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Edging into A/W22 with White Stuff
Product review, Retail Review, Style

Edging into A/W22 with White Stuff

By Midlifechic|2022-09-30T17:42:52+01:00September 30th, 2022|Categories: Product review, Retail Review, Style|Tags: 2022, Autumn, casual chic, essentials, new season, OOTD, wardrobe essentials, wardrobe staples, Winter, WIWT|

Sandals Resorts for midlifers – a good holiday option?
Midlife, Relationships, Style, Travel

Sandals Resorts for midlifers – a good holiday option?

By Midlifechic|2022-09-23T20:28:36+01:00September 23rd, 2022|Categories: Midlife, Relationships, Style, Travel|Tags: 2022, holiday chic, OOTD, Summer, travel, WIWT|

When your family moves on and expands – welcoming partners into the mix
Family, Relationships, Style, Travel

When your family moves on and expands – welcoming partners into the mix

By Midlifechic|2022-09-11T13:31:26+01:00September 11th, 2022|Categories: Family, Relationships, Style, Travel|Tags: 2022, casual chic, date night chic, dressed up chic, holiday chic, night out chic, OOTD, Summer, travel, WIWT|

Holidaying with your adult children – a time of adjustment
Family, Style, Travel

Holidaying with your adult children – a time of adjustment

By Midlifechic|2022-09-02T17:41:02+01:00September 2nd, 2022|Categories: Family, Style, Travel|Tags: 2022, casual chic, holiday chic, night out chic, OOTD, Summer, travel, WIWT|

Closing off summer chez Midlifechic – it’s goodbye for a while
Family, Style, Work life balance

Closing off summer chez Midlifechic – it’s goodbye for a while

By Midlifechic|2022-08-12T16:18:33+01:00August 12th, 2022|Categories: Family, Style, Work life balance|

City trips to London and Glasgow – what I did and wore
Style, Travel

City trips to London and Glasgow – what I did and wore

By Midlifechic|2022-08-05T15:04:09+01:00August 5th, 2022|Categories: Style, Travel|Tags: 2022, casual chic, date night chic, jewellery, night out chic, OOTD, Summer, WIWT|

Love & marriage – the joy of a simple wedding
Family, Project Happier, Relationships, Style

Love & marriage – the joy of a simple wedding

By Midlifechic|2022-07-29T18:25:27+01:00July 29th, 2022|Categories: Family, Project Happier, Relationships, Style|Tags: 2022, dressed up chic, event chic, Family, friendship, OOTD, Project Happier, Summer, wedding chic, weddings|

Getting your confidence back after 50
Hair & Beauty, Health, Midlife, Project Happier

Getting your confidence back after 50

By Midlifechic|2022-10-19T10:39:13+01:00July 22nd, 2022|Categories: Hair & Beauty, Health, Midlife, Project Happier|Tags: 2022, confidence, diet, eating, fitness, health, HRT, Project Happier, Summer|

Midlife Lately – Making summer weekends count
Family, Relationships, Style, Travel

Midlife Lately – Making summer weekends count

By Midlifechic|2022-07-21T15:01:20+01:00July 15th, 2022|Categories: Family, Relationships, Style, Travel|Tags: 2022, casual chic, dressed up chic, event chic, festivals, new season, OOTD, Summer, wedding outfits, WIWT|

Summer cornucopia – outfits, travel & The Telegraph!
Style, Travel

Summer cornucopia – outfits, travel & The Telegraph!

By Midlifechic|2022-08-01T12:21:36+01:00July 7th, 2022|Categories: Style, Travel|Tags: 2022, casual chic, date night chic, new season, OOTD, retail review, Summer, travel, WIWT, working wardrobe, workwear chic|

Boden June Edit & midlife lately
Sale, Style

Boden June Edit & midlife lately

By Midlifechic|2022-07-21T15:02:10+01:00June 28th, 2022|Categories: Sale, Style|

John Lewis & Partners Sale – clearance and half price edit
Retail Review, Sale, Style

John Lewis & Partners Sale – clearance and half price edit

By Midlifechic|2022-07-21T15:02:57+01:00June 23rd, 2022|Categories: Retail Review, Sale, Style|Tags: 2022, retail review, sales, Summer|

Clothing to combat hot weather & midlife lately
Family, Midlife, Project Happier, Style

Clothing to combat hot weather & midlife lately

By Midlifechic|2022-07-21T15:03:57+01:00June 17th, 2022|Categories: Family, Midlife, Project Happier, Style|Tags: 2022, casual chic, date night chic, event chic, Family, new season, night out chic, OOTD, Summer, WIWT|

How to look your best in holiday photos
Hair & Beauty, Style, Travel

How to look your best in holiday photos

By Midlifechic|2022-07-21T15:04:58+01:00June 10th, 2022|Categories: Hair & Beauty, Style, Travel|Tags: 2022, photography, Spring, Summer, tips, travel|

Looking good in summer – beauty tips and outfits
Hair & Beauty, Style, Travel

Looking good in summer – beauty tips and outfits

By Midlifechic|2022-06-01T16:10:18+01:00June 1st, 2022|Categories: Hair & Beauty, Style, Travel|Tags: 2022, beauty, holiday chic, new season, OOTD, Spring, Summer, travel|

What I’m wearing at home and abroad
Family, Style, Travel

What I’m wearing at home and abroad

By Midlifechic|2022-05-27T17:00:12+01:00May 27th, 2022|Categories: Family, Style, Travel|Tags: 2022, Boden, casual chic, date night chic, dressed up chic, holiday chic, jeans, midlife chic, new season, night out chic, OOTD, Spring, Summer, travel, WIWT|

New summer basics from ANYDAY – home, fashion and a try-on
Retail Review, Style

New summer basics from ANYDAY – home, fashion and a try-on

By Midlifechic|2022-05-20T11:07:02+01:00May 20th, 2022|Categories: Retail Review, Style|Tags: 2022, casual chic, new season, retail review, Spring, Summer, wardrobe staples|

Ageless style – summer holiday looks and birthday thoughts
Style, Travel

Ageless style – summer holiday looks and birthday thoughts

By Midlifechic|2022-05-13T18:11:03+01:00May 13th, 2022|Categories: Style, Travel|Tags: 2022, Boden, casual chic, date night chic, holiday chic, holiday outfits, holiday style, night out chic, OOTD, Summer, travel, WIWT|

Bright colours to lift spring outfits – at reasonable prices too
Style

Bright colours to lift spring outfits – at reasonable prices too

By Midlifechic|2022-05-03T12:45:18+01:00May 3rd, 2022|Categories: Style|Tags: 2022, casual chic, holiday chic, new season, Spring, Summer, wardrobe essentials, wardrobe staples|

SS22 dresses for weddings, graduations and special occasions
Style

SS22 dresses for weddings, graduations and special occasions

By Midlifechic|2022-04-29T16:59:39+01:00April 29th, 2022|Categories: Style|Tags: 2022, dressed up chic, event chic, graduation style, graduations, new season, Spring, Summer, wedding chic, weddings|

Easter style and beauty – dresses, trousers, tees and tools
Style

Easter style and beauty – dresses, trousers, tees and tools

By Midlifechic|2022-08-08T15:45:54+01:00April 14th, 2022|Categories: Style|Tags: 2022, Boden, casual chic, new season, OOTD, Spring, Summer, wardrobe essentials, wardrobe staples, WIWT|

On growing older contentedly – and bold SS22 looks
Midlife, Project Happier, Style, Uncategorized

On growing older contentedly – and bold SS22 looks

By Midlifechic|2022-04-08T16:46:05+01:00April 8th, 2022|Categories: Midlife, Project Happier, Style, Uncategorized|Tags: 2022, ageing well, date night chic, dressed up chic, event chic, new season, night out chic, Project Happier, retail review, Spring, Summer|

A midlife catch-up – what I’ve been doing and wearing
Exhibitions, Family, Midlife, Style, Work life balance

A midlife catch-up – what I’ve been doing and wearing

By Midlifechic|2022-04-01T17:10:30+01:00April 1st, 2022|Categories: Exhibitions, Family, Midlife, Style, Work life balance|Tags: 2022, casual chic, date night chic, new season, night out chic, OOTD, Project Happier, Spring, WIWT, working wardrobe, workwear chic|

Estée Lauder – testing new products at John Lewis & Partners
Hair & Beauty, Retail Review, Style

Estée Lauder – testing new products at John Lewis & Partners

By Midlifechic|2022-03-25T17:27:57+00:00March 25th, 2022|Categories: Hair & Beauty, Retail Review, Style|Tags: 2022, beauty, new season, retail review, Spring, Summer|

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Instagram – On the road @midlifechic

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Mar 19

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I'm feeling a bit wistful today because it's the first time in my 55 years that I haven't spent Mothering Sunday with either my mum or my sons. But sometimes life works out like that. Sometimes when things don't turn out as you'd hoped, you just have to reframe them.

My mum died a long time ago and although we didn't always have the easiest of relationships, we did in the end. As I grow older I find it easier to understand the difficult time she clearly had during menopause and it explains a lot... so today I’m looking back on the often fierce love that she had for me and I'm grateful for it.

As for my own boys, they're out in the world living their lives, just as I wanted them to. I've spent good times with each one of them this month, today it's just bad luck that they have imminent work and uni deadlines.

I think we all know that the love between a mum and her children bends and stretches but it doesn't break. The feelings are there 365 days a year, not just on one day in March - even when you don't have a mum any more.

So if today isn’t turning out to be the perfect Mother’s Day for you… of flowers and lunches and Hallmark cards… just remember that. Because the love between a mother and her children is like starlight - it never dies.

#mothersday #motheringsundayuk #motheringsunday #mothersdaythoughts #motherlove #mumlove #remembering #family #mumofboys #mumof3 #mumofsons #mothersdayeveryday

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Mar 17

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Oh March - it’s nearly always a bit of a letdown isn’t it? Full of the promise of spring but never delivering…

… I’ve set myself a mission to spend every weekend away from the lure of the sofa and a boxset so this was last weekend, chilling in Newcastle. In my view there isn’t a better city in the world with warmer people… Liverpool comes a close second but tell me if you know another!
Anyway this is what we did:

1. Arriving just in time for last orders at our favourite pub. As well as a lot of lovely messages after my Story last week I had a few saying I shouldn’t wear a mini at 55 - well guess what? I’m wearing a different one today!
2. Saturday morning coffee in my favourite spot
3. A shortcut to the shops (you just can’t beat the OG Fenwick’s in my book)
4. The first al fresco lunch of the year (with snow on the ground - only slightly chilly🥶!)
5. A spot of culture at the Great North Museum (which has very little to do with the North but never mind)
6. A Saturday night movie (all the love for @everymancinema)
7. A cocktail on the way home (had to be done)
8. A Sunday market breakfast ‘Geordie banger’ (enough said)
9. Lovely morning spent with Mum-in-Law (it was a dementia ‘good day’ 😍)
10. And lunch with the starving student (so good to see his smiling face again ❤️)

This weekend holds something completely different. March (and mini skirt haters) you won’t get me down - so keep an eye on my Stories ⬆️😉

#newcastle #jesmond #newcastleupontyne #midlifewoman #midlifeblogger #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #over50styleblogger #emptynest #wiw #ootd #agelessstyle

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Mar 10

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midlifechic

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Mar 1

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Jeans are the thing I’m asked about most often on my blog so as I pulled on the pair I wear more than any others this morning, I thought I’d talk about them here because they’ve been my everyday favourites for over four years now.

I know lots of people struggle to find a pair they love that fit really well and get even better with each wash. These are a mid rise, slim straight cut with subtle fading down the front that makes your thigh look narrower.

They come as full length but I have mine cropped to an inch above my ankle bone which is the spot that works best for me on an everyday basis. It means I can wear them with trainers or boots in the day or dress them up with heels for going out at night.

You can click through to them from the pictures, they’re the Silverlakes from And/Or @johnlewis and this is not a gifted or paid for post, just a genuine recommendation with a few pictures of different ways I wear them at this time of year.

The thing is you don’t always need to buy new do you? You just need to buy the right thing and then wear it till it falls apart.

#jeans #jeansstyle #jeanswear #myjohnlewis #agelessstyle #midlifestyle #midlifestyletips #over50style #over50blogger #midlifefashion

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Feb 28

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Paid partnership with @rodenstock_official

As lots of you know, I’ve always used a standard high street optician for my glasses but my eyes have never felt quite right if that makes sense. And as I find I’m now wearing them more and more often it really matters.

Last week though that changed and I want to explain why.

Did you know that 98% of people are wearing glasses with lenses that don’t fit their eyes?

That’s because the lenses are measured from only one point in the middle of the eye. But we move our eyes all the time and to see clearly we need to have focus in our peripheral vision too. We need to be able to see more than just what’s right in front of us.

To fix this problem Rodenstock have created biometric vision.

Using a special ‘DNEye Scanner’ they measure not just one but over 7000 data points from every part of your eye.

It creates a unique biometric model so that your lens will fit you - and only you.

You can choose from Rodenstock’s wide range of fashionable frames which are then digitally scanned on your face to make sure they sit perfectly.

All of the data is transferred to the manufacturing stage and your lenses are crafted so that they’re completely bespoke for your eyes.

When you put your new glasses on it feels like rolling back the years - you can see everything clearly again. It’s crystal clear from every angle whichever way your eye turns - at dusk as well as during the day.

It really is so different to wearing standard, mass produced lenses. You can find Rodenstock at high quality independent opticians around the world.

#rodenstock #rodenstockeyewear #strongvoiceseurope #bigvisionforall #glasses #glassesstyle #glassesgirl #newglasses #agelessstyle #positiveageing

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Feb 18

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Outfits… and you can probably see that I’ve been thrilled to be out of khaki and back in my usual bright colours.

As you’ll know if you’ve been following my Stories, I packed lots of clothes for the Safari part (and the advice on Google is complete nonsense so I’ll do a blog post about that soon). It meant that our shared(!) rucksack was full of warm jumpers and nothing for hot sunshine. The gamble I took on being able to buy local for the beach paid off and I’ve had most things made here, it’s been great seeing the money go straight to the makers for once.

We start the long journey home tomorrow and I feel miles from home in every single sense. I have one little message of hope for you though - while we’ve been here we’ve been watching the swallows swirling, building themselves up for their migration back to Europe for our summer. As we head back to the cold, the promise I’m taking with me is that sunshine and good times are on their way for all of us… we just have to be patient for a little bit longer…

#agelessstyle #midlifeadventures #midlifestyle #holidaystyle #midlifetravel #kenya #travelblogger #emptynestadventures #midlifechic

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Feb 14

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Ad|press trip So can I sum up a Kenyan safari in 10 pictures? Of course it’s tempting to take the National Geographic approach and show you stunning shots of all of the animals we saw but the trip was so much more than that.

Seeing the majesty of animals in their wild environment, not cowed by man or captivity was so much more powerful than I ever imagined. But there was also the learning and understanding - we were taught so much by the local guides who’ve lived alongside these animals all their lives. They just know them. It was so much more than we could have gleaned from any book or documentary.

And then there was the joy of sharing what were often emotional moments with others who had come along on the same journey… with the same purpose.

Of course there was lots of laughter too. I loved not caring about what I was wearing - I didn’t think about the day ahead or the one before. I spent a week lost in ‘the now’… and that doesn’t happen to me very often.

Hopefully the pictures I’ve chosen will give you some idea of what I’m trying to say.

#titantravel #escortedtour #effortlessadventure #travelblogger #emptynestadventures #midlifeadventures #kenya #safari #safarilife #travelcouple #midlifeblogger

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Feb 8

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Ad|press trip - I can’t believe we’ve only been here for 5 days because we’ve packed so much in. I’ll be honest - as an art and history fan, a safari has never been on my radar but my mind has been blown.

It’s a really moving experience seeing animals in miles and miles of their own space while the humans work their lives around them - rather than the other way round.

We’ve watched elephants, hippos, rhinos, giraffes, buffalo, hyenas… too many animals to list, I’ve learned so much and I hope you’ve managed to pick up a few fun facts from my stories. Anyway, here’s a taster of what we’ve done and seen so far. Crocodiles tomorrow so there’s more to come!

#titantravel #escortedtour #effortlessadventure #travelblogger #emptynestadventures #midlifeadventures #midlifechic #kenya #safari #safarilife

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Feb 5

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Ad (press trip) If you’ve been following my Stories you’ll know that we’re away in Kenya on safari. We’re travelling with @titantraveluk and one of the best things about them is the pre-departure service.

They collect you from your door, manage all of the regional transfers and airport accommodation and provide drivers to whisk you from one point to another until you’re happily on the plane with a movie and a glass of wine in hand.

To see what we’re doing every day have a look at my Stories - tonight finds us being serenaded by hippos in a lakeside hotel…

#titantravel #escortedtour #effortlessadventure #midlifeadventures #emptynestadventures

midlifechic

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Dec 31

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Whatever you’re doing tonight, I wish you a very happy end to 2022. It was another funny old year wasn’t it - I think the best thing we can do as we look back at it all is hold on to the highlights.

And rather than spending tonight thinking up ways of how to be a better this or that in 2023, give yourself a pat on the back for everything that you already are.

I’m quite sure that it’s a lot…

… that it’s enough.

That goes for everyone reading but especially the marvellous (and often undervalued and unseen) midlife women.

Happy New Year - I hope 2023 brings many moments of joy for you and that it turns out be everything you wish it to be.

#positiveageing #midlifechic #midlifejourney #positivethinking #agepositiveactivist #agewithoutapologypledge #ageagnostic #happynewyear #hny #newyearseve #2023

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Dec 5

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Paid partnership with John Lewis
Ad|They have no idea do they? Your grown up offspring don’t see how the roles reverse…

… instead of it being us clutching their clammy little hands as they fizz with the build-up to Christmas, now we’re the ones brimming with anticipation, just waiting for them to burst back through our door with their joy and their energy. So we plan and we decorate and we shop and we cook… and there are times when it feels crazy to put so much time into it all - but it’s still worth it.

More than anything I think lockdown taught us how vulnerable we feel when we can’t be with the people who matter - and that feeling of ‘missing’ was never more acute than at Christmas. And of course there are still people we can’t be with. Christmas is always laced with bittersweet nostalgia for times and people that are gone - the missing goes on.

But this year let’s all do what we can to find joy in the simplicity of just being back together with people we love… with something nice to eat and drink… smiling faces and as much sparkle as we can possibly muster. Let’s enjoy the moments and make new memories - because time is fleeting and one day this will be the Christmas that we look back to with fondness.

[If you like something you see, all products featured can be found via the link in bio at the top]

#Christmas2022 #Christmascountdown #Christmashome #Christmasmood #Christmasspirit #Christmasinspiration #Christmasiscoming #jlchristmas #christmas #agelessstyle #emptynest #emptynesters

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Nov 27

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I’ve been missing my boys so we popped over to Leeds yesterday to see the youngest. “We’re staying in a nice hotel so dress smartly,” I instructed. And apparently he did!

Anyway it was a whirlwind trip, just time to take him out for breakfast this morning before we headed home again - he wasn’t going to leave the last pastry behind and the canvas he’s clutching was the result of a spot of skip surfing on the way back.

It reminded me that I do miss my student sons… but their student ways? Less so…

#emptynest #emptynesters #midlifewoman #midlifechic #midlifeblogger #midlife #mumofboys #over50blogger #over50style #leeds

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Nov 10

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Paid Partnership with John Lewis
Ad | I make no apologies for feeling excited about Christmas this year – it’s been so long since I’ve spent it with my extended family that I just can’t wait but… I’m going to do it differently this year.

I’m cutting out the things I never really enjoyed like the endless soulless business events I used to go to because I’ve realised it’s ok to say ‘no’ to things I don’t want to do. I don’t know whether it’s midlife or lockdown that’s taught me that but it’s already making a massive difference to my life.

This year I’m only going out to things I know I’ll really enjoy, otherwise Christmas is going to be about staying in and just waiting to have my whole family around for the first time since 2019.

Lockdown was tough but it taught me a few good lessons and this has been a big one – that it’s spending time with the right people that matters. And also that it doesn’t have to be glam and glitzy because it’s in the low key, cosy moments that new Christmas memories are made.

Does that make sense? Are you changing the way you do Christmas?

[If you like something you see, all products featured can be found via the link in bio at the top]

#Christmas2022 #Christmascountdown #Christmashome #Christmasmood #Christmasspirit #Christmasmagic #Christmasinspiration #Christmasiscoming #jlchristmas

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Oct 31

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Oof - a Halloween party on a work night and of course it’s fancy dress but I’m just nodding towards it with ears, eyes, nose and tail. To be honest I’m feeling more “moggy curled up in front of the fire” than witch’s cat. I am though, growing strangely fond of the tail and green contact lenses...

Happy Halloween to everyone who enjoys it 🎃

#halloween #halloweenmakeup #halloweenoutfit #halloweenparty #catoutfit #over50styleblogger #over50lifestyle #agelessstyle

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Oct 2

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Wishing the happiest of birthdays to the love of my life - this handful of photos from our week in St Lucia sums you up. I thank you for everything you do for me every day but especially of course the love, the dancing and the laughter…

Like all good things you keep on getting better with age so let’s keep on squeezing life to the pips together for as long as we live.

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Sep 24

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Today we dropped the last of our boys off at university and before too long he’ll be heading off to study abroad.

Empty nesting is so bittersweet - an ending and a new beginning. I’m so proud of the men they’ve become but I feel wistful about the little boys that they were.

I’ve been dreading this moment… whereas their dad - well you’ll see how he feels if you watch to the end…

#emptynesting #mumofsons #emptynestsyndrome #emptynesters #mumofboys #parenting #adultchildren #freshers #midlifechic #newchapter #newbeginnings #midlife

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Sep 23

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Can two long married midlifers find romance in the Caribbean? Watch and see.

Or… you can read all about it in my latest blog post (link at the top).

Ad - PR trip #midlife #midlifeblogger #midlifetravel #agelessstyle #stlucia #sandalsmoment #sandalsresorts #sandalsgrandestlucian #midlifelove #midlifer #travelblogger #oldlove #midlifechic #caribbeanadventure #caribbeansea

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Sep 22

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Never let growing older hold you back from immersing yourself in great moments. Some will say I’m too old at 55 to be wearing my oldest bikini and dancing in a waterfall… but given the opportunity of a lifetime in St Lucia, I was never going to let those voices stop me.

There will be more moments like this in my blogpost tomorrow. For now though let’s all stop worrying about what anyone else thinks - this is our one wild and precious life… so let’s live it.

Ad-PR trip #agelessstyle #midlifetravel #midlifechic #over50blogger #emptynest #emptynestadventures #travelblogger #sandalsmoment #SandalsResorts

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Sep 15

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Ad (PRtrip) And so it’s nearly time for us to head back home - and it feels important to be there now when such an important time in our country’s history lies ahead.

If there’s one thing I’ll take with me from St Lucia it’s a reminder of the restorative power of nature. It’s been soothing to spend our time in the mountains, the rainforest and the sea as well as the lush tropical gardens of the resorts. We’ve seen frigate birds swooping, pelicans landing, crabs scuttling and turtles coasting.

So as I pack my summer clothes away for another year when I get home, instead of shirking autumn, knowing that my dreaded season of winter lies in its wake, I’m determined to make an effort to get out there and embrace it.

I’ll miss this island but there’s beauty to be found in nature wherever you look - the thing is remembering to stop and take the time to see it isn’t it? I think a focus on the simple things is going to be the best way to approach the chilly months ahead.

So it’s goodbye to the sun on my skin from St Lucia’s endless summer days. And hello to England’s autumn… as a new chapter begins for us all.

#agelessstyle #midlifetravel #midlifeadventures #emptynest #travelblogger #over50blogger #over50 #over50style #over50travel #over50blogger #SandalsMoment #sandalsresorts #sandalsgrandestlucian

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Sep 13

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Ad - PR trip | While we’ve been here we hit a special day in our calendar. Blog readers know the story of how Mal and I met when we worked together at Selfridges. For years we loathed each other and then one day, while we were working in Manchester launching the Trafford Centre store he asked “what is it like to be you?”

And so I told him. You see I was in a relationship with an alcoholic who was often cruel and somehow that was the question that enabled me to tell someone what it was like to be me for the first time.

That was the day that he vowed to save me - exactly 24 years ago. We always celebrate it when it comes around but as you can imagine, this year being away with @sandals_uk was by far the most special yet.

It’s a place where romance abounds and while it’s lovely to see the starstruck young honeymooners, I’ve been more moved by watching the many midlife couples who are here. The one thing they all seem to share is laughter - and we all know that’s what sustains you through the ups and downs of life.

There are too many things that I love about Mal to list them here but the most important is the laughter - it quite literally lights me up!

Thank you for the years Mal.

#midlifelove #midliferomance #agelessstyle #emptynesters #anniversary #SandalsMoment #SandalsResorts #SandalsRegencyLaToc

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Sep 13

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Ad - PR trip One of my all time favourite things to do is spend a day on a speedboat and my boys groan because whenever we’re on holiday I spend ages trying to track one down.

So a real highlight of our trip so far was spending a day with @IslandRoutes, meandering along the south of the island…. passing the pastel coloured sugar cube villages … stopping for dips in the sea… and a beach shack for lunch.

The best part though was heading out into the wide open sea where the captain could rev his engine and take us so fast that the g-force contorted our faces.

Wind in your hair, salt on your skin - nothing beats it.

Thank you so much for these precious times @ sandals_uk

#SandalsMoment #SandalsResorts #WonderthisWay #caribbean #midlifeadventures #emptynesters #midlifetravel #over50blogger #stlucia

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Sep 10

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Ad - PR trip. And so arriving just in time for our first Caribbean sunset on Thursday felt a little more muted than we’d imagined because on the flight over we’d heard the very sad news about the Queen - it felt as though a huge hole had opened up.

However, Mal reminded me of the hours we’ve spent with those who are dying, including both of my parents - and the message that always comes through is the instruction not to be sad, instead to go out and live your lives to the full - while you can.

And so in this beautiful place that’s what we’ve been doing. Sandals invited us to review their resorts a year ago when we were facing the empty nest for the first time. Like so many other things that trip was cancelled by Covid but this year they asked us again.

We’ve had such a happy summer at home, slotting comfortably back into family life as our boys came back from uni but at the end of next week they’ll be off again, leaving me and their dad behind without a backward glance.

So we’ve been treasuring this once in a lifetime chance to reconnect on this beautiful island where there’s no pressure to do anything other than ‘be’.

It’s important to keep the pilot light of your relationship burning, whatever stage of life you’re at… and being somewhere like this certainly gives it one heck of a boost!

#SandalsMoment #SandalsResorts #SandalsRegencyLaToc #emptynest #emptynesters #newchapterinlife #newbeginnings #over50 #over50blogger #over50style #midlifetravel #midlifeadventures

midlifechic

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Sep 9

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And so as I said on my Stories, we were mid-flight on our way to St Lucia yesterday when the captain announced that the Queen had died.

As you can imagine on a BA plane filled with Brits and St Lucians, a damp fog descended over the holiday mood.

Being mid-Atlantic, it didn’t feel real until we landed but it gave me time to think about her life which was long and lived fully.

There’s always something to learn from the reflections when somebody dies. From my midlife perspective the thing that particularly strikes me is how well she moved with the times.

I think perhaps, as for a lot of us, midlife was one of her challenging periods - dealing with changing relationships, accepting that the world around her was already different to the one of her youth and consciously working out how to adapt.

And of course she had a complete style reappraisal too and showed us all that even in your 90s there’s joy to be found in what you wear.

It feels odd not being in the UK right now and sharing this massive moment in our history but we’re still in The Commonwealth here and people are feeling it too - along with travellers from other nations who immediately come over to commiserate when they hear that we’re English.

What an impact this 96 year old woman has had - all over the world. A beacon of how to age positively.

#queenelizabeth

midlifechic

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Aug 27

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I’ve been off grid for a while spending precious time with my boys – we’ve managed to get together for a proper family holiday and I know it could be the last one so I’m savouring every moment.

It feels particularly poignant being back in the villa where we’ve spent so many holidays since they were little – there are shadows of holidays past wherever I look but now they’re all grown up and have even brought their girlfriends too.

So we’ve been having fun and readjusting too – as a family when your children are little it almost feels as if you’re one body with multiple legs and arms but now we’re five individuals, each with our own lives and I have to get used to that.

You could fill a library with books telling you how to look after young children but there’s no route map for parenting young adults is there?

It’s a bittersweet time - in so many ways I find myself having to ‘unmother’, stepping back, learning how to get the balance right by being their friend and yet still being their mum when they need me to be.

If you’re one of the many people out there who can feel the empty nest hurtling towards you next month I can tell you that it’s a funny old time but I promise there are far more highs than lows. Let them go and be who they want to be in the knowledge that they have your love behind them. That way they always come back (with stomachs as empty as their wallets!)

Over the last two weeks I’ve come to the comforting conclusion that as a parent, you can always see the toddler in the adult, their ideas and ways of being might change but deep down they’re exactly the person they’ve always been.

And that’s my thought for the weekend… along with some outfit photos for people who prefer that sort of thing.

#agelessstyle #kalkan #turkey #holidayoutfit #beachstyle #over50blogger #over50style #midlifechic #midlifewoman #midlifestyle #parentingteens #emptynest #holidaymood

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