Being fifty and fab ... in February 2021

With January being the longest on record, ever, it was a relief that February was a short month and that Boris. finally shared his roadmap out of this seemingly never-ending lockdown!  I now have a my sugar waxing, manicure, pedicure, eyebrow tint and shape, back massage and facial, hair cut and colour booked!  I've also got a week in Cornwall in July, a few days in Devon to finally see our new great-niece, a couple of nights in a beach hut in Sussex and a reservation at The Ivy Marlow Garden!  That's just for starters ....!!

I am now wondering what I have been doing all year!?  I am determined to come out of lockdown more organised and clutter free than when I went in but still haven't quite got that right.  I guess it'll be a mad rush to get sorted, nothing like a deadline to focus the mind.

So what have I been doing to be fifty and fab this February?  Well the 'no spend February' wasn't exactly no spend!  It was 'less spend' until I attended a new season trends workshop with Stylist, Anita Feron Clark on Thursday, then I had a little online shopping spree.  I personally think February was too depressing not to have a few treats.  Nothing has arrived yet, quite a lot might be going back if it doesn't fit or suit.

So a little round up of what I have been doing lately ...

Red coat from Next! Details below.

Exercising - well as you know I have been consistently doing 3 x strength workouts a week with my Online PT and using the Trainerize app.  I am improving, I am seeing changes and I am fighting the mindset that tries to persuade me to take a day off!  You can read more about my results on my blog post here - and don't forget that Drew is offering my readers 10% off his online programme.

Reading - I finished Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris, based on the true story of Cilka Klein.  After being liberated from Auschwitz-Birkenau she is then charged as a collaborator by the Russians and sent to a desolate, brutal prison camp in Siberia.  It really is an emotional story, and difficult to believe how anyone survived such unbearable and barbaric treatment.  Time for a lighter read this month, my next book is A Springtime Affair by Katie Fford.

The red coat is new (see below) but the rest of the outfit is from my wardrobe.

Doing - nothing really!  Enjoying the early sun, getting out for walks, helping my dad, getting my workouts, joining in the family zoom quiz every Saturday.  I've taken any opportunity to dress up a bit though which has helped my mood.  Otherwise, it is just busy busy at home stuff.  My daughter managed to get back to Bath to start in person lectures again (she is on a practical course).  I've been quite busy on the blog, I did my first IGTV review of the OiaSkin anti-wrinkle patches, that took me quite a lot of time and courage to be honest!  I don't feel entirely comfortable on video!

I did have an online hair colour consultation this week.  I have my hair colour appointment booked but I'm fed up of my grey coming through and I decided my colour needed a good refresh rather than just a root touch-up.  I did a quick google search, found seanhanna, booked a 20 minute zoom consultation for £10, I had a lovely chat with Nathan, and my hair colour is on the way.  I also asked him to recommend some new shampoo and a deep conditioning treatment, so I have some products from Kerastase on the way.

Wearing - all my outfits have been 'at home' really apart from dressing up a bit if I am going out to see my mum or going to the farm shop (any excuse).

Valentine's Day passed without any fuss in this household!  I did use it as an excuse to wear my lovely Closet London heart dress for a few photos but that is all!  

Above: my red coat was new at the end of January, I needed to brighten my life up and cheer myself up.  It is the Red Padded Coat from Next and just £50.  Underneath the red coat (below)  is a black knitted dress (quite a few years old from Hush).  It has nearly gone to charity several times but I decided to save it, and when I wore it with my red coat and this scarf from Hobbs (also old) I was so glad I had kept it!  My biker boots are also very old from Hush.   I wore this outfit to visit my mum then had to cover it over with PPE!

A knitted Hush dress saved from the charity bag and I'm so pleased I didn't get rid of it!

Below: the aztec blue jumper is new and it is from Marks & Spencer and at only £29.50 I thought it was an economical bright to add to my wardrobe, the scarf is from Hush a few years ago!

Beautiful aztec blue from Marks & Spencer (details above) with a Hush scarf from my wardrobe.

Below: my nod to Valentine's Day, I've not had an opportunity to actually wear this dress out out yet, it is from Closet London and is midi length (longer on me).  They no longer have this one but they do have a similar style or they have this fabric in a shorter design.

I just felt like dressing up! Dress from Closet London.

Below: this one is from Friday, what an amazing day, I'd been out the day before for a long walk with a friend which wore me out (oh dear) so I was feel pretty tired on Friday morning, but the sun appeared and I decided to dress up a bit.  First time I have tried styling a jumper over a summer dress and I am so pleased with how it worked.  The jumper is from Marks & Spencer Cotton V Neck Gathered Shoulder Jumper is £19.50. My dress is the Kensington Shirt Dress from Hush - similar styles here.  My bag is from Amelia Rose Accessories.

Styling a summer dress, the Kensington shirt dress from Hush, for spring with a jumper and boots.

Below: not such a bright day for these ones, I finally decided to try out the 'Shacket' trend, in a subtle way!  This shacket is from New Look and was only £19.50, there are only very limited sizes left now but they do have lots of others.  Bag from Amelia Rose Accessories.

Below: same outfit below without the shacket on!  I was styling the square scarf that I inherited from my stylish mum's collection.

Below: are you still with me?  I have been wearing this one at home today, I have been sorting out paperwork, I feel so disorganised and my office is in a bit of a muddle.  So I dedicated a day to getting on top of it all.  It has been sunny but not as warm so this cotton jumper from Creative DeZigns was perfect.  My scarf is from Spirit & Grace Style but is no longer available, lots of others though and Katie also stocks the cross-body bags (above) and various straps.

I've had a few emails from my readers this month, asking for advice on peri-menopause and HRT.  I am always really happy to try and help, mostly just to reassure you that you are not alone and to point in the right direction for support.  Do get in touch if there is anything you'd like to ask or have an idea for a blog post you'd like to see!

I've got a few blog posts in the planning stage.  I am about to review a teeth whitening kit, my friend asked me about the best method for getting rid of the scary, hated, not discussed and embarrassing facial hair so that is coming up next week and I've got some healthy eating products and recipes to share as well.

Don't forget to take a look at my Mother' Day gift ideas post, I have shared a few suggestions for uncluttered gifts and treats (lockdown friendly).

​I've also set up a page on my blog just for my discount codes / brand collaborations - follow this link to find codes for Lumity, Wild Natural Deodorant, Youth & Earth and Dermaworks as well as a few others!  I hope that's helpful.

Today I printed off a reminder of the 'Lockdown Easing - Key Dates' and stuck it to my fridge to remind me that freedom is on the way!  I've got some lunches to organise!

Have a lovely March, let's hope the sunny days become more the norm, anyone had their vaccine yet?  The 50 plus group should be imminent now!

Love from
Michelle xx


February posts in case you missed them:

My results so far | online personal training and supplements
Simple pleasures and my blog anniversary!
Estrid subscription razors | shaving for women
OiaSkin | Silicone wrinkle patches
​

Disclaimer:  I have used some affiliate links, which means if you follow the link and choose to buy something, I will receive a very small commission that goes towards the cost of running of my blog.  I also make personal recommendations of things I love bought and love.

Katy jumper from Hobbs is now in the sale, jacket is from Next

---

I link up with:

Is This Mutton
#WowOnWednesday 

​Mummabstylish
#Chic&Stylish

​What is a link-up?
It is a way to connect with other bloggers and share content and hopefully for me to be found by others and for my followers to discover new blogs!

---

Pin it for later!