tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68196791838574262192024-03-18T17:56:59.748+00:00Is This Mutton?Fashion for the over 50s with books and beautyGail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.comBlogger804125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-6950878321151955582024-03-16T06:30:00.001+00:002024-03-16T06:30:00.164+00:00A Good Enough Mother by Sheila Norton <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRann7t-WtFLVfxmNYM1LegbQxr4g35u7q4f8rBS8ojOKu_HW-6-75lxddol8AqPXv29Wc-JwMK9NWpKHd7lDge2ybRvFRecEY5NlWj-DW1BDY6E16vIReCC0FW9j4tpiSksDNGqWP3bklJJAMKvZKv3VnBBxBpJtcF0fxmNgS4LR-6azBfakaCnufyk-W/s1080/21.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cover of A Good Enough Mother by Sheila Norton, reviewed by Is This Mutton" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRann7t-WtFLVfxmNYM1LegbQxr4g35u7q4f8rBS8ojOKu_HW-6-75lxddol8AqPXv29Wc-JwMK9NWpKHd7lDge2ybRvFRecEY5NlWj-DW1BDY6E16vIReCC0FW9j4tpiSksDNGqWP3bklJJAMKvZKv3VnBBxBpJtcF0fxmNgS4LR-6azBfakaCnufyk-W/s16000/21.png" title="A Good Enough Mother by Sheila Norton" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Dear friends. Today's book spotlight is about a single mother who's trying to do her best but feels under pressure from others. It's a very good contemporary read. It's my stop on the blog tour for A Good Enough Mother by Sheila Norton. </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Publisher's Description</h3><p>Mia is telling me a story. It’s about a princess, who lives in a castle, on a street that bears a remarkable resemblance to ours. About a kind old lady who’s the queen. I’m distracted for a moment by her little hand softly slipping into mine. My daughter. My angel.</p><p>But then she says something that pulls me from my reverie. She says that the queen doesn’t treat the princess well. She punishes her and doesn’t let her eat anything. </p><p>Helen, my neighbour, has been so good to me. And more importantly, she’s so good with the children. Surely this is just another story of Mia’s, just make believe.</p><p>Because if it’s not, maybe my dad was right all along: I was never good enough to be a mother, and I’ve let my precious children down in the worst way possible.</p><p>A heartbreaking and uplifting story about the choices a mother makes for the sake of her children, perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Emma Robinson and Kate Hewitt.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWm-qmLarUaEeTdLQMJRzoO5UcmMqkJogqaXwyokHaCvsE1hFdxhyphenhyphen5hA6hWAq32kIOb3rkPUQvXpY4qGm_JT3r3h9ByCgTSMeSuUVUq5hiX0AJLCsUsebVgg2vBeMsE4BftbyIiW7AIrJlzhaUYF2S9gIMx0BmYwBZ7VpVv56XjqADjD6_iN8123b_W-Ut/s2750/A%20Good%20Enough%20Mother%20Full%20Tour%20Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="2750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWm-qmLarUaEeTdLQMJRzoO5UcmMqkJogqaXwyokHaCvsE1hFdxhyphenhyphen5hA6hWAq32kIOb3rkPUQvXpY4qGm_JT3r3h9ByCgTSMeSuUVUq5hiX0AJLCsUsebVgg2vBeMsE4BftbyIiW7AIrJlzhaUYF2S9gIMx0BmYwBZ7VpVv56XjqADjD6_iN8123b_W-Ut/s16000/A%20Good%20Enough%20Mother%20Full%20Tour%20Banner.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">My Thoughts </h3><p>Jess is a young mother of two, struggling to make ends meet and find affordable childcare. She split from her brutal husband and is estranged from her father, so she really is on her own.</p><p>Jess lost her mum as a teenager and none of her friends is in the same situation, so she has no network of fellow mums. This leaves her vulnerable because she can't ask anyone for parenting advice. When Helen and Robert move in, middle aged parents of grown up children, she's thrilled when they take an interest in the children. They start collecting the children from school and nursery and then progress to looking after them. </p><p>But things turn a bit sinister. Jess feels her decisions are being questioned and undermined. They're buying vast amounts of toys. Meanwhile her daughter's sightings of "Daddy" in the vicinity - even though Mia hardly knows him - cause more alarm, .</p><p>The situation seems very real. Jess comes across as a caring and determined mum trying to do her best while juggling 101 things. The children are adorable, particularly 4 year old Mia and her sayings.</p><p>Norton keeps the story going with just enough twists and turns to force us to carry on reading.</p><p>An excellent contemporary read.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">About the Author</h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghiOCTbpcolr3BlhZeVO_8hW-ttu7mZwKnF5r5IgHExQT0h7fy1cVdjZ18ylLX6xsFx8nEK6AEhS0bQf4CfrmuVt6VjEZXAKFupmLTjDlZO-xcfB3Tm6AbVM7WwMt0KNGzvjmZ8Fl75vOkgoa4tPiIoFfGx7Fzy6UgyG34CMylj7KryZZKqKA9AvNtePxe/s4032/Sheila%20Norton%202022%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghiOCTbpcolr3BlhZeVO_8hW-ttu7mZwKnF5r5IgHExQT0h7fy1cVdjZ18ylLX6xsFx8nEK6AEhS0bQf4CfrmuVt6VjEZXAKFupmLTjDlZO-xcfB3Tm6AbVM7WwMt0KNGzvjmZ8Fl75vOkgoa4tPiIoFfGx7Fzy6UgyG34CMylj7KryZZKqKA9AvNtePxe/s16000/Sheila%20Norton%202022%20(1).jpg" /></a></div></h3><p>Sheila Norton lives in Chelmsford, Essex and part-time in Torquay, Devon. She is the author of 25 books so far, covering several different sub-genres of contemporary fiction. </p><p>She is now being published by Boldwood Books, writing emotionally-charged family-based novels, the first of which, 'A Good Enough Mother', was published on 13 March 2024.</p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Social Media Links </h3><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SheilaNortonAuthor" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Facebook</span></b></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NortonSheilaann" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Twitter/X</span></b></a> </p><p><a href="https://bit.ly/SheilaNortonNews" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Newsletter Sign Up </span></b></a> </p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Advance Readers' Acclaim</h3><p>Loved this book!!!!!… Addictive. There was no way I was putting it down, I literally started reading the book around 10am and couldn't put it down until around 4am. Hahaha I'm so glad it was the weekend!!!!… I definitely recommend it!!!’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐</p><p>‘A breathtaking novel about motherhood… I felt angst, tension, compassion, empathy, surprise and suspicion…. Do not miss this novel, especially if you enjoy reading about families and their realistic struggles and moments of joy…. Grabbed my heart… Phenomenally emotive.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐</p><p>‘A masterpiece story of a family finding their way… Hit all the feels for me and I was invested in the story from the beginning to the brilliant end. My emotions ran wild throughout this story and I would love to see this become a Netflix hit.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐</p><p>‘A remarkable tale depicting a family's journey through the complexities of emotional challenges. Norton's storytelling kept engrossed me from start to finish, leaving a lasting impact… Truly captivating.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐</p><p>‘A really great read. I really enjoyed this story… Beautifully written and a mother’s love for her children shines throughout the book as Jess struggles to make a home for them all and keep them safe.’ NetGalley reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐</p><p>‘I LOVED this book. I was so drawn in by the weird dynamics between Jess and the neighbours.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐</p><p><br /></p><div>Thanks to Rachel Gilbey from Rachel's Random Things, the author, and publisher Boldwood Books for the advance digital copy in return for an honest review.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br />YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY</h3><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/03/the-secret-beach-by-veronica-henry.html" target="_blank">The Secret Beach by Veronica Henry</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKK6qjQZDCcR8SQThGDTrEiBWFhEIQeIKwdXrbJItxjEXj3LXGthqiyudRHk9Y-Z_CI75bZ_CUdmagKmgcrM4DQhRbqw0xpKc8gaPVVFxmEMZ1ejsR63gPxJnnzyk1HPv_kSqn8jQdqoYCBqCTCKOq87QwOgaHqdxfNswQsVcQFA-lqBH8YuZ8Q5f6hVA/s142/COVER_The%20Secret%20Beach-thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="142" data-original-width="93" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKK6qjQZDCcR8SQThGDTrEiBWFhEIQeIKwdXrbJItxjEXj3LXGthqiyudRHk9Y-Z_CI75bZ_CUdmagKmgcrM4DQhRbqw0xpKc8gaPVVFxmEMZ1ejsR63gPxJnnzyk1HPv_kSqn8jQdqoYCBqCTCKOq87QwOgaHqdxfNswQsVcQFA-lqBH8YuZ8Q5f6hVA/s1600/COVER_The%20Secret%20Beach-thumbnail.jpg" width="93" /></a></div><br /><div><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/03/the-clarks-factory-girls-at-war-by-may.html" target="_blank">The Clarks Factory Girls at War </a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7v-DFgJsi1gBVGqYHhy_rUGr-xsOGnK7Iy-AH6UrOU7XmbRFwXS9joKahnLuKFjmyvQ26LK8jJ9cRNTdbPDzfXfDqdl6_FHS2zZTfbrmoIFiZ-DSBWPY6iGYS2sFJWzPv52Cj75Hs0J19a2am5KbfX0W_terbG0_-ZkPBK8yZICFbFNRzySlMiCpnZk5/s230/The_Clarks_Factory_Girls_At_War-e-book-thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="150" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7v-DFgJsi1gBVGqYHhy_rUGr-xsOGnK7Iy-AH6UrOU7XmbRFwXS9joKahnLuKFjmyvQ26LK8jJ9cRNTdbPDzfXfDqdl6_FHS2zZTfbrmoIFiZ-DSBWPY6iGYS2sFJWzPv52Cj75Hs0J19a2am5KbfX0W_terbG0_-ZkPBK8yZICFbFNRzySlMiCpnZk5/s1600/The_Clarks_Factory_Girls_At_War-e-book-thumbnail.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/02/my-sisters-baby-by-louise-guy.html" target="_blank">My Sister's Baby</a><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qoESqneukTWttbGLWAvfnX-ZI7eW3HtI9WVpUa8jJVT7v3WqXXfZCoD556OdX53Spf106hNESIuRGMiUtx5iiEEcYcKQSQUzX4DrT-6EtHDSvBW76WoxBZau4tPgcsdR-m0kXUiPzDZFTfDpNsF8Z2SRsgs0Nsif8O9e_-K6tLmgbtikIe4l__Kuj6WW/s230/My%20Sisters%20Baby%20%20thumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="150" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qoESqneukTWttbGLWAvfnX-ZI7eW3HtI9WVpUa8jJVT7v3WqXXfZCoD556OdX53Spf106hNESIuRGMiUtx5iiEEcYcKQSQUzX4DrT-6EtHDSvBW76WoxBZau4tPgcsdR-m0kXUiPzDZFTfDpNsF8Z2SRsgs0Nsif8O9e_-K6tLmgbtikIe4l__Kuj6WW/s1600/My%20Sisters%20Baby%20%20thumbnail.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br />DON'T MISS THE NEXT BOOK REVIEW</h3><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://mailchi.mp/61bbe492044b/isthismutton" style="color: #777777; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s ease-out 0s;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Subscribe</span></a> </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: justify;">to receive 1 email a week with the latest Is This Mutton posts on books, fashion and beauty. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.3px; text-align: justify;"> </span></span></div>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-2533438757034213732024-03-15T06:30:00.007+00:002024-03-15T10:03:49.121+00:00Good Sleep Special <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAencL__G_AbEXGssE0olHU4ZsNnZoVM-6TLkdRVyppE8f669_sXhNVuVVlYQNCSzxiRsg4P6SVb1FUBPI-D6X8rj5VKAQtQp-vZQSLF1W5BeUVqqlRAsvRakezFXbQ_vCdxtAGHy8gIpeLtSSq4Px89Psy-f1rN-y16lZrLrh4O-Q7yF_CGdt1CXBM84/s1105/is-this-mutton-sleep.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Is This Mutton's Sleep Special includes a review of the Simba Hybrid Duvet" border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAencL__G_AbEXGssE0olHU4ZsNnZoVM-6TLkdRVyppE8f669_sXhNVuVVlYQNCSzxiRsg4P6SVb1FUBPI-D6X8rj5VKAQtQp-vZQSLF1W5BeUVqqlRAsvRakezFXbQ_vCdxtAGHy8gIpeLtSSq4Px89Psy-f1rN-y16lZrLrh4O-Q7yF_CGdt1CXBM84/s16000/is-this-mutton-sleep.jpg" title="Good Sleep Special"></a></p><br><p></p><p>Dear friends. It's ironic that one of the things we worry most about is sleep. Once we start worrying about not getting enough sleep, or the best quality, the thoughts keeps us awake.</p><p>Today's post is a sleep special with plenty of tips and research to help you get a good night's rest. I've got some tips that help me to sleep, plus Mr Mutton reviews a top rated duvet from <a href="https://simbasleep.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Simba</span></b></a>.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/03/good-sleep-special.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-41297642905243090002024-03-13T05:00:00.015+00:002024-03-13T08:36:24.727+00:00Outfits and Spring Newness<h3 style="text-align: center;"> With #WowOnWednesday</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hyfgJ6pZh7ywJS238FaPVqgYINR6FWpmbS_GSDv8SmEbXYm7ztW3rfIIBXjG2Ll6Tv_XQPwgNfOSDg8jaM30eGZZQl2F7GGGbqU8W2TtZxMjqvlUz1VsDL1WtvjIHSH3ydUjH6uXK1tqsiv3DqAqOOjg7Q-ExzG90fF30qS407jKRb_wzNF5MUq0vB2m/s3108/look-good-over-60.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Styling outfits for the over 50s: Gail Hanlon from Is This Mutton adds a pop of red to black and white" border="0" data-original-height="3108" data-original-width="2025" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hyfgJ6pZh7ywJS238FaPVqgYINR6FWpmbS_GSDv8SmEbXYm7ztW3rfIIBXjG2Ll6Tv_XQPwgNfOSDg8jaM30eGZZQl2F7GGGbqU8W2TtZxMjqvlUz1VsDL1WtvjIHSH3ydUjH6uXK1tqsiv3DqAqOOjg7Q-ExzG90fF30qS407jKRb_wzNF5MUq0vB2m/s16000/look-good-over-60.jpg" title="Outfits and Spring Newness"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br><div style="text-align: left;">Dear friends. Bit of a mish-mash today. A few outfits I've been wearing and a few things I've bought or returned recently. The weather has been atrocious this week. I didn't make it to Plymouth for Mother's Day because I had a cold and didn't want to pass it to Mum. I'm going this week instead. </div></div><div><br></div><div>So, a few outfits. At the top is a very versatile combination, my black and white abstract print skirt and soft white jumper, both old. I like to wear them with brightly coloured tights and matching scarf or necklace. The bag is a new acquisition from <a href="https://pompomlondon.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Pom Pom London</span></b></a>. It's in colour stone, which goes with everything. <span></span></div><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/03/outfits-and-spring-newness.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-25788813508201915042024-03-11T06:30:00.001+00:002024-03-11T06:30:00.302+00:00The Clarks Factory Girls at War by May Ellis<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7OU2Fq1osPzY_wiPnoSzpzieUXbJcbrQAvPRriQI8lL4oFE0SegHxxN5OkJwYfpIDPqb02arBBLgRAmeoYT92g54fvoZA83WEBZ3fb52ZpAdAI2Ku6jlgb9ZqPDQYHlAbLz-ZjcjlHIHMMlnLAERC4bVYq41agVEtAh62kqjVbyH8zedEqhTtpwdh9EK/s1080/1.%20Cover%20reveal.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7OU2Fq1osPzY_wiPnoSzpzieUXbJcbrQAvPRriQI8lL4oFE0SegHxxN5OkJwYfpIDPqb02arBBLgRAmeoYT92g54fvoZA83WEBZ3fb52ZpAdAI2Ku6jlgb9ZqPDQYHlAbLz-ZjcjlHIHMMlnLAERC4bVYq41agVEtAh62kqjVbyH8zedEqhTtpwdh9EK/s16000/1.%20Cover%20reveal.png"></a></p><p></p><p><br></p><p>Dear friends. There was a Clark's shoe factory in Plymouth, where I grew up, so I was intrigued to discover this historical fiction novel. It gives some interesting background on the Clarks family, who were Quakers. Woven throughout the book are the factory processes handled by the three women and their families at the centre of the story. </p><p>It's my stop on the blog tour for The Clarks Factory Girls at War by May Ellis.</p><p><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzV8oE3a_53GW-PuXvyzW6wDWYCdQkxSoDI4Rbt1KJHRp-OTuSN8bkV3VLz4_MEFGx1F_C5Hb7q8n3sdMQoSTZnhjf_dH-0DwX73StAkIMQEkLSFFGMz9N2ZmcD020kmdV2d0fDHjsYRZSDJ9m4JvNo-p8oFu-d-Z7VWapuiQqOIybKZ0pnSO-m-2aOKR/s1426/The%20Clarks%20Factory%20Girs%20At%20War%20Full%20Tour%20Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzV8oE3a_53GW-PuXvyzW6wDWYCdQkxSoDI4Rbt1KJHRp-OTuSN8bkV3VLz4_MEFGx1F_C5Hb7q8n3sdMQoSTZnhjf_dH-0DwX73StAkIMQEkLSFFGMz9N2ZmcD020kmdV2d0fDHjsYRZSDJ9m4JvNo-p8oFu-d-Z7VWapuiQqOIybKZ0pnSO-m-2aOKR/s16000/The%20Clarks%20Factory%20Girs%20At%20War%20Full%20Tour%20Banner.jpg"></a></div><br> <p></p><span></span><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/03/the-clarks-factory-girls-at-war-by-may.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-45171301666814493302024-03-06T05:00:00.001+00:002024-03-06T05:00:00.243+00:00Try On: 4 Denim Skirts <h3 style="text-align: center;"> & Wow on Wednesday</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisRzqbkyPlvmPwnmi0M9w2M8qs81WOv9XSy67hUv6535rEg28S_NusILZguWFM0_mofbIUPWWpSl04MgqOHT0Yk3JX-G1iceCCMQ3bMK2RnfYlJkhzFVGE6aAuMZkqE4aH7sF0V8JibLwz5u86Cd0-RnupaXqRBrQVVAJqfvf99lReLzM0zUc80gWV3pB/s1800/front-view-4-denim-skirts.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gail Hanlon from Is This Mutton tries on four different length and style of denim skirt" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisRzqbkyPlvmPwnmi0M9w2M8qs81WOv9XSy67hUv6535rEg28S_NusILZguWFM0_mofbIUPWWpSl04MgqOHT0Yk3JX-G1iceCCMQ3bMK2RnfYlJkhzFVGE6aAuMZkqE4aH7sF0V8JibLwz5u86Cd0-RnupaXqRBrQVVAJqfvf99lReLzM0zUc80gWV3pB/s16000/front-view-4-denim-skirts.jpg" title="Try On: 4 Denim Skirts"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Dear friends. Denim skirts are very on-trend at the moment. You may have noticed a particular style is very popular: maxi with a long slit up the front. But if you're petite, that may not be your best look. I've tried on 4 different skirts to show you how they vary.<span></span></div><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/03/try-on-4-denim-skirts.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-67818728989329902812024-03-04T06:30:00.001+00:002024-03-04T06:30:00.177+00:00The Secret Beach by Veronica Henry<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrpT-cMqulsGBIXBQueEZxXA5h6H1KzOqintTJs7En4GvUO4wWuLlgpSdUwis_Y8z0NYVWChoF_LVu8ZHbll-dFvyIIsvqcQVkT3S4xXfG5G2BDxpUKUxiJQCb2QkyrX0Gr0OzZNHaClRi4ib6ITHEtPRDkiMmuFkJZBWVPUmXzpOnEgMyyxBLOMmN01E/s2764/COVER_The%20Secret%20Beach.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="The cover of The Secret Beach by Veronica Henry" border="0" data-original-height="2764" data-original-width="1807" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrpT-cMqulsGBIXBQueEZxXA5h6H1KzOqintTJs7En4GvUO4wWuLlgpSdUwis_Y8z0NYVWChoF_LVu8ZHbll-dFvyIIsvqcQVkT3S4xXfG5G2BDxpUKUxiJQCb2QkyrX0Gr0OzZNHaClRi4ib6ITHEtPRDkiMmuFkJZBWVPUmXzpOnEgMyyxBLOMmN01E/s16000/COVER_The%20Secret%20Beach.jpg" title="The Secret Beach by Veronica Henry"></a></p>Dear friends. A new Veronica Henry, just what we need as we wait impatiently for spring to start! Her novels are a balm for the soul, providing scenic seaside locations and tough emotional decisions. It's my turn on the blog tour today for The Secret Beach. <span></span><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/03/the-secret-beach-by-veronica-henry.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-42141577750246582152024-03-01T16:29:00.002+00:002024-03-01T16:29:50.753+00:00Holbein, Drones and London Fashion: February in Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAM-Nf4DKIZcRW4xw4gBIxVR91J7Hx7Pih8Hmyna8HdnF_X3eqTENa-9tcGTJFiMdfkOsf-v7WEpTALs8NIKDAonomAp8QLjvYh_zGbSPbZIcszcpQSPkWpX8iJ7_4TjcxsYuBSS1bKvZA9Q2hmvU_lQB8i_wfRE4DOpkGclQSQf_pMYEwMkqXRM9D3Pyb/s2992/mosaic-house.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The mosaic house in Chiswick, London, one of the stops on a walk undertaken by Is This Mutton's Gail Hanlon" border="0" data-original-height="2992" data-original-width="2992" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAM-Nf4DKIZcRW4xw4gBIxVR91J7Hx7Pih8Hmyna8HdnF_X3eqTENa-9tcGTJFiMdfkOsf-v7WEpTALs8NIKDAonomAp8QLjvYh_zGbSPbZIcszcpQSPkWpX8iJ7_4TjcxsYuBSS1bKvZA9Q2hmvU_lQB8i_wfRE4DOpkGclQSQf_pMYEwMkqXRM9D3Pyb/s16000/mosaic-house.jpg" title="Holbein, Drones and London Fashion: February in Review"></a></div><br><p>Dear friends. There were lots of different activities to share for February. The month went very quickly, unlike January which was endless. </p><p>I've picked up from Jan 26. </p><p>Progress on my #WordoftheYear, Laughter, is at the bottom of the post. </p><p><span></span></p><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/03/holbein-drones-and-london-fashion.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-83675194620748691112024-02-28T05:00:00.006+00:002024-02-28T15:20:57.209+00:00Tell Us Your Reading Habits: 2024 Survey<h3 style="text-align: center;"><b>Plus #WowOnWednesday</b></h3><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXhEE3iGOmAeH06ABY7xAc6a7J37F8T0dZlH3FYFn6BnfjJdi3f0DFBXIzrV2o_AeoVVy9PA1ITCLtzmBiKDKPfWgirbo66QQjHZ8hzfPHZ5wOkDCxbBAz9gXU9g79xIyXGRG4M1j0gsaxmhtInERUIL1PoRUQyKWfPFIXGb3pojH5GbAtM9vC01I_jd_/s1080/What%20are%20your%20reading%20habits%20%20social%20media.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="It's the 2024 Is This Mutton survey and this year it's all about what you read and when" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXhEE3iGOmAeH06ABY7xAc6a7J37F8T0dZlH3FYFn6BnfjJdi3f0DFBXIzrV2o_AeoVVy9PA1ITCLtzmBiKDKPfWgirbo66QQjHZ8hzfPHZ5wOkDCxbBAz9gXU9g79xIyXGRG4M1j0gsaxmhtInERUIL1PoRUQyKWfPFIXGb3pojH5GbAtM9vC01I_jd_/s16000/What%20are%20your%20reading%20habits%20%20social%20media.png" title="Tell Us Your Reading Habits: 2024 Survey" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Dear friends. Every year Is This Mutton has a survey to get your views on a particular topic. We've previously covered domestic chores, fashion buying and perceptions of ageism. </div><div><br /></div><div>This year I've chosen reading. I'm convinced it's the one hobby most of us have. You may have noticed that I've been writing more book reviews and spotlights lately.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">How to Take Part</h3><div><br /></div><div>As before, I'm using a Google Form for the questions. You don't need to have a Google ID. Responses are anonymous and no email addresses are being collected. The questions should take you around 10 minutes. I'll be reporting back on March 20. </div><div><br /></div><div>Am I right in thinking we're all bookworms? Is reading one of your favourite hobbies? Maybe you'd like to read more but don't have time. Do tell in the comments. </div><div><a href="https://forms.gle/Ns5uKx5abFpEnz7o6" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://forms.gle/Ns5uKx5abFpEnz7o6" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-size: x-large;">TAKE THE SURVEY</span></a></h3><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">My Own Reading Life</h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BT3foHCvSVGm0KlSlnY8zeeGGLzvGGLulSvtuNRqafm33hU4KWJmR3uvgZFzt8Cm8Aa4ujIe_HHw3Ms44EQ1gboS2YXI1j9iQqErFScbTYj92A1nPbNSPcgSsksotyk9r9Uf792_zMEp1rwM0nyl8YhF2q_9VSinfsovPKhq-G7E7NhCy0kpbY3IeN33/s2544/20240220_105338.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2544" data-original-width="2544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BT3foHCvSVGm0KlSlnY8zeeGGLzvGGLulSvtuNRqafm33hU4KWJmR3uvgZFzt8Cm8Aa4ujIe_HHw3Ms44EQ1gboS2YXI1j9iQqErFScbTYj92A1nPbNSPcgSsksotyk9r9Uf792_zMEp1rwM0nyl8YhF2q_9VSinfsovPKhq-G7E7NhCy0kpbY3IeN33/s16000/20240220_105338.jpg" /></a></div></h3><div><br /></div><div>I was a slow learner and couldn't read until I was about 8. It was my dad's perseverance at home that made the difference. The breakthrough came with the Ladybird book The Elves and the Shoemaker. I still remember it verbatim. Once I could read, I quickly progressed to adult books, particularly after a teacher told 10 year old me that I shouldn't be reading Enid Blyton (I loved the Famous 5 and the St Clare's books).</div><div><br /></div><div>I got my first Kindle in 2010. A game changer! Previously I'd had to lug 10 books on holiday (necessitating extra baggage allowance). Now I could travel light, and never worry about where my next book was coming from. </div><div><br /></div><div>The authors I love, or have loved, include Doris Lessing, Ian McEwan, Thomas Hardy, George Orwell, Bernice Rubens, Marian Keyes, Barbara Comyns, Edna O'Brien. </div><div><br /></div><div>Nowadays as a book blogger, I get my fix from NetGalley. I love the insights I've gained into the publishing world. I particularly like to support debut authors, and those with small independent publishers. </div><div><br /></div><div>I typically read from 8 - 10pm, and sometimes during the afternoon. I always read on train or plane journeys. I read faster on a Kindle than a book, and don't really enjoy audiobooks because the pace is too slow, even speeded up.</div><div><br /></div><div>My goal this year is to read 100+ books and to try different genres. Goodreads tells me I've read 34 books so far, and am 17 books ahead of schedule, so I may need to revise my target. I've been reading historical fiction which is a new genre to me ( although I did love Jean Plaidy as a teenager). </div><div><br /></div><div>I do want to write a book and worry I've left it too late. Yesterday I went to a creative writing workshop in Cambridge, which was very helpful. I'm interested to know how many of you are aspiring authors, hence the last questions in the survey! </div><div><br /></div><div>I share my posts with these <a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/p/who-i-link-with.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">fabulous sites. </span></b></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlejjww8VT2BEBcuEAffW4g14L8INAWTuyG9tc7NpG-e5RldF8dcTYubbSfYtlm6RJrLIkfx_0yRIdZtVF3gV9N57RXLSmTJbaUKrT65i9JkGNdCS4xT73bPelJoxcMJsdbj1WOVM5U4emY65FrUxNDlmRj_7_43hGk__BRiaVqrENt_ETocK2zzr8mml/s940/WOW%20promo%20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlejjww8VT2BEBcuEAffW4g14L8INAWTuyG9tc7NpG-e5RldF8dcTYubbSfYtlm6RJrLIkfx_0yRIdZtVF3gV9N57RXLSmTJbaUKrT65i9JkGNdCS4xT73bPelJoxcMJsdbj1WOVM5U4emY65FrUxNDlmRj_7_43hGk__BRiaVqrENt_ETocK2zzr8mml/s16000/WOW%20promo%20.png" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's time for Wow on Wednesday!</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please take a few minutes to read some of the posts from bloggers around the world. A comment makes our day. Scroll down below the link-up for the comments box on Is This Mutton. </div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />LAST WEEK'S FAVOURITES </h3><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">FASHION</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.lipglossandlace.net/saved-by-the-bell/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Saved by the Bell</span></b></a> from Shauna at Lipgloss and Lace </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pfcFxGKxDPybMQAwUorToTa_juGfqAGZUDX1JuAuTb-mlF4E4IDtOGdDss0O95ddw7z_gwznPxhwFVdNaHzW6B_MmvDxR84RV99k3vSHqjt_6ObXbHfJHzZ37eOIHC7fa4BPBdMZfLhMW1L_6WWWcZ-bIpD_5Umsj_gsbQrs_aycX5OWpFqWDled-7PR/s1222/shauna.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1222" data-original-width="772" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pfcFxGKxDPybMQAwUorToTa_juGfqAGZUDX1JuAuTb-mlF4E4IDtOGdDss0O95ddw7z_gwznPxhwFVdNaHzW6B_MmvDxR84RV99k3vSHqjt_6ObXbHfJHzZ37eOIHC7fa4BPBdMZfLhMW1L_6WWWcZ-bIpD_5Umsj_gsbQrs_aycX5OWpFqWDled-7PR/s16000/shauna.JPG" /></a></div><br /><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">LIFESTYLE</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://vronni60s.blogspot.com/2024/02/weird-weather.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Weird Weather We're Having</span></b></a> by Vronni of Vronni's Style Meanderings</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZKChy8oCnvarf9wq9gJyjcQbcuzqXmy9WR6RE5XhPKKb67-GeQf07f_dtd-_tVNzb9IzB4endPIhOxzceQLdIUv2wqjve3XHj-wcx4pdLqaMpRSsDjW8Hm-L-WRhqoul9fi_VFMpCD0cuG7G-iZ0rdyrpp6qNWEVi3KxC9qY7hsR0ILsujPkSG44sYdQ/s640/IMG-20240218-WA0003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZKChy8oCnvarf9wq9gJyjcQbcuzqXmy9WR6RE5XhPKKb67-GeQf07f_dtd-_tVNzb9IzB4endPIhOxzceQLdIUv2wqjve3XHj-wcx4pdLqaMpRSsDjW8Hm-L-WRhqoul9fi_VFMpCD0cuG7G-iZ0rdyrpp6qNWEVi3KxC9qY7hsR0ILsujPkSG44sYdQ/s16000/IMG-20240218-WA0003.jpg" /></a></div><br /><h4 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">RECIPE FAVOURITE</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.delightfulrepast.com/2024/02/swedish-meatballs-for-now-or-later.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Swedish Meatballs - For Now or Later</span></b></a> - by Jean of Delightful Repast</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMd6z-oOCrOfSTQ8-PCSSM5tqu9tRSRA5UvX27BEQiu_COkPGQV0PYDfi2avVBUuJKOqvrQn-7rQQyp3ke03YEQ9Rt0lvr7OI9ejMhUPuUeSyHjZ9U465HqiZL_G58HgvjLDi4U45dywK1L9H8bXOl2EoobKUz59rKbggumUEcpQ1CZY4tt7knXJEB6Yt0/s380/Swedish%20Meatballs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMd6z-oOCrOfSTQ8-PCSSM5tqu9tRSRA5UvX27BEQiu_COkPGQV0PYDfi2avVBUuJKOqvrQn-7rQQyp3ke03YEQ9Rt0lvr7OI9ejMhUPuUeSyHjZ9U465HqiZL_G58HgvjLDi4U45dywK1L9H8bXOl2EoobKUz59rKbggumUEcpQ1CZY4tt7knXJEB6Yt0/s16000/Swedish%20Meatballs.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><!--start InLinkz code-->
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<!--end InLinkz code-->Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-76419310616302511582024-02-26T06:30:00.002+00:002024-02-27T09:06:21.884+00:00Put a Bow On It <h3 style="text-align: center;"> #StyleNotAge challenge</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGe_AFbD_4IlZDe8_cXp8_nkzlwNg7oGnOfLDh8jhyphenhyphenjT4lqkYZJI6Vs2HbXQNzCHQPYi4PWKXfu2DlvAL2jHqw-pOQYGINsqu4iuDwN2tPwu7_jMOLBPt_MFoc_qMwTNh8swrEW7XO9QXfrXcDFxqtuBqHaEY6lLbbeTP6SLMaK8zz-hWS8GE_HZLLcH5/s3350/colourful-over-60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Is This Mutton and four other style blogs interpret the prompt Put a Bow on It. Gail Hanlon chooses an 80s blouse with bow" border="0" data-original-height="3350" data-original-width="2226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGe_AFbD_4IlZDe8_cXp8_nkzlwNg7oGnOfLDh8jhyphenhyphenjT4lqkYZJI6Vs2HbXQNzCHQPYi4PWKXfu2DlvAL2jHqw-pOQYGINsqu4iuDwN2tPwu7_jMOLBPt_MFoc_qMwTNh8swrEW7XO9QXfrXcDFxqtuBqHaEY6lLbbeTP6SLMaK8zz-hWS8GE_HZLLcH5/s16000/colourful-over-60.jpg" title="Put a Bow On It"></a></div><br><div>Dear friends. Today we're styling bows in the latest Style Not Age Challenge. This month's prompt was chosen by Emma of Stylesplash.</div><div><br></div><div>I have had plenty of blouses with bows in the past, and back in the 80s, a black jumper that had huge satin bows sewn to the sleeves. The purple blouse with bow that I'm wearing here is pre-loved from a vintage shop on Etsy. It actually dates from the 80s. I love how it looks like a waistcoat.<span></span></div><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/02/put-bow-on-it.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-64708621653574450362024-02-24T07:35:00.001+00:002024-02-24T15:25:49.234+00:00A Year in the Garden: February<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPSm3Pl2-ekSFS9_qw9jBkJQrGXbgmVKXEXQmTQNWvdsQhYJiqSIPbPFyIYUk5mkSrQSyGCBZFFBS74h0_Pdile9sRVM6A7xgQIY5GXKCCQ8ijBEdqib0u9LEZZK7Xol3_Wk1r_d1bf5NwL4ICCIPe_o8aQlcDzIkvuVhfebPb8vICn3xgLrkbInYyr3T/s1500/A%20Gardening%20Year%20(Pinterest%20Pin)_20240224_071547_0000.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnPSm3Pl2-ekSFS9_qw9jBkJQrGXbgmVKXEXQmTQNWvdsQhYJiqSIPbPFyIYUk5mkSrQSyGCBZFFBS74h0_Pdile9sRVM6A7xgQIY5GXKCCQ8ijBEdqib0u9LEZZK7Xol3_Wk1r_d1bf5NwL4ICCIPe_o8aQlcDzIkvuVhfebPb8vICn3xgLrkbInYyr3T/s16000/A%20Gardening%20Year%20(Pinterest%20Pin)_20240224_071547_0000.png"></a></div> <p></p><p>Dear friends. This is the first in a series of monthly posts where I share what's going on in the garden, my latest tasks, learnings and plans. I'll be sharing this with #6onSaturday at <a href="https://gardenruminations.co.uk/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Garden Ruminations</span></b></a>, to give you even more gardening goodness.</p><p>Background on how we<a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2022/04/fashion-and-gardening-mutton-style-plus.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;"> transformed our small garden</span></b></a> in 2012. </p><p>February in London, UK, is still very much winter. And yet. There are many signs of spring. The monster clematis montanas -3 of them - have tiny buds. The forsythia hedge has even bigger buds. Bulbs are making strong progress. <span></span></p><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/02/a-year-in-garden-february.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-24003591100716233212024-02-22T06:30:00.004+00:002024-02-22T07:12:59.507+00:00The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw15XIak40rRYq4TNRCNREqxfmJMoFPpqm1B_HpcZnlPLpfz6emVG1JDqic91Ey81QuGzeYg4T95ggPeS3xcwe3G5CJ5IBP0vu84sSFqLN4vT7efgCn6XGEYD9_MZOnABG9HhwHZHihjfFmbp5BCQchkVmEGon1oSjQACye06Br0ZdDZIDnd0Aw3M3NxBH/s2835/The%20Wartime%20Book%20Club%20high-res%20cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Cover of historical fiction novel The Wartime Book Club, reviewed by Is This Mutton" border="0" data-original-height="2835" data-original-width="1846" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw15XIak40rRYq4TNRCNREqxfmJMoFPpqm1B_HpcZnlPLpfz6emVG1JDqic91Ey81QuGzeYg4T95ggPeS3xcwe3G5CJ5IBP0vu84sSFqLN4vT7efgCn6XGEYD9_MZOnABG9HhwHZHihjfFmbp5BCQchkVmEGon1oSjQACye06Br0ZdDZIDnd0Aw3M3NxBH/s16000/The%20Wartime%20Book%20Club%20high-res%20cover.jpg" title="The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson"></a></p><p>Dear friends. I'm thrilled to bring you a book today that earned the rare accolade from me of 5 stars. It's my stop on the blog tour for The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson. </p><p>The book is described as "A gripping and heartwarming novel inspired by the true events of the women who joined the resistance in Jersey during the German occupation in WW2."</p><p><span></span></p><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/02/the-wartime-book-club-by-kate-thompson.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-85720838648281217582024-02-21T05:00:00.001+00:002024-02-21T05:00:00.248+00:00Mother's Day Outfit Inspiration with Cotton Traders {2024}<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrp0woLv7TEEI7JZcv67k49FIM-Q_TR1p-hSSVo097T5UAOchfsULt1dtKXs9g4GW9-iFDCRGlVTn46AsKy54Yczoc6MTJqfVGKWozBEY7Dxb_QQi1Qtlh97OzGKGfcij6AZttxZGWX7jZJf6SIF-8K6RU9MsgSDQN6RFnJSo9vn1ewEYO8VUPTVGDKM1/s3244/cotton-traders-dove-grey-chinos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gail Hanlon from Is This Mutton in dusky lavender blazer and dove grey chinos from Cotton Traders" border="0" data-original-height="3244" data-original-width="2975" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrp0woLv7TEEI7JZcv67k49FIM-Q_TR1p-hSSVo097T5UAOchfsULt1dtKXs9g4GW9-iFDCRGlVTn46AsKy54Yczoc6MTJqfVGKWozBEY7Dxb_QQi1Qtlh97OzGKGfcij6AZttxZGWX7jZJf6SIF-8K6RU9MsgSDQN6RFnJSo9vn1ewEYO8VUPTVGDKM1/s16000/cotton-traders-dove-grey-chinos.jpg" title="Mother's Day Outfit Inspiration with Cotton Traders"></a></div><br><p></p><p>Dear friends. Mother's Day in the UK is early this year, on March 10. I always go to Plymouth to see my mum, who's 91, and we usually go out for lunch. </p><p>Readers in the USA and Australia may be scratching their heads over the date. Your Mother's Day is on 12 May. The reason for the UK date being different each year is that our celebration is rooted in the Christian observance of Lent, with Mothering Sunday taking place on the fourth Sunday, exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday. </p><p>Here's a sneak preview of what I'll be wearing, thanks to my friends at <a href="https://www.cottontraders.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Cotton Traders</span></b></a>.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/02/mothers-day-outfit-inspiration-with.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-26375103274658028492024-02-16T06:30:00.004+00:002024-02-17T09:06:23.272+00:00Latest Book Reviews <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5j_YKcKAtoFKDBZ9Yq9IXM635PGEphB1PSdD3na7Y-3LJ5j22kQJ3xIVNJV9HRbCxGspy2tfOZziswo9NG7TaAP6ecRegQD2heRjet4SbzYMXuZscccQYBmTWWjrp5JCwsbDKp1YpqsnbdgqlYkcjwQz9AxsBqsCnxgJay4qfMe31c-KmPNnPTfWhHNV/s5760/pexels-ey%C3%BCp-belen-1428626.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Is This Mutton's latest book reviews include the acclaimed Deadly Animals by Marie Tierney and Where They Lie by Claire Coughlan." border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="5760" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK5j_YKcKAtoFKDBZ9Yq9IXM635PGEphB1PSdD3na7Y-3LJ5j22kQJ3xIVNJV9HRbCxGspy2tfOZziswo9NG7TaAP6ecRegQD2heRjet4SbzYMXuZscccQYBmTWWjrp5JCwsbDKp1YpqsnbdgqlYkcjwQz9AxsBqsCnxgJay4qfMe31c-KmPNnPTfWhHNV/s16000/pexels-ey%C3%BCp-belen-1428626.jpg" title="Latest Book Reviews: Is This Mutton"></a></p><br><p></p><p>Dear friends. I'm spoiling you this month with the most amazing selection of books. Highlights include a quirky 13 year old who helps find a murderer; miners leaving their homes in the early morning mist; a collection of unforgettable short stories, and the return of Aisling, "Ireland's answer to Bridget Jones." They're all available now. Enjoy! I certainly did. </p><p><span></span></p><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/02/latest-book-reviews.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-66928908499757785342024-02-15T06:53:00.003+00:002024-02-15T11:48:05.503+00:00Tell Us About: Friends and Friendship<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AAyVVHu9BzwrZFygFqJDLoP_n72HY9GKk12qSSfVdcyLezFKUVN7GKE3F91G4eqLDJynUgX-WBb1jbFMBqkMwQ4IxY0P-do2fJXZTeZI12royLqjeurnvg4jwL9bjm-WAhHKCTxTier4JU7AuRZQ9sHsuBmFhudFUzwbfqvI6LnTGiEvj7TpCU7y0OSd/s2733/hyde-park.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mid life women gather in Hyde Park for a meet up of the Kettlewell Colour Club" border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="2733" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AAyVVHu9BzwrZFygFqJDLoP_n72HY9GKk12qSSfVdcyLezFKUVN7GKE3F91G4eqLDJynUgX-WBb1jbFMBqkMwQ4IxY0P-do2fJXZTeZI12royLqjeurnvg4jwL9bjm-WAhHKCTxTier4JU7AuRZQ9sHsuBmFhudFUzwbfqvI6LnTGiEvj7TpCU7y0OSd/s16000/hyde-park.jpg" title="Tell Us About: Friends and Friendship"></a></div><br><p></p><p>Dear friends. Welcome to this month's Tell Us About challenge. The prompt was chosen by Penny from Frugal Fashion Shopper. Penny has become a good friend and we've met up several times. It's a good example of how " finding your tribe" can help you meet new people and make friends.</p><p>Today's post is all about forging friendships later in life. <span></span></p><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/02/tell-us-about-friends-and-friendship.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-79192785084092586982024-02-14T05:00:00.002+00:002024-02-14T13:05:05.321+00:00Technicolor Dream Coats <h3 style="text-align: center;"> & Wow on Wednesday </h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKNPKu-5zGnJIjK1kNs1ppryJfv4RJVLRDnL832FWelaINiFpLLQX7tElLgB3EfCVxMce4Z7Qqd1vVwH_upd9esnOM6W8JKrklb7qzAA8dgTzYKgqeJk-hhkbezdLHEwmjVcEEeNXcb8O8Ee9JJI8MrwgjN1X39RoMsedzoSaLM_IMjFEQKwOve_-a6DY/s3714/blue-coat-over-60.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Is This Mutton's Gail Hanlon writes about her passion for staying colourful throughout winter, with choices such as this cobalt blue coat from Warehouse" border="0" data-original-height="3714" data-original-width="2710" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKNPKu-5zGnJIjK1kNs1ppryJfv4RJVLRDnL832FWelaINiFpLLQX7tElLgB3EfCVxMce4Z7Qqd1vVwH_upd9esnOM6W8JKrklb7qzAA8dgTzYKgqeJk-hhkbezdLHEwmjVcEEeNXcb8O8Ee9JJI8MrwgjN1X39RoMsedzoSaLM_IMjFEQKwOve_-a6DY/s16000/blue-coat-over-60.jpg" title="Technicolor Dream Coats"></a></div><p><br></p><p>Dear friend. At the start of autumn I resolved to up my coat game. I wanted to banish black and navy from my wardrobe and enjoy wearing bright colors throughout winter. </p><span></span><p></p><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/02/technicolor-dream-coats.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-58475199781690631512024-02-13T06:29:00.000+00:002024-02-13T06:29:30.361+00:00Mongrel by Hanako Footman<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sGKvPj4pdKqoW2A15Jana77XkS7_Um9-tzJ4WQ5BQZh8dCRyR5T55eTwOhvzg_8Mu_v6ZcEnmKYyGJGExMc74RmSnGrraQoMp5GQKgD6nOyHGbcXvBRITVoYF-kOsgvnnr5N2sqUvV6KbDj0LF-ZfZ9TMtC6jcpK2MSB0y-O7I_ZIxnPPZkSkfiZ1VG-/s2764/Mongrel%20Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The cover of literary novel Mongrel by Hanako Footman, reviewed by Is This Mutton" border="0" data-original-height="2764" data-original-width="1795" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5sGKvPj4pdKqoW2A15Jana77XkS7_Um9-tzJ4WQ5BQZh8dCRyR5T55eTwOhvzg_8Mu_v6ZcEnmKYyGJGExMc74RmSnGrraQoMp5GQKgD6nOyHGbcXvBRITVoYF-kOsgvnnr5N2sqUvV6KbDj0LF-ZfZ9TMtC6jcpK2MSB0y-O7I_ZIxnPPZkSkfiZ1VG-/s16000/Mongrel%20Cover.jpg" title="Mongrel by Hanako Footman"></a></div><p></p><p>Dear friends. Today's book spotlight is on the extraordinary Mongrel, the debut novel by Hanako Footman. Mongrel tells the stories of three interlinked women, Mel, Yuki and Haruka. Today is my stop on the blog tour. <span></span></p><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/02/mongrel-by-hanako-footman.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-10556781242864878372024-02-11T08:50:00.004+00:002024-02-11T09:16:39.246+00:00This Week in Books <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZXBhaIBBnR3oskjkuggDQrlHdFFls0HOH6eiVqpDQubRqFI9dHC2K0xKOmtVVeKKhGwTUA1oUTQ4s1doH1fMwvZA7IlB3-ggBIgzrD805cygpvExa6UK6C2Hx30JFqQCW1VrzoRa_Z78YFp2tApjn08BicMH_KUfK-ztK9vLPPUMYQBir3UjLFFJ4RQC/s2461/general-shelves.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The bookshelves at Is This Mutton" border="0" data-original-height="2203" data-original-width="2461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZXBhaIBBnR3oskjkuggDQrlHdFFls0HOH6eiVqpDQubRqFI9dHC2K0xKOmtVVeKKhGwTUA1oUTQ4s1doH1fMwvZA7IlB3-ggBIgzrD805cygpvExa6UK6C2Hx30JFqQCW1VrzoRa_Z78YFp2tApjn08BicMH_KUfK-ztK9vLPPUMYQBir3UjLFFJ4RQC/s16000/general-shelves.jpg" title="This Week in Books"></a></div><br><p></p><p>Dear friends. Welcome to what's hopefully going to be a regular weekly post looking at books. There's also a sneak peak into what's coming on the blog this week.</p><p>The pic at the top shows my main bookcase. I mostly read books on a Kindle and consequently have got rid of hundreds of actual books in the last few years. I saved my favourites plus various reference books, and these are the books on our shelves. I'll zoom in on a couple of interesting collections over the next few weeks.<br><span></span></p><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/02/this-week-in-books.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-62970416011945533582024-02-07T05:00:00.003+00:002024-02-07T08:14:16.248+00:00The Blues in February <h3 style="text-align: center;"> & Wow on Wednesday </h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTETHoWteL1GAkbeBsL3LEq_eiLpFUBCRs4UR5V_snvp1_KcXd4trS6Kb0C_WcB0-e-XEJJAy6d6-VnhYtpFvzzBUvnw6SI19z8PQQ1vtBlGMRpRl5p2nEGDpnDPZGRyhGO9jdwReQ5IgnmUFoWEpv2l12nUx4ZbpeKf1Oh91jYjM3iUbi_6T__Mg4SQ0s/s3705/happy-colours-blue.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3705" data-original-width="2695" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTETHoWteL1GAkbeBsL3LEq_eiLpFUBCRs4UR5V_snvp1_KcXd4trS6Kb0C_WcB0-e-XEJJAy6d6-VnhYtpFvzzBUvnw6SI19z8PQQ1vtBlGMRpRl5p2nEGDpnDPZGRyhGO9jdwReQ5IgnmUFoWEpv2l12nUx4ZbpeKf1Oh91jYjM3iUbi_6T__Mg4SQ0s/s16000/happy-colours-blue.jpg"></a></div><br><p>Dear friends. February is such a relief after never-ending January. Normally a short month, the spring bulbs start proliferating and the birds get more chirpy. Spring is not far away.</p><p>If you've popped over from Platinum magazine, check out this brief <a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/02/welcome-to-platinum-readers.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">welcome post.</span></b></a> <br><span></span></p><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/02/the-blues-in-february.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-65048259124625874412024-02-06T09:11:00.003+00:002024-02-06T13:33:46.907+00:00Welcome to Platinum Readers<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fimtU-HW816B2BojoP50dZdMWLsBCOII1fglsxV_o_UTN9iD1zaXoCrpFZvijDY4BrmbKMKUtfT0FFyx9iBi4cSGYafgUWOOIsW3CjTAN2FZASHxNsodTbsm3WNxRU_dyNs0lkYa5u8uY5KCgrW_90ZjZIhBSZUpshaHZ3ngLdws68jPiuSXlryfISv5/s635/platinum-cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gail Hanlon explains what Is This Mutton is about to new readers who saw the blog featured in Platinum magazine" border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="431" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2fimtU-HW816B2BojoP50dZdMWLsBCOII1fglsxV_o_UTN9iD1zaXoCrpFZvijDY4BrmbKMKUtfT0FFyx9iBi4cSGYafgUWOOIsW3CjTAN2FZASHxNsodTbsm3WNxRU_dyNs0lkYa5u8uY5KCgrW_90ZjZIhBSZUpshaHZ3ngLdws68jPiuSXlryfISv5/s16000/platinum-cover.jpg" title="Welcome to Platinum Readers"></a></div><br><p></p><p>A warm welcome if you've popped over after seeing me in the March issue of Platinum magazine. I can't link to the article unfortunately (it's not online), but I took part in their Big Debate about what women over 50 should wear.</p><p><span></span></p><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/02/welcome-to-platinum-readers.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-69759009844321258642024-02-05T06:30:00.001+00:002024-02-05T06:30:00.132+00:00My Sister's Baby by Louise Guy<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-P6SaYM5zZQCdmcnxYkjdFQP8ezHKbYtxGnoRM7BxNHp1ZK0UisYqkWSxaEleiTbLvPfFnjW6Tb0YCeLyhBVdLEzSQ5dsgyC63Hkud3AQCZCIqVttRafX2kGROEaZN3WNN6ej1M3kFmEpnoza9FBgd-3Yv3T-4nxdKjQqCBkfulbDIH38kqh6vJoL8Y-/s2337/My%20Sisters%20Baby%20cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="The cover of My Sister's Baby by Louise Guy, reviewed by Is This Mutton" border="0" data-original-height="2337" data-original-width="1527" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-P6SaYM5zZQCdmcnxYkjdFQP8ezHKbYtxGnoRM7BxNHp1ZK0UisYqkWSxaEleiTbLvPfFnjW6Tb0YCeLyhBVdLEzSQ5dsgyC63Hkud3AQCZCIqVttRafX2kGROEaZN3WNN6ej1M3kFmEpnoza9FBgd-3Yv3T-4nxdKjQqCBkfulbDIH38kqh6vJoL8Y-/s16000/My%20Sisters%20Baby%20cover.jpg" title="My Sister's Baby by Louise Guy"></a></p><p></p><p>Dear friends. I'm happy to share with you today a real page turner, My Sister's Baby by Louise Guy. I literally couldn't put it down. It's my stop on the blog tour. <span></span></p><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/02/my-sisters-baby-by-louise-guy.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-37391130600508402862024-01-31T05:00:00.001+00:002024-01-31T05:00:00.145+00:00Outfits and Food Fun<h3 style="text-align: center;"> & #WowOnWednesday</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8uAQNNQIcC_eJJve7ljfo0NN2jNmg8LihatdJrPMV8ALMRyNcqfL-3u7LhBR0wqWRlt-9viGHK2tuQyIfHOZi1v7N8N_X0FHQQsgoEPmqXw2ZOE5NpDxnVKhgD-hcZAYtuuN7JuzLKZ0ye46t2YXWhyH_KcL8CXcoPHooLigda96G3CnyN94A2mroImg/s3584/look-god-in-purple.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Colourful outfits and questions about food - what could be better, asks style blog Is This Mutton" border="0" data-original-height="3584" data-original-width="2869" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8uAQNNQIcC_eJJve7ljfo0NN2jNmg8LihatdJrPMV8ALMRyNcqfL-3u7LhBR0wqWRlt-9viGHK2tuQyIfHOZi1v7N8N_X0FHQQsgoEPmqXw2ZOE5NpDxnVKhgD-hcZAYtuuN7JuzLKZ0ye46t2YXWhyH_KcL8CXcoPHooLigda96G3CnyN94A2mroImg/s16000/look-god-in-purple.jpg" title="Outfits and Food Fun"></a></div><br><p></p><p>Dear friends. A few outfits I've been wearing, along with some random food faves and dislikes. I'm sure some of them will chime with you! <span></span></p><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/01/outfits-and-food-fun.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-59297977442367006752024-01-29T06:30:00.007+00:002024-01-29T06:30:00.163+00:00Red Alert! <h3 style="text-align: center;"> #StyleNotAgeChallenge</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeD1hami9G3F1cTXB1LACGcH4XtBiXSiWbD24_kG4sdo3GC0jkmRKKzXsgQO2euLenLCiHIegqdx8qv6XteibIUn-DqgDetClnzueZPMbXJCvQ_DCp2az5o2ZW5eeq3HfEWuzaswHdOfZ1shI1G6exsDN-bQ3zbMtigZTUgMAO0hGM3e3jOhUsCSkZ-i0/s3134/red-for-gamines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Is This Mutton and four blogger friends are on Red Alert as they style outfits in the colour red" border="0" data-original-height="3134" data-original-width="2865" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeD1hami9G3F1cTXB1LACGcH4XtBiXSiWbD24_kG4sdo3GC0jkmRKKzXsgQO2euLenLCiHIegqdx8qv6XteibIUn-DqgDetClnzueZPMbXJCvQ_DCp2az5o2ZW5eeq3HfEWuzaswHdOfZ1shI1G6exsDN-bQ3zbMtigZTUgMAO0hGM3e3jOhUsCSkZ-i0/s16000/red-for-gamines.jpg" title="Red Alert!"></a></div><br><div>Dear friends. It's time for the monthly Style Not Age Challenge and Jacqui from Mummabstylish has us on Red Alert.</div><p><span></span></p><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/01/red-alert.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-6361289908478459512024-01-26T06:30:00.004+00:002024-01-26T08:57:14.736+00:00Fun in January? Yes it's Possible<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRT3npFY5pIVFsPY7r9l9bY3BQZsCEIAffU3zlcM55hco7PxzzOmpbRAom2-eVd5G0it248yPCMF6D0XQ2JRYt9hMgSFZepuy57pupKOjSOkweH-RXMbcJVxFfBgi1gjJUNgj65jhJhb_vm2ywxZGiS9l3nOdhCcB8kT2OTeYHIXmW8jHiBOblU6yNOWMQ/s1848/encores.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="English National Ballet take their encore for Giselle at the London Coliseum, part of Is This Mutton's month of fun in January 2024" border="0" data-original-height="1603" data-original-width="1848" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRT3npFY5pIVFsPY7r9l9bY3BQZsCEIAffU3zlcM55hco7PxzzOmpbRAom2-eVd5G0it248yPCMF6D0XQ2JRYt9hMgSFZepuy57pupKOjSOkweH-RXMbcJVxFfBgi1gjJUNgj65jhJhb_vm2ywxZGiS9l3nOdhCcB8kT2OTeYHIXmW8jHiBOblU6yNOWMQ/s16000/encores.jpg" title="Fun in January: Yes It's Possible"></a></div><br><p></p><p>Dear friends. January is relentless! Five Mondays this year, no less. The weather is bleak, we're often doing one of those ghastly challenges like not buying anything, and viruses are flying around.</p><p>I resolved however that January would not be a washout. I booked a few activities in advance. And we were lucky to have quite a few blue sky days, which are stunning in winter. </p><p>What's coming up? Two art exhibitions, two ballets, David Bowie's old haunts, a meet-up of colourful ladies and a moon walking experience.<span></span></p><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/01/fun-in-january-yes-its-possible.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-22580476862727843902024-01-24T05:00:00.024+00:002024-01-24T08:07:02.504+00:00Beauty Update and Make-up Bag Rummage <h3 style="text-align: center;"> & #WowOnWednesday </h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqacG9gPJFic2MHpeOAJUIV8pD3bRvlaI6zZo66Z9rOoePEEysc3SPKcPz2sNWu5tfIN4_2DyYjIM_Ji9itOOXHUTQdpras3CsyEOrnpbA_o4j-8B73bXp-BspcpiSMVMBDnM5TGgWjj531yPUdVkY2x1aliIMQrMMUbJnKPh36Q7NenoKLWQ54LSkAcm6/s1800/look-good-over-60-makeup.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Join Is This Mutton blogger Gail Hanlon for make-up and skincare tips for women over 50" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqacG9gPJFic2MHpeOAJUIV8pD3bRvlaI6zZo66Z9rOoePEEysc3SPKcPz2sNWu5tfIN4_2DyYjIM_Ji9itOOXHUTQdpras3CsyEOrnpbA_o4j-8B73bXp-BspcpiSMVMBDnM5TGgWjj531yPUdVkY2x1aliIMQrMMUbJnKPh36Q7NenoKLWQ54LSkAcm6/s16000/look-good-over-60-makeup.jpg" title="Beauty Update and Make-up Bag Rummage"></a></div><p>Dear friends. Today I'm sharing the beauty products that I'm finding really good. And who doesn't like to peak into someone else's make-up bag?<span></span></p><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/01/beauty-update-and-make-up-bag-rummage.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6819679183857426219.post-75548296818989409332024-01-23T06:30:00.003+00:002024-01-23T06:30:00.129+00:00The Secret Pianist by Andie Newton <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNQNymFu-B2aukrltKQB280REM5mubtAPy_zBDDuL5tUQL_HnWk8Ga0SvffYUBiv6m-MXORE8kfJmcFpNbIakID-PuzF4k8DrMvJB3Lm9usT2Ykxmcn0md07Yy-ZJpiJZwJVQIAHq9SG2gVTuGMJdfh0DcN-1TTKbVGiWkQsxjPrQEd06RsqIWqmjsOMt/s700/The%20Secret%20Pianist.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Graphic showing the blog tour banner for The Secret Pianist by Andie Newton, reviewed at Is This Mutton.com" border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNQNymFu-B2aukrltKQB280REM5mubtAPy_zBDDuL5tUQL_HnWk8Ga0SvffYUBiv6m-MXORE8kfJmcFpNbIakID-PuzF4k8DrMvJB3Lm9usT2Ykxmcn0md07Yy-ZJpiJZwJVQIAHq9SG2gVTuGMJdfh0DcN-1TTKbVGiWkQsxjPrQEd06RsqIWqmjsOMt/s16000/The%20Secret%20Pianist.png" title="The Secret Pianist by Andie Newton"></a></p><p></p><p>Dear friends. I'm thrilled to bring you today's book review and spotlight. I loved The Secret Pianist by Andie Newton, and I'm sure you will too. <span></span></p><a href="https://www.isthismutton.com/2024/01/the-secret-pianist-by-andie-newton.html#more">Continue reading</a>Gail Is This Mutton?http://www.blogger.com/profile/16624214724309633433noreply@blogger.com0