Something Old, Something New.....

Don't worry - this is not a bridal post.
As the weather is still cool I needed to wear boots and this lovely thick, flouncy skirt that I have had for at least two years.

The top is my last purchase of May and I love the way the coral mixes with the blue.

After losing a few unwelcome pounds with Weight Watchers I feel a little more secure wearing my belts again.

I am still at least 10 pounds heavier than when I started blogging in 2008 but I think I am destined to carry a little extra to flesh out the ageing process.

Still, I saw a poignant reminder on a poster today which listed things to be grateful for.

It said:

I am thankful for....

the clothes that feel a little too snug as it means I have enough to eat.

I wore:

Boots - Clarks

Skirt - Principles

Top - New Look

Belt - Tesco

Necklace - Fossil

Meditations

Today was a CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Day.

The brief was "Healthy Minds."

And it was my turn to organise an event for our team of 10.

As Progress Coaches at a sixth form college, our role is pastoral and to support students through their educational journey between the ages of 16 and 19.

We each have responsibility for 180 students who we see twice a week in group sessions.

The rest of our time is spent supporting individual students on a 121 basis, liasing with home and generally problem-solving/troubleshooting.

Our role can be quite stressful and our students go through a very challenging time while they are with us.

I have students who are recently bereaved, have terminally ill parents, suffer from long term health problems and all the other difficulties modern life can throw at them.

I was interested to see how meditation could help.

If it is good enough for Oxford University, it should be worthwhile for our students too.

With this in mind I contacted the local Buddhist Centre and asked if they could arrange a talk and series of Guided Meditations to give us a taste of what meditation could offer.

My colleagues were happy to investigate and so we spent a relaxing session at The Buddhist Centre near Sefton Park, followed  by a meal together at a lovely Gastro Pub in Lark Lane.

A colleague and I are now planning to set up weekly meditation sessions for students in September. I will let you know how we got on.

I wore:

Cardigan - Principles

Black Trousers - Primark

T-Shirt - Zara

Shoes - Clarks

Birthday Shop

Today my darling daughter, Briony, is 15.

It will be very difficult to get a photograph as she hates me taking snaps nowadays.

But on the left is one taken a few weeks ago when we visited by brother and his family.

My brother also shares her birthday and there have been several years when we have celebrated together.

The photo on the right was taken on her seventh birthday when she was more than happy to pose.

Briony was born at home on the day she was due,  June 12th 1997 at 6pm. 
I spent most of the two hour labour in the bath as the gas and air did not work.
My older two children, then six and two, were having tea at a friends house around the corner.
This snapshot was taken just before they arrived home

This year I treated her to some new clothes for her birthday and on Saturday we spent the day shopping in Liverpool where she got some shoes from Office, some tops from Zara and River Island, a faux leather jacket from Warehouse and some jeans from Miss Selfridge.

We are almost the same height and size now which means that both of us have the capacity to double our wardrobes.

Next year she will be 16 and I imagine her birthday trip will include shopping for her Prom.

I can't wait!

For the shopping trip I wore:

Leggings - Tesco

Boots - Clarks

Top - Small boutique in our village

Necklace - Principles.

Sky Blue

When I was a child my next door neighbour was a big Manchester City fan.

I didn't know much about football but I loved the colour of the kit - sky blue.

Actually, I love any shade of blue.

My house is painted in a mixture of blues and whites.

This morning I went to Tesco for some loo rolls.

Yes, loo rolls.

So why did I end up combing the clothes rails which is about as far away from the loo roll aisle as is possible?

These were the only pair of sky blue ankle grazers on the rail.

And in my size.

Should I add them to my basket?

At £14 it would be rude not to.

The great thing about ankle grazers is that they are the perfect length for us petites.

If I want ankle grazers I will just roll them up but here I can wear them as full length jeans.

Two pairs for the price of one.  

Buy One, Get One Free.

Here is a close up of my Primark top which Kasmira requested.

It cost £8 and I love the muted colours and the scalloped edge.

I think this will be a summer staple in my wardrobe for years to come.

Are you ever tempted when you are shopping for groceries?

I wore:

Shoes - Marks & Spencer.

Jeans - Florence & Fred (Tesco)

Top - Primark

Messy Bun

Still having fun with The Small Things' Hair Tutorials.

Today was the turn of the messy bun.

I think I should have curled it first and used those clear plastic ties to make it look as good as Kate's but it is good for a change.

I have also noticed that here excellent blow dry tutorial has added extra body to my usual down dos too.

Another casual day today to make it easier to run around the house tidying up.

I am actually looking forward ot going to work next week so I can dress up a bit.

I wore:

Trainers - Converse

Jeans - Top Shop

Top - Asos

Necklace - Fossil

With Or Without You?

Favourite grey scarf I couldn't decide.

With Or Without You?

In the end I went with the scarf as it was such a chilly day.

I can't believe it is winter boots and leggings time again.

IN JUNE!

What is happening with this weather?

I wore:

Boots - Clarks

Leggings - Lytesse

Vest Top - Isabella Oliver

Denim Shirt - Spanish shop

Scarf - River Island

Happy Birthday Dad

It would have been my dad's 76th  birthday on June 6th.
It is the second birthday we have had to celebrate without him.
I thought the first year of firsts after his death would be the hardest but it doesn't seem right to have a June 6th without my dad here laughing, joking and teasing my mum.
Little things get me like when I am walking the dog and I see a man of his height and shape in the distance.
I know I am not the only one because our dog starts to wag his tail too.
When I am running my favourite route through the pinewoods I remember when he would cycle by my side.
But most of all when I see my mum's eyes mist over and know that however hard it is for me it so much worse for her.
As exasperating as he could be, he was the love of her life.
Tonight we will write messages on our Chinese lanterns and send them up to the heavens.
Wherever you are dad, Happy Birthday.

I wore:
Trainers: Converse
Trousers: Top Shop
Blouse: Boden (thrifted)