My April Calendar: Caravaggio, Bluebells and Bright Colours

 

Dear friends. We're still waiting for prolonged sunshine and warmer days here in the UK. April had lots of rain and it was mostly cold! Here's how my month played out. 

In Love with Vintage Retro

 And #WowOnWednesday

Dear friends. Apologies for not being around last Wednesday, particularly to those bloggers who probably came looking for the link-up a few times.

As I explained in my post Tell Us About Personal Style, I was having a bit of a style crisis. It happens to us all, even seasoned bloggers.

Amazing Pages: Books Read in April

 

Dear friends.  Another stack of books for you today with 5 stars for two outstanding Irish writers.  Joining the lovely bloggers of the southern hemisphere for #WhatsBeenOnYourBookshelf. 

Don't Let Her In by Joanne Ryan

 

Dear friends.  A leafy suburb where people tend their gardens and wash their cars.  A peaceful place. Not in the hands of Joanne Ryan. Poison pen letters are going unchallenged because they speak the truth.  Newcomer to the road, Lena, finds someone is conspiring against her. It all ends in an apocalyptic reckoning. 

Thrilled to be in the blog tour for Don't Let Her In. 

Tell Us About: Your Personal Style

 

Dear friends. When Sue from Women Living Well After 50 set this month's Tell Us About challenge,  I was thinking it would be easy. After all, I have often written about Personal Style. 

I planned to write about how wonderful it is when you discover "your" style, and you dress in a way that pleases you. That's what my summary said, when I sent it out last week to the other bloggers.

Six on Saturday

 

Dear friends.  A much needed improvement in the weather this week has seen big progress in the garden. I'm sharing 6 photos for #SixOnSaturday. Several take part in this, and a good blog with which to start is Garden Ruminations.

1. Clematis Montana

I know this is a bit of a "Marmite" clematis for many. I have 3 intertwined on the back fence, two pink and one white.  

I call it "the monster," although its flowering is always a spectacular highlight. This year the flowers are more even. Last year we pruned it late in the summer, which I knew would affect the flowers, but it was out of control.  I know one of them is the variety Rubens, which I think is this one, with darker green leaves and a pretty fragrance.  It was planted in 2012. 

2.  Tulip Purple Flag

My tulips have all gone over now except for this one. I tried it to compare with Negrita. It's shorter and has untidier leaves. I'd prefer Negrita in future, it really is the perfect purple,  and is a true perennial if planted in the garden.  (Here's Negrita in my garden if you want to compare). 

3. Narcissus Tahiti

I saw this loud and blowsy narcissus in a neighbouring garden in quantity, and thought I'd try it.  I planted bulbs at the back of my border which is overhung by "the monster" and is a barren patch in which nothing thrives.  The yellow is a bit sulphuric, so not my favourite daffodil, but it's greatly brightened up this part of the garden. 

4. Auricula 

I was surprised to find some varieties of auricula at the garden centre a couple of years ago and picked up 3 pots.  They flower reliably and don't seem high maintenance, which had been my perception of auriculas.  I'm afraid I can't tell you which varieties I have, but probably very common or garden! 

5 Tiarella Spring Symphony

A superb background plant.  Tiarellas are basically heucheras that flower.  Mine is in full flower now, and looked pretty behind tulipa Apricot Beauty.

6 Heuchera Lime Marmalade 

I've got several heuchera in a dry border in which nothing else does well, as it's got a hawthorn tree and forsythia hedge overhanging the soil.  The heuchs do very well.  I usually place a pot of purple petunias in front of this lovely lime green heuchera, it's a lovely combination.

Hope you enjoyed my six!

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Leave No Trace by Jo Callaghan

 

Dear friends. Today's spotlight falls on a police procedural with an intriguing angle. One of the officers is a creation of Artificial Intelligence, manifested as a hologram. But AIDE Lock is treated as simply one of the investigating team. Here is an outstanding thriller, with an exciting conclusion. 

It's my stop on the blog tour for Leave No Trace by Jo Callaghan. 

Inspired by Beautiful Birds

 

Dear friends.  I love taking part in outfit challenges as they get the creative juices flowing, and remind us of unloved clothes sitting in the wardrobe.

Today's challenge lasts for a month at the Kettlewell Colour Club on Facebook, and it's Birds of a Feather. Here are three outfits inspired by plumage. 

The Divorcées by Rowan Beaird

Dear friends. I'm thrilled to bring you an outstanding debut novel today. The Divorcées transports us to 1950s Reno at a time when divorce was uncommon. 

Today is my stop on the blog tour for the acclaimed The Divorcées by Rowan Beaird. 

The Results are In: Books Survey 2024

 

Dear friends. Many thanks for all the responses to the Is This Mutton 2024 survey about our reading habits. It was the best response the annual survey has ever had. It shows how universal books are, across every age group and demographic.

So what did we find out?

Nowhere to Hide by Keri Beevis

 

Dear friends. Today's book spotlight is on Nowhere to Hide by Keri Beevis.  It packs a real punch. Today is my stop on the blog tour. 

Life Lately: April {2024}

 And #WowOnWednesday

Dear friends.  Hope you all enjoyed Easter and Eid, if you celebrate either of those. In today's post I'm sharing an outfit I wore recently and giving a beauty update on a few skincare products I've been trying. Plus a couple of other buys. I've indicated with an * anything that was gifted. 

We went to a pop concert, 10CC, last week, and this is the outfit I wore. The purple coat was a pre-loved gift from Penny at Frugal Fashion Shopper;  the purple wool trousers were bought from Vinted and the 1980s bow blouse was bought pre-loved from Etsy. 

To liven up the purple I added my new kelly green bag from Pom Pom London.  My sparkly dance shoes from Supadance always get a few compliments, this time from a gentleman on the platform at Walthamstow station!  I'm also wearing a fresh green short tie wrap from Kettlewell, seen in the photo towards the end of the post. 

The pictures were taken in and around the Royal Albert Hall in London.  We had dinner first in one of their restaurants, Coda by Eric Chavot.  I've written a 10cc review. 

On my recent visit to Devon I bought a pair of new trainers.  I was looking, ever impractical, for cream and gold.  I found these at Schuh. They're Schuh's own brand, Victoria.  There is some suede going on, so I dread washing them. However I get great results when I machine wash my leather Stan Smith's. 

I have quite a few Austrian crystal necklaces in lovely colours, and now I've started on bracelets! These two beauties came from my regular port of call, Lynn's Gem Creations on Etsy. They are not as pricey as the necklaces so a good place to start. 

BEAUTY UPDATE: WHAT I'VE BEEN TRYING LATELY

A few weeks ago in January I wrote about how I'd bought some products from renowned skin doctor Dr Sister, and said I'd give a longer review after using them for 90 days.

90 days is the minimum time to see results (or not) from new skincare. 

You may recall, it was a chance encounter with Dr Sister's long video that got me interested.  I've been taking the Inner Beauty tablets, one before bedtime, and using the Lash Saviour eyelash revitaliser, Younger You face cream (the name. I know!) and Crepe Rewind cream. 

I was hoping that this arsenal of goodness would destroy the large brown spots I have on my cheeks. To be fair, the more recent pigmentation patches are a lot less noticeable now.  But the largest, which I've had for several years now, is unchanged.  I'd also been using Clinique's Even Better dark spot corrector.

I find my skin is genuinely a bit brighter and more even toned since I started the skin regime. But there isn't enough slip, for me, in the day cream. I've been using it only at night. 

As for the Lash Saviour, I've been using it for about 6 weeks and haven't seen a difference yet, but that was the same for Revitalash and then it kicked in and my lashes became quite long. 

FOR CREPEY SKIN THIS IS THE BOMB!

The stand out product from Dr Sister, and it is ABSOLUTELY GENIUS, is the Crepe Rewind cream. If you have crepey puckered skin on your arms, it totally banishes it, although you need to keep using it. I will definitely stay faithful to it.  I find it's good for tightening the neck too. Normal body lotions or creams have no impact on crepey skin, and I've tried dozens.  So thank you Dr Sister.

Find Dr Sister here.  None of these products were gifted.  

ADDENDUM: Since I wrote this a few of you have told me that Crepe Rewind is no longer on the site. I've been told it is currently out of stock. Stay tooned. 

RoC RETINOL CORREXION

Meanwhile I've been using an old favourite, RoC, for a few weeks as my day cream. I was gifted with the Retinol Correxion serum and Line Smoothing Max Hydration cream.  I didn't like the smell of the serum - a medical sort of smell - so I didn't use it for long. But I love the cream, which has, I read,  Jennifer Aniston as an admirer.  

Retinol is the gold standard for mature skin but you have find the right formulation. There are different kinds of retinol too.  The RoC cream has the desired slip, which means it goes on smoothly and generously, giving a noticeable burst of emollience. It sits nicely under make-up with no pilling.  

 A LIGHT TINT THAT REALLY DOES CONCEAL

Above:  I was first in the queue to buy the new Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint. This is a very light but somehow still gives good coverage of imperfections, and doesn't settle in wrinkles like many foundations and tints are wont to do. 

I already have her foundation so I knew my shade was 7.  It's quite a small bottle but I'm pleased about that because I can take it on my 3 week cycling holiday where we have to keep packing to a minimum.  I'm also wearing a Lisa Eldridge lipstick in shade Dancecard, a lovely neutral toned nude pink. 

You can buy Lisa Eldridge at her website or in the UK from Selfridges and Space NK. She has some very good videos on YouTube where she occasionally features older models and the odd celebrity.

That's it for today's update.  I'm back on Friday with a book spotlight. 

Do you look for skincare with retinol? Do you prefer a lighter bronzer or fake tan in the summer, rather than foundation? Do let us know in the comments.  Scroll down past the link-up for the comments box. 

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WOW ON WEDNESDAY

WowOnWednesday is one of the bigger link-ups. Readers can find new blogs to enjoy and bloggers can find new readers. It's a win-win all round, provided you visit posts that appeal to you,  and share the love by leaving a comment or two. 

LAST WEEK'S FAVOURITES

The fashion favourite was Suzy Turner with her outfit inspired by Girl on Fire by Alicia Keyes. 

The lifestyle favourite was Chez Mireille with her post How to Pack for a 3 Day Trip in a Back Pack

Food Favourite:  Chocolate Easter bunny Espresso Martini from Nicolle at Our Tiny Nest

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March: Rain Doesn’t Stop Play

 

Dear friends. March is supposed to arrive like a lion and depart like a lamb. Unfortunately it has remained lionine. But I didn't let rain ruin the month. Highlights include a trip to Plymouth,  John Singer Sargent art exhibition,  a ballet and a retro 70s pop concert.

Kookaburras, Cuppas & Kangaroos by S. Bavey

 

Dear friends.  Today I'm pleased to share the adventures of a Yorkshire Lass down under.  Elizabeth Isle left 1960s England for Australia for the adventure of a lifetime.  She was part of a cohort known as the "£10 Poms" who were encouraged to emigrate by the Australian government. 

This charming memoir is written by Elizabeth Isle's daughter Sue Bavey.  Today is my stop on the blog tour for Kookaburras, Cuppas and Kangaroos.

Publisher's Description

Fueled by her spirit for adventure and with her £10.00 ticket in hand, Elizabeth Isle leaves 1960s England, determined to see it all, not just Australia and New Zealand, but as much as she can on the way, too. She surrenders her passport to the Australian government and must find work to support herself on the other side of the world from her family and friends. There can be no going back for two years. Join this intrepid young woman on the adventure of her lifetime. Share her amazing experiences, discover what exotic animals await, get travel tips and meet her new friends through her letters home and over plenty of cups of tea. Beware - the travel bug might prove infectious!

My Thoughts

Sue Bavey had a lot of material to work with: her late mother wrote a travel journal and also sent airmail letters. 

Elizabeth boarded the P&O ship SS Orcades on 6 February 1960, bound for Fremantle, Western Australia. 

Three weeks later, Elizabeth was met by her mum's friend, "Auntie" Elsie Fawcett and her husband and son. They had also emigrated from England and had been farmers in the wheat and sheep belt. Now retired, it was agreed that Elizabeth would stay with Elsie (and budgerigar Joey) for six months while her husband went to India. She would have use of his car. 

Elizabeth was thrilled to find a toy koala on the bed and roses and scent on the dressing table.

For the next three years Elizabeth's life is a whirl of holidays, travel and work. Her jobs included being a secretary, waitress and house maid.  She makes many friends and after six month becomes "an independent Pom," living in boarding houses with other girls. 

A two week camping holiday saw Elizabeth and her friend trying to put up a tent so badly that they were invited to stay in the house instead. 

Holiday adventures included prawning and a very long trip around Tasmania. Her modes of transport included boats, buses, trains and hitch hiking. Coral "hats" were tried on during a trip to the Great Barrier Reef.  A holiday in New Zealand saw Elizabeth travelling again on the SS Orcades.

After a swim in a dam, Elizabeth was horrified to find her clothes and towel had been eaten by ants while she was swimming. 

She was bemused by the Aussie men carrying bags like the old-fashioned doctor's black bag, rather than briefcases. She also noted that the lorry and bus drivers all had a steel hand stuck out on a pole in order to indicate direction.  "They drive like madmen here."

A Christmas was spent in Brisbane. "It seemed very strange to me to have Christmas in the middle of the summer heat - 101 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade - and also to have to get up at 4am on Christmas Day to see Cora and my uncle and exchange presents before they went off to milk their cows."

She was intrigued by all the wildlife and highlights included seeing an endangered marsupial called quokkas on Rat's Nest Island, and blue soldier crabs on a trip to Bribie island. "Look at them marching along like a little army, pincers at the ready!" she remarked. 

Her ticket home cost £150 and she made the most of the trip, including stops at Tahiti and Florida, USA, and going through the Panama Canal. 

Arriving home in July 1963 Elizabeth was thrilled to see her family. "What a sight for sore eyes they were. I felt deliriously happy and a little overwhelmed after being away for so long."

A very charming travelogue taking us back 60 years. The book will be enjoyed by all expats and Aussies, plus those whose families were also "£10 Poms."

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/KookaburrasCuppasRoos

About the Author 

Sue Bavey (writing as S. Bavey) is a British mother of two teenagers, now living in Franklin, Massachusetts, having moved to the US in 2003. 

Writing as S. Bavey, she won a gold award from Readers’ Favorite for her grandfather’s biography: Lucky Jack (1894 – 2000), which she wrote during COVID lockdown. She also has a number of non-fiction stories published in various anthologies.

A free prequel to Kookaburras, Cuppas & Kangaroos”, called “A Yorkshire Lass: The Early Years” is available for free download from www.suebavey.com. 

Thanks to Rachel's Random Things and the author for the advance eARC in return for an honest review. 

Social Media Links 

www.suebavey.com

Facebook 

X/Twitter

Instagram

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Date Night Look with Cotton Traders

 

Dear friends. As Easter approaches, and spring gets into its stride, I've created a good outfit for date night or for any of the seasonal festivities.

In my latest collaboration with Cotton Traders, I've found the perfect lightweight coat for spring and autumn, and a top quality pair of ivory trousers (pants) for all year round. 

I'm wearing the wool-look Unlined Coat in Pale Rose (also available in soft sage). It comes in sizes 8 - 24, although sizes 24 and 20 in the pink are currently sold out.  It's true to size, and it definitely looks like wool. It feels really soft. 

My trousers are Cotton Traders' Textured Jersey Trousers in ivory. They're also available in navy. They're in two lengths, 27 and 29 ins.  I'm wearing size 10, 29 ins  (I'm 5'4). They need a heel at this length, but I prefer trousers to puddle over shoes, rather than have ankle or shoe showing too much. I would recommend sizing down. The 10 was a little large on me around the waist. Unfortunately they don't come in a size below 10.

Both pieces are very good quality. I like to have several coats in different colours and I keep them for years. 

The trousers are very versatile, being white.  They're an on-trend wider cut, and I can see myself coming back to them time and time again.

My husband prefers this kind of outfit for a date night to a dress or leather trousers. Like a lot of men he likes a natural look and this outfit is chic and clean, perfect for a restaurant or theatre.  The pink boots, top (Kettlewell) and necklace give it visual appeal. My bag, in stone, is from Pom Pom London. 

Spring as we're finding can be very cold for the first few weeks. An unlined coat is exactly the right weight for this type of weather. 

What's your formula for a "date night" outfit? Do share in the comments. Scroll down below the link-up to find the comments box.

Disclosure:  I was gifted with two items of my choice by Cotton Traders in return for an honest review. My editorial opinions are my own, and unedited by brands. 

NOW IT'S TIME FOR WOW ON WEDNESDAY

WowOnWednesday is one of the bigger link-ups, and you should see a boost in your traffic from IsThisMutton, a blog with a high domain authority.

Readers can find new blogs to enjoy and bloggers can find new readers. It's a win-win all round, provided you all visit posts that appeal to you,  and share the love by leaving a comment or two. 

LAST WEEK'S FAVOURITES

What did women wear in the 1930s? From Nicole at High Latitude Style. One of my favourite decades! 

Anna from @LookingFabFifty shared on Instagram her white dress bought in Amalfi in 2016  

Beauty Favourite:  Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter Review from Alison at Midlife and Beyond. 

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10cc at the Royal Albert Hall

 

Dear friends. It's a sobering thought that when 10cc had their first hit, in 1972,  I was 11. Many hits, and different band formations later, and I find myself in London's Royal Albert Hall, looking forward to hearing that amazing back catalogue.

We arrived early as we had a booking at one of the venue's restaurants,  Coda by Eric Chavot. A lovely way to start the evening.  As we made our way to the 3rd floor, we could hear "Cry" being performed by the group in a warm-up. It made me excited for the concert. 

Ode to Iris

 #StyleNotAge Challenge 

Dear friends.  The last Monday of the month means it's the Style Not Age challenge, and this time Anna from Anna's Island Style has challenged the collective to deliver an Ode to Iris.

Who else but Iris Apfel, the colourful businesswoman and celebrity who died recently aged 102. 

The March Garden

 A Year in the Garden, #sixonsaturday

Dear friends. Welcome to March in my "year of a garden."  By March the garden is officially waking up and buds are bursting forth.

The picture at the top was taken this week, shortly before we set off for a bike ride.  The daffodils and tulips are starting to come out.  I like to stagger both of them by planting varieties that flower at different times.  

I get very excited when I see the growth starting on favourite perennials like this phlox,  I will trim last year's dead wood down. 

I always order my spring bulbs from Peter Nyssen in August. It gives me something to look forward to. I used to have purple and yellow bulbs to go with the early flowering forsythia hedge.  It's the only time I have yellow in the garden. Bu the hedge is very old, it was there when we moved in (2005) and it's quite woody and doesn't flower much now. 

Outside the front door, where it's south facing, I have two pots of Negrita, a perfect purple tulip that's a true perennial.  I will replant them in the border for next year. 

The front rose bed is also host to a lot of hyacinths planted over the years.  They were particularly good this year. 

In the back garden, Apricot Delight is the first tulip to flower. 

I have some different varieties of daffodils in pots.  Monty Don introduced me to Narcissus Thalia, a very classy white.  

This is Narcissus Accent. 

And narcissus Early Flame. 

Finally the auriculas have good leaf growth. I bought a plant theatre a few years ago with the idea of growing several types of auricula.  However, I read they were very temperamental, and I was afraid it would become an obsession. 

Every year I sow nigella seeds (love in a mist) once they've flowered, and it's thrilling to see them now as healthy little plants.  I have lots of violets which have seeded themselves, somewhat too generously. I am forever pulling them up. 

I found these three at the local garden centre (bottom shelf) and they seem to flower reliably in their pots every year.  The plants above them are from last summer's pots. I can't remember what they are, and didn't know if they would survive the winter. 

As soon as it warms up a bit with a few continuous sunny days, I have a few jobs to do:  cleaning the shed and washing its window;  sweeping up;  the usual weeding;  dead heading. Not to mention cleaning and varnishing the garden furniture, which is hidden under the black cover. 

I'll be sharing this post with these fantastic sites, and also on X (formerly Twitter) today, #saturdaysix. Come over and join us. 

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