Being fifty and fab ... April at home!

Hello and how are you all?  The early heatwave was amazing wasn't it, we have had some rain now but I am still managing garden time.  And I haven't regretted (yet) putting my winter clothes away.  How are you coping?  What is it - 5 or 6 weeks of lockdown?  My days do feel very 'samey' I get up every morning to the usual routine of tidying up, thinking about what to cook for dinner, writing my to do list and making the most of some quiet time before the family rise.  

With every day that goes by I am missing my beauty treatments more and more, I really would love to get my roots done properly, my hair trimmed, my legs waxed and my nails, oh my nails ... I cannot keep regular polish on, I miss my gel so much!  I also feel I would benefit from a facial!  I am keeping very busy, I am relieved my mental health is back to some sort of normal after a very difficult time at Christmas. I appreciate these are very minor problems and I assure you I do have bigger worries (that I can't share) - so love and hugs to everyone, but for now on my blog, I keep it light hearted.

My husband has been spending a lot of time in the garden, he had to pull a tree down that suffered during the storms so he has been busy clearing up and making the area tidy again, he has done a lot of weeding and clearing of some overgrown areas.  Because we live in the woods, the areas under our sheds and trees can attract pests like mice and rats and spotting one is not fun, my husband likes to assess the situation before deciding if we need external help from a company like Pest Control Experts. He has also power washed the patio and driveway and has been painting the exterior woodwork. 

That tree by the way was the one we used to hang the children's swing on, first of all their plastic baby seat, then later on a wooden seat.  It was also the home of our much loved tree house.  My husband built it from an old shed when our son was about 3 or 4, the tree house, a small play house, a home-made see saw and the swing were the sum of our children's outdoor toys - no yellow and red plastic in our woodland garden, so they were both very sad to see the demise of the tree house and are nagging for a replacement for the grandchildren (still a long way off).

Getting out to walk has been really important for my mental health and getting headspace! I am wearing a dress from Hush (linked further down).

So yes April 2020 has all been about Covid-19 lockdown and the early heatwave.  I have been mostly sitting in the garden!  No I have been working too but as fast as I can in the mornings so I can get outside in the afternoons, often with my laptop so I can finish writing blog posts.  It has also been amazing weather for getting some lovely blog photos.  As you know, most of my blog photos are taken at home in my garden anyway but the challenge of bad weather and my daughter being away for uni has meant they are not always easy to get.  Having Emily home to be my resident photographer again has been very useful.  Even if she isn't always that keen!

This month's 'being fifty and fab' post is going to be all about photos, summery outfits and being in the garden!  I've been walking but not doing much formal exercise as I prefer to be outside while I can.

Above and Below: I am wearing white rebound denim from French Connection (currently in sale at £56), a gingham shirt from Mint Velvet (past season), tee from Gap, belt from Hush and my sandals are the Lucia from Vionic (gifted*). Same below but adding a pop of colour to show off this gorgeous bag and detachable strap (can be purchased separately) from The Wendy House.

Below: this was a skirt from last year (gifted by Roman Originals) and last seen down to £10 in the sale (size 10 and 12 still available)!  My vest top is from The Wendy House and my pumps are the Daisy from Hotter Shoes and I am super pleased with them as they are a great slip on style for home days.

Above: twinning with my gorgeous girl, not planned at all!  We just realised we had chosen the same outfit that day - all past season.

Above: this red dress is the Hanna midi dress from Hush Homewear, new this season, worn with the Phillipa Espadrille Wedges from Boden.  Below: another red dress, yes I love red remember, this was a sale purchase from Baukjen and when I last looked it was still online - Ruby Ruffle Dress now £71, I absolutely love it!

Left to right: jumpsuit from Mint Velvet, red dress from Baukjen and stripe tee from French Connection, my bag is from The Wendy House.

Above: my dress and jacket were both gifted* from Roman Originals (now in sale) and make up a fabulous (normal weather) spring outfit, the dress is jersey and very flattering.  And below, a fun one, I tried on this wrap/cover-up from The Wendy House, very simple, very pretty, a bit big on me but it could be tied or belted, it is shorter at the front and longer at the back and is just £15.

I wonder what May will bring, I am rather hoping we might see some easing of lockdown soon, just a little bit of hope that we can do a bit more than just be at home.

What is the first thing you will do!?  Making beauty appointments for me I think!

Love from
Michelle xx

Don't miss my review and thoughts on natural deodorant, there is a 10% discount code too - or there is 20% on my Facebook page this week!

Disclaimer: this blog post contains some gifted* items, I no longer use affiliate links on my blog.
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Is This Mutton
#WowOnWednesday 

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Above: my denim shorts were purchased in a Gap outlet store on the way back from La Gomera in December.  My off the shoulder jumper is from Hush Homewear and my bag with detachable strap is from The Wendy House.

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