Meet My Pink Thug - And Link-Up

Some good news for the island this week  (my name for the UK). We're now allowed to mix indoors, six people from two households. And eat indoors in restaurants and pubs! Also on the list: cinemas and theatres are reopening  (socially distanced seating) and gym classes can resume.  We can also go on holiday to countries on the green list. In reality, this is Portugal.  Although the list includes places like Australia, they have not opened their borders.

So some good news in terms of getting back to some sort of normality, although it's all slightly clouded by the Indian variant of Covid 19 and the havoc it may yet cause. The government didn't restrict flights from India until April 23, purely because Johnson was going there for trade talks  (flights to Bangladesh and Pakistan had been suspended on June 9).  

Our next round of freedoms, to be announced in June, may yet be curtailed because the boffins are concerned that numbers will start to rise again.

I may be experiencing some of these new freedoms myself today (Weds).  I have the day off.  Mr Mutton is off on his bike holiday, cycling a thousand miles from Land's End to John O'Groats.  It's been a fraught few weeks for him. Was the holiday going ahead? Would GWR be running any trains? (The service was more or less suspended for a week because of cracks that were discovered in carriages). 

But now he's ready to go, Covid tested, sleeker of frame, having lost 8 kilos (16 pounds) and weighed down with new cycling apparel and gadgets.  

He will be going by train to Land's End so I'm going with him to Paddington station to help if necessary. The carriage for bikes, and the carriage where he's sitting, are at opposite ends of the train so if the train is late, or on time, there's barely any time to accomplish both.

Last time I did this was at Euston. I had to push his bike along the length of a very long train, with interested mamils (Middle Aged Men in Lycra) casting their eyes over his fancy wheels and thinking I was lucky to own a bike like that, even if it did look a bit big for me.

Once I have waved the train off, the rest of the day is mine.  Some of the museums are reopening for the first time in months on this very day, as are some of the cinemas.  I'm quite tempted to see Nomadland, although it isn't showing in the Leicester Square cinemas. Or I could go into a clothes shop for the first time since before Christmas, even if it's just to indulge in the atmosphere of somewhere like Selfridge's. A nice little lunch, indoors, is also a possibility.

Meanwhile there's talk of a team lunch next week, which will involve going back into the office for the first time since February last year.  At the moment you can book using an app if you want to work in the building, but there are only a limited number of places. I was quite keen, but some of my colleagues, being in their 20s and 30s, were less so because they haven't yet been vaccinated.

Today's Photos

The clematis was looking so wonderful I had to take some photos. There are three clematis montana along the fence, two pink and one white;  it actually looks best from the lane, outside the garden, because I often chop too much off during the summer when really it should only be pruned immediately after flowering. I'm going to try to resist the temptation. The smell is wonderful, a bit like marzipan. 

They're often described as thugs because they're so rampant, but I love how they have hidden the fence, and how they help to enclose the garden and make it seem more complete. 

I shopped my wardrobe: everything is old. The skirt is regularly stocked in M&S each summer and I have it in 3 colours. 

I was thinking of doing a post where I talk about how I created the garden, with before and after pics. Would that be of interest?  Let me know in the comments. Also - what are the first things you plan to do following the relaxation of rules?  (Or what did you do, in countries where the rules are already relaxed). 

Sharing this post with: Top of the World Style at High Latitude Style, Chic & Stylish at Mummabstylish, #LinkupOnTheEdge at Shelbee on the Edge, #AnythingGoes at My Random Musings, Thursday Moda at Elegance and Mommyhood, Turning Heads Tuesday at Elegantly Dressed and Stylish,  Style with a Smile  at Stylesplash, Style Six at Coast to Coast, TFF at Doused in Pink, Fancy Friday at Nancy's Fashion Style,  #Iwillwearwhatilike at Not Dressed as Lamb, Lizzie in Lace Confident Twosday at IDoDeclaire, Beauty by Miss L, Rena at Fine Whatever, Fabulous Fridays at Lucy Bertoldi, #Neverendingstyle at The Grey Brunette

Now it's time for #WowOnWednesday, where readers can find new blogs to read, and bloggers can find new readers. Last week we had a bumper number of entries which I was thrilled about. 

Readers' Favourites - Most Clicked

Laurie from Vanity and Me with her post "HM spring summer linen neutral style." showcasing the elegant, luxurious style that Laurie is renowned for.

Cheryl, from Cheryl Shops, with What to Wear in May - a colourful skirt, a denim jacket and a cute bag. Love.

Is This Mutton Favourite

I was thrilled to see Canadian blogger Sheila from Ephemera joining the link-up for the first time. Sheila's post:  Mom-Day and Jab-Day Greens, and a Fascinator Flashback. Sheila puts together beautifully colourful outfits and has the most amazing shoe collection.  A lot of her finds are thrifted.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

2021 Off to a Less Than Flying Start: And Link-Up

Have the first few days of 2021 had you jumping for joy?  I've seen quite a few amusing social media posts where people are saying that they had the free trial of the new year but didn't like the look of it. 

A London Exhibition, Christmas Jumpers and a Haircut - and Link Up

Have you got your Christmas jumper yet, ladies? Above is a melange of my three most recent jumpers (sweaters).  The pic on top right dates from 2017 and the full post, featuring other blogger friends resplendent in reindeers, is here. The other two are from 208 (left) and last year (bottom right).

Sixty Favourite Things - and Link-Up

 
I reached a  milestone at the weekend, my 60th birthday.  Until yesterday, this post was about my feelings on being 60 and how ageism is the only prejudice that is still roaming untamed. But thinking about it, I thought it was all a bit dark; and having cried for joy today at hearing about the Pfizer vaccine, and how we might be back to normal by spring, I thought I'd create something a little more light hearted.

So here are my 60 Things:   60 things I love. I should explain first that some of these are informed by my younger self, nostalgia and memories ----there were certain films and TV shows we adored in my family, and I knew all the words and songs.  There are a couple of books in the list which I loved as a child / teen, but wouldn't want to read now.

10 Favourite Books

Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte

1984 - George Orwell 

Never No More - Maura Laverty

The Long Walk - Slavomir Rawicz

Papillon - Henri Charriere

Little Women - Louisa M Alcott

The Skin Chairs - Barbara Comyns

The Women's Room - Marilyn French

The Golden Notebook - Doris Lessing

Far from the Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy 

10 Favourite Films

Oliver!  (musical starring Mark Lester, Ron Moody)

Far From the Madding Crowd  (Julie Christie, Terence Stamp version)

Jean de Florette

Manon des Sources

Frankie and Johnny

Carry On Camping

The Great St Trinians Bank Robbery

The Passion of the Christ

The Sound of Music

The Railway Children

10 Favourite TV Shows 

Game of Thrones

I Claudius

Monty Python's Flying Circus

Father Ted

Fawlty Towers

Line of Duty

Top of the Pops

Jesus of Nazareth

All Creatures Great and Small (1970s version)

Das Boot  (original version)

10 Miscellaneous Likes

Sloths

Bats

Cheese, most types except goat's

Sunrise

Rain after weeks of dry weather (yes it happens once in a blue moon!)

Waking up on the first day of a holiday abroad

Waking up on Christmas Day 

Walking on a beach in winter 

Seeing the first bulbs pop their heads above ground: the harbingers of spring

After a long and steep walk in the Lake District, seeing the car (!) 

5 Celebrities I Adored (clue: I was not the type to fall for Brad Pitt or anyone too obvious)

Mark Lester  (I was 8)

James Drury "The Virginian"

Jeff Thomson (Australian fast bowler)

David Bowie (always)

Colin Farrell

5 Girls I'd Like As Best Friends 

Marian Keyes

Nigella Lawson

Jane Garvey

Claudia Winkleman

Liza Tarbuck

10 Favourite David Bowie Songs

Starman 

John I'm Only Dancing

Life on Mars

Wild is the Wind

Word on a Wing

Hello Spaceboy

The Dreamers

Slow Burn

We are the Dead 

Absolute Beginners 

In the pictures I'm wearing the red plaid Fabienne Chapot dress that I bought for my birthday, from The Bias Cut. Originally I was going to wear it for dinner at one of our favourite restaurants in London, the Gilbert Scott. Hopefully it will happen in a month's time - we rescheduled for early December when England should be out of lockdown again. 

I won't forget my 60th birthday in lockdown - it was the day that Joe Biden won the US election, and a few days later, a vaccine was announced for Covid, so it looks as if we are finally turning the corner and good things are starting to happen. 

I'm back on Friday with a bonus post to tell you about a beauty box that was really worth the money, and the return of an old favourite - it might surprise you to know what this is but you can read the preamble in my post from 2008. 

Sharing this post with Top of the World Style at High Latitude Style, Chic & Stylish at Mummabstylish, #LinkupOnTheEdge  at Shelbee on the Edge, Anna at Muttonstyle, #AnythingGoes at My Random Musings, Thursday Moda at Elegance and Mommyhood, Turning Heads Tuesday at Elegantly Dressed and Stylish,  Style with a Smile and Stylish Monday at Stylesplash, Anna at the GlamAdventure, Style Six at Coast to Coast, TFF at Doused in Pink, Fancy Friday at Nancy's Fashion Style, Fabulous Fridays at Lucy Bertoldi, Beauty by Miss L Link Up, #iwillwearwhatilike at Not Dressed as Lamb,  Lizzie in Lace  Ask Suzanne Bell and Confident Twosday at IDoDeclaire

#WowOnWednesday was replaced last week by the one-off #7DaySkirtChallenge, where a group of Instagrammers and bloggers showed off their skirts for a week. The two readers' favourites were Lucy Bertoldi and Michelle from Fifty and Fab.

Lucy's post 7Day Skirt Challenge Linkup! Who Wears Short Skirts? We Wear… showcased an enviable skirt wardrobe and Lucy's love of bright colors and eclectic prints. 

Michelle also showed off a gorgeous animal print skirt in a outfit which ticks all the trends for autumn:  Autumn outfits and black chunky boots!  I envy Michelle's ability to pull off this amazing look - midi skirt, leather jacket, chunky boots. It looks so contemporary, I love it.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

The 7 Day Skirt Challenge

 

Dear friends. Had a bit of fun on Instagram over the last week with my #7DaySkirtChallenge. Every day a group of us posted a different skirt outfit, or one skirt that featured all week, with a different look each day.

I thought it would also make a good blog post to show the versatility of skirts, so most of the girls involved will be sharing their skirts today and joining the link up. Hopefully we'll see some new skirts from those who didn't take part on Instagram.

Style Not Age Challenge: Welcome to the Jungle!

Greetings all and hope UK readers are enjoying their bank holiday! Today it's the return of the monthly Style Not Age Challenge, and we're in our jungle prints for Emma's challenge.

Star Patterned Midi Dress Two Ways - plus Link Up

Hope you all had a good weekend. I was expecting long queues at the garden centre, as this was their first weekend open for several weeks, but I was pleasantly surprised. I spent all of Sunday sorting out containers and planting, but still have quite a bit left to do.  I'd actually painted my nails but gardening was not a great idea and I had to remove it the next day!

Shirt dresses have never been a thing for me: to be honest I didn't think they would suit me, but this Sophie midi dress from Hush has changed my mind.

Silver Linings, Coffee Skirt Three Ways

While "The Awfulness" is with us, it's sometimes hard to find any silver linings.  But positives can be found, and it's worth having your own list so you can remind yourself when life gets tough. My silver linings:

• Here in the UK we have just moved into spring, and it's a beautiful time of year with blossom, daffodils, tulips, blue skies, trees greening up
• In the garden we have robins nesting in a new nesting box and blackbirds nesting in the hedge. It's a constant hive (!) of activity.
• With all this hand washing, many people will (hopefully) carry on and there will be less flu and colds going round every winter
• We're forced to take life at a slower pace, living in the present. I wonder why do we waste so much time taking photos and videos. For what?
• Old-fashioned pursuits are returning: families being inventive with play, board games and quizzes over HouseParty, making your own wine, cooking from scratch, embroidery
• Once it's over, we may appreciate life in a different way. Less commercialised, less selfish
• People are discovering the pleasure of a daily walk  (I think some think it's been mandated by the government!)
• Those of us lucky enough to have a balcony, patio or garden will enjoy it all the more this summer 
• I used to feel guilty as a blogger of not finding great locations for my shoots. But as I do them on my own, with a tripod, I find it too daunting to go to central London or other places. Now, of course, a lot of urban bloggers would kill for a garden they can take pictures in! 
• Technology has finally come of age. Home working for millions is now a reality, and possible. Videoconferencing brings families and friends together and it works. As someone who has worked in tech for more than 25 years, this is rewarding. I remember the first few video calls and it was always hit and miss that they would work.

When it ends, our First World problems will immediately rear their ugly heads: people desperate to get hairdresser appointments;  people battling to book the holidays still available for September (or whenever). But I've already decided I won't be joining them.  The Awfulness has already taught me the beauty of going with the flow and stepping aside from the herd. The herd tramples others underfoot to get what they want, whether it's toilet roll or fresh food to stockpile, only to throw it out untouched when it goes out of life  (shocking but true). 

Now to the outfit, and  I'm featuring a classic neutral skirt that is extremely versatile. It's the same style as the pink skirt I bought last year, an A line shape that flatters most, with a removable belt. It's from Marks and Spencer and the colour is described as coffee.  I like the contrasting tortoiseshell buttons. It's also available in white.

I've got three different looks to show you.  Above, add a twist with yellow boots that echo the yellow in the fabulous Scotch and Soda blouse. It's still a bit cold so I haven't thrown my tights aside yet. The bag, from Coach, goes with everything.

Next up: a white pullover with knee-length navy boots and a statement blue necklace.

You can just about see Molly on the left: it's gradually becoming warm enough for her to venture outside, albeit briefly. The daffodils on the left are Thalia, Monty Don's favourite. Certainly very elegant.

Final look is a flourish of sequins. I was planning to use a red top but the green sequin top was singing out to me from the wardrobe! It's an old one, worn with an equally old cropped cardigan from Boden. They have these every year and I snap them up in different colours because they go with so many outfits. The green snakeskin boots are from Asos: still available, sale price.

There will be lots of summer looks too but I haven't yet got the summer wardrobe down from the loft. 

Nothing was gifted for this post.

Now for the #WowOnWednesday link up. Last week's favourite (most clicked) was Anna from Muttonstyle with her post Lunch with Mary, Working from Home. Here's Anna, right, with the lovely Mary from The Pouting Pensioner.

My favourite post was by Shauna from Lipgloss and Lace: So Very Carrie Bradshaw. Now what would Carrie, from Sex and The City, be wearing as she toils away in front of the Teams screen? Shauna visualises the most perfect confection of a skirt, turquoise tulle, with high heels, fluffy purse and giant pale pink corsage. It really made me smile, and is so Carrie Bradshaw like.

Please support the bloggers in the link-up who are carrying on bringing you posts - visit their blogs and leave comments. It makes it all worthwhile.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Polka Dots Twice - and Link Up

Hello everyone - hope you are all safe and well.  I was reading today that many online fashion retailers are not planning to restock for spring/summer because the sentiment is that by the time we've got through COVID-19, it may be too late for summer clothes. Let's hope not!

As I mentioned last week, I've made a few purchases, mostly timeless pieces that will serve me well for the years to come. Take this polka dot pair for example: both from Marks and Spencer.

Style Not Age Challenge: Flower Power

I'm thrilled to be back in a style challenge and joining the fabulous women of Style Not Age each month.

This month's challenge was chosen by Hilda and it's Flower Power. I find these challenges fascinating
to see everyone's different take on the theme!

Latest Everyday Outfits - Work and Play

As promised in my pre-2020 post, I'm going to be showing more of my "everyday outfits" which seems to be a popular choice with you. Apologies for the quality of these photos which were mostly taken with my mobile. I've included links where these items are still available. Nothing was gifted.

What I've Been Wearing This Summer

This summer's most popular outfits for me have been mostly "oldies but goodies." A couple of the new items I bought have gone virtually unworn. I wear the outfit above nearly every weekend, or when working from home.

Yellow Midi with Statement Patterned Shirt

Pairing a smart shirt with a plain midi skirt has become one of my favourite looks. It's crisp and easy, ideal for work, and with a print shirt, there's no need to add clutter with jewellery.

A Personal Stylist Experience By Post - and Link Up

Bloggers in the US often write about receiving parcels of new clothes selected for them and sent to them by "personal stylists."  Until recently, we didn't have anything very similar in the UK. Personal stylists exist, but until now it's been in the form of advisers giving you guidance in person on how to shop or de-clutter your wardrobe.

I came across Stitch Fix via another UK blogger, Anna at Mutton Style, and decided to put them to the test.  This is not a sponsored post.

Floral dress at the Chelsea Flower Show

Many months ago in the gloom of winter I booked tickets for one of the members' days at the Chelsea Flower Show, including a slap up three course lunch  (well, I knew that was one way of persuading Mr Mutton to come).

On the appointed day, the sun shone and the Muttons were off early to try to see as much as possible before the crowds arrived.

I wore a new crepe de chine dress with lovely soft fabric and drape from Nancy Mac, a UK boutique run by two sisters.  If you're going to a wedding this year, this shop may be one the place to go. Lots of 30s inspired tea dresses, coats, kimonos and beautiful prints.  Mine was very suitable for Chelsea with its hydrangeas print. It came with a petticoat, which was great for avoiding too much cleavage being on show.

The various "stalls" selling garden apparatus, clothes, ceramics, you name it, lead the way to the Great Pavilion and show gardens.

This was the D-Day Garden, where there were several soldiers and veterans on hand to describe the scene and their memories.  The "Kate Middleton garden" had huge queues and was very small when you got inside.  We were literally in and out within a couple of minutes. She had crammed some old-fashioned children's activities into the space: a tree house, a "swing" where the seat was a football covered in string, and a camp fire. The forget-me-nots and natural planting made it look foresty.  As a kid my den was in overgrown land, long since built on, and featured sprawling brambles, old-fashioned roses doing their own thing, and "snake's food."

Inside the gorgeous smelling pavilion, I had a look at the Croyeux irises, brought over from France, which were featured on one of the BBC's Chelsea programmes. To be honest, irises don't set my heart beating.

Roses do.  It was very hard to get a photo of just me, under the archway of the David Austin Old English Roses stand. David Austin died a few months ago but his roses live on, and it's a family business so his sons will continue the work.  I have several David Austin roses in my front garden.

Here I am with the heucheras.  I have a few "heuchs" in a border that doesn't get too much light, as they cope well with partial shade.

I'm wearing sandals from last year, by Vionic, which have special foot bed technology to make them comfortable. At an event like this you need shoes that aren't going to ruin the day. I didn't really need the jacket but it's a brave person in the UK who sets off without a jacket or cardigan. I needed a fairly big bag but it soon became an irritant. 

There were a couple of flower walls which were excellent for Instagrammers. Here Mr Mutton looks like a blogging natural with his pose, but in reality I had taken three pictures already and he was bored and wanting to move on. To lunch.

Lunch in the Rock Bank restaurant was certainly a highlight. We started with a delicious glass of Fortnum and Mason champagne and the wine was unlimited, depending on how often you could attract the attention of the busy waiting staff.  I had two glasses of wine and it was a bad idea at lunchtime for someone who seldom drinks.  I had to have a lie down when I got home!  My three courses were smoked salmon, dressed crab and cheese and biscuits - I'm not big on desserts.

It was my third time at the show, the last time was two years ago (see my post here) and on one of the "public days," where the demographic was a bit younger. On a members' day, it's mostly people over the age of 60 in sensible shoes, although I did manage to find a few stylish ladies.

So that was our experience at Chelsea. I may also go to Hampton Court flower show in July - it's less formal and the crowds are a bit more manageable. Do you go to any of the RHS or other flower shows?

Sharing this post with: Creative Mondays at Claire Justine, Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style, Chic&Stylish at Mummabstylish, Top of the World Style at High Latitude Style, Fancy Friday at Nancy's Fashion Style; Fabulous Friday at A Pocketful of Polka Dots, Thursday Moda at Elegance and Mommyhood, Anna at The Glamadventure, Spread the Kindness at Shelbee On The Edge, #iwillworkwhatIlike at Not Dressed as Lamb,#BloggerClubUK at My Random Musings, #MuttonStyleMondays at Muttonstyle, #Stylewithasmile at Stylesplash, Color and Grace

For More Mutton

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Don't forget to come back on Wednesday for the #WowOnWednesday link up.

Bowie Rainbow Bolt Jumper

Who buys a jumper (sweater) in May? you may ask.  Well, I did. When I saw Orwell + Austen advertising pre-orders for their new black Bowie rainbow bolt jumper, I knew I had to be quick because these sell out very quickly.