Fashion and fun for the over-50s.

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Thursday, 16 March 2023

Tell Us About....Scent!

 & The Tell Us About It Link-Up

Bottle of scent to illustrate a post about the scents and perfumes which have shaped women's lives. Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash

Dear friends. Welcome to another edition of Tell Us About, the challenge where bloggers from the UK, US and Australia respond to a prompt each month in their own unique way.

This month it's the turn of Jill from Grownup Glamour whose prompt is Scent.
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Wednesday, 15 March 2023

Accidentally On Trend - and Bold Colours

 & #WowonWednesday

Gail Hanlon from Is This Mutton in jade and bright apricot

Dear friends. Ever had that delightful epiphany when you discover you're accidentally on trend?  It happened to me twice this week.

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Friday, 10 March 2023

10 on the 10th: Ring Ring!

 Gail Hanlon from Is This Mutton in the early 1990s with one of her first mobile phones

Dear friends.  I couldn't resist this one: 10 questions about phones!  It's the March prompt for 10 on the 10th from Marsha in the Middle.  I had a brief two year stint working at BT International in the late 80s and am a bit nerdy about phones.

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Wednesday, 8 March 2023

New Beginnings! Fashion and Nutrition

 & #WowOnWednesday

Gail Hanlon from Is This Mutton in her seasonally analysed spring colours: flamingo pink and warm yellow, in clothes by Kettlewell Colours.

Dear friends.  Happy International Women's Day! 

I always regard March or September as the best times for new beginnings. Forget January with its bad weather and all the pious crusades for giving up this, that and the other.  For me, as we move towards the spring equinoxe, the light changes and it's much clearer to think now about how we want to enrich our lives.

SPRING WARDROBE

After not buying anything in January  (yep, I fell victim to a pious crusade!), I've bought a fair few things for spring. I don't feel guilty about it. As I've always said, buying everything from charity shops is laudable, and essential if your budget is tight, but if we can afford to buy new we're doing a huge favour to retailers, the fashion industry and the huge numbers of women who work in that sector.

When the Kettlewell new range came out I was thrilled to see the return of the short moto jacket Chloe and in a shade called Warm Yellow.  Since my re-rating as a spring last year, I've discovered that warm light yellow is one of my best colours. I love it!  I have several of these jackets. I wear them a lot in spring and summer both on my everyday walks and dressed up for social events. 

Is This Mutton founder Gail Hanlon in warm yellow and green to celebrate the arrival of spring

I also snapped up the Sunshine Scarf in yellow and flamingo pink, top pic, which I'm wearing with the Becca sweater in lemonade and short tie wrap in flamingo pink. I bought a couple of basics too in terms of tops and another short tie wrap. 

Make-up Used

Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid in Honey, Too Faced Papa Don't Peach blusher, Charlotte Tilbury Brow Lift in deep brown, Suqqu Waterproof Mascara 107, Look Fabulous Forever Soft Eyeliner in forest green and No Shimmer Eyeshade Trio in Soft Greens plus lipsticks True Coral (top pic) and Sunset Glow (second pic). Highlighter: Lisa Eldridge Elevated Glow in Crystal Nebula.

CHANGING MY DIET

Back in 2019 I started eating low carb and it's helped me to keep off the weight. Cue reminder pic of me in 2002, to show you what I used to look like, three and a half stones heavier, at 12 stone 7 pounds  (175 pounds or 79kg). 

Is This Mutton blogger Gail Hanlon in 2002 when she was three and a half stones heavier than in 2023

I'd seen research that suggested it wasn't a great diet long-term, and I didn't think much about it.  That is, until I had a blood test when I signed up for the NHS Our Future Health initiative  (read about it here). My triglycerides were so high they couldn't get a reading for cholesterol.  

When I Googled high triglycerides, it suggested that this affects obese people who eat processed foods and sugar, as well as those who consume too much alcohol and those who don't exercise.

I immediately cut out my lunches of full fat Greek yoghurt layered with toasted nuts and berries, and reduced my my high consumption of cheese.  I then took a private blood test with Medichecks - you do it yourself and send the sample to them for analysis.  Four weeks had elapsed and everything was normal  (including triglycerides) except for my cholesterol which is high, both for "good" and "bad" markers.

My risk of heart disease is still mercifully low because I have hereditary low blood pressure. But it's still been a wake-up call. 

My diet was mainly deficient in grains, fruit and pulses, so I'm gradually reintroducing them.  I've decided to have red meat only very occasionally and to increase consumption of fish. I'm also reducing consumption of eggs, although they seem to be exonerated in most research I've seen lately, and swapping my egg breakfasts for overnight oats, porridge or smoothies with oat milk, cacao and berries. 

The thing that bugs me the most is the full fat business.  

The British Heart Foundation has a low cholesterol diet on its website and it recommends everything should be low fat: yoghurt, milk and cheese, with vegetable spread instead of butter and vegetable oil instead of coconut oil for cooking.  I find this odd because low fat foods, and vegetable spreads and oils, are generally highly processed and/or full of sugar. 

I still can't bring myself to buy low fat yoghurt so that's an avenue of pleasure closed.

I'm not expecting to lose weight but I hope to see the cholesterol levels drop.  I pledged to myself that I would do everything I can to stay in good health and not require prescription drugs. 

International Women's Day

In honour of today I bought a book from Amazon which is from a first time author in her 50s:  Trespasses by Louise Kennedy.  It's been long listed for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2023. It's the haunting tale of a Protestant-Catholic love affair.  Another debut novel, Fire Rush from Jacqueline Crooks, also in her 50s, made the long list too.  It just goes to show that we are not past it in our 50s and beyond!

What's your view on new beginnings for spring?  Have you made any fashion buys yet? Do let us know in the comments.

Sharing this post with: On Mondays We Link Up at Glass of Glam, Weekday Wear at Away from the Blue#AnythingGoes at My Random Musings, Rena at Fine WhateverTurning Heads Tuesday at Elegantly Dressed and Stylish,  Confident Twosday at I Do Declaire, Style with a Smile at StylesplashTalent Sharing Tuesdays at Scribbling BoomerChic & Stylish at Mummabstylish, #SpreadTheKindness  and #Linkup on the Edge at Shelbee on the Edge,  Thursday Fashion Files at Doused in Pink, #Neverendingstyle at The Grey BrunetteFancy Friday at Nancy's Fashion Style,  Traffic Jam Weekend at Marsha in the Middle Fabulous Fridays at Lucy BertoldiCurated by Jennifer (Wednesdays). 

Wow On Wednesday Link-Up

Now it's time for #WowOnWednesday, the weekly link-up with extra goodness. Readers can find new blogs to read, and bloggers, Instagrammers and YouTubers can find new audiences! Plus I promote five to six posts that caught my eye each weekend on FB and Twitter. The week's favourites - most clicked - are shared on Instagram Stories on Wednesday.

Last Week's Favourites (Most Clicked) 

Layering with a Vest During Bridge Season by Di from I Wish I was Back in Style 

9 Spring Trends You can Actually Wear from Kellyann of This Blonde's Shopping Bag


Heather from Bauchle Fashion with 5 Must-Have Thrift Fashionphile Finds

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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Wednesday, 1 March 2023

How Much Longer Can Brands Ignore the Revenue Opportunity of Older Women?

 & #WowOnWednesday

The Is This Mutton survey 2023 results on women's wardrobes and influences over the age of 50

Brands are failing to represent older women in their ads and on websites,  even though nearly 60% of women over 40 buy more clothes now than they did in their teens or 20s.

This huge discrepancy is highlighted in the 2023 Is This Mutton annual survey.  

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Monday, 27 February 2023

Buttoned Up: Style Not Age Challenge

 

Dear friends. It's time for the Style Not Age Challenge and this month it's my turn.  We're Buttoned Up! 

If you're not familiar with this challenge, five style bloggers over 45 tackle a different one each month. 
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Friday, 24 February 2023

February in Review: Art, Abba, Health, TV and More

 #WBOYC

Is This Mutton blogger Gail Hanlon in bright colours in clothes bought in February ready for spring. Read more in her account of the month of February 2023.

Dear friends. Another month has sped by and we are nearly in spring. I'm joining Donna, Joanne and Sue for #WhatsBeenOnYourCalendar. Quite a busy and varied month!
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Wednesday, 22 February 2023

Is Your Cashmere Ethical?

& #WowOnWednesday

Gail Hanlon from Is This Mutton in honey cashmere jumper from the Nearly New Cashmere Co in Yorkshire, England

Dear friends. Sorry to add another worry to the list, but are your cashmere sweaters and cardigans ethical?

Unfortunately, cashmere, that most luxurious of yarns, has the most destructive environmental impact of any animal-derived fibre.  Plus, as it comes from the winter coats of goats, it also involves animal exploitation, cruelty, stress and injuries. Goats have a nervous system and can suffer and feel pain. 

But fortunately ethical suppliers are addressing some of the problems, and there's a welcome trend for seeing cashmere restored and recycled, which means we can buy with a clear conscience.

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Friday, 17 February 2023

Judging Books by their Covers and #WhatsOnYourBookshelf

 February's book reviews from UK reviewer Gail Hanlon at Is This Mutton.

Dear friends. Have you ever paused to look at a particularly beautiful book cover, and maybe bought the book as a result?

As a Kindle reader, book covers have been less important to me. But now that I have access to thousands of unpublished books via NetGalley, and choose titles based on their description/author/book cover, I'm finding that the covers guide me to the right choices.

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Thursday, 16 February 2023

Tell Us About.....Play!

 Two children acting in their own play. Picture by cottonbro studio for Pexels

Dear friends. My angle on Play, this month's theme for the Tell Us About Challenge, is "The Play's the Thing", and my thwarted theatrical ambitions. 

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Wednesday, 15 February 2023

Bright Outfits, Chewbacca and Abba!

& #WowOnWednesday

How to wear bright colours over 50.  Gail Hanlon from Is This Mutton in orange, yellow and turquoise
Dear friends. I don't expect you ever thought you'd see that triumvirate feature together in a style blog.  Put your feet up, this could be a long post.

Further to my January Brights post, here are more colourful outfits which I've been wearing for various challenges on IG/FB, and on outings. 

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Friday, 10 February 2023

10 on the 10th:

 

Dear friends. Time for 10 questions on the 10th on the month, set by Marsha from Marsha in the Middle.  I'm glad they're not the usual "ick" questions around Valentine's Day. Instead it's all about our loves and hates. Let's dive in!

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Wednesday, 8 February 2023

Feeling Your Way to the Best Colours

 & WowOnWednesday

Alison Bowker from Feeling Colour, profiled by style blog Is This Mutton. Photo: Ksenia Belash

Dear friends. Imagine finding your best colours with your eyes shut. In today's post we're finding out about Feeling Colours, a Bath-based business that throws the usual method of colour analysis out of the window. 

Alison Bowker has been running Feeling Colours since 2018. She describes herself as a guide rather than a colour consultant. In her method of colour analysis your body responds to the vibrations of colours. The outcome is a seasonal colour rating and the knowledge that you have a swatch of colours that will flatter you and make you feel fabulous. 

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Wednesday, 1 February 2023

Walk into Style

 & #WowOnWednesday

Gail Hanlon from Is This Mutton, a keen walker, in all weather waterproof jacket and walking shoes from Cotton Traders

Dear friends. Happy February! Regular readers will know I do a lot of walking. I'm very keen to encourage more people to take up walking and enjoy the health benefits. I was thrilled when Cotton Traders asked me to join their Walk Into Style campaign to show how bright pops of colour can liven up a winter walking wardrobe.
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Monday, 30 January 2023

January Blues! Style Not Age Challenge

Over-60s blogger Gail Hanlon in turquoise and yellow
 

Dear friends. Ah, January. Everyone's favourite! It's cold and dreary; some of us are giving up alcohol or buying clothes; many of us are hard up after Christmas.  So it's not surprising there's a "Blue Monday" when we're supposed to be at our lowest ebb. But here's the #StyleNotAge gang to cheer you up with some colourful blues.

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Friday, 27 January 2023

January in Review - #WBOYC

 Is This Mutton's Gail Hanlon has afternoon tea at the Berkeley Hotel in London with friends

Dear friends. Welcome to the first month in review of 2023, which has a different look and feel. I'm joining bloggers in the southern hemisphere for #WBOYC, what's been on your calendar. 

I didn't set any resolutions as such for 2023, but I did have a few goals:

  • To read 100 books and be active on Good Reads 
  • To have more relaxation via activities like yoga, massage, sound baths
  • To have at least one cultural experience a month
  • To go on or two MeetUps or walks with the Ramblers Association each month
  • To mix up my exercise and do more weights
  • To launch a new blogger link-up
  • To not buy any clothes in January but shop my wardrobe! 
So how am I doing?

Books

So far I've read 7 books so I'm ahead of my reading goal. Early days! You'll find my latest book reviews here. I'm getting advance reader copies from NetGalley and sharing my reviews to Good Reads NetGalley and Amazon.  So far I've enjoyed all the books I requested with one exception, which I declined to review. It's certainly saving me a lot of money as I had quite an expensive Amazon habit! 

Walks

Only one MeetUp so far this year. I joined a group for a new walk from Bond Street to King's Cross. Very enjoyable. After strolling through Regent's Park we arrived at Primrose Hill for our lunch stop, and enjoyed spectacular views of London. You can see all the landmark buildings including the Shard, St Paul's Cathedral, The Gherkin, the Walkie Talkie and the BT Tower. 

Parakeets are a common sight in a lot of London's parks.  I see - and hear them - in our local cemetery. But I was surprised to see red and blue coloured parrots in Primrose Hill park. I can only assume they have escaped from nearby London Zoo. 


I did my usual local walks in Epping Forest, including a couple where John and I drove to the start point to explore a different route. He knows the forest like the back of his hand. 

I like to follow a group of Longhorn cattle, who graze parts of the forest all year round. They move around quite a lot so it's hit and miss as to whether or not I see them. 

Sometimes they're on paths, and other walkers get very nervous about going near them.  No need as "The Girls" are very docile and don't take any notice if you walk near them. 

On our 8 January walk we saw the girls and also had a blue sky. It was very muddy. 

Cultural Experiences

I visited the Dulwich Picture Gallery today for the first time.  It was founded in 1811 and was the first purpose-built art gallery in Europe, designed by John Soane. The gallery houses a collection of Dutch, Flemish, Italian, Spanish and French Old Masters. I feasted over paintings from Rubens, Rembrandt and Canaletto. Two later gifts added important British paintings from the likes of Gainsborough (one of my favourites). 

I was fascinated to see several works from Sir Joshua Reynolds and James Northcote, who were both alumni at my old school in Plymouth. 

The exhibition featured a Lithuanian artist and composer called M.K. ÄŒiurlionis. Well, this was fascinating. He died at 36 but had a feverishly creative period between 1902 and 1909. A symbolist painter and pioneer, M.K ÄŒiurlionis explored early abstraction, spirituality, philosophy and our relationship to the universe. The Evening Standard described the exhibition as "Mystical and magical," which I would agree with. 

This is one of his early works 1903-4. The figure suggests a God-like character from the Bible, but the animal skull suggests pagan associations. If you want to see more pics and you're quick, head over to my Stories on Instagram:  @is_this_mutton_


I've booked to see the new David Hockney immersive exhibition in March.  I'm thinking a visit to Tate Modern in February might be good - haven't been there for a few years.

Relaxing

I've enjoyed a few massages in the past but I never used to seek out yin yoga or other relaxing activities because I was always racing around, and found them too tame. Now I'm retired, I can live at a more gentle pace, and I've discovered a very good yin yoga class at my gym, and a monthly gong bath.  If you're wondering what a gong bath is, here's the set-up for the one I attend.


We started with a taster of cacao, used in ceremonials and said to open our hearts for self renewal that keeps us centered.  (No sniggering please). 

We snuggle under a blanket in darkness and wait for the first sounds of the gong and other instruments played.  Initially these are quiet. The gong sound is changed frequently to avoid producing a fixed, monotonous rhythm. The auditory stimuli of the gong bath process lead to entrainment, a form of beneficially modified brainwave frequencies. The first brainwave state to be reached is alpha, which is defined by frequencies between 8 and 12 Hz. Alpha brainwaves are associated with creativity and feelings of relaxation. All I can say is it's quite addictive. 

Blog Activities

The new link-up was launched - "Tell Us About...Time" and the four posts from the co-hosts in Australia, the US and the UK were all very different and very interesting. This is going to be fun! Next month's theme is Play, and we will be adding a link-up for others who want to join in. My post described the mortification on being late on a few occasions, when I am an obsessively punctual person.

BBC Radio Devon Anniversary

It was the 40th anniversary of the launch of Radio Devon, where I worked as a reporter and then news producer for six happy years. There's a reunion every year in Devon, although I haven't been able to get to many. Lots of reminiscences on the day, and this original photo was shared.  I'm at the front, wearing cream, and looking very serious. I wrote about some of my memorable experiences in radio here


Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley Hotel

The Berkeley, in London, is one of those hotels that's too posh to have a sign. I met  Penny (Frugal Fashion Shopper) and Janice for the hotel's celebrated "Pret a Portea."  

After a selection of sandwiches, cakes are served in the shapes, colours and styles of the latest catwalk trends. These are changed every season.  They gave us a little leaflet explaining which designers were being featured. It's a brilliant unique selling proposition when afternoon teas in London are 10 a penny!  (Although much more expensive...).

It was a lovely relaxed occasion.  I am not normally an eater of cakes or desserts, but I have to say the cakes were not too sweet and had varied flavourings which kept me nibbling.  You can see the three of us at the top of the post. Penny is in the green beret.  She very kindly gifted me a Studio Preen purple coat which will soon be making an appearance on the blog.


Below: close-up of one of the cakes, shaped like a handbag. Everything is edible.


Mixing Up My Exercise

Well, you've got to give me credit here - I went on a bootcamp refresher!  It was in Derbyshire, a part of the Midlands I've never been to.  It was quite tough but also good fun.  Read more about my experience here

Back home, I had a session with a trainer at my gym who gave me some guidance on using the TRX  (which is a pulley based thing that uses your own body weight) for core and glutes/quads, and a couple of machines in the weights room for shoulders and hamstrings.

Not Shopping in January

I have been trying not to buy any clothes in January.  I've done quite well. I did buy a couple of sports bras and leggings, but I needed them for the boot camp.  I realised all my fitness gear is several years old. Apart from that, nothing.  I haven't found it too difficult and may carry on, at least until Kettlewell releases its new collection. I didn't do very well in my intention to try to wear "real clothes" every day, rather than athleisure. I typically go for a walk or to the gym in the morning, so I put on athleisure. It's easier to add a fleece or cardigan as the day goes on. It's been too cold to change clothes.  My Instagram bears testament to this - hardly any outfit shots in January! 

Also in January

It hasn't all been plain sailing. The hubster has been quite unwell for the last few days, but seems to be turning the corner.  As he's such an active and sporty person, it's a nightmare for him when he has take it easy for days.

My brother's cat Leo died, which was very sad. He was 11. 

What We Watched

We're currently engrossed in Happy Valley (BBC), The End of Us (Netflix) and Women at War (Netflix). All three are extremely good.  Happy Valley needs no introduction. Sarah Lancashire and James Norton are amazing.  I treasure each episode in the knowledge that this is the last series. 

The End of Us is a little ponderous but perfectly watchable. A fungal species called Cordyceps has taken over, invading the bodies of humans and turning them into some sort of zombie.  It stars Pedro Pascal from Game of Thrones. He's a drugs smuggler who becomes entrusted with taking the feisty 14 year old Elle  (Bella Ramsey, also from GoT) to a place where vaccines are being developed. It seems she is able to repel the bites of the Cordyceps.

Women at War is outstanding. It's a French drama about three women whose lives intertwine in World War One.  I knew it would be great when I saw it stars Audrey Fleurot, who was in Spiral amongst other things, and is such an expressive actor. 

We also enjoyed Woman of the Dead (Netflix), a curiously named German thriller about a female undertaker whose husband is run over in what police say is an accident.  She has misgivings and starts her own investigations, uncovering widespread corruption and abuse of female immigrants. She doesn't wait for police to catch up. This is one kick ass undertaker. 

The jury is out on Extraordinary Attorney Woo (Netflix). On the one hand, it's good to see a woman on the autism spectrum killing it as a lawyer in Korea. But it's packaged as a sickly sweet confection. Attorney Woo is adorable and cute, and we bristle against the other lawyers when they panic about her appearing in court, or roll their eyes as she tries to negotiate swinging doors. I like it but the hubster is less keen. The episodes are perhaps long at an hour. 

I treated myself to Mrs Harris Goes to Paris  (Prime), a delightful film about a cleaner (Lesley Manville) who craves a Dior gown.  Finally she has enough money and travels to Paris but things don't initially go very smoothly. It's a redemptive tale where Mrs Harris transforms the lives of workers at Dior and gets a happy ending. The atelier dresses! I was in heaven.

What I've Been Listening To 

I'm hooked on The Phenomenon, which would make a brilliant TV series.  Only 98% of the world's population is left after people were blinded and then destroyed by flashes in the sky (later named "the shards.").  Survivors are mostly people who had been entrusted to manage situations like this for governments, who fled to special bunkers. There are strict hierarchies for who can access certain information. And then another adversary appears.  Gripping, and extremely well done.

Sharing this post with: #AnythingGoes at My Random Musings, Rena at Fine WhateverTalent Sharing Tuesdays at Scribbling Boomer #SpreadTheKindness at Shelbee on the Edge,  Traffic Jam Weekend at Marsha in the Middle

FOR MORE MUTTON

Stay in the loop: find extra goodies on the Is This Mutton? Facebook page. Check out the Is This Mutton? Pinterest boards, including boards on other bloggers in fab outfits plus beauty, jewellery, hairstyles and fashion picks. Is This Mutton? is also on Twitter and Instagram

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Wednesday, 25 January 2023

Make the Best of Your Wardrobe

 Clare Smythson from Zero Based Wardrobe with is This Mutton's Gail Hanlon as they go through her wardrobe.

Dear friends. One trend so far from the Is This Mutton 2023 survey so far (scroll down if you haven't taken it yet) is that most of us don't organise our wardrobe in any way, and buying duplicate garments is quite common.

Speaking from my own experience, I probably wear 40% of my clothes. But let me introduce you to a woman who's on a mission to make our wardrobes joyful again, and reduce the waste from garments, both financial and environmental, from clothes never worn.

Clare Smythson from Redhill in Surrey has started a new business, Zero Waste Wardrobe, and hopes to leave clients invigorated and inspired to have fun again with their clothes. 

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Friday, 20 January 2023

Latest Book Reviews

 #WhatsOnYourBookshelf


Dear friends. Welcome to another round-up of book reviews and the #WOYBS link-up with bloggers in the southern hemisphere. The star rating is:  5 stars = I loved it! 4 stars = very good;  3 stars - OK;  2 stars: don't go there. 
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Wednesday, 18 January 2023

Tell Us About....Time!

 

Dear friends. Today's post is a new monthly creative challenge.  I'm joined by bloggers from the US, UK and Australia - Mary Katherine, Deb, Jill and Penny - to answer a different prompt on the 3rd Thursday of the month.  This time it's mine, and it's Time.

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What Happened on a 3 Day Boot Camp Refresh

 

Dear friends. I'm back from a three night fitness "kick start" in Derbyshire with FitFarms.  It wasn't gifted so I'm giving my own account, having spent my own money!  I know a fair bit about diet and exercise but I learnt a lot over the weekend and am here to tell you all about it. 

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Wednesday, 11 January 2023

What's In Your Wardrobe? The 2023 Is This Mutton Survey

& #WowOnWednesday

Graphic showing a women's wardrobe to invite responses for the 2023 Is This Mutton annual survey. It's all about what's in your wardrobe and the shopping habits of women aged 30+

Dear friends. It's survey time! This year we're asking about what's in your wardrobe and we want to see a few numbers. How many wardrobes? How many pairs of shoes?  But it's not all frivolous. We're also keen to see how you're buying fashion and how you're disposing of it. Have brands improved their representation of older women in ads and on websites?

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Saturday, 7 January 2023

Exciting New Blogger Challenge for 2023:

 "Tell Us About....." A New Global Writing Challenge 

Dear friends.  We are thrilled to announce a new monthly opportunity for bloggers to showcase their creativity. I've been joined by Deb from Deb'sWorld (Australia), Mary Katherine from MK's Adventures in Style (USA),  Penny from Frugal Fashion Shopper (UK) and Jill from Grownup Glamour (Australia) for "Tell Us About....."

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Wednesday, 4 January 2023

January is Bright

 & WowOnWednesday

January needs bright colours as Gail Hanlon from Is This Mutton shows, in yellow and red

Dear friends. January started off bright with a blue sky but has now reverted to grey with rain, so I'm determined to add some colour.

Jodie over at JTouchofStyle is hosting a challenge on her blog and IG, #BrightColorJanuary. Well, you know I like a few bright colours!

I've developed a bit of a passion for yellow. I never thought it suited me, but then I discovered Kettlewell's acid yellow, for those seasonally analysed as winter or spring, and more recently, the warmer spring yellows such as lemonade, canary and light yellow.

Yellow and red is a bright January combination from over-60s blogger Gail Hanlon  of Is This Mutton

I love these sunny yellows with red. It's a bit in your face. but bright colours are mood pleasers.  Here I'm wearing the supersoft jacket in canary yellow and cream/sunshine yellow stripy pima tee, both from Kettlewell.  Draped over the bag is an infinity scarf in mimosa. The red trousers are from Robell, and the red boots, from Lotus, are old. Necklace, old, from Eternal Collection.

In the top pic, and below, I'm wearing a Kettlewell ponte skirt in true red, which I bought pre-loved;  their short tie wrap in scarlet, sleeveless V neck in buttermilk and a supersoft scarf in apple blossom from Colour Me Beautiful.  This outfit, although featuring quite a lot of red, is dialled down by the neutral top and the light green. There's no need to be scared of wearing bright red over 50.  The secret is finding the right red for your skin tone. 

Don't be afraid of bright colours over 60. Gail Hanlon from Is This Mutton in red skirt and short tie wrap and apple blossom scarf

Like a lot of you, I suspect, I'm trying not to buy any new or pre-loved clothes in January.  I really don't need anything new, there are too many things I hardly ever wear. So I'll be shopping my wardrobe and finding new colour combinations. I'll probably continue into February but it depends when the Kettlewell spring range is launched.  I've learnt from experience that a lot of the colours for those coded spring sell out very fast, and I'll be looking for a couple of pieces.


Make-up details: lipstick Strawberry Shock by Lisa Eldridge with MAC Lip Glass, clear;  foundation Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid in Honey; blusher Papa Don't Peach by Too Faced, eye shadow in Naked Lunch by MAC;  Legit Lashes mascara by Huda Beauty. 

Find out more about my plans for 2023, including fitness and travel. 

Sharing this post with: On Mondays We Link Up at Glass of Glam, Weekday Wear at Away from the Blue#AnythingGoes at My Random Musings, Rena at Fine WhateverTurning Heads Tuesday at Elegantly Dressed and Stylish,  Style with a Smile at StylesplashTalent Sharing Tuesdays at Scribbling BoomerConfident Twosday at IDoDeclaireChic & Stylish at Mummabstylish, #SpreadTheKindness  and #Linkup on the Edge at Shelbee on the Edge,  TFF at Doused in Pink,, #Neverendingstyle at The Grey BrunetteFancy Friday at Nancy's Fashion Style,  Traffic Jam Weekend at Marsha in the Middle Fabulous Fridays at Lucy Bertoldi

Now it's time for the #WowOnWednesday link-up.  Bloggers, Instagrammers and YouTubers are invited to share new and evergreen content. 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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