Co-host Thursday Fashion Files - Pretty scarf with frayed jeans.

Hi there - how's everyone in blogging land?

I'm so pleased to be co-hosting with Carrie and Jill on the Thursday Fashion Files.

After a busy weekend and being out on a 'school night' earlier on in the week, I'm looking forward to a chilled, relaxed, leisurely weekend (let's see how that pans out). 
On Tuesday evening we headed off to see my mum-in-law as it was her birthday, some 26 of us tucked into Indian and Chinese take-away!  This was the usual joyous, bustling, loud and busy affair - jostling for seats, plates and cutlery - well who has enough of these to accommodate 26 people?  Anyhow we all managed to sit, eat, drink and be very merry indeed!
Once toasted, we all sang the obvious 'Happy Birthday' and mum dutifully blew the candles out - this being repeated so as the little ones could all have a go!  Does this happen in your house?

Here's a quick glimpse of some Lemon Drizzle Cup Cakes  I made for the gathering, they were very sticky but very yummy, even if I say so myself :-)

Featuring this casual look today,

Started off by wearing this outfit with green jeans see them on my instagram, but the consensus was a big thumbs down from son, daughter and god-daughter, so I took the green jeans out of the equation and popped in my lovely frayed hem jeans - you can see when I first worn them here.  Much more suitable, making this outfit casual, appealing and almost patriotic.

How do you feel about the green jeans?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

I really don't think you can go wrong with this colour combination, denim blue, red, white and a little bit of sassy pewter, pulled together with this scarf I bought in Primark a few weeks ago, check out what I also wore it with here. 

You can see just how pretty this scarf is with the dainty flowers arranged over it in colours ranging from faint coral to salmon pink, with woodland brown inbetween.

These jewel adorned pumps came from M & S a while ago really need to be down graded to the bin!

I've spotted a cute pair of silver/pewter mules in M & S that might have to find their way into my shoe collection sometime in the very near future!


Catch up with you on Monday - I hope you've enjoyed the link up, I certainly have!


Thanks for my super photos Esther Ruby. X

Bright looks for Spring.

Good morning, hope you've had a super weekend and enjoyed a Happy Mothers Day!

I've had the best, rather busy Saturday baby sitting my princess and then enjoying a party with family and best friends, a few loads of drinks, food and dancing!

Sunday had me up bright and early and off to breakfast with eldest daughter, her hubby, my princess, son, daughter and my hubby - the reason being 'Mothers Day' - isn't that the best reason to be up early on a Sunday?  Not forgetting the clocks spring forward one hour! 
A fabulous breakfast in a local restaurant, making a real change as that's something I've not done in a long time. 
But hold on that's not all, I've been thoroughly spoilt on Sunday, receiving flowers, vouchers, chocolates along with five awesome cards, all with tear enhancing words!
This weekend superbly finished off with a family meal at our local Prezzo, some nine of us enjoying pasta, pizza, chicken and a good bottle of wine. 
Being surrounded by a wonderful family, and close friends this weekend confirms to me that I'm a very lucky and much loved lady.

With the weather warming up a little! wishful thinking maybe,  I had in mind to share a Spring look to brighten up even the darkest days of the vernal equinox.

Floral designs are a sure fire way to illuminate a darker outfit, you can do this by adding a skirt or trousers to a plain blouse or jumper, or if you feel slightly over-powered in something as full on as a dress just add a scarf or bag with a flowery design over it.   Shoes are another way to add interest to an outfit without going the whole hog. 

So anyway onto today #ootd.

You've seen this skirt many times especially with this jumper.

What a fabulous shot of my grey Jaeger bag, hubby bought this many years ago for a Christmas present, maybe with the help of a daughter or two, but picked a huge winner in my eyes and I love using it - especially with my bay tidy I shared with you on Thursday.

Every outfit can benefit from a bit of bling in a stunning necklace, so this often worn beauty did the trick for mine!  You can find similar in Debenhams either online or in store.

I acquired this floral, stretchy pencil skirt from eldest daughter a few years ago,  it's been like a yo-yo on me, sometimes fits perfectly other times rather baggy, obviously depending on how much weight I'm carrying - lol.  For now it fits me, showing me I'm slightly larger than I'd like to be, but hey that's life sometimes!  I wore this pastel pink cross-over jumper, you can see it paired with tan here. 
To complete this outfit a pale blue cami t shirt along with grey court shoes and my aforementioned Jaeger handbag.

Ok, so I had to have this compulsory seaside photo - can you tell it's me behind the moustache? Lol.  Not feeling the blue and white outfit to be fair - rather stiff and boring - lol!

How cute are these knitted toys?  All sorts of knitted paraphernalia is attached to various landmarks in the town, makes visiting a real novelty and definitely a conversation piece.

Would you now consider a floral item incorporated in your outfit, or is it something you'd give a wide berth to?

As always I'd love to hear your views and look forward to hearing from you all.

Until Thursday, stay safe and sending all good thoughts and wishes to the people affected by the horrendous attack in Westminster, London. X


With thanks to Esther Ruby for some great photos. X

Do you need a Bag Tidy if you're over 50?

Good day all, how's it going?

Are you a lady like me who has many handbags?  Do you have bags full of tissues, pens, lip balm, small change, hair bands, keys - I'm always leaving them in the wrong bag and lipsticks (maybe the odd sticky sweet)?  Transferring everything from this bag to that, looking for something that's hidden in another bag, how annoying does it always get.  Equally do you get frustrated when this happens.  Well suffer no more - I'm not, and here's why.

I just had to share this little bargain with you all.
Whilst wandering around my local Primark last week, I was queueing to pay for items when I spotted this by the tills, a bag tidy -  I grabbed, paid and departed. 
When I got home I emptied all the contents of my bags and then placed each item in the corresponding section.  Homing everything superbly from phone, pen, lippy, tissues, purse, plastic carrier bags to a clip for securing keys!
A-maze-ing! 
Something as simple as this bag tidy had me as pleased if I'd bought a Louis Vuitton (well not quite) and more importantly it only cost  £2.50! £2.50 I said!!  Everything has a place, and everything is in it's place. 
I strive for a tidy bag!

I been using this for the past few days and it's a bloomin' godsend.  When you want to change bags simply lift it out and place into your desired arm candy. Voila - you've got everything you want in the right place, I can't tell you how pleased I am with this bargain.  Hooray for Primark!

Are you a one bag girl or like me do you have many in your collection (but always space for more)?
If you're the latter then this maybe right up your street!


My choice was the black, however bright pink was an option, but I preferred for the bag tidy to blend into the bag and not stand out, but it's still nice to have the choice!

Photos courtesy of Esther Ruby.


Look forward to seeing you on Monday, and I'd love to hear from you whether you'd use this fab little product - be great if you could leave me a comment - thanks. X


"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy handbags.  That's pretty much the same thing"

Edinburgh - watching Rugby.

   Monday you've arrived too soon!
   How you all doing?
   Wishing I was still away in bonnie Scotland, It's been an amazing weekend watching    
   the Rugby and visiting Edinburgh. 

Having had a super time in Scotland, enjoying the company, food and beverages along with the Rugby what more could one ask for.  Most of the weekend ran smoothly just the odd hiccup but nothing major, thankfully!  Read on to find out more...

Every other short break I've always checked a case into hold, but on this weekend break I decided against it, stupid idea!
I somehow managed to cram all my necessities into my cabin bag - gave myself a big pat on the back for that achievement, problems arose when I started putting my liquids, creams and makeup into the small clear plastic bags, too many bottles and jars were in my possession so I had to unload some into hubby's bag, still too many - so having to decided what was more important a little bottle of hair conditioner, half a tube of toothpaste or a mascara wand - bet you can guess what got left behind! lol.
Moral of the story - book a case in hold - I'm not going through THAT scenario again!!

A little windy, but so far stayed dry!  Borrowed a brolly just 'in case',  (wise move)  needed the brolly not long after this photo was taken. 
I bought this jacket last week feeling it would be great asset to my pink theme - It did turn out to be water-proof fortunately as we did have some rain.  I had planned on matching grey with my whole weekend wardrobe, but realised my grey boots were a little too high to be wearing all day, so opted for these tan suede favourites.  Obviously changing my bag to this cross-over bag tan Osprey bag coming from TK Maxx - one of my treasured.

The obligatory photograph with a Bagpiper - little did I know they were on nearly every street corner - I'm not sure if this is normal or just because of the Rugby?!

Fantastic seats to watch the exciting Scotland - Italy match, a good result too!

Previously seen and worn H & M jeans, along with a pink H & M jumper, this pretty pink and floral scarf was bought from Primark a couple of weeks ago being a great addition to this outfit.  So glad I took my comfy brown flat boots - these came from Clarks a few years ago and having a soft cushion insole my feet felt blissfully happy all day.

Keeping up with the pink theme, I wore a blouse and trousers on the first night out as it was raining and didn't fancy wearing the dress and heels I'd packed! 
This pretty pink, white and black floral blouse is such a comfortable top to wear covering the waistband of my black Dorothy Perkins straight leg trousers.  How cute is this blouse with the statement pleat - flattering to wear I think and didn't crease in the case - perfect.

Until Thursday I'm off to catch up on ...Guess what?

No not a recorded film or a relaxing facial ...

Drum roll please ...

The washing and ironing!!
Well every cloud has a silver lining I can watch a film whilst ironing and the steam generated could be classed as a facial! 😉

See you on Thursday folks. X