way, it's brought up many memories for many of us - I wonder if you have felt the same?

On a brighter note, on Sunday we celebrated the christening of my youngest grand-daughter Kimberley.  It was a very quiet occasion with about 50 family and friends enjoying the afternoon in our local church and then afterwards in my daughters garden.  We had a lovely BBQ along with a couple of drinks and a large piece of cake!  The diet was well and truly out the window my friends!  How naughty of me!

Do you remember I went away for a long weekend to Sicily a week ago?  Today I wanted to share my fantastic weekend in the absolutely stunning location of Savocca.

'The' Trouser of the Season! - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hello my friends.

Welcome to my Over Fifty blog.

Finally the weather seems to have cooled down a bit.  I know I hate myself saying it, but I've really struggled in the heat.  I want to get into my new season clothes and work out what I need new and chill.  I went through a couple of wardrobes last week and have a big pile of stuff that I've been gradually adding to my Vinted site.  It's surprising the space it's released, but I'll have to stay strong so's not to fill them up again!

One thing I did 'splash' out on was these caramel trousers.

I'm so impressed with these elasticated waist comfy's, I'm putting my neck on the line to say they'll be THE trousers of the season!  I've wanted a pair like this for a while, knowing they'll be comfortable and still look stylish.  I saw a couple of pairs in M & S but wasn't overly impressed with the drawstring tie. I popped into my local Primark and found these for the stunning price of £15!  I'm not sure if they have other colours, but rest assured when and if I do find out, I'll be getting them.

August Review.

Hiya, everyone.

Hope you're all okay.

Can’t believe it was over a week ago I left for my long weekend in Sicily! I’ve a post planned about it, so will get it published as soon as possible. 

This weekend was quite the opposite! You know we’ve started our new build in our garden and I like to be as ‘hands on’ as I can. So Saturday morning David and I had to spread sand over the plastic membrane which goes under the block and beam floor. I obviously looked a picture and laughed at the contrast from my previous Saturday look! (Obviously no photos of that).

Saturday night I had dinner with my daughter and her family, she’d cooked a delicious beef curry with all the extras of potato and mushroom curry, poppadoms & mango chutney and also a naan bread - it was yummy. I then played with the kids in the garden on the trampoline and then in the tunnel - they rolled me around the garden and thought is was hilarious.🤣 {See our fun here}

I didn’t do much on Sunday which was wonderful, having done so much in the garden on Saturday it’s was good to just relax and blog!

David has been inspired to cook some pasta dishes after having had some tasty local specialities last weekend.  So set about copying one he found delicious at the hotel Borgo San Rocco. it's made with the basic ingredients of bacon lardons, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil served on Rigatoni - it was divine and tasted even better as I didn't have to cook it! Lol.  To be fair i’ve also been looking through my Gino D’Acpo Pronto Let’s Cook Italian in 20 Minutes and have seen some tantalizing meals I want to try.  Let's hope they turn our as good as David's did!!

So let's talk about today's blog post, it's the beginning of September so time to look back on my August posts for the ...

August Review.

Still Wearing Summer Dresses - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hello and thanks for joining me today.

Hope you're week is going well, stay focused it's nearly the weekend!

Well this is what September looks like. I'm almost looking forward to the next season are you?

I can't wait to see what new colours and styles will have us swooning over, have you bought anything for the new season yet?

Having just got back from Sicily on Monday I've not had a chance to get into town to see what's around.  You know I hate shopping online, but maybe I'll have to bite the bullet and get looking on there.

It's still hot here, well I think it is.  So I'm still eking out my Summer dresses and this one had to be worn again - with new sandals of course. 😏

I have to admit tying them up took a few attempts and I have to pull them really tight to make sure they don't slip down.  I like everything about them from the little frayed edge to the wedge platform they have.

Style Not Age - Share their Maxi's.

Hi there my friends.

Hope you are all okay.

I'm actually away at the moment, well due home today - but not able to sort the blog out I'm afraid so I pre-planned this one.

I've actually had a long weekend in Sicily with David, he's a big fan of The Godfather and has always wanted to visit the island in Italy that holds so many memories of the iconic film.  I'm hoping we've been able to visit the places featured in the film like the cafe that Apollonia's father owns, where he asks for her hand in marriage.  I'll try and share in another post so you can see. X

I've kept the packing to a minimum as we've only got cabin bags plus one extra case between us.  I'm sure I won't need many clothes as we're only there for a couple of days, so long as I've got a few nice dresses and a comfy pair of sandals I'll be a happy bunny! 😉

Anyway back to what usually happens on the last Monday of the month, yes let's take a look at what my friends from Style Not Age have been up to.

It was Hilda's challenge this month and she went with the topic of ....

Maxi Madness.

The madness is that it's a size or two smaller than I would normally wear!!!

Birthday Treat to The Pig - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hi there my friends.

Hope you're doing well.

I'm off to Sicily tomorrow and I can't wait.  David and I have had a few holidays this year, but it will be nice to get away and be just the two of us!  David has always wanted to visit this little island off of Italy's boot, he's a big fan of the film The Godfather and has watched it more times than I can remember!  You can follow along my Instagram stories to see what I get up to my friends.  

Anyway let me tell you a bit about my day yesterday.  I was lucky enough to go to lunch with my sister.  We went for my birthday treat and had a wonderful few hours dining at The Pig in Bridge.

It holds special memories for us both as years ago it used to be a Country Club with a nightclub within it.  I've had many an enjoyable evening dancing and drinking the night away so we had lots of stories to chat about.  The venue is now a very interesting old building with plenty of hidden dining areas, secret stairways, comfortable sitting locations, a lively terrace overlooking the vegetable patch and of course, some deliciously tasty food.  

What I wanted to wear to the Beach

Hello my friends, thanks for joining me today.

How's your weekend been?  

Mine didn't quite go to plan.  I'd anticipated a very quiet weekend with nothing planned and nowhere to be.  Well I like to do 'spur of the moment' things, which was just as well because on Saturday I went to my daughters house.  They are having an extension built and David will be helping where he can, so Saturday he was getting a few things sorted ready for the foundations being dug this week.  I went along to see my little Max and help where I could.  David has got a real job on his hands because we've also started our new build in our garden too!

Saturday evening we David, me and our youngest daughter met up with our son and his family to have chips on the beach.   This was last minute as well but often they are the best times aren't they?  We have a local beach only 5 mins away.  We are so lucky but I don't go there very often but wished I did. 

After finishing the chips we were lucky to spot Lickett and Smyle ice cream which is on a bike,  yesterday I was in the mood for one, so had a very tasty honeycomb flavour on a waffle cone (I almost think the cone is the best bit).

Anyway after chips and soft ice cream we needed a drink, so headed up to the local pub for a couple of cold and refreshing glasses of prosecco.  It was good to be with my son and his family.  The two children and their dog were really good enjoying the attention of the other pub dwellers.

On Sunday we also didn't have anything arranged  We decided on having a BBQ and invited the family.  My daughters came so there were a few of us to get the food ready.  Having shopped in the morning for the goodies we prepared a fabulous feast which included burgers, sausages, chicken, pork bites and a very tasty thick cut rib eye steak.  We sat in the sun devouring the delicious offerings and had a fun afternoon with the kids in the garden.  I do hope this weather lasts a lot longer, but I have noticed the morning dew and nights drawing in - I hate when that happens.  It feels like we haven't had much of a Summer and Autumn is on the horizon!!!

I'd thought I might wear this combination to the beach on Saturday, but when I really thought about it I changed my mind and wore my tropical print jumpsuit.  Thought you might like to see the white culottes and sunflower top anyway. X

Five on my Bucket List - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Morning my lovely readers.

Hope you're week is going well, stay focused it's nearly the weekend!

A quieter one for me as we aren't doing anything.  It's been a busy few weeks and next weekend we are away so I'm going to enjoy the serene atmosphere with nothing to do. 

So with no new items to share with you either, I thought I'd share my bucket list with you.  In case you don't know what a bucket list is, it's a list of things one wants to complete before literally kicking the bucket!

Anyway without further ado, here's mine!

What I Wore to Bottomless Brunch.

Hello everyone.

How's your week been?

I've had a lovely weekend with the family and was very lucky to go to London with my daughters', and their friend for Brunch.  It's actually called a 'bottomless brunch', but was in the evening!  Yeah work that one out!

We've had the day planned for a few weeks.  It's been nice getting everything sorted and picking outfits to wear.  We've had various fashion shows sharing what we 'might' wear .. ha ha ha!

Don't you think all the preparations are nearly as good as actually going?  Last week though, we very nearly had all our plans scuppered!  We found out there was going to be a dreaded train strike on the very day we were going.  Panic and frustration set in to think we wouldn't be able to go, but as always the family rallied round and gave us a lift to and from London ... phew, thankfully we could go to the party!

What do you think of my outfit?  I've taken to wearing green a lot more recently and have a striking and elegant new blouse to wear when the weather gets a bit cooler, and this has to be my favourite colour of the season ... behind pink that is! Lol.

Wow - Shorts on the Blog! - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hiya everyone.

Hope you are all good and enjoying August.

Not much to report this week.  David has been hard at work on our footings, and with concrete having been poured last week he is now clearing the site ready for brickwork.  I've not been able to help much - just running any errands and making tea!  Well someone has to do it!

I've been to my gym classes and am really starting to notice a difference in my body.  I've even been brave enough to wear shorts today, something I would never have considered in the past - seems my cycle class is paying off!

I'm out on Saturday, you may recall it was Sophie's birthday last month - so she's decided to go for a girly brunch in London. I'm chuffed that she wanted me to go too, so we've been getting excited about the event all week.  There's been plenty of discussions about what we are wearing, and obviously I've bought a new dress to wear, but it's not come yet so I've got a couple of 'stand by's' just in case.  The main problem I find when getting an outfit together is what shoes to wear?  I hate to suffer with sore feet, so the big decision will be made on Saturday morning - wish me luck! I'll have plasters, gel lines and inner soles on hand too!

 Any gaps would put me off wearing it!

See how brave I've been to wear shorts on the blog my friends.

Building Work & Baby Shower.

Good morning everyone. 

How you all faring today?

Been a busy week for me, we started our new build in the garden last Monday and the week was full on!

The concrete footings are in now so 'the once plans on paper' now is very real. I actually can’t wait as since we moved into our house over 10 years ago we’ve not done much to it at all. The only things we had to do is put in a new kitchen and complete my new dressing room. 

I’m thinking of doing an IG account for it so you can follow along, but not sure if I can make another one yet! Something to do with one account for one email. 😕

So with the footings dug, measured, leveled and finally had the pour it’s all ready for the next stage.  

David can do a lot of the work himself and knows many people in the trade so will be our Project Manager (that’s a flash title, maybe I can be assistant project manager!!)

Saturday I joined my girls for a friend's baby shower.

It’s a nice way to celebrate with the mum-to-be, family and friends. They did a wonderful graze board and we had bucks fizz to compliment the food.  We also played a couple of games ... guess the bump size using a piece of cord, guess the due date, write a note on a nappy for 'mum' to read when baby's here and guess the 'Baby or Beer Belly' photos.  We had a lovely couple of hours and then went on to meet the rest of the family to watch the carnival.

With weather still in the mid 20’s I had to be in a dress! This was my second purchase from Majorca, you can have a look at my first one that get's lots of nice compliments here. 

My Holiday Edit - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Hi there everyone, how are you doing?

Are you managing in the heat?

It's still hot here in the UK although some days are more muggy and humid than blazing sunshine. I have to admit I've managed to keep topping the tan up which I love, little and often is a good policy for tanning!

I've been an excited Mummab this week as we have finally started our new build.  When we bought our house over 10 years ago we had plans to knock it down and build two new houses!  For various reasons we had put that on the back burner but last Monday everything was in place for the building to start.  

You can't imagine (unless you've built your own) all the tests, checking, plans and paperwork that goes into building new properties.  However the hard work has just started as my husband does a lot of the work himself!  I'm quite hands-on too and like to get involved when I can.  Just today I was sawing planks of wood to make some shuttering. It was a big electric saw and I'm actually really proud of what I did!

My recent holidays now seem to be a distant memory.  It doesn't take long to get back to normal once the suitcases and holiday clothes are packed away.  All the washing and ironing has been done and I'm dreaming of my next break which, hopefully isn't too far away! 

Today I thought it would be nice to re-live some memories and share some of the dresses I wore to Majorca.

The first is one of my favourites, a super cute green tee shirt midi. 

This is one of the first times I've ever worn this shade, but boy I can tell you I'll be wearing it again!

I picked this up in Peacocks just before my trip to Majorca, it was a bit of a last minute buy and I'm so glad I did.  I've dressed it up and down and it looks great for both! It's in the sale now for a tenner - amazing value!

July Review.

Hi everyone.

Thanks for joining me today, Mummabstylish needs and welcomes all your support - so Thank You!

It's shocking to be in August already don't you think?  This year, like many once we are a bit older seem to fly by so quickly.  Before long we'll be talking about Christmas won't we!

Anyway would you like a little re-cap of July and all her wonderful outfits and antics?

Well look no further as your wish is granted. x

The July Review is here.

My month has been a bit full on really.  With a week in Majorca in June and another trip to Rhodes last month there hasn't been much time in-between to get back into blogging.  I promise to get my head into the right space and produce better posts and hope you'll stay around to enjoy it with me. X

Looking back to the beginning of July I was lucky to find this stylish dress in Majorca, in the local market to be exact.  I like to return home with a little purchase or two & actually came back with two similar dresses, this one and another I've yet to show you.  Have a look at this classic smock dress that's an  irresistible shade of orange - well I certainly couldn't resist it, I had to have it.

What would you have done?  Seems I wasn't alone with my love of this one as I've had lots of nice comments about it. 🧡