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 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.

Style not Age - Festive Finery.

Hi there my lovely friends.

Hope you're all doing well.

Can you believe it's nearly December!  I still haven't finished my Christmas shopping and even though I vowed to have my shopping finished by now ... I haven't!!!!  I'm on holiday now and have weekend away in Scotland as soon as I return so once I'm back from my galavanting I'll have to get my bum into gear and get my shopping done!

So it's time for me and my friends from Style not Age to share our looks for the prompt ...

Festive Finery.

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.

Grey Wide Legs with Red & Black - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Morning all.
How are you?  I'm currently enjoying my days on my skiing holiday, throwing myself down a snow covered mountain, stuffing my face with Italian pasta and prosecco along with enjoying some apres ski.  I'll share with you next week if I took my new camera with me and if I got any great shots!

I'm at a turning point with my winter wear, and don't want to buy anymore bits until the new Spring season clothes arrive.  I'm interested to see what will be top colours and styles for 2020 - I feel us bloggers pay a big part in pushing trends forward and have our own take with what's on offer - maybe dictate what's fashionable!
With that said, I'm not actually sharing anything new-in or cutting edge with you today - just an outfit style I'm happy to wear most days when I'm just popping out and about & are fed up with wearing jeans.  Wide leg trousers have always been a favourite of mine and having already shared my black version with you last Thursday I might as well flaunt another pair in front of you! Ha ha!

Neutral crops & OTS Blouse - #Chicandstylish #LINKUP

Morning my friends, how are you doing?
I'm just about starting to come back down to earth after the weekend of wedding celebrations.
It ended up a two day event with friends and family returning on Sunday to finish off the last of the drinks along with a hog roast.  It's been a hectic, emotional and draining weekend, but am so pleased with how it all went.  I'll be posting a blog about it very soon, just need to see the photos and get into the right frame of mind start it!

Until then how about taking a look at another outfit I've recently come across.  I found the cropped trousers lurking in the wardrobe.  I bought these from M & Co, these are nearly the same, a few years ago as i'd lost some weight then and needed some new pieces.  With me gaining weight they gained a back seat in the cupboard and have only just been re-introduced after my weight loss - I can see why I wanted to buy them as they are nice and casual for everyday wear, but with the addition of a smart blouse can be transformed to a somewhat dressier affair - maybe lunch with the family, or drinks with friends.

Negative Comments!

Morning, how are you all my lovelies?
After telling you all I've had some relaxing weeks my weekend has turned out to be rather busy.  Friday evening I went ballroom dancing - I have been learning the waltz.  It's very odd dancing alone (hubby's adamant he won't join me) so I either dance solo, with the teacher or his wife - it really makes a difference having a partner to dance with so will have to keep badgering hubby to come too! 
Saturday night, after a day working in the garden, we had dinner with friends, a fabulous evening made easier because we all took a course of food.  My choice of pate with a selection of anti pasti for starters went down well, but I kept picking which is a big downfall for my diet!   Sunday arrived way to early after a late night, getting up to bake cakes for the baby shower I attended.  This was for my daughter-in-law and went very well.  We answered questions about mummy-to-be, guessed her waist measurement with string, tried to work out who the baby pictures were and ate lots of party food.  Home to chill after the busy weekend!  What did you all get up to?

Red has a habit of cheering me up.  It's an emotionally charged colour as it's the colour of blood and life.  It's associated with power, passion, love and confidence.  Red will lift your emotions & is a good choice for instilling confidence - something that will give you the edge when you're lacking it.
I picked this red outfit after recently receiving a negative comment - it really was a pick-me-up shade and helped big-up my ego.

Check trousers from Krisp.

Hiya, how are you over fifty bloggers doing?
How's your Christmas shopping going?  Are you an 'I've got everything already' or 'I'm leaving it until Christmas Eve' person?  Me... I'm somewhere in between!  I've bought a few pieces already, but still have a mountain of presents to decide on, buy and wrap, although I'm making a concerted effort to get most of them done this week, I hate struggling nearer the time and vow every year not to put myself through a difficult run up to the festive period.  I'll keep you posted how I get on!

Tartan, check or plaid, whatever you call it, it's in fashion!  Everyone is wearing it in some form or another!  So I was pleased to receive these grey check trousers from Krisp recently.

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

Jeans, Stripy Tee and Jacket - #chicandstylish #linkup

Hi there - how are you?
Right now I'm getting acquainted with my hotel in Abu Dhabi, relaxing with a drink or two and chatting with friends.  Sorry if I'm making you jealous, I'll try not to rub it in.
Do stop back in the next few weeks I'll be sharing my experience with you.
But back to the matter in hand, my over fifty style ideas.

I seemed to have slipped back into my old ways with this outfit.  I had a hard and fast rule of three-colour-styling before I started blogging, but have tried hard wanted to get to grips with more noticeable ensembles … Alas not today!  You see old habits die hard, and I still think plenty of my styles look bloody great!

Okay, okay I know what you're saying - it isn't even in my three-colour-rule book it's more like two! But I really like the basic jeans and tee shirt style, and to be fair I'm wearing ivory boots so technically that counts as three tones right? - lol 😂

It Started with a Joules Scarf + Motivational Monday.

Morning my fellow over fifty bloggers, how are you and everyone else for that matter?

I'm so excited as my holidays begins in two days - eekkk!
Nearly everything is packed or ready to be packed, just need the last little bits and pieces to be added then I'm off!  The diet will be taking a back seat for the next week, I want to enjoy to the full everything the all inclusive hotel has to offer.  It has some 12 restaurants incorporating a dine around system, which is going to be right up my street!  Fingers crossed I don't undo all my hard work & gain any many pounds.😓
I never used to have any trouble with my weight, luckily keeping fit and running round after five children kept me in shape.  However over the last maybe 5 - 10 years & reaching fifty weight loss seemed to pass me by - adding pounds whenever I even thought about attempting to diet.  So after the past few years and being squeezed out of many of my clothes I felt enough was enough!

My son had been following a Ketogenic diet I found this website helpful** resulting in him losing over 6 stone (85 lbs) I thought I'd give it a try....

Brining grey to life with sunshine yellow. #chicandstylish #linkup

Hello.
Great to have you here on my blog for over fifties - but you're all very welcome. Hi there - how you doing?
Last week I was busy with birthdays, meals out and a photography course, so have welcomed this so far quieter one.  However looking towards the weekend we are having the grandkids to stay which will be somewhat louder, busier and packed with toys, food and clothes everywhere!  I'd like to say there will be some downtime, but if you know kids they'll be on the go all the time till they get into bed, when hubby and I will probably do the same - lol.  For those of you who don't have grandchildren there's nothing like it, my princess can twist me round her finger, just last weekend she's found a box of chocolates that I'd hidden (not very well) for Christmas, she asked if she could have one, much to her delight I obviously said yes!  I have to replace them in the week, because all the family dived in too!  Not sure what we'll get up to but I'll buy a cake mix so we can bake some sort of goodies, she likes baking and it will keep her occupied for a couple half hour or so!

If you follow my Instagram stories you may have seen I went bowling with all the family.  Middle daughters birthday and whatever we do we always have fun.  Bowling is a great family outing for any occasion, everyone gets their competitive side out, getting really grumpy if they roll a "gutterball".  I came …. nearly last, I was scared of getting my thumb nail stuck so didn't hold the ball properly, and then promptly got my nail ripped off!  Fortunately it wasn't painful, but looked wonderful - not!
Scrolling through IG a few weeks ago an outfit jumper out at me & wouldn't leave my mind.  The lady was wearing a striking pair of jacquard yellow and grey trousers.  They left me thinking about the colour mix and I knew I'd got the colours so tried it out.  Having already worn grey trousers with a yellow blouse I figured these yellow trousers were due an outing and would brighten up my all grey outfit.

Grey stripes and white jeans. #chicandstylish #linkup

Morning dear bloggers.

Are you feeling the chill?
Yes me too, it got decidedly colder on Sunday, so hubby switched the heating on.  After being away over night and waking up to horrendous wind and rain it was much appreciated when I walked through the door, in tee shirt and sandals!  I'd been with my girls on a hen night.  We went to a spa hotel on the coast for a day of pampering and a super evening meal.  I had one hell of a luxurious facial, leaving my skin fresh and clean - It felt amazing.  I've made a pact with myself to have one every month.
After an afternoon of fun, laughs, relaxation and chatter, I made my way up to the gorgeous room to get ready.  Included in the stay was a three course meal comprising of chicken and ham hock terrine, roasted chicken supreme, tarragon mousse, potato gnocchi & charred baby courgettes with a tomato jus.  This was rounded off with a cheeky lemon posset and an extra glass of prosecco, savoured all the more because I've been dieting!  You have to treat yourself sometimes don't you?
Generally a quiet night with a couple of quizzes about the hen and a show & tell kind of game, giving the hen a gift that means something to both parties, either funny or meaningful.  I was baffled with this one, but eventually remember the time she worked as a delivery driver for a local supermarket - her boss got a call to say she was stuck in a field whilst following the sat nav.  She had to be towed out & I don't think the shopping got delivered. She never really lived that one down!! Lol.

Now the weather is so changeable Needing extra layers now that Autumn has arrived,  so let me share this cute tunic jumper with you.

Something to wear for an evening party.

Hi there - what you all up to?
Home after an exciting week away in Ibiza, back to washing, ironing and catching up on everything.
I'm looking forward to seeing what you've all been doing too, so I'll be working my way through your blogs throughout the coming week.

Now the hot weather has finally arrived it's making me think of what to wear for evening parties in the summer.

My Lotus Nude Wedges - the perfect shoe!

Happy Easter Monday everyone.
How are you all doing?
With the weather still doing it's own thing ( it's getting boring now!)  I just had to break out a spring outfit, in hope to maybe tease the weather into changing for the better!
Having had a wet beginning to the Easter weekend I hoped for a brighter day yesterday, when I had arranged a mini Easter Egg Hunt for my little princess.  As it turned out the grass was way too wet for any fun and games so we resorted to hiding the eggs indoors.  She had a great time searching for the chocolate eggs and she ended up with some twenty odd yummy eggs in various sizes culminating in a large white chocolate bunny hiding in a cupboard!  So after a busy weekend of her first trip to the cinema to watch Peter Rabbit,  picking her own Easter egg (two really) on a shopping trip with me and grandad, finishing with the Easter Egg Hunt she really has had an egg-citing Easter! Sorry. X

Last year I styled a chambray shirt dress.  I'd wanted something in this soft denim drape for a long time, and it took quite a few shopping trips (such hard luck - lol) until I found the right one.  Pop over and see how I styled it last April with tan accessories and my basket bag.

Cheery red in a dreary Feb!

Hello there, how are you all?

How come when your come back from a winters holiday things seem very dull and boring?  With no sunshine to brighten the day, way too much washing and ironing to do, with no sign of another skiing holiday to look forward to, & I feel a cold is lurking around the corner!

What's the best thing to do when feeling low - dress up in bright, radiant colours of course.  I really wanted comfort today, yes I really wanted to wear my tracksuit all day and lounge on the sofa.  To be fair I didn't have a hard day, just housework and lunch with my mum 😁.
Back to what I wore, jeans - stretch at that!  Comfy boots, long sleeve pain grey tee shirt and it had to be my bold, vibrant red jacket, that cheered me up no end, that and a chat with my mum!

5Over 5O - Sequins and Christmas Jumpers.

Hello and welcome to MummaBstylish, I'm so pleased you could stop by today.
Finally time for the ladies at 5Over 50 to attack the last challenge of the year.  We've taken on hats, orange, lace & metallics to name but a few.  All have been faced with great enthusiasm, gusto and some trepidation, but the outcome has proved first class for all of us.

The December challenge was set by Laurie.
The obvious task for the month of December festive jumpers!
Are you a Christmas jumper wearer?  Actually I'm not!  I don't know how I missed out on this tradition, maybe because I haven't been at work for years, and it's not something me or my family do.
That being said I still wanted to join in the fun, but with my kind of twist on it.

I've managed to borrow a jumper and bought a stunning little Christmas brooch to make it just a bit more festive.  So I hope I've managed to pull this one off - do I look suitable Christmassay?

My daughter supplied the gold sequined sweater which I've matched with my pleated gold skirt. I do love a bit of bling and it proved to be a winner for the challenge.  You can see what else it goes with over on my previous post Styled with tassel boots.

The gold jumper is covered in sequins giving a shiny finish, jazzing an otherwise plain jumper.  This belongs to my daughter, and I'm chuffed that I fitted into it!