Wow 2018, what a busy year for my blog! A huge, heartfelt thank you to my readers for loving my blog enough to visit and read my posts, for signing up to my mailing list, for commenting here and chatting to me on my social media posts. It is all very much appreciated! Every single one. I started Fifty & Fab in February 2016 as I was approaching my 50th birthday with little plan for where it would go. First of all it was about recording my journey up to and into my 50's with an emphasis on style and health and fitness. But I slowly let it evolve and it is much more lifestyle based now - I still blog about style of course as it is my number one favourite activity! But I wanted to incorporate everything I was getting up to and exploring to be fifty and fab and share it with others in the hope that someone else would find my ideas inspirational. I've had my ups and downs. I struggle with my confidence. I have learnt I am not a 'big group of girls party type' girl. I prefer to be at home, I prefer to dress for comfort rather than the latest fashion must have. I have enjoyed meeting brands and attending some events but I am very shy so you won't find me posing for selfies or doing videos or photos in the shops or changing rooms. Hopefully that appeals to my loyal readers! My family are and will always be my priority so if I turn down an event or even a coffee it is because life is too busy and home life comes first. But when I do get the opportunity to have me time then I love to go to London or get involved with a blogger event or visit a new town, shop or brand. This year I joined the Business Girls Network and I have met so many inspirational women running amazing small businesses - there is so much creativity and ability out there. I started my Embracing Life (in Midlife series to give these women a voice, and share with others what they are doing. So many women are starting businesses later in life and boy do they work hard. Love it or hate it, social media has given us opportunities that we would never have had without it. It gives us somewhere to display our talents and chat to other business girls and potential customers. I focused my gift guides this year on supporting small businesses and I am so pleased I did! If one person reads my blog and loves my ideas and buys something or tries something new then I am happy. I'd also like to extend a huge thank you to the small businesses and brands that have given me opportunities this year to prove myself and to let me become part of the bigger blogger community. Too many to mention individually in this post but you know who you are. First of all being short listed for two blog awards. This was quite a shock but to see my blog mentioned next to what I consider to be much bigger and much more experienced bloggers gave me a massive boost. Thank you so much to BritMums and Asquith for supporting me. Then there are the brands that have approached me. Pitching isn't really my thing but to receive emails asking if I would like to be involved is wonderful. I have worked with Vionic Shoes - I have done two reviews for them, met them at a blogger event and attended their AW/18 launch event, and I am looking forward to the SS/19 event in the new year. I was delighted to be given the opportunity to try out and review items from the AW/18 range from Asquith - an ethical leisurewear brand - and I am excited to be reviewing their new spring/summer range in the new year. I have continued to have a lovely friendship and collaboration with Kate from Sweet Bea who sell beautiful scarves and accessories online. Sometimes Kate sends me items for review, I still buy most of my scarves from her and we have shared discount codes and giveaways on the blog too. I've yet to actually meet Kate in person though! I also started doing book reviews with Literally PR and this has really encouraged me to get reading again. I have loved the books that have been sent to me and I hope we can continue our collaboration into 2019. I have been lucky enough to attend book launches in London and one in particular was very special as it was at the Sri Lankan High Commission and having spent three weeks in Sri Lanka this summer it was great timing. The book was from The Gemstone Detective and is all about purchasing gemstones abroad - lots of countries will be added to the series. And finally I have been working recently with Sunrise Health & Beauty Salon in Marlow to review their anti-ageing treatments and facials. How lucky am I? And I get to share my experience and results with you on my blog so you only book the treatments that you know will get results and you will enjoy. Sunrise always make their customers so welcome, the staff are friendly and professional and their salon is relaxing and gorgeous. They celebrated ten years in their current salon in December and I went along to their party. But in 2019 they will be celebrating 25 years in business! Sunrise has become a Marlow institution and a community hub and everyone is welcome so if you need a bit of love and TLC or just an hour to relax and be looked after - go and see them and book in for a treatment. I don't know yet what my plans are for my blog in 2019 - I will be taking some time off over the Christmas holidays and thinking and planning for January! My favourite blog posts to write though are the spontaneous ones! But for now, thank you again, best wishes for a wonderful relaxing Christmas and fabulous New Year! I will still be posting on Instagram during the break. Love from Michelle xx
6 Comments
Jane
20/12/2018 06:11:48 pm
What an interesting read Michelle, I see you as someone very confident, self assured and basically has life sussed! Thank you for being so honest as to how you really feel, as I often struggle with confidence etc.. Well done on another amazing year and, absolutely, keep putting your gorgeous family first x
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Michelle Green
22/12/2018 10:25:10 am
Thank you so much for your kind words Jane xxx
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Jackie
20/12/2018 06:33:08 pm
Hi Michelle. Congratulations on a fabulous year. It's was a pleasure meeting you earlier in the year. I know your blog and instagram will grow and grow as it's real life, real thoughts and real reviews. Wishing you and your family every happiness for 2019. X
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Michelle Green
22/12/2018 10:26:12 am
Thank you so much Jackie for all your support and encouragement, it was so lovely to meet you too - hopefully there will be another opportunity soon. Best wishes for a very happy christmas and new year xxxx
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21/12/2018 03:31:31 pm
What a lovely read. A crazy few months for me but hoping to find more time in the beginning of the year to follow you properly and be a bit more involved with lots of lovely ladies especially the business girls that we are both involved with. It's been lovely to meet you this year. Have a fab Christmas and see you soon Michelle xx
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Michelle Green
22/12/2018 10:27:47 am
Thank you so much Wendy, yes let's hope we can find a new routine in the new year, it is always lovely to spend time with so many talented ladies in the business girls! Love Michelle xx
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Michelle ...Welcome to Fifty & Fab, a lifestyle blog designed to inspire and empower you. As a dedicated blogger, I share my passion for health, menopause, fitness, beauty, and style, with a special focus on women over 50. Categories
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Hi, I’m Michelle and my blog Fifty & Fab is all about my journey into and through my 50s. I started this blog in 2016 with the purpose of helping other women at this stage of life. I’m delighted that my blog has grown to over 13k visitors per month. Visit my Work with Me page and request my Media Kit for details of product reviews, blogging services and social media content creation.
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