I've got the blues!

Hello my lovelies.

How have you been?

No, it's OK I've not really got the blues - I'm wearing blue!
Today after a busy day in the garden, a quick trip to the stores, and then dinner with my princess and her family.  Here's what I wore and OK it was only a top with blue flowers on but hey, they were blue, don't hate me! lol.

I choose white knee length shorts that are years old, but a good comfy default item. Mine are from M and Co, but I've found these similar shorts from Next  Here, these are so wearable throughout the summer and on through the transitional period into Autumn. White is fab to team with just about any colour - and I often do.

Here's a close of a much loved TK Maxx Blouse top.  Its a silky smooth material with half jersey back, a lovely scoop neckline with sleeves that give great coverage to my arms.
With an elasticated hem line that sits just on the waist band of my jeans, therefore no need to tuck this top in making it cooler with no bulky material bunched into the waist of my jeans.
Running around in my blingy flats from Florence and Fred previous season, similar Here finished off today's "blue" look - hope you like it....

Having been to another wedding over the past weekend,  I'd love to show what I dressed in.

You may remember I went shopping for one dress and purchased two a couple of weeks ago.  Wearing one last weekend to the wedding I attended.  So last Saturday attending another wedding I decided to wear the second dress.
From the stunning collection at Jacques Vert I came home with this gorgeous dress.
The knee length dress is a fairly fitted shift style, with flattering wide wrap design across the bust line giving a lovely outline that suits my shape.
A silver grey background made the peachy pink and white flowers  stand out beautifully. The subtle, yet striking pattern, making the dress look very feminine.  It fitted like a glove and I felt very stylish wearing it.
I complimented Saturdays look with my White peep toe, cork wedge sandals - I have to say they are still so bloomin' comfy and a joy to wear! 
Rounding off my style with my Nine West clutch bag, enhancing the silver colour in the dress. So happy with my choice, hope you agree.

In case you're wondering - yes that's my bottle and glass of Prosecco. ;-)

Why not nip across to check our the Jacques vert site Here, see if you can bag a bargain like mine, you'll be guaranteed to feel amazing, stylish and super confident!

Anyone bought any new season items yet?  I'm not quite ready to shop for next season yet, but I feel it wont be too long.  Probably when the weather changes ,I'll be chomping at the bit to buy, buy, buy the new colour choices that will be splashed about in the stores.


Until tomorrow Ladies - it's been fun!

                           Jacqui B.

Fabulous Friday.

Congratulations you've made it to Friday, fabulous.


The weekend is just around the corner, and it's well over wine/prosecco o'clock!

Yesterday was just what the doctor ordered - when feeling a little down, there is nothing like a little princess to lighten up my mood and my day.  I took my little granddaughter for a visit to feed the ducks whilst her mum had an appointment. 
We had such fun feeding the ducks and the birds, they made such a rabble, screeching and screaming which had my little love playfully laughing whilst throwing her head back and putting her hand over her mouth - I see she's copied her mum, her aunts and even her nanny!
She's at the stage now where she repeats everything that's said, I took her in the cake shop to buy a treat - asking which one she wanted - she just repeated each time I said "this one", "this one" or  "this one" well it's how they learn and she's definitely like a sponge, picking up words daily.  It's fun to see what new words she's learnt each day.  One little, problem we do have to take care what words we use in front of her. ;-O
Onto the park, where we met up with mummy.  Having a swing, slide and a walk on the wobble board/stepping stones - she loved all three, she even let her cuddly toy dog have a ride on them as well!

So with the sun still gracing us with her presence I'm thinking this stripy sundress will be a terrific option for running errands and shopping today.  It makes me feel cool whilst still being classic and stylish.
I opted to wear my classic style white, peep toe cork wedges - I love how these make me feel, tall enough to feel graceful and with the cork wedge still fashionable.  I wondering if they still are available in the tan!!!! Stop it I don't need any more sandals!!!

Now it's defo time for a glass or two ...... see I told you it's a fabulous Friday - Cheers!

Cheers. X

               Jacqui B.

Throw back Thursday.

Morning all.

Throw back Thursday by way of wearing a really old blouse, that I've worn on many Thursday's - does that count?

This Matalan blouse is from quite a few seasons ago, I just love it!  Just recently received it back from someone who borrowed it and it's like getting something new again - I can't wait to wear it!
So today was the day to re-kindle my love for it, I'm sure it will be repeated again and again throughout the coming months!
This has a drop waist with slits up the side - giving just enough covering for my large behind!  The paisley print is a lovely mixture of mauve, black, cream and tan.  With a deep v neck I feel safer with a t shirt underneath so have opted for a white one to match my three quarter jeans.
Five little buttons run down the front and are really for decoration, and work really well.  It does have belt loops for a black tie belt, but I don't use this very often, either leaving it without or picking one of the colours to match it with.  Maybe a black belt if I'm wearing black jeans or tan if wearing corresponding accessories.

These fab photos are the work of my youngest son, and I'm so pleased with how they've turned out, that and the little play around on my new computer, having found how to achieve some fade and focus additions, for me I'm very happy with the result.  Learning something new every day - now isn't that true!

Out today with my princess, either to the park or to feed the ducks, maybe both if the weather stays fine!

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Pop over a check out this classy blog, by the Posh Classy Mom

So long lovelies .... X



                        Jacqui B.

Good evening Wednesday!

Hiya all, very late with my blog today. Been in the garden and I'm pleased to say I got loads done.  Strimming cutting and clearing, although sad to say it doesn't really look any different!

I won't post a picture of me in my gardening gear - to shocking to show you all!  Suffice to say I did clean up for my trip to the supermarket.

Here's the choice I made for said shopping trip.

I felt very summery in this outfit, albeit only for my shopping trip and to walk my lonely little Roxy See yesterdays blog Here why she's lonely.
I popped on my super comfy skinny Next jeans, available now both on line and in store - see Here for an amazing £24.  I wear a size 12  regular, and they fit fabulously, very generous in size because I sometimes wear a 14!  Great news for me.
My white beaded vest style top, has been with me for a year now.  I bought this in the Matalan sale for a snap at £8, I love the bead detail with white, grey and a little bling too.  No sleeves are just great for me at the moment - keep getting those dam hot flushes which are driving me mad!  Keeping me cooler when the sun is shinning and catching a bit of tan too.
I've teamed this outfit with a white belt and my recent purchase of these gorgeous white peep toe shoes with my favourite cork wedge.  See Here, now for a mere £16, be rude not to grab these beauties asap!

Hope you agree this is a super cute look, and great for many occasions - especially walking the dog and shopping amongst other things.

Until tomorrow - Good bye.. X

                            Jacqui B.

Remembering my Candy.

Happy Tuesday Morning.

This post is somewhat different from the normal,  I wanted to share with you a little acknowledgement for my little dog Candy.

Its been a sad few months for our family.  Friday last week, was an end of an era for our 8th little family member.

Candy came into our lives some 15 years ago.  Having lost my much loved father-in-law, my husband decided it would be a great idea to get a puppy,  he wanted our children to grow up with an animal around them as he had as a child.  I was totally against the idea, having already got a house full with five children, I didn't need the hassle, upset and mess of a dog!  When I was a child I did also have a much loved dog, but it always fell upon my mother to care for her, and knew it would be the same for me. 
After much persuasion and nagging along the lines of " they need a dog in their lives"  "I'll bring a puppy home and you won't say no", eventually I agreed and said go ahead.
Bad move on their part as I fell in love with Candy and she was my baby, my Candy-girl!
Coming downstairs in the morning it would sound like this.
"Morning" in turn to all the children and hubby, but when greeting Candy.....
Hello my lovely, how are you, stroking, playing, how are you, how's my girl, my Candy -girl???
For anyone who owns a dog, you may understand this and appreciate the response I got.  Tail wagging, licking, barking, running for her toys and jumping up and down.  She truly appreciated me.

Candy

Many stories have been repeated over the past few days, of how she would attack my youngest son's feet - for no apparent reason!  He could be sitting far away from her, but she would always aim for his feet!
When she was much younger the kids let her creep into their beds at night, but soon regretted this as by the middle of the night, she was comfortably settled between their legs above the duvet.  They, however were pinned down and not able to move, and if they did she would go for them.
If she didn't do this, Candy would snuggle up so close, they'd be on the edge of their bed and she would have all the rest of the space!  Fun times.

Candy 2016

Candy-girl

I was told by the vet about a year ago, Candy had dog version of Dementia, she started just plainly weeing on the floor, then throughout this past year got progressively worse, with symptoms such as getting 'stuck' by an obstacle that she couldn't get past, or work out how to turn around.  She had gone nearly blind and couldn't hear me call her.  Flinching if I picked her up, wandering around in a world of her own.  It was so very sad to see my little Candy, gradually loosing her vigour for life and merely existing.
This recent hot weather seemed to speed up the disease, leaving her unable to find and drink her water, nor eat her food.  I knew that the time had come to say farewell to my darling, but It was still such a horrible decision to make. 
As having a large close family, we always discuss important family issues and this last week was no exception. It became a very emotional subject, and also an important one.  We decided the time was right and I made the heartbreaking call to my vets.
Last Friday will be etched on my brain for ever, Candy made such a mark on me and my family and things will never be quite the same again.

We have her daughter Roxy, who is wandering around, slightly lost without her mum, but she will be totally spoilt, by the family, especially me!
I think it's time for walkies now!
So long my Candy-girl..xx

Roxy 2016

Monday - still in pink!

Hello, hope Monday finds you fresh and looking forward to what this new month brings.

I've programmed in a slow week, to catch up on my housework, washing, ironing and some much needed work in the garden.
Been so busy running around for the various events that happened over the past few months, so now it's time to relax and start to enjoy the sun!  Ok maybe not the sun, but some warmer weather.

A really casual look today, with the added injection of style by way of my gorgeous wedding shoes, I just had to pop them on again today - just to visit the supermarket!  Made the whole outfit look very cool and sophisticated.  Do you like?

Wearing Next cigarette style jeans, turned over at the hem, they fit like a glove and I love the feel of them.  I paired them with my previous season Primark vest top, the maroon base vest with flowers over it in beautiful yellows, pinks, mauves and orange, is stunning and so easy to wear with most jeans.  I could also pick out one of the colours to match a skirt with.
Here's my wedding shoes that I chose to wear on Saturday, they are so comfortable.  I must go back and see if they had any other colours. I love the way they look great casual too.

Has anyone been thinking of ..gulp.. dare I say it Autumn?  Ok maybe not Autumn but the change of season fashion styles and colours?  I've seen glimpse of navy, army green and lovely burnt orange.  So if you spot anything in these colours - grab it and stash away until you've forgotten about it.  When the weather changes and the autumnal season is upon us, you'll be the first person in the new season colours and be able to flaunt it with confidence.

Until the next time.... bye. X


                       Jacqui B.

Sunday - a much needed day of rest.

So you may remember some time ago I told you I was attending my best friend's son's wedding, well that was yesterday.  I managed, eventually, to find two dresses for this occasion, so I figured I could wear one dress (see below) and save the other one for a future event, then this little beauty could be ready, willing and able to furnish me with a suitable outfit, will post photo in the future.

This fuchsia pink lace dress, my favourite colour, was purchased from Jacques Vert, and what I really like that is was in the sale at quite a discounted price!  A bargain for £39, therefore making it so much easier to purchase another dress from this fabulously elegant and classic brand, to which I promptly did.

So without further ado here's my beautiful dress:

Love a bit of lace,  as soon as I put this on I knew it would be the dress I purchased, and knew even more that my hubby would love it. 
The fuchsia pink prom style dress has a lace overlay, which sits perfectly over the grey silk liner and both compliment each other beautifully.  It has a pink waist ribbon, which I chose to wear tied in a bow at the back, it could either be worn at the front, or look equally as good just tied in a knot and left hanging.
Having a v neck line both at the back and front meant wearing my pear necklace would be seen and would sit upon my neck freely without any neckline material hindering it.
The grey suede wedges were a last minute purchase from Debenhams  I wanted either a block heel or a wedge because the wedding venue was in a marquee in the gardens of a local stately home and with past experience of parties on grass I wasn't going to risk my heels sinking into the turf!  Although it has to be said there was some coconut matting on the floor inside the white marquee, but not outside where the ceremony took place.
That's one little tip I'd pass onto ladies of any age.
These wedges were soooo comfortable, I wore them all day and night, not feeling any pinching, blisters or rubbing so a great big thumbs up for them.  They have a cut out heel detail which ties at the front, and a strap across the toe base.  Very pleased with how they look.  I also think they suited the jeans I wore when I bought them - brilliant I can wear them casual as well.
Umpteen glasses of prosecco were consumed, a wonderful afternoon tea and a yummy hog roast in the evening made for a tremendous afternoon wedding - oh and not forgetting some great mummy dancing - the band were amazing and had everyone up dancing.
What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, with great family, friends, food and fizz!  Made even more special because all our children attended and they all get on so well.  Can't wait to do it all again very soon.

Tutti - frutti gel nails - love, love, love this colour. makes even short nails look great.

So hope you're all enjoying the little spell of warm weather,  although don't want to alarm you, and mention the A word - but autumnal clothing is starting to seep into the shops - opps sorry quickly slapped my hand over my mouth!

Bye for today..X

                                  Jacqui B.

Another week of sunshine hopefully.

Hello, welcome to another week - hopefully of sunshine.


Well, I'm sure some oh you are very excited it's the summer holidays,  It doesn't really affect me now, all my children are at work, and my granddaughter is not old enough to be at school, so every day is a holiday - lol.

Driving along today I realise I love this time of the year.  Remembering fondly exciting end of term presentations, sports days and leaving school parties.  When school was finished for the year and 6 weeks of enjoyment with the children at home followed.  Visits to the beach, leisurely afternoons in the garden, planning our family holiday to Spain.  We always took our holidays to Spain in the last week of August, first week of September - nearly always encountered a couple of days of rain!

We'd spend the next few weeks trailing round the shops to gather our much needed summer holiday clothes, excitedly returning home with bags of tops, bottoms, bikinis, swimsuits, beach towels and sandals and a rather enthusiastic fashion show ensued showing off all our goodies - for both me and the kids!  Really was a fun and exciting time whilst bringing up my five children. 
Remembering one year I meticulously planned, wrote endless lists, packed and re-packed cases and bags only to get half way to the Channel Tunnel when it dawned on me I'd not packed a single bikini or swimsuit, and especially not packed all the matching sarongs, skirts or cover-ups!  I was so mad, but there wasn't enough time to return for them, so I had to borrow my friends bikini (which was too big) and buy another one in the resort!!  Ohhh happy memories.

Back to the here and now, and more importantly back to my outfit today.........

Love the dark colour of these Next cigarette style jeans, they have quite a slimming effect, that works well for me!
This H & M tunic style sleeveless top is from a couple of seasons ago.  A cream chiffon neck line with a band of chiffon across the bottom, the print across the fabric reminds me being in school years ago, in the art class screen printing on a fabric t shirt. 
The blue and mustard yellow pattern looks fab with the denim jeans.  My Deichmann espadrilles are a perfect addition for this laid back summer look.  I do seem to wear a lot of these two colours together, and they compliment each other really well.



You may recall I mentioned a few days ago I'd purchased a new camera, well I say new but in reality a pre-owned model.  Still like a minefield for me, I'm trying to figure out what everything means and what all the dials do.  I may have to enrol on a course to try and fathom it all out.

Has anyone else had this problem? 
What did you do?
Help!
I'd love to produce some breath taking photos like I'm seeing on some blogs.


So stay tuned to see how I get on with taking these photos, lets see if I can improve a little each week.


Bye Bye .... X



                                Jacqui B.

Team Red for the day!

Hello everyone, sorry been off the radar for a while, you see I've been rather pre-occupied with a fabulous event in London that my eldest son was involved in.

Have you heard of the Doggetts Coat and Badge Race?  No well read on........

The Doggett's race is held in the summer on the Thames between London Bridge and Cadogan Pier (Chelsea) up to six young watermen row under the eleven bridges on the 4 mile course, equivalent  to 7,400 metres.  Throughout its 300 year history the race remains relatively unchanged.
Now-a-days modern sculling boats have replaced passenger wherries and are rowed with the tide.

It takes between 25 - 30 minutes to complete the course, however the fastest record is some 23 mins, 22 seconds!

Arriving at Festival Pier, London, South Bank for 10 am departure.  With the help of family and friends we arranged the buffet I'd had been buying and cooking over the past few days - it all looked amazing.  My buffet table looked mouth-watering and inviting, offering a selection of sandwiches, an Indian selection and traditional British snacks such as cocktail sausages, pork pies and scotch eggs.
I also had made some cakes such as cup cakes, rocky road as previously blogged about Here, some chocolate chip muffins.  However I did cheat and buy the millionaires shortbread from my local store!  Couldn't of made that the same it's so tasty.

The year of hard training, special diet, no drinking and sore hands came to the fantastic finale for my son, the atmosphere was electric and very emotional for many of our guests, I can honestly say I had one of the best days I'd had in a long while.

My son's pre-selected colour was red, so we all donned something red to support him,  I chose a red blouse from Florence and Fred sale, with a zip front fastening in gold it was a great contrast with the red.  The sleeves have a lovely frill effect, which is very flattering on the arms, whilst still keeping me cool.  I wore the blouse hanging over my white 3/4 crop jeans - I felt it a great look perfect for a splendid morning and buffet lunch on the river.  I opted to wear my new Dorothy Perkins wide fit, peep toe sandals.  Because they have a cork wedge they were a suitable choice for aboard the boat, and comfy to wear - so much so a little dancing may have occurred during the day *:p

After a short presentation at Fishmongers Hall, we departed for the coach home, oh yes via the pub - be rude not to - happy with the 3rd place gained by my son,  and more determination for next years attempt and another boat party to enjoy!

How are you getting on with your sale shopping - much to report on?  I'd love to hear.

Happy and proud to say today I've been featured on Instagram @midlifestyletips  I'd love it if you could please take a look at my 'midlife style tip' on this Instagram site.


So until next time - thanks for stopping by.  X

Linking up with Clairejustineoxox.

                                                             Jacqui B.