Hello everyone
I hope you all had a good Christmas and didn’t overeat or rush around too much. I certainly did both of those on Christmas Day but it was so worth it to have family around, which was something I longed for during the pandemic lockdowns. Mind you, Covid is not over as one half of my family, my son and daughter-in-law both got the lurgy and are still testing positive days later and not particularly well either. However, when they do recover, we’ll have another Christmas Day as all the presents have been saved for when we can be together. But if I have anything to do with the cooking it will be a light vegetarian dish as I’m not going to eat anything heavy for some time to come!
So this post is all about my favourite outfits and a few other things that happened during 2022. Best books and films will be in another post shortly.
MY FAVOURITE PIECES OF CLOTHING 2022
I have to start with the Idaretobe tulle skirt. No, it’s not a charity shop skirt, but it really is the way I want to dress for any social occasion – tea with friends, a trip to London, a visit to an art gallery – this is the skirt I shall wear. Gosh I love it so.
I also love the slightly more punk black lace skirt that I acquired from my good friend Gail. This is the beginning of me projecting a more out-there look so watch this space!
Then there are the two winter charity shop coats I bought.
One was unlined and I wore it to London once but it will have lots of other outings. I like the long length.
The other one, also a charity shop coat (£25) is lined and a 100% wool and a good long length – you’ll see it soon.
The weather here, btw, is just rain, rain, rain for many days to come. I believe it’s the remnants of the awful weather you’ve had over the pond dear American readers, and I do so hope you all came through the snow and the cold without any problems. Hearing of your weather made me realise once again that we Brits constantly complain about our weather, the rain, the cold, the heat, but really we know nothing!
Anyway, for the next few days this is the coat that I shall be wearing.
It’s that Helly Hansen raincoat – as expensive as it was I am so glad I bought it as it is totally waterproof and quite a standout colour too!
HATS
I had great fun when my friend Lisa came round, and we tried all my hats of which I have nearly 50! Here are two we wore.
I’ve got to find a coat to go with this hat!
And what about this?
I really must wear this hat more often
But hey what about the items I bought in the summer? Three dresses come to mind as being outstanding. First of all, there was a dress I bought online a couple of years back, which really came into its own through the heatwaves we had mid-summer.
Then two charity shop dresses were great successes.
First this one, and then a loose black shift dress which I dithered over in the shop as to whether I should buy .
In the end I wore the black dress far more than any other as it was so cool in the hot weather.
And always skirts, these are my go-to items.
But I’ve never worn this one. Should I?
HAIRSTYLES
It’s been quite a reminder looking through these pix that I had long hair (very long through the pandemic) for several years. It was my opinion that my long hair was a badge of defiance against my ageing. Because you know, you’re not meant to have long hair as you get into your 70s & 80s so, hey, I was going to have long, witch-like hair into my 90s. But you know occasionally I caught a side-on view of myself and the long hair didn’t look so good. It dragged my face down. So I got myself a really good hairdresser and wham bam, I have short hair now. I’m almost convinced it was the right thing to do.
Long hair
Half way there
Short hair
And a blast from the past – a mullet!
WE MOVED!
Moving to Lewes has been the best thing we’ve done for years. There is so much to do here in this little town – love it. But OMG, the angst and the effort one has to put into moving house. Here’s a reminder of some of the chaos we were in.
The room now
But that move got me out of my increasing agoraphobia,, which was all down to the pandemic, which isn’t over, of course, but that extreme anxiety I had has reduced a lot. And wow, we do go up to London. Visiting art exhibitions is the thing I missed so much.
I’ve never forgotten that after the long lockdown we had in early 2021 I went into a store for the first time in months and was mesmerised by a display of pencils. I thought it the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen! We were all starved of these experiences. What a dismal time that was. Thankfully, with the wonderful scientists around the world, we are safer with our vaccines but I am mindful too, that Covid is with us for the duration. .
And talking about vaccines leads me to our health as we age…
HEALTH & WELLBEING AS WE AGE
Hmm, my take on health is that one’s mid seventies and beyond is not for wimps. It is hard work just maintaining the status quo. Anyway, I have some negative things to talk about so will get them over with first, but I do have some very positive points as well.
Right, the negatives. If anyone says to me, ‘age is just a number,’ or ‘you are as young as you feel’, I now feel extremely annoyed. I mean I know where they’re coming from as I used to trot those phrases out all the time, even when I was over 70, but I was saying that from a vantage point of being and feeling very physically well. Mostly the people who say those trite and overworked phrases are younger and what do they truly know of ageing? Nothing. Really, we should reply, ‘no this IS our age, and if what has made you say this is that we’re looking particularly good today, then hey, that’s how a 70+ person looks’. We look good because we look good and NOT because we look younger! Those phrases if you think about them are very ageist – so I just stop people from saying them and tell them why.
I must sound a right martinet. But you have to be quite sassy I think as the years go by. And one needs lots of gumption and oomph to face ones age. I have nothing major whatsoever going on, and for that I’m very grateful, but there are many small things that are stacking up which on some days can get to me. I’d say attitude is the key though, and working out solutions. For instance, my balance is one challenge to really get to grips with, but I work on core strength and balance with my PT and have exercises to do in between classes. I tell you if I ever need a stick (because in that icy weather we had, those slippery pavements were terrifying) I shall make sure I have one that is covered in psychedelic colours and glitter!
Also I have hands that are now easily bruised, the slightest knock and oh blast! There’s nothing you can do about it and they fade within a week or two. However, my remedy is to have Madonna-like lace fingerless gloves.
I think the gloves cover up my hands brilliantly! And I intend to get more of these gloves to suit every occasion.
On the positive side, I must tell you about the effect Intermittent Fasting is having on me. Some weeks ago I joined an academic study run by the Zoe team. This now has over 140,000 people participating and is the largest study ever done on fasting. It is not a diet. You eat exactly as you would normally, but within a 10-hour slot of your choosing. And that is all, apart from logging your hours every day.
At the moment UK people have until tomorrow to participate in this study. The academic results will come at the end of the study, but for now we can increase our participation week by week. I am on day 47 of the study.
The academic results will come at the end of the study, but on the IF Facebook group there are anecdotal reports of benefits including reduced bloating – yup that’s me, and loss of weight – yup that’s me. I will watch the weight loss as I don’t want to lose any more weight but I’m pleased to get rid of that spare tyre and put that down to reduced snacking of biscuits (cookies) in the evening.
There are other benefits of IF being reported on the Facebook group of better sleep, reduced blood sugars and reduced joint pain. Astonishingly, after only two weeks of restricting my eating I began to have less pain in my right hip. I am stunned actually. For two years now I’ve had a stiff, painful R hip. Now I wouldn’t call this hip normal but the pain is reduced – amazing. And I am surmising here but it has to be something to do with reduced inflammation. Consequently, if I can stabilise my weight, IF is the way forward for me.
Read up on the Zoe trial and the potential benefits of Intermittent Fasting on this link
I haven’t mentioned anything about UK politics! And won’t! In the next week or so I hope to publish a review of the year in My Other Blog. I have so many ideas running around in my head and half thought through and even half written pieces which never got finished that I now want to do just a paragraph or two on several subjects – that might see the light of day! I’ll tell you when it’s ready!
Best books, tv and films will be posted on this blog in the next couple of days. so that’s all for now, but here’s wishing you a very Happy New Year and here’s hoping 2023 is a good one!
Finally I wish to thank you all for sticking with me through the year – you are all so very much appreciated by me. I write for you and no-one else!
With love, Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
Thank you, Penny, for cheering me up in the midst of this ghastly, never-ending weather! The Cuckmere Valley resembles one vast lake! Firstly, YES you should wear that gorgeous black skirt with the colour insets! Secondly, I love the hat you’re wearing with the elegant black (with camel edging) shift you’re wearing in the art gallery. Thirdly, the fingerless gloves – brilliant! Yes, get many more for different occasions!
Penny xxx
Hi Penny and delighted to see a comment! This weather is ghastly – personally hate the wind more than the rain.
I will wear that skirt at the next Hillcrest film – how about that! Hope you are well and that the move is still on its set schedule. Take care over the next few weeks and looking forward to seeing your new home in 2023.
All the very best to you for the coming year xxx
What a lovely collection of outfits I presume you kept a photo diary with a view to showing these. Nice to see Summer sunshine too.
Your agoraphobia? Can you believe we went to the cinema for the first time since the pandemic yesterday? It was lovely to get out although I was massively disappointed in the film. The Banshees of Inisheran. Maybe I read too many reviews before I went. I found the plot very flimsy.
Anyway thank you for the pleasure your blog gives and your well thought out positivity. Best wishes for 2023 and lang may yer lum reek.
The pix are all in the ‘media library’ of this blog,, so I can look back quite easily. Summer sunshine – what’s that!? We are having a lot of blustery, windy weather along with the rain – it’s really unpleasant.
Interesting you say that as Banshees is tipped to win a lot of awards – just watch the Oscars. And doubly interesting as I get what you say. The film was slow and ponderous albeit very beautiful to look at, with good actors etc etc. I think sometimes, particularly with the Oscars, the American actors/producers who vote for these awards love something different to the blockbusters and action films that litter the film environment. I thought it a ‘good’ film for the acting and the cinematography, but the plot was rather stupid and I got the feeling myself that it wasn’t good advertisement for Ireland generally. Ditto The Wonder, starring Florence Pugh – great acting but….
Thanks so much for the kind words about the blog – Happy New Year!
Just to say how much I have enjoyed reading all your blogs (including your Other One – agree with so much you say there).I am always pleased to see a new post from you. I have only commented once before, some years back, – bizarrely on the subject of black trousers!! But I thought I’d like to say thank you, keep up the good work & best wishes for 2023.
Thankyou so much Dotty – I do appreciate the feedback and best wishes to you for 2023. let’s hope it’s a better one!
I so love seeing you in my inbox first thing in the morning. This was fun. Of course I am sorry that your whole family was not able to get together for your Christmas day. Ours is going to be tomorrow and still everyone may not be there. I am so glad you are enjoying your new home and area so much. One thing that has me still smiling, we spent a few hours yesterday with our oldest grandson that we have not seen for well over 2 years. He took a day off work to come up to see us and it was heaven to spend time with him.
With those shots of your hair, I am truly envious of how thick it is, just gorgeous no matter how long it is. Thanks for the work you do for us, I really appreciate and enjoy it. Have a wonderful New Year ahead. ( and happy shopping days to come)
Thank you so much Diane, really appreciate the feedback. And spending time with grandchildren is lovely, isn’t it. The 16-yr-old is always good for a discussion on film for starters. We exchange news of what we’ve seen and give each other recommendations. The 2-yr-old is just at the never-sits-still age, which is exhausting!!!
Thank you also re: the hair. I am so lucky to have this thick hair which is entirely down to my mother’s genes and the Scottish red hair that she had and I had. I’m whispering now but there is a penalty as the consequence of this hairy gene is that I have hair everywhere else which still to this day has to be tamed!!!!!!
Thank you again and here’s wishing you a Happy New Year and may it please be a better one! Peace on Earth would be a good thing!
And here’s to shopping, frugally of course!
I love your style and your attitude! The tulle skirt is amazing. And I can’t wait to see you in the lace one. While I’m 59 (as of today), I agree with all of your thoughts on aging. I got an accelerated taste due to RA. And there is no trite turn of phrase that is going to turn back the clock. Besides, regardless of my health hardships, I’m quite happy with my life.
I’ve been reading a book called The Diet Myth by British researcher, Tim Specter. Its focus is on the micro-biome in our large intestine and its effect on health. We want to keep those little bugs happy! Anyway, one of the ways we can do that is through intermittent fasting. So it’s wonderful to hear of your positive results.
Here’s to a terrific 2023!
Michelle
https://funkyfashionstyle.com
Ah yes,Tim Spector heads up the Zoe IF trial. I listen to his YouTube videos which are very helpful – just search for Zoe. And I have his latest book which is Food for Life. The New Science of Eating Well. It’s quite a tome but I am reading a small bit every day and it is very readable and so very interesting. I like the way all his advice on food is evidence based.
And yes, this ageing lark is never helped by those phrases. Thankfully we can still live rich and satisfying lives as we age which is absolutely my goal.
Here’s to a better 2023 – Peace on Earth would be great too!
What a lovely post to read. And what a great idea, those fingerless gloves. It’s that on Guy Fawkes night? The photo in your rain coat?
I wish you a fabulous Happy and healthy 2023 and I hope that we can meet again, perhaps in Dungeness!
Hi Nancy and here’s wishing you a very Happy New Year and a healthy and bright 2023!
Fingerless gloves are going to be my style from now on and yes that was Guy Fawkes night which was, of course, pouring with rain!
And let’s hope we meet up again in 2023 and Dungeness – how I love it!
I agree with you in hating that phrase “age is just a number”. Apart from people usually using it when they have no real health issues, it completely disregards a whole life’s experience. At 76 I feel perky now and then, but what I really value is that I am now able to bring so much more to films I see, books I read and music I hear than when I was young – its a wonderful bonus to ageing.
How right you are – my taste in books when I was younger was so limited, now I appreciate good writing more than a plot really, although that matters of course. As for film, I watched all sorts without any sense of what was good. Now I am far more discriminating and you are so right, this has come from experience and age and yes, it is a wonderful bonus!
Wow. What a super busy time and many lovely outfits, love the shorter hair too! I grow mine a bit then feel I want it shorter… never happy eh! Wishing you a happy new year a Penny xx Jacqui xx
Thank you Jacqui and yes, when I look at the photos the shorter hair is the best but I still have to be reminded of that. Actually I think I am committed to short hair as I’ve just made an appointment to get it short again!
Wishing you a Happy New Year, too Jacqui and a big thank you for hosting your wonderful link-ups 🙂
Happy New Year Penny. Firstly, thank you for your blogs, I love them both. It is a joy to see your blog pop up in my emails, I know I’m going to enjoy reading whatever the topic. Secondly, your hair looks great at the shortest length, so much more stylish than when it was longer. I think it really suits you. Thirdly – do wear the skirt with the coloured inserts! I think it’s lovely and I remember your earlier post about it. I think I might even have commented then – I certainly thought about it.
Every best wish for you and your family in 2023. Kathy x
Thank you Kathy for that feedback which is so nice to get. And I must be convinced about the hair as I’ve made an appointment to get it back to that short length again.
I will wear that skirt!
And here’s wishing you and your family all the very best for 2023 🙂
Je trouve que vos achats sont top…
Et les cheveux courts bien mieux
Merci Martine, c’est un plaisir de communiquer avec vous. Bonne année
Oh, the excitement and p,ensure when I see your blog listed in my email. Can’t wait to open it. Love your year-end musings, also the tulle skirt and also the lace one. Your blog is so inspiring that I will now look through my closet. I know there must be an old lace skirt looming there just waiting to be remodeled. Your beautiful hair, albeit shorter, makes all the difference in the world, more youthful, perky and “with it.” As an 82 year old woman across the pond, I can say that I enjoy your words, ideas, photos, lifestyle (technically your whole blog). They are wonderful. Thanks for all the work you do to produce it. Your audience appreciates it. Claire
Thank you so much Claire – what lovely comments! I really appreciate your feedback and yes do look through your closet for a lacy skirt!
Thank you again for reading my blog 🙂
Hello Penny
Great outfits, all of them, just right for you, but I’m with Penny Haines on just loving most the hat you’re wearing in the art gallery. Wow, wonderful!
Such a shame that Covid spoilt your get-together but hey, you all have another celebration to come!
Now, ageing. As someone several years older than you I have to admit that I’m not a fan of it, but as long as I wake up each morning and not touch wood with my elbows then I’m a happy bunny!
Thank you for your blog; I do look forward to it despite our occasional different take on things political, but that said, wouldn’t life be boring if we all thought the same?!
Happy New Year, Penny, and everyone else.
Stay safe
Zepherine x
Hi Penny,
I’m finding the fasting beneficial in that my gut seems much more settled. I eat kafir now for breakfast which I enjoy with banana muesli and Brazil nuts. Plus a boiled egg.
My waterproof coat came in handy for the wet weather recently, I’m so pleased with it. I love your yellow one.
Happy New year to you and your husband Penny and thank you for your insightful post xx
I’m glad you’re also finding the Intermittent Fasting is benefitting you. It isn’t for everyone, but I’ve found it so good for me. Bloating gone, spare tyre gone and reduced joint pain which still amazes me.
I think we’ll be wearing our waterproof coats for several days to come – the weather seems to be mostly rain from now on!
And a Happy New Year to you and your family Vivienne 🙂
Thanks so much Zepherine for your comments. Yes, that hat is a great success and bought new for next to nothing in a charity shop, I forget which one.
Ah ah, this ageing lark. Yes, like you, I am grateful to be here as there are some friends, same age and younger, who are either seriously ill or passed, so what on earth am I complaining about!!!!! However, I do believe in being real and being 76 is very different to being a very fit 70 yr-old. But I am so grateful for my Personal Trainer as with her I really get to grips with my stiffness, balance and energy so here’s to many more of those 1-2-1s that keep me on the straight and narrow!
It is great to agree to differ. I highly recommend the podcast The Rest is Politics with Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell as they really do come from such different political backgrounds and they often disagree but it is all so civilised – they are great role models.
Thanks Zepherine and here’s to the New Year and a good year to come 🙂
Like many of your readers have stated, your blog brings joy to those of us who read it regularly. todays was especially welcome. I am glad you had a busy Christmas and got to spend time with at least some of your family. this was a strange holiday for me. there were just the three of us, my daughter and her husband around to celebrate. the few “Christmassy” events ended up being cancelled. after a fairly mellow Autumn the days surrounding Christmas were bitterly cold. I found myself feeling sorry for myself. and yet it is a question of attitude. I look around today and see a closet stuffed with clothes, a fridge filled with food. I have heat and hot water at the ready. and in spite of the cold weather I never lost power as so many did. And you are spot on about age, we can do all we can to keep up our appearance and maintain our health yet the years take a toll. I know that my energy level is not what it was even a few years ago. Probably the covid lockdown did not help and I am trying to regain some of my old spark but it is work. Thank you for being a role model. I read your blog and see what other readers are dealing with and I feel fortunate , and with friends my age as well. I am getting out my calendar to plan for activities I might enjoy, where I can put my best self forward, make an effort. show up. Tomorrow, New years Eve I will finally get together with my family to celebrate each other, the coming year, eat plenty of good food, drink a little bubbly and exchange gifts, sounds like a plan!
Have a wonderful and Happy New Year Penny! Darby
Hi Darby – I think we have very similar views on ageing based on the reality of the passing years. Attitude is absolutely the key and I have cheered myself up enormously by booking a cruise for the month of June so I have that to look forward to.
My son and daughter-in-law are still testing positive so the second Christmas hasn’t taken place yet. I shall keep my Christmas decs up a little longer in case they come next w/e. We’ve agreed that they must have at least 2 negative days before we meet up. It’s very tedious for them as they now feel a lot better which is good but they’re unable to do do much outside apart from healthy walks – usually in the pouring rain. The cold weather you had has crossed the Atlantic and pulled tons of rain with it!!! We’ve seen on the media some amazing sights of frost, snow and ice.
So glad you were able to get together – family is so important. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2023, Darby, and thank you so much for your comments which I always look forward to 🙂
Brilliant idea with the gloves Penny. I just bought a pair of long gloves that I was going to start wearing with sleeveless dresses. You’ll see them one of these days on the blog.
And let me just tell you that I adore your sassiness and the fact that you will wear a tulle skirt!! To me that is attitude to infinity and beyond!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
The gloves were a brainwave I had after a particularly nasty bruise coincided with a London trip. I thought noooo, I can’t be showing this bruise to all and sundry but it was like a light going on – Madonna and her fingerless gloves!!!
Thank you so much Jodie re: the skirts, I aim to wear more of that type of skirt from now on.
Happy New Year to you and your family, best wishes to Charlotte 🙂
Well, Penny, you have just made me feel so much better! I have been beating myself up over the various aches and pains, telling myself I shouldn’t be feeling these as I’m not that old (65 recently). But, any length of time sitting results in some stiffness in the hips! Of course, if I lost the weight, I’d feel better, too. That’s going to happen this next year. I am resolved (and, I don’t make resolutions). Now, on to the fashion! I love both of those black skirts and really can’t wait to see what you do with the skirt Gail gave you! I’m sure you’ll wear them with those gorgeous boots! And, 50 hats! Where do you keep them all? I do love that green one so very much! Ok, on to the hair. I was going to agree with you about the long hair…then, I saw your photo with the short hair. And, you’re right! It does brighten your face, especially your eyes so maybe we shouldn’t equate hair with age, eh? I’m considering chopping mine off, too! Now, let’s get to weather! Would you believe it’s 55 (12.78C) and raining? Last week, we were in the negatives at this time!
Finally, I thought I was the only one who became agoraphobic (aren’t I the egotist)! I really hated lock down yet there was something about going out and about that was so frightening. It’s still so strange to me to be in crowds. I’m beginning to see more people masking again. I think it’s because flu and colds seem to be on the rise here.
Lastly (because finally wasn’t enough), I am so very glad to have become blogging friends over this past year. Your posts are always a bright spot in my day! Thanks so much for that!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
My PT always says to me get up every half an hour and walk around, jig and just move. Do I do that? Hardly ever, but it’s good advice. Sitting is not good for any of us and especially as we age – we must move!
If you’ve looked at the link above for IF you might find that Intermittent fasting could help you lose weight. It’s absolutely not a diet as the study tells us to eat normally but some participants have found that this happens when they shorten the eating window (which is your choice). We finish eating at 6.30 and so I don’t snack any more – it’s been interesting to say the least.
The pandemic has had such a huge impact on our lives, in so many ways, I mean where to begin. Even those who deny it, are impacted because of the depth of feelings it arouses. Me, I just stayed away from people and experiences – until I moved in March of this year. Now I participate but always there’s that slight anxiety. I’m wearing a mask on public transport which makes sense as there are so many bugs around: flu and colds as well as Covid.
And finally it’s been great to meet you and get to know you through your blogs. Here’s wishing you a happy and healthy 2023 🙂
A very Happy New Year to you and your family Penny. Thank you for your blog, always interesting and one of the few around that does not bombard the reader with those dreaded ads! I will be following your journey with intermittent fasting with interest. Cheers Doreen
Hi Doreen and thank you so much for that feedback. Glad you like the lack of ads which I agree is a bit off-putting!
I’ll keep you all informed of the study and its results.
All the very best to you for 2023 🙂
Hello, Penny…Your year end wrap up is a visual delight. You look wonderful in the color black AND your favorite bright colors as well. I’m sure it has all to do with your marvelous spirit and determination to keep living a vibrant life. Yes, love your shorter hair length and had to laugh at the “hair gene” remark. I am the same…thankful for my salt n’pepper, full head of hair kept trim in a short pixie.
I am a bit surprised to realize that it’s been one month since my husband passed away. I’m thankful for a busy Christmas holiday with visiting family. Knowing that my husband would not like our grandchildren’s Christmas to be less fun in anyway, the shopping and wrapping kept my spirits up. I am facing quite a bit of paperwork and navigating the challenges of being solo after 44 years of marriage plus five years of dating…a major part of my seventy-three years of existence. Our sons are helping me plan a Celebration of Life for their dad in mid-January. So the busyness keeps on and I must keep my wits about me.
Thankful for good health and looking ahead to what the new year and new role brings…Charlene
Hi Charlene and it’s lovely to hear from you considering the effort and work that needs to be done when someone passes on – I can remember how it was when I had to sort my mother’s effects and estate. I simply love the idea of a Celebration of Life being organised by your sons and I expect it will be an uplifting experience for you all.
And thank you for those kind words about my black outfits and colourful clothes. May 2023 bring you, if not happiness, serenity, good health and peace. You take care.
Thank you, Penny. I am trying to take care of myself. I appreciate your encouragement to do so.
Keep your wonderful blog posts coming…Charlene
Morning Penny
Thanks for this interesting round up of your year. I hope your son and daughter in law have recovered and that your ‘Christmas -Take 2’ goes well. I agree, Covid is still around. Unfortunately, many people aren’t testing and, unless they’re very ill, are still out and about working, socialising.
Our Christmas was delightful – a mixture of friends and family and I made and glazed my first ever Christmas cake. Heaven knows why it was my first, but it was delicious. Actually I made two – one for a friend.
Hard to believe your move was only earlier this year; you seem to have settled in beautifully – to the town and your new home.
Yes, people spouting ‘age is just a number’ is grinding particularly since it’s usually much younger who say it. I remember saying to a friend 70 is very different than 60 and certainly 76 (as I am now) is definitely very different than 70. And I say this as someone who has no serious ailments and an active lifestyle. I’m interested in your results of IF. My grandson has been having some positive results too. I’ve been enjoying a healthy, varied diet for many years (and wrote a book on the subject with a registered dietitian) but things (research) has changed over the years and I would be interested in giving IF a try, but as Derek needs to eat 6+ small meals a day another thing for me to think abouton the food front would be a step too far for me at the mo. But, who knows, perhaps down the pike.
Re your hair styles – I really like it short and of your outfits my favourite item is the black taffeta skirt with the coloured panels – great shape and length on you. I’m very much with you in terms of being visible as we age. I love your gloves. Actually I love fingerless and elbow length gloves – both stylish, I reckon. Btw – years ago I undertook some research with women on their feelings about their bodies. Necks, the tops of arms and hands were the parts they most struggled to accept.
Apart from underwear and shoes (always shoes), I’ve been shopping my wardrobe this last year. So many items have seen the light of day for the first time in yonks. I’ve also had some items altered and one of my coats repaired. This ‘mission’ has been done very ad-hoc so my aim – I’ll resist calling it a new year resolution – is to go through my wardrobes and boxes and have a proper sort out. I can’t remember the last time I did that.
I shall look forward to reading your Other Blog round up and in the meantime wish you and Bill all the very best for a fabulous 2023.
Love, Mary Xx
Thank you so much for your comment, Mary. The 2nd Christmas hasn’t happened yet as they’re still testing positive which must be so frustrating for them as they now feel a lot better.
Christmas cakes – good for you for making one, no two! I used to, but like making bread, making clothes, knitting, you name it, I did it, and now, it’s Waitrose cakes for me every time!!!
IF has been positive experience for me, but it doesn’t suit everyone, do it when you can. Being a participant is no longer possible but the principles won’t change.
Yes, it’ll be fingerless gloves for me, from now on, as well as being stylish they are so useful for people whose hands bruise – they cover the bruise up so well!
Thanks Mary, wishing you and Derek, serenity, regained strength and peace through 2023 🙂
Lovely blog again today Penny all those bright colours are so cheering, especially in this dark wet weather. My daughter and partner stayed over Christmas which was great and we went to her sister’s on The Day. We also went to a sound and light show on Christmas Eve which made a change. Unfortunately the after effects of the radiotherapy mean I can’t eat or drink very well (but this is improving) but it was lovely to be with them. I think it must be my first Christmas in 55 years that I’ve not has any alcohol at all! Now I’m waiting for the results of my latest scan and hoping I can tolerate the new drug – so far so good! As soon as I’m back to normal eating I want to get away, if only for a long weekend. This year has been so difficult with a lot of isolating for fear of Covid getting in the way of treatment but although I’m not so concerned now I think I’ll have to be cautious. I noticed you were wearing a mask at a gallery which I did in London in the summer. Still not had it but can’t be complacent. I decided to treat myself to a new ring to but was disappointed in it so it went back & my spending is well down. The last thing I need is any more clothes!
Oh Lynda I must tell you my news which is that I’ve booked a Saga cruise, I shall probably write about it, but thought I’d tell you first. I was so phobic about crowds last year but have got over it and June should be good so this is another step back to normality. I do hope you manage to tolerate that med and fingers crossed re: the results of the scan.
Yes, do hope you get away somewhere and spoil yourself. You do deserve it so.
Ah yes, the masks in the gallery. I stopped that later in the year but as the Covid numbers have risen, I now wear a mask on the bus and have decided not to go up to London for a couple of months. I’m even avoiding our wonderful local cinema. Needs must as there’s a lot of colds and flu around as well as Covid.
I know it’s wrong of me to say this but you can never have enough clothes!
Here’s wishing you a less alarming 2023
Glad you’ve decided to go for a cruise again ;you’ll have a great time I’m sure. I’d love to get back on a ship but insurance is the problem when you have cancer. We’ll just have to content ourselves with the lovely UK this year. Scotland firmly on the ‘must do’ list !
Happy New Year, Penny! I thought the review of your year was fabulous and I’m looking forward to reading the one on your other blog.
I love the black tulle skirt and the loose black shift dress, in particular.
I’ve always favoured long hair because I find it so versatile but I’ve gradually gone shorter, but not short, over the years. I always say to my lovely hairdresser that I don’t need a facelift after he’s worked his magic!
I’m definitely a fan of IF because it suits my lifestyle and seems to work for me. I will be very interested to see the results of the Zoe study.
May your 2023 be happy, healthy and peaceful x
Hi June and thank you for those kind words about this blog. That black tulle skirt is going to be a keeper, for sure!
Re: the hair, although I found it difficult to let the long hair go, I realise the shorter hair really does lift the face. You’re right a good hairdresser is as good as any plastic surgeon and much cheaper too!
IF has been amazing so far – like you I am keen to know what the results will be.
Thank you so much for your good wishes – here’s wishing you a Happy New Year to both you and your family
Very interesting post Penny, as always!
You should wear the skirt you haven’t worn before. The two colour panels create endless possibilities.
I love that tulle skirt. Fabulous. And the yellow raincoat and yellow dress. I suddenly have a new love for yellow. More on Wednesday.
Intermittent fasting- yes. I do it once or twice a week. I’m not very scientific about it. I skip breakfast which creates a 19 hour gap without food.
With you 100% on the ageist phrases. If only people would say “you look good” and not add “For your age.”
Happy New Year and see you soon!
Gail x
Thank you Gail and I will wear that skirt and maybe you’ll see it 😉 Btw, the skirt has 4 panels, all different colours.
See you very soon 🙂
Happy New Year!