As I start to write this post, I can't even remember what we did for Mother's Day in the first lockdown ... which started the day after on 23rd March.  I think we had a takeaway roast from our local pub!  I know my children had organised an outing but it all had to change!  Anyway, it looks like we will be celebrating Mother's Day 2021 on Sunday 14th March, in much the same way, at home!  So I am bringing you a few gift ideas, continuing my Christmas gift theme of uncluttered gifting based on things that can be used or experienced.

Hopefully some ideas for things you might like and can give hints to your children, or some ideas to treat your own mum.  I'm really excited to share these ideas with you, some really gorgeous gifts ...

A lighthearted and positive post to lift our spirits in a never-ending lockdown (although I spy better news coming)!  Last week on instagram I shared some of my simple pleasures and asked you for yours, so today I am sharing more ...  make a cup of tea, grab a biscuit and enjoy some simple pleasures!  And share yours in the comments below!

Plus it is my '5th blog anniversary' this week.  My first post was on 20th February 2016 and I cringe a bit now when I look back as I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, not sure I know much more now!  But I think generally I have improved.  I've kept my blog the same, not given it a facelift as actually I like it and it is easy for me to use and set up and I hope easy for you to find blog posts you are interested in.  But do get in touch if you have any feedback for me.  My main focus is to enjoy my blog, writing is my hobby, I am always delighted if a brand finds me but it isn't my sole aim, really I just like to help others.  I've had a few messages recently asking about menopause, I am always happy to help with general questions and see if I can point you in the right direction.

In March last year, just as the pandemic was starting, I wrote a blog post sharing some ideas for the supplements we might like to consider taking in midlife to support general health and wellbeing.  Nearly a year on and our need for an immune system boost has become even more important so I thought it might be timely to revisit how I am getting on and especially to talk about the latest info on Vitamin D.

​I get asked to review quite a few supplements on my blog and it isn't always easy to see the benefits immediately.  I tend to also look at the studies and recommendations from health experts - doing my own research. Throughout Covid some supplements have been mentioned a lot as being really useful to give our immune system a boost and research suggests our Covid-outcome might be better with certain supplements.

I was asked during my Staying in Style Zoom Meet-Up with Anita Feron-Clark what my top recommendation for a supplements was.  The conclusion - Magnesium and Vitamin D.  But there are a few others to consider too.

This isn't a long blog post - but have you ever suffered from tiny holes in cotton t-shirts and knitwear?  Right in the middle at the front?!  I do and I had absolutely no idea what was causing them.  And it happens on new clothing too, after one wear!  Sometimes the holes appear in other spots but generally they are right in the middle.  I actually wrote about it on my blog a few years ago but didn't find an explanation or a solution.  Until now - discover button covers!

Holé are silicon button covers, promising to rid you of those mysterious holes.  I saw them on Instagram and then they got in touch, having found my original blog post and offering to solve the problem.  They sent me two packets to try and two new colours to give feedback on.