Woodland Inspiration

After this inspiring walk around my local woods I had decided it was time to wear my autumn dress again.

 

I love the yellows and greens that are still around but it reminded me that I had some gardening to do.

After tidying up the pots and planting more bulbs I came inside for some cuddles with my daughter's dog who is staying with us this weekend.

Saturday night was spent watching the final two episodes of DNA on BBC 4 - what a  great thriller travelling around Denmark, Poland and Paris. The ending was just right too.

As Bud was going back today I needed something snuggly and this vest and cardigan from New Look is super warm and lovely to touch.

After a family roast we retired to the sitting room to binge watch three episodes of The Crown. I'm not sure I am enjoying it as much as the last three seasons but I will stick with it.

Monday will be spent planning for the rest of the week and cleaning and tidying which I find very therapeutic.

I'm over halfway through my NaNoWriMo novel or should I say ramblings which is pleasing as I found it a struggle last week but I won't give up.

Have a good week.

Jane

 

That Was The Week That Was

 Well What A Week!

It started off a little cool and I decided to wear my new to me Karen Millen jumper from eBay that warmed me up a bit with its autumnal hues.

The colours reminded me of me new favourite coffee label and also inspired me to make  a hearty slowcooker Indian curry.

Having a meal ready was pretty handy for when I finished teaching my Zoom Yoga class. and was starving. It was so lovely seeing everyone including one of my 70 year old students who is back on her mat after a three week battle with Covid 19.

It isn't the most flattering image - not that I minded too much as tonight I heard the great news - we are getting a puppy. 

Actually the two sons who live with us are getting a new puppy so we will have all the cuddles and chaos without the cost. 

Perfect!

Here he is.

Meet Frankie.

I ended the week completing my MA application which took me much longer than I expected. So fingers crossed!

And now to get ready for the weekend - whatever that brings.

Have a good one everyone.

I wore:

Leggings - Sweaty Betty

Shirt - French Connection

Sweater - Karen Millen

Shoes - Nike

Topsy Turvey

 

After a nice long walk in the woods I came back and added a voiceover to a Yin Yoga class I recorded yesterday.

Then it was time to get showered and changed and out of my yoga gear to sort some shopping for my mum.

I couldn't resist a yoga pose or two in the garden of course!

Today I wore:

Shoes - Clarks

Trousers - DKNY

Cardigan - New Look

Le Weekend

 

Thanks to the lockdown and no yoga classes this evening my weekend started on a sunny Friday with a walk to our local beach.

 From my front door, it takes me 25 minutes of walking listening to Desert Island Discs before I reach this spot.

Formby is one of the finest examples in the world of a shifting dune system and the beach looks different every time I come.

There are Natterjack Toads, Sand Lizards and Tiger Beetles here which we are always on the lookout for. There are also lots of wading birds and in the summer the larks are just beautiful.

The coastline is now managed by the National Trust and on high days and holidays the car parks are full by 9am but there are always places to go where you can find lots of space.

You can find out more about Formby here.

 Through the dunes,

And then this first sight of the beach.

It never fails to lift my soul whatever the weather. And I love to walk alone.

Then home for coffee and sort out my charity shop haul from Wednesday.

Saturday was a lazy day, reading in bed as I had no yoga class to teach and it was nice for a change.

 

After getting dressed, time for some more reading.

This New Look cardigan is so warm and feels like a big hug.

The full length view.

Later, another walk along to the beach to watch the geese landing - the noise is so beautiful.

In this spring this pond is full of ducks and their babies.

I like to walk alone but also with my husband who is a keen birdwatcher - I learn so much.

This Sea Buckthorn looked beautiful with its orange berries.

Sunday was another lazy morning in bed finishing off my Nicci French thriller.

Both the Superdry top and Top Shop skirt are from my local charity shops.

Looking forward to an early night with another new book.

Haircut 100

 

 I have had a lockdown haircut!

My hairdresser sent me a message on Sunday after the lockdown news to say they would be extending the opening hours to anyone who wanted to use their services before the lockdown.

I have been heading to a one length cut for a while and I decided to go for it.

I am very pleased with the haircut. I went on my day off so it was nice to wear a dress to instead of leggings and this is one of my autumn favourites. 

Taking photos is still a work in progress!

Have a lovely weekend.

Today I wore:

Boots - Marks & Spencer

Dress - Wallis

Belt - TK Maxx

If I Could Turn Back Time

 Today was Tuesday, November 3rd and when I started this blog in 2009, it was also a Tuesday and I wore this outfit.

I loved that top and red is one of my favourite colours.

You can read the post here.

That day I was getting ready for one of my writing projects to be finalised and I was also working as a writer in residence at a men's prison. 

My children were then 9,12,14 and 18.

It was such a busy time - how on earth did she do it?

Today I was teaching most of the day in two different schools - 10 yoga and mindfulness classes in total.

The theme of our sessions was gratitude and I am thankful, that despite the lockdown, the schools still want me - even if I do look like a welder channeling my inner Flashdance vibe.

But today I am also thankful to my 2009 self who was never afraid to pursue projects that made her soul sing.

Here's to the next 11 years, wherever they may take me.

Mindful Monday

 

I spent today editing the 30 videos I made last week for the Mindful Classrooms programme that I have been working on.

At the time of going to press I teach yoga and mindfulness in four local primary schools, working with around 400 children a week, but I keep being asked for more. 

My new programme is a six week scheme of work where the children practise some form of mindfulness for five minutes or less every day.

After five changes of clothes to add variety to the videos I settled on my new favourite jumper from Cos.

I love that shade of blue - it reminds me of Greece, a place I have never been but hope to visit next year.

I wore it with my pre-loved Alexander McQueens from Luxe Collective.

I am back in two schools tomorrow and looking forward to seeing my students - I have really missed them over the half-term. But for how long will schools stay open?

I will take my own advice and enjoy the moments.

See you next time.

I wore:

Shoes: Alexander McQueen

Leggings: Dorothy Perkins

Jumper: Cos