I am very excited to have been given the opportunity to review this gorgeous range of ethical activewear from Asquith.  This is a brand that has only recently come to my attention but the benefits of bamboo clothing has been slowly coming onto my radar for a while.  

I adore their new autumn colours.  I chose the claret and pink with a hint of rust as well as a pair of black tie pants.  I was drawn to the style of the black pair as they can be adjusted for the shorter leg!  Being 'short' I do have a problem with this style but the Asquith Hero Tie Pants can be tightened at the bottom and therefore suitable for short and tall.

Benefits of Bamboo Clothing

Bamboo clothing in general but in particular bamboo exercise clothing appeals to me due to its ability to wick away sweat, it is breathable, soft and naturally anti-bacterial.  It is exceptionally comfortable to wear and suitable for sensitive skin.  It is also an environmentally low-impact fabric.

Asquith incorporate organic cotton into their range too.  Also a durable and breathable fabric that will not bobble, fade or stretch.  And like bamboo, feels amazingly soft against the skin.

Asquith say that once you have felt the softness of their bamboo activewear you will not want to take it off!  I agree, it is incredibly soft and comfortable as well as being very flattering.

Let's be honest - you can wear it for yoga, pilates or a gym workout but hey it is also fantastic as everyday 'athleisure'.  No exercise needed!  I am not a fan of relaxing in PJ's but I do love a lose pant or cosy leggings.  These bamboo yoga pants and yoga leggings definitely fit the bill.  In fact, it is Monday morning and as I do the final edits to this post, I am wearing the hero tie pants and pink top and yes I definitely love!

​Bamboo Yoga Pants 

First of all I chose the Hero Tie Pants in black (see photos above)  - because a girl always needs comfortable black yoga style pants in her wardrobe.  They have a very soft, elastic waistband that folds over so it is flattering and holds you in (I need that)!  They are so soft and drape beautifully.  The tie at the hem means I can pull them tighter and therefore adjust the length.  Perfect, I suspect these will become a wardrobe staple for relaxing at home, walking my dogs or even yoga!

Bamboo Yoga Leggings

Next I decided to try the new claret colour and chose the Move It Leggings (see below).  As I mentioned I am quite short (not quite 5' 3") and they are longer on me but not overly so.  They really are extremely soft and flattering and I doubt they will move much during a workout.  They will be put to the test later in the week when I finally get back to the gym.

Bamboo Yoga Tops

I chose the Balance Bra Top in claret and the Chi Racer Top in rust (see below) to go with both my hero pants and move-it leggings.  The bra top is very comfortable (I sized up) and I love the ruched detailing on the sides of the chi racer top. 

I added in the Long Sleeve Smooth You Tee in pearl pink to keep me warm!  It has lovely floaty puff sleeves and a wide waistband that can be worn on the hip.  I love it with the hero pants as it is also soft and drapey - and comfortable!

For yoga, pilates and living in ...
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Every item in their range complements each other, it is incredibly stylish with a beautiful seasonal colour palette.  Bamboo makes fantastic exercise wear due to its moisture wicking properties so I don't feel a desperate need to take it off, I can run errands on the way home!  I also think that the range would make a very stylish outfit to travel in - by car or by plane as it won't crease or look crushed and it will maintain it's freshness.  I wish I'd had it when we flew to Sri Lanka.

They have a good range of sizes too - starting at S and going up to XL.  I chose the S (M in the bra top) and everything fitted very well.  The leg length is longer but I didn't find it a problem.

​If you sign up to their newsletter online then you can get 15% off your first order, they also offer free delivery if you spend over £75 and all returns are free.

I am looking forward to getting lots of wear out of my Asquith items over the coming months, preferably in front of the TV and a log fire!

Love from
Michelle xx
​​

Late on Friday evening after quite a lot of prosecco and lots of chatting and giggling with my girlfriends - we were away on a girls weekend in the Cotswolds - I noticed an email telling me I was a FINALIST in the Beauty and Fashion category of the Brilliance in Blogging Awards run by BritMums.  Well that was a shock.  I had absolutely no idea that nominations were even going on but in fact I had already gone through the nomination round and made it to the finals.  In my defence I was in Sri Lanka for three weeks!

After picking myself up I decided I had to make sure this was genuine.  But yes on Saturday morning I realised it was indeed genuine and yes I am a FINALIST and yes I can display the badge on my blog.  

I started blogging on a whim in the February of 2016 when I was due to turn 50 in the December.  I didn't spend much time thinking about it - I guess it had been on my mind for a while but not seriously.  I asked my son to set up a website, buy a domain name and I fairly quickly decided on Fifty & Fab as I love style and looking good, I was on a healthy eating plan, I was exercising and I did indeed want to be fab at fifty ... my plan was to record my journey on my blog and let it evolve.

And evolve it did.  My initial thought was that I would be a 'style blogger' but fairly quickly I realised I wanted to be able to talk about all aspects of my life so I settled on 'lifestyle blogger'.

There are times when I am quite happy to hide away at home and tap away at my keyboard, I am not a prolific writer or even a very talented/creative one.  I write as I talk, I share useful tips in a simple way, I don;t want to read anything complicated as I don't have time so I am assuming you don't either.  I think my readers want to know what they can do to be and feel fabulous at fifty ... and beyond.  I set out to inspire myself but to inspire others too.

But I am also slowly getting new opportunities.  I was approached by Vionic Shoes, I have recently been asked by Asquith London to review their range (which will be on the blog soon).  I have a fab ongoing friendship and collaboration with Sweat-Bea - I met Kate over Instagram as I love scarves and accessories and I love the scarves and accessories she sells.  I've reviewed books and got to know the lovely Helen at Literally PR, I attended my first ever book launch.  I appeared in Fabulous magazine for The Sun Online and I have written reviews from local businesses and friends - not because I get paid but because I want to.  I have been to London for the Vionic Shoes AW/2018 launch event and met other Instagram and blogging ladies.  I joined the Biz Girls network in Marlow and I have attended their networking events.  I attended my first blogger event this year - BlogConLDN.  I went to another networking event where I met Vicki from Honest Mum.  Most of this I do by myself, walking into a room full of strangers is pretty daunting.

I now have regular features on my blog - monthly I talk about what I am doing myself to be fifty and fab #beingfiftyandfab and I have also created my Embracing Life (in Midlife) interview series where I talk to other women approaching fifty, and beyond, about what they are doing during this new phase of their lives.  I recently spent three weeks in Sri Lanka which was amazing and I have blogged extensively about the experience and so I can offer suggestions to anyone else who might want to visit Sri Lanka (just do it).

But I am not, and never will be, a big blogger in big blogger world!  I simply don't have time if I am honest, I really admire the bloggers who do this full time.  It is hard work and not easy to find the right collaborations.  This is a little bit more than a hobby, but mostly I do it because I enjoy it and one day soon I might have 'empty nest syndrome' and it will be good to have something to concentrate on.  If my blog can earn a little bit so it funds itself and I enjoy the opportunities I am given then I am content.

I really hope I offer the few brands I have collaborated with good value for money and that my influence does raise brand awareness but more importantly I hope that something I do - whether it be style, health, fitness or a trip away - inspires someone else to try something new and go out of their comfort zone or just pick up a tip that is useful for their every day life.  That is all!

Writing about my life is therapeutic for me, I do not always get it right and I am learning as I go along just like anyone else.  I am prone to anxiety and depression and peri-menopause hasn't been the smoothest ride.

So here I am - up for a blogging award - and still quite surprised but absolutely delighted and honored and so very very thankful to whoever nominated me!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for liking what I do enough to put me forward for an award.  I am sure I am not everyone's cup of tea, but that doesn't matter, if you like what I do, if you like my blog then I'd love it if you could pop over and vote for me!  You can do it here and it is very easy and will only take a couple of minutes.

​The photos on this post were taken at the weekend.  Just on my iPhone, By my friends.  We try to get away every year for three nights and we have found this rather beautiful house at the Cotswold Water Park which has a wonderful view, great outdoor space and a fabulous hot tub.  And sun - even though that is not guaranteed, we have been very lucky so far.

​I indulged a bit too much - but I am a firm believer in living life to the full and enjoying food and wine with good friends.  I am back to a much better routine now September is in full swing and I am looking forward to meal planning more, eating a bit better and fitting in more exercise.  I will blog about it all soon!

In the meantime - thank you again for all your support and thank you if do vote for me!

Love from
Michelle xx

Not Dressed As Lamb
#SaturdayShareLinkUp

I was delighted to be invited to the Vionic Shoes A/W 18 launch event at The Haymarket Hotel, London recently.  It was such a treat as I love a day in London and it was especially lovely to be combining it with a fashion show, champagne and meeting many of my fellow bloggers who I have only seen so far on Instagram and not met in person.

I will admit to being a bit nervous but it turns out I was not alone, it always feels strange walking into a room and not knowing anyone but I was soon put at ease and got chatting to some familiar Instagram faces.

I chose to wear my Sosandar shirt dress (only size 10 left and in the sale now at £34.50) with my Vionic Syra casual trainers (similar styles available here).  My red handbag is the Gigi from Aurora London.  It was perfect for a wander in London and these trainers are seriously super comfy!

I had arrived in London about 3.30 pm in the afternoon and made my way to Oxford Circus for a quick wander around - well it has to be done and yes I did manage to buy a few bits which will be appearing on my Instagram and blog over the coming weeks.

The Haymarket Hotel is in a beautiful location right in the heart of the theatre district.  I fancy staying there now.  Vionic made us all feel very welcome, the room was stunning and the fashion show featured many of their new styles which will be appearing online over the coming weeks.

​Here are a few of my favourites:

Top left and right - the Ellis casual trainer £120 - it comes in tan and black and the zip can be worn fastened or undone, I tried them on and they stay comfortably on your foot with no movement at the heel, they are leather and feature the removable footbed.

Bottom left - this is the Codie casual trainer £120 and it comes in white (shown), black and taupe.  I love this style worn casually with leggings, skinny jeans or leisure wear.  So neat on the foot.  It was minimalist and stylish.  Also leather and also featuring the removable footbed.

And then bottom right - the Torri high top trainer £120 also love at first sight!  And it unzips at the side so no need to faff about with laces.  Leather and removable footbed, it comes in natural snake, navy snake and black.

​I'd love to own them all!

I was able to learn more about the brand.  Every pair of Vionic shoes features a supportive, podiatrist designed footbed.  They are designed to hug your arches and support your natural alignment.  They can help with many common foot complaints as well as aiding stability.

Their ethos : STYLE - IT DOESN'T HAVE TO HURT.

Which ticks all the boxes for me!  I want to be stylish and on trend but I do not want to have sore feet.  A few years ago I went to a wedding and my shoes rubbed my feet all day, I literally couldn't walk and I said never again would I wear heels for that long.  But now I can reconsider as Vionic have a stunning pair of kitten heel court shoes!  The Josie £120 comes in this natural snake as well as leopard print, navy, emerald green, black suede and black leather.  I tried them on, yes they are perfect!

Vionic have two types of footbed, one for their more casual flat shoes and sandals and another for their heeled shoes and sandals.  The FMT Technology in their flat styles are designed to align you from the ground up, they hug your arches and encourage natural alignment.  In many of their styles the footbed is removable (I only just learnt this) so you can put it in a different pair of shoes if you so desired!

I have just returned from a girls weekend away and it turned out one of my best friends had discovered Vionic a few years ago and commented on how much better they are for her feet, she suffers from plantar fasciitiis and her posture and back pain had really improved since wearing them.

​They are on the more expensive side but remember they offer a 30-day wear test should you not find them the most comfy thing ever and cost per wear they are amazing as I have worn and worn mine on repeat and they still look brand new.  Worth the investment in my opinion.

I was able to choose a pair from their new season range as a thank you gift for attending the event and writing this review on my blog.  I chose these silver Reagan Mules £110 (also come in black).  I figured they would make a great summer to autumn transition shoe before I need to wear socks and boots for months on end.  I am so delighted with them.  They are stylish and yes absolutely comfortable.
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I wore them last week for a shopping trip to IKEA so they were properly tested for you!  I styled them with a bargain top from the Gap sale (floral print top now £8.99) and my black wide leg trousers from Part Two / My Boudoir in Marlow, they are a heavy jersey and I love them, I am just venturing into the wide leg look and so far I am liking it (I tend to be a bit slow to follow a trend)!

What do you think?  Will you give Vionic a try?  I have just received a pair of black suede and neoprene Whitney ankle boots (they also come in grey) - they are a slightly higher heel but due to the comfort technology I am confident they will prove to be wearable, I will report back soon!

​There are many more new styles on their website (www.vionicshoes.co.uk) so do go and take a look!

May I ask a little favour? - I have just been announced as a Finalist (Beauty and Fashion category) in the Brilliance in Blogging Awards #BiBs2018 organised by BritMums and I wonder, if you enjoy reading my blog, would you pop over and vote for me please?  It is very easy - you can vote just in one category or more if you'd like - here is the link - Voting Form.  I am completely overwhelmed, delighted and surprised to find that I am a finalist!!  Thank you so much to everyone that supports me.  It really is appreciated.

Love from
Michelle xx

This isn't the popular way around to do the journey and when I was researching all I could find was posts about travelling from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya BUT train tickets are notoriously hard to book in Sri Lanka and getting them at the train station is pretty chaotic, although not impossible.  If you want to travel first class or observation car then you need to book in advance and as soon as tickets are released - use an agent in Sri Lanka to do this (we used Paradiso Travels or there are specialist agents). 

​We missed the slot for our original plan to travel to Nuwara Eliya but it made no difference really.  The journey back to Kandy was just as stunning and I loved every minute of it.  So don't be put off!

We had two second class tickets booked, we couldn't even get seats booked together so that was a bit of a worry then our plans changed and our daughter was with us for this trip.  Queue lots of confusion to (a) pick up our booked tickets and (b) get a third ticket sitting near us.

All I can say is thank goodness we had our driver Vicky with us to help.  He knew the system and he spoke the language.  We'd have given up and got into the mini-van to travel back to Negombo!  I had no idea what was going on at the station!

I am so glad we persevered though.  It was totally worth it.  Although I suspect we did end up travelling on just two tickets.  But the carriage wasn't full and sitting together wasn't a problem.

But we did spend a large part of the journey doing what the locals do and hanging out of the doors and windows!  It was just too fascinating not to.  Too much of an experience not to do it.  My husband was rather concerned for our safety though.  But we had to get that ultimate photo for ourselves.

The trains are old, they are rickety, slow and basic.  The toilet facilities are holes in the floor - I didn't use them, I managed to wait for four hours!  But the carriages are clean and second class wasn't crowded.  Third class is very busy though and I suspect more than just people travel, I am sure there is the odd chicken or other animal!  The signalling system and controls are ancient but it all works although the odd derailment isn't so uncommon.  The journey is slow but then with views like that to see it doesn't really matter.

At some stations we had quite a long wait.  Locals would board the train selling their wares or appear at windows with baskets full of fresh produce balanced on their heads.  It was another good opportunity to watch daily life and I loved it.  Anyone that knows me personally and especially my family are totally shocked that I did this, and that I loved it, I am known for loving my comforts, for preferring luxury.  I have never been a traveller (in the backpacking sense) but for some reason I embraced it in Sri Lanka.  Okay I didn't backpack and I didn't stay in hostels but I did travel about and I did enjoy it!

If you go to Sri Lanka, don't miss the experience of train travel.  We got off at a station just before Kandy and met our driver to do the final journey by road back to Negombo.

Love from
Michelle xx
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​Disclaimer:  This is not a sponsored post and only a very small selection of photos and details of what we saw, if you want to find out more then please do message me or get in touch with Paradiso Travels in Sri Lanka.

​Do take a look at my other posts about my Sri Lanka itinerary (slowly adding to them) where I go into more detail about what we did and share my thoughts:

Sri Lanka | Where shall I start?
Sri Lanka | Three Week Itinerary
South Coast, Whale Watching and Elephants
Kandy and the Tea Plantations 
Negombo and Colombo
Helping good causes in Sri Lanka (Dogstar Foundation and Yawajeewa School)
20 Things you need to know when travelling to Sri Lanka
What to wear in Sri Lanka