Hi everyone
Well, I did say it was the month of the skirt and so it has been through thick and thin and a lot of coughing, now over, thank goodness! Yes, I managed to put up a different skirt on Instagram every day for 3 weeks – phew! I’m taking a break from Instagram as it’s time to do some other things like more writing, both personal and on the other blog, which has been somewhat neglected. However, I might go back on Insta before the winter ends and do a #coatchallenge or something about my hats, all 28 of them – we’ll see.
But the fact that I looked a perfect fright because of the cough and couldn’t take any daily photos meant a lot of searching through my WordPress photo library for some shots of skirts. And that, people, was an interesting experience.
I started this blog because I love searching for bargains in charity shops but I always wanted the blog to be a bit more than that. It was also to talk about other issues including the ageing process, my ageing actually. But saying that when you’re in your late 60s and you feel the same as you did when you’re 40, and thinking about it now in my 76th year, well it’s not just an intellectual activity, it is quite a challenge. And the photos of me when I was 5-6 years younger? Hmmm! I look at the changes and I take stock, which is good, it’s healthy to do that. And then I accept these changes – with some reluctance I have to say, but I accept. Ageing? It’s a work in progress!
Nevertheless looking at those old snaps, I think my maintenance has slipped a bit what with the pandemic and not socialising as much as I used to, so before I show you my 3rd week of skirts I have, not exactly resolutions for the rest of the year, but some pointers and thoughts about maintenance.
And although my age has got nothing to do with maintaining ones sense of style and pzazz, the fact that I’m in my 76th year is something that does come into some of my decision-making. Also anything I say, I hope it helps anyone thinking no, I can’t do that because I’m (insert your age). No, do it because you can! Ok here goes:
My face: the thing is we cannot escape those advancing years and I did notice as I looked through my photos how my face has changed over 5 years. The lines (bags, really) under my eyes have increased a lot (not helped by my insomnia) and I see that without a doubt I have aged, of course I have, it’s natural. But what I intend to do is when cases have come down a little more I shall book some facials and look into slightly more advanced types of facials. Taking care of one’s skin as one ages just makes sense, and I certainly need a boost at this time of the year and after having a winter virus. Actually I think I need to experiment and am rather looking forward to this.
In the meantime I have begun to regularly use masks for both my eye area and the whole face. I’ve just started using Look Fabulous Forever’s facial mask and it feels quite nice after using the product, but any difference is too early to tell. And I’m currently using No 7 Radiance Illuminating Eye Masks – they don’t make much difference but it feels nice to use them. Or put it another way, maybe the bags under my eyes would be worse if I didn’t use these masks!
I also believe in using good quality cleansers, serums and moisturisers and some time soon (and I can’t promise when) I shall dedicate a whole post to skin care and makeup. Ah yes, don’t forget the makeup! I always put makeup on my face, and always feel better for doing so.
My weight and exercise routine: because I’ve not been exercising over these past two weeks and eating comfort food to get me through the day I’ve put back all the pounds (and more) that I gained through those lockdowns, that I’d taken off during the latter part of 2021. The thing is you might think I’m slim and I suppose I am but where have the pounds gone? On my bony hands? Or my thin legs or scrawny forearms with their thin wrists? Or my face? Nope, those pounds are all around my middle. During my 3-week challenge I got out all my skirts and was rather horrified that I couldn’t get into several of my skirts that I’d not worn for some time. So I don’t aim to become super thin, but I do aim get rid of the spare tyre.
And it is amazing how stopping my exercise routine has made me feel so unfit. I need that routine: so I shall up my steps and aim to get over 8000 steps at least twice in a week. I shall be returning to my 1-2-1 with my PT and the Zoom Pilates class. And I have already started my daily exercises of shoulder rolls, and mat work. The mat work is important (leg raises, bridges, and side-line leg lifts) as that is keeping my dodgy hip less dodgy. Currently I am very stiff but that, people, is not the destiny of us older types. We can be flexible and supple – we just have to work at it to get rid of those stiff muscles and aches and pains.
My hair: as you know two years ago when hairdressers were closed and we weren’t vaccinated my hair grew very long. I’ve gone back to my favourite hairdresser (Jake at Trevor Sorbie) and I currently have a longish bob, but having looked at some photographs of it shorter I am going to experiment and try and to get a little more movement and curl to it, so yes, I shall get my hair cut a bit shorter. If I get it wrong, no worries as it always grows back very quickly. The thing is to not get stuck on one style. I mean it’s good if you have found your style, but I say, never say no to experimenting.
My hands: gosh they have aged in the last few years, and I say that not for anyone to go, oh no, you’ve got lovely hands. No, I am totally realistic about these hands. What with the ageing process they have very little flesh on them now so they’re just very bony. Also the slightest knock and I get those bruises that older people get, so at times they look a perfect fright.
However, what I’m going to do is not hide them away, instead similarly to my idea of having more facials I’ll wait for the cases to come down a little more and then book a few manicures at the beautician’s. And I shall wear rings and chunky bracelets and nail varnish with bright unusual colours – watch this space for a few photos to show you what I mean. My point being I shall not apologise for those hands instead I shall show them off.
I also intend to do a couple of pricey things (which is why, my friends, I don’t spend money on new clothes). First I am considering going back to my contacts and that’s partly vanity, but partly not, as I’m finding the varifocals don’t give me the full vision that contacts do. At my age I want to see properly when I cross the road and I’m finding varifocals a bit tricky. Anyone reading this think the same? Would be interested to know your views. And finally I have been dithering about veneers for my front teeth for a couple of years now – I think it’s time to do them.
So there you are. This is the year I shall up my maintenance not to stratospheric heights but just enough to keep standards high and give me some satisfaction that I am not fading away and apologising for being older and, crucially, stiffer and more bent over. No way, never apologise and always face the world with your back straight and with some pzazz!
And here are the skirts!
As I was in the middle of my 2-week cough this is one I made earlier in the summer of 2021!
It’s quite a favourite as I love the blocks of colours.
Below is another old photo as my hair is currently much shorter.
I really love that skirt and I wear it a lot when it’s cold because of its length. It’s a Mango skirt bought new in 2020 during those lockdowns when all the shops were shut.
And here’s the companion skirt also bought new from Mango photographed in the summer of 2021.
I wear this skirt throughout the seasons and particularly through the winter.
Another old photo below is of a skirt bought in Emmaus, Brighton that I also wear often
It’s very comfortable. Here it is worn in the summer of 2021.
Oh for those lovely summery days – the daffodils are appearing so it won’t be long!
Here is another photo taken way back in 2019.
This is a beautiful jacquard skirt from Next but bought in a charity shop of course. I don’t wear it so much now as I consider it too beautiful to just wear around the flat. It’s waiting for me to do some entertaining or going out to lunch – one day!
Then a photo taken last week when I was feeling better! This feels like a tulle skirt but is in fact made of 100% silk. I decided to wear this cheerful top with it.
And finally for Day 21 of my #skirtchallenge I wore this beauty.
It’s a charity shop skirt with a Florence & Fred label which means it came from the supermarket Tesco’s. The material has a lovely satiny feel and I wear it for special occasions – it was a bit tight around the waist!
I’m wearing it here with an M&S tux. And that, dear reader, is the end of my skirt challenge!
That’s all for now. I’ll be back early next week with my end-of-the-month review and I will have a few things to say about our abysmal government and the goings-on in Downing Street! Until then – take care.
With love, Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
Thanks for today’s blog Penny. I love the colour of that last skirt especially and I’d be very interested to see all your hats. I though I had a few but 28! Your list of ‘maintenance’ activities is interesting. I only do the exercise and keep my weight under control, which I’ve had to do again after letting myself put on a few pounds around Christmas. I just never consider facials I suppose because I’m not convinced they make any difference. Skin care helps of course but most of it’s due to genes and UV exposure. I’ve thought about non surgical face procedures for my drooping jaw but I’m afraid of it going wrong. I was given a facial roller and used it for a few weeks but got bored with doing it! I get my hair cut 6 weekly, it’s naturally white, and do my own nails using Essie products that give a result almost as good as gels. No ‘unusual’ colours for me any more, just pinks and reds. When I’ve finished the products I’ve got I’m thinking of going over to entirely plant based skin care. I’d never thought about how much petrochemicals are still used in commercial skin products. I’ve just cleared out about 40 items of costume jewellery so there’s room for more in my collection – what fun! Have you seen ‘Mandy’ on BBC yet ? 15 min shorts, laugh aloud funny.
Thanks Lynda and maybe I’ll do the hats. Want to do some writing first though, so maybe in a couple of weeks time. And yes, I got one of those rollers for Christmas but have yet to find the time to use it as it’s all I can do to find the time put on a face mask!!! You’re right about the chemicals – you do wonder. But you’ll need something to preserve the creams though.
I haven’t seen Mandy yet but I like your tips as Alma’s Not Normal was brilliant. Currently watching We Are Lady Parts which is laugh out loud funny and quite an insight into the Muslim culture. Will try Mandy after we’ve finished Lady Parts. Thanks as ever 😊
Good luck with losing weight! I think it is really difficult for women in their seventies. I had great hopes of this new book, the Diet Whisperer. I learned that body fat won’t burn while there is insulin in the blood stream, exercise doesn’t contribute much to weight loss, going without food for 14-16 hours overnight is a good idea, and it’s best to avoid milk in drinks because milk stimulates insulin production. But I won’t be trying the diet because my basic metabolic rate is low (there is a calculator on the associated website) and the diet involves fasting up to 48 hours, which I am dubious about at my age.
Three years ago, I lost two stone with JanePlan, and I have mostly kept the weight off, but I am puzzled now as to why it worked so much better than what I prepare for myself.
Oh yes, I do agree that it is difficult to lose weight but think this time it was definitely because I’d reduced all my exercise/walks/classes to nil for 2 weeks! I think once I start all the exercise that I usually do I should lose a little weight. And yes, again if your metabolic rate is low then there is not a lot you can do. The thing to do I think is to be as healthy as one can be whatever our weight – so some exercise and some sense of what is good to eat is best really. Good luck with it all 😊
Hi Penny,
Thank you so much for your inspiring blog and sharing with us the trials and tribulations of aging. As I am facing my 75th birthday next month ,you put into words my very thoughts. I think never giving up, having hope, and learning something new everyday makes life a gift. I share many of your passions , especially thrift store shopping. You look great and I love your finds. Looking forward to your next blog.
Thank you for those kind words, Sharon, and Happy Birthday when that arrives next month!
And I am so with you on the never giving up and learning something new every day – so important. Thanks again 😊
Hi Penny, I too have now got a spare tyre around my middle (age 72) I blame lockdown but now I can’t seem to shift it. Our shape definitely changes due to age and hormone levels. I have just adopted a 7 month old puppy so my walking has increased dramatically so hopefully this will help. I thought I’m getting too old to have such a young dog but we mustn’t stop doing things that make us happy within reason and my daughter has said she would take her on if anything happened to either me or my husband, so that is a new exciting thing I’m doing this year. Talking of your many skirts, I could certainly use a different handbag every week for a whole year and scarves – the confession is I tend to use the same two handbags and just a few favourite scarves so I am firmly resisting anymore and will re-discover the ones that I already have. I think your hair looks great shorter looking at past photos of you, as you say it’s good to have a change and challenge ourselves. Love your blogs Penny, thank you x
Thank you so much Lynda and wow, what a lovely thing to do to have a new puppy in your life. I had dogs when I was young and then about 20 years ago with my husband we adopted a dog from a shelter and she was just a lovely addition to our lives. As she was a collie we walked miles. We never replaced her and I do miss that important spur to always going out and never mind the weather.
Ah ha, handbags are your thing! We always have something to like passionately don’t we, it used to be hats for me and I still have many but tend to only wear two of them so I’m rather like you!
Thanks again for those kind words about the blog – glad you like it 😊
Hi Penny
I always enjoying reading your blog. Although times are slowly changing in general there is so little exposure for those of us, say 60 +, that it is really interesting to hear of other people’s challenges, wins and general modus operandi at this stage of life. I wholly identify with the problem of weight gain going on the stomach area. Generally, I am pretty slim but post Christmas all weight gain has gone into a noticeable spare tyre. I too am trying to up the exercise and look again at what I am eating.
I was interested in your comments about varifocals and contacts. I have varifocal glasses and varifocal contacts. Overall I prefer the contacts as I can wear them all the time and the effect I get feels very natural. I am getting more proficient with the glasses especially round the house but for some reason outside I feel quite unsafe with them.
Good luck investigating tooth veneers. I haven’t gone down that route but a few years ago I got my teeth straightened. Best thing I have ever done and I don’t regret a penny that I paid.
I look forward to hearing how things go. x
Hi Jane and how interesting that you find varifocals difficult to get used to – I feel quite unsafe crossing roads which won’t do at all. It’s the turning one’s head to look both ways and actually not having the full vision that contacts give you. I’d given up on my contacts after I was ill exactly 2 years ago, but really I do think I’m going to go back to them for safety’s sake more than anything.
Also good to hear spending a bit on your teeth is not regretted, I have to do something about my discoloured front teeth one of which wouldn’t respond to whitening. As for my weight I’m convinced it’s the lack of exercise that has done it for me plus eating biscuits just before bedtime!!!
Thanks Jane 😊
Oh Penny, thank you for another really interesting post. I decided last November that the weight I’ve slowly gained over the last twenty years had to go. Mainly, to give my knee joints a break from lugging around an extra 20lbs. I joined Weight Watchers and was so thrilled that it’s so easy. I lost the 20lbs without feeling deprived at all. The difference to how I feel is amazing. My clothes are now big, but as I’m not going anywhere these days, (we are still locked down in Toronto) I’m just wearing belts to cinch everything in. My husband has had to make me new holes in all my belts.
I have also discovered serums for my face, especially those made by a company called Deciem, based here in TO. I know you can get them in England because all my young cousins use them. They are so incredibly well priced, and the difference in my face is incredible. My husband even noticed, and told me that I look better than I have in years. That is praise indeed, because my husband never comments on what I wear or how I look!
I’m turning 70 next week, and feel that I’m on a new path to being the best that I can be, I feel really encouraged to continue to be healthy and look good in my 70th decade.
So Penny, I want to thank you for encouraging all of us through your blog, that ageing is something to embrace with enthusiasm not shy away from. 😃🤗
Hi Geri I’ve heard that Weight Watchers is very good but I think my weight gain is entirely down to not going out for several days and no classes or 1-2-1s. I’m usually such an active person. I also admit to eating a few biscuits at the end of the day! It all adds up. But well done you – that’s a tremendously good loss and so glad you feel better with it as well.
I too think a serum is so important. Happy Birthday for next week and thank you for your kind words about the blog 😀
Love the black and white one especially, what my mother used to call ‘a useful garment’ 🙂 casual and dressy.
Yes, it’s a great skirt. Thanks Flora 😊
Lovely skirts Penny & some gorgeous colours. I wore a skirt today to go to Norwich. My One winter skirt, knee length, grey cord, with tights & boots & I was frozen!! Back to trews till it warms up.
Yes, very much enjoyed this blog, you are always so down to earth.I am now 79, still imagine I am 69, and have just finally made my mind up to retire from my two day a week job, 45 years as a medical secretary, kept going to keep my hair and beautician in their jobs, will just have to turn the heating down in order to keep going. Had my teeth whitened and straightened ten years ago, best money ever spent, wish I had done it ten year’s earlier. As my daughter always says if you are going to do it do it now so you get your use out of it😱🙏
Hi Josephine and good luck with the retirement – you never know what’s around the corner though. This could be a very fruitful time of your life. Mr F and I, we ran a film society for five years nd that didn’t happen immediately but looking back on it (we moved away) it was perhaps the thing I’m most proud of ever – apart from the children of course!
And good to know that the money spent on your teeth was worth it and quite right, if not now, when?!
Oh no, sorry you were so cold. I find the many layers I wear with skirts does it for me. I wear thick leggings and thick socks and long fur-lined boots with quite long skirts with a slip as well. So that keeps me quite toasty in cold weather! Love the idea of trews – are they tartan if so, nice one!
Hi Penny thanks for your blog. I always enjoy reading them. I particularly like the photo of you taken last week in the orange jumper. The colour really suits you.
Penny I wear contact lenses and varifoculs and like you I am having problems with my glasses when out and have recently taken to wearing my lenses more as they give me better vision and somehow make me feel more balanced. I have been told recently that I will need a cataract operation before too long so that we be a whole different story!
Like you I am also thinking of having my teeth done, straightened or veneers. I haven’t looked into it properly yet but I intend to.
As for losing weight I recently came to know of a lady called Leonie Wright who runs a small outfit called eat wright and she runs a very good online course on losing weight and eating healthily.
Charmaine, this is so interesting as you are the second commenter who has said they don’t feel safe wearing varifocals. I feel the same – I just don’t get the same kind of all round vision with the varifocals and truly don’t like crossing roads which is not a good thing to be happening at all! It kind of knocks your confidence a bit also, so it’ll be back to the contacts and I bet I’ll feel fine.
I shall let everyone know what I decide about the veneers, and I expect I’ll have to go back to the dentist and get another estimate – it is quite pricey but I have to do something about my front teeth!
Thank you Charmaine for reading the blog – much appreciated 😊
Well, this was fun. I totally enjoyed revisiting all your skirts. I am encouraged by your plans for facials and manicures again. I do my own nails weekly and change the colours up each time, so that I can manage on my own, but maybe my feet would love a bit more pampering. I do love facials, and was just thinking of getting a girls getaway together when we are able again. That would be fun, throw in a massage and hot tub, and there you are, a wee bit of heaven. I am happy to hear that you have mostly gotten over feeling unwell, so you do deserve to treat yourself. I am actually going for a haircut tomorrow and still don’t know how short I am going. Some days I like it and others I just want to cut it all off. I have rather curly hair so the stylist will have to help me decide. As for the weight, I just managed to get rid of 25 lbs. and it seems most of that came off my behind, as there is nothing left to fill out my jeans, just sagging. What can you do…..
Wow, Diane, that’s a very good weight loss, I think new jeans might be in order! I used to do my nails but am rather in need of a professional manicure as it’s been so long since I last had one. I will book one as soon as the cases come down a bit more, same with a pedicure. As for facials – aren’t they bliss!
I think if you have a hairdresser you trust then go for it. I’m a bit like you as I’d really like a slightly different look with more curl and movement, the side view of my hair can sometimes be a bit long and droopy!
Thanks so much Diane – take care 😊
Well done on the skirt challenge, Penny! You have some lovely skirts and as I said before they really suit you. I adored the final skirt; not sure exactly what colour it was as it looked plum in one photo and purple in the other, but whichever it is it’s fabulous! I like your hair in the shoulder length bob style.
Good luck with all your maintenance plans; they all sound very sensible and enjoyable, to.! I can see how I am ageing too but I am okay with it – as long as I can stay fit and mobile I’ll welcome it – I think!
Have a great week,
xxx
Hi Veronica and thanks so much – the only thing is I need to wear some of these skirts a bit more often – about half of the 21 skirts are for dressing up and being out meeting people and we just haven’t done enough of that during these past two years. Let’s hope from now onwards it’s going to be different!
The maintenance plans are go as far as I’m concerned! Onwards and upwards – thanks again and have a lovely rest of the week xxx
It has been so much fun seeing all of your skirts over the last few weeks! I’ve started getting facials and love the down time. But, I also find myself all tensed up at the same time. I force myself to relax and the next thing I know, I’m all tensed up again! Ah, this aging business is kind of a bit comical, isn’t it? Things that were up are now down. Things that were down are even farther down! I’m about to add yoga to my routine as I need the stretching and flexibility. You’re never too old to do something new!
http://marshainthemiddle.com
Hi Marsha – glad you liked the skirts. The thing is about the facials is that I have in the past found the ones that use machines are not particularly relaxing and I have had to consciously relax when they are being used. When it’s just a hands-on facial I nearly fall asleep.
Yoga is great and in a different way as good as Pilates. Done both in my time but now have a brilliant Pilates teacher so it’s what I do. Anyway, enjoy the yoga – that should be relaxing depending on the type of yoga you’re doing.
Have a great rest of the week.
Such an interesting post Penny, so many topics to which I can relate. This Winter I am having such a hard time keeping up a regular exercise routine. It has been so cold, so walks are not happening as often and the cold seems to make me so tired. a vicious cycle, too tired to exercise and the lack of exercise makes me even more sluggish. that said, I do believe it important to keep up activity to remain flexible and mobile. I recently had my hair cut after going so long without a trim. My hairdresser of 40 years seems to have vanished. the salon closed and no word from her. I suppose she has retired. My DIL suggested a small salon near her, in my old neighborhood. I liked that she did not cut off more than I wanted and I was quite pleased. she also charges less than the old place and the location is so much more convenient. Your hair is beautiful and I personally like somewhat shorter length on you. I too can see the changes in my own appearance over the years. As I see my Facebook posts this becomes obvious. I do not intend to do anything much to stop the march of time. What I will do is have a dental implant to replace a tooth I just lost. I bit down on something hard and three days later it just popped out. I do practice a simple skincare routine but wonder if there might be something better. I would love to hear about your routine and also other readers routines. I would be willing to spend a bit more if I thought a product or routine might help me look a little brighter and less tired at least.
The excitement in my life was that this past weekend I went to a wedding in Boston Massachusetts. The groom, my SIN’s nephew had been the ring bearer at he and my daughter’s wedding 20 years ago! It was of course wonderful, such a happy and hopeful event. The venue had a wall of windows overlooking Boston harbor and delicious food. the sad thing was that my DIL and grandchildren who were supposed to come did not. My granddaughter had some kind of stomach bug at the last moment. So mom stayed home as did grandson who did not want to come without his sister. Seeing your posts help me stay in the game of trying to make these older years an adventure.
Darby in New York
Wonderful blog Penny, as usual! I love your hair long, as in the Mango skirt pic, and those sparkly glasses really suit you.
I’ve grown my hair long and sometimes find myself doubting the decision as I am 75 too. But I love it, and it’s the one bit of me that isn’t wrinkling, I will never cut it short because then I will really feel like an old dear!
Love from Judy in Australia!
Hi Judith – yes long hair is good at our age – anything not to look permed and short haired – so I promise you I won’t cut it short, but I do want a little more movement in my hair and a little more curl, It’s quite heavy my hair so shortly after the fluffiness of washing it just lies heavily and slightly droopily.
But I am totally with you on the too short look at our age 😊
Hi Darby. Yes, we’ve heard about your cold weather and the snow in New York and it must be really difficult to walk about – what about the dogs though? Snow is lovely to look at but IRL is very inconvenient. We don’t get snow down in the south of England now – thanks to global warming.
Yes – just waiting for the cases to come down little more and off I shall go to the hairdresser to take off a little but more to get some curl and movement into the shape of my hair. Side-on it can look a little droopy.
The ageing process is quite a challenge isn’t it – needs a lot of attention and effort! But we have to do it – I get the tiredness as I am a bit post-viral. Here in the UK we have days and days of grey weather, what we all need are some blue skies and a little bit of warmth and sun – not too much, just enough.
Your family event sounds as though it was wonderful in a lovely setting too. Boston is on a list of places I must go to …. Tbh not sure though whether I’ll ever get to the States again (went in 1999) but if I did…..
Thanks so much – always good to hear from you 😊
I still do the walking but have had to cut back as some days it has been just too icy. most of the dogs are large and in this weather they do not get out as much so are more lively. a concession to my age.
I always love hearing your thoughts on aging Penny. You are so realistic and inspirational and that’s what we need!!
I agree with the working out…it’s not just for our weight, but it makes us feel so much better. And feeling better is the name of the game.
I’ve been trying to use the daily creams that I use on my face on my hands too because I realize they get a lot of wear and tear. I hate to say it’s too late, but it’s interesting how they remind me of my grandma’s hands even now.
As for veneers, I think they are a wonderful way to make our smile look brighter. As a retired dentist, I’ve done scads of them. Of course, I always would recommend whitening the teeth first because sometimes that’s all you need!! Even if they are a bit misaligned, sometimes just having them whiter takes the focus off those details.
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Hi Jodie, my hands have old age sun spots but worse on my right hand and that’s because for 15 years I took my dog out in all weathers and yes, I always used sun screen but not on my hands – and the right hand was the one that held the lead – there you go. Always put on sun screen everywhere not just on your face and torso but your hands as well!
I have a wonderful dentist but haven’t ventured beyond getting an estimate for the veneers – upon seeing of same I take a bit gulp and go eek! But this year I have to do something so will talk to him again soon. Thanks for the advice – that’s very helpful
xxx
Glad to hear that troublesome cough has finally gone . I did enjoy seeing your skirt collection and admired your perserverance with your daily IG posts. I must admit I like your hair shorter as in the shot with the black top and red necklace. I recently had my first facial in ages , it felt so good . I have also started going to get my nails done , it makes such a difference, especially in the Summer when I can’t hide my nails and hands in gloves ( another favourite of mine).
Totally agree that exercise of any sort helps keep us supple and keeps the aches and pains at bay.
Take care. xx
It has, Jill but still a bit post-viral. This winter and the greyness of our weather doesn’t help – yuck. I’m looking forward to Spring and the daffodils 😊
Thanks re: the skirt challenge – it was interesting but now taking a break. And oh yes, isn’t a facial marvellous, and as for manicures and pedicures it’s been so long since I had one. Hoping to restart all of them in the Spring when cases have come down a bit more.
As for exercise I’m starting my class and the 1-2-1 this week, but going easy. So good though to move.
Thanks Jill – you take care
Penny,
I discovered the same thing while doing that skirt challenge. While searching 3 years back for skirt photos from Instagram, a pattern emerged.
Weight gain and new wrinkles jumped out at me. Life happened big time! Today the skirts are still a snug fit but finally I am doing the 5BX Royal Canadian Air Force exercise program on my living room floor. It is quick, effective and free online for print out. Who knew that our skirts would be the motivators for change? Jumping Jacks Judy is my new name!
Hi Judith, yes absolutely, I know exactly what you mean and some of the skirts were snug – and a couple sadly were too tight to wear. It’s the lockdown that did it for me, but last summer I did get back to a better weight, not quite as slim but good enough (perhaps I was a tad too slim). But 2-weeks of biscuit-eating and no exercise and woosh all the pounds went on big time!
I’m sure going back to Pilates will do it for me, and good for you with the exercise routine you’ve got. Here’s to Jumping Jacks Judy – yay!
You are always so good in taking good care of yourself! How admirable. It seems that when I look at photos from 5 years back I look so much older now. It’s only 5 years! What I really hate is how I’ve changed because of menopause! Gosh, does that ever stop?
Thanks, and yes ageing is not an easy ride and you have to put the work in! But actually I think change happens all the time but mostly we don’t notice it. It was just going back through the photographs that did it. But you’re absolutely stunning Nancy and we all love how you present yourself – more power to you my friend, and enjoy the coming weekend xxx
Thanks for this pleasurable posting. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been poorly, but pleased to hear you’re on the mend.
You have an interesting array of skirts, but first I want to comment on a previous post. I loved that yellow jacket – too bad you let it go. (I have several tales of my own of letting things go only to regret it. I guess it’s a balance – making room/refreshing and ‘hanging on’. Over the lockdowns I’ve cleared out and put stuff in black bags waiting for charity shops to accept more stuff and months later taken several pieces out and am wearing again.
This week: I particularly like the purple skirt but my favourite combo is the red jumper, black skirt and belt. Looks to me like red really suits you. I shall be interested to see your new, shorter hairstyle. From the photos here, I prefer your hair shorter. I’ve just had highlights put back in my hair – you’d hardly notice at the front, which is silver-grey but at the back it is duller so I like the ‘lift’ there, and I find the highlights give my hair more body. Talking of hair, I have a new (I think age-related) problem: my hair seems to have slowed growing on one side which means I’m having levelling-up trims every four weeks. It also means I’m limited on styles – pain in the pinafore!
Yes, I agree, hands do change – and rapidly. In my mid-60s I realised my hands had morphed into my mother’s. I love having manicure and pedicures but I mostly do them myself. I always feel better – ‘more finished’, as my Brighton aunt would say – with my nails painted and, I think, strong colours deflect from the lumps, bumps and marks. Red is still my favourite colour but I like navy, purple and grey/black too at times; the colour actually makes a huge difference to how I feel/what I wear. I also like larger/interesting rings and bracelets. I think they can transform an outfit: a couple of chunky bracelets transforms my jeans and sweaters, or at least how I feel!
Same goes for earrings. I never go out without wearing earrings; I have my ears pieced when I was 12. My Dad said if you come in the top three in the exams, I’ll give you £1.” I came second and had my ears pierced with the money. He said, “I would have given you the money if I’d known you’d do that.” But I’ve never regretted it once. Even during school always wore ‘sleepers’ – the only earrings allowed. I love earrings. Talking of which, I’ve never notice you wearing earrings – do you? And…. gentle nudge … I’m still looking forward to you posting on costume jewellery.
I love Eve Lom cleanser and use it regularly at home. Beforel the pandemic I went a facial a couple of times a year. Eve believes women put too much on their faces so I cut down radically. I’ve looked at LFF products but their prices seem expensive. I’m a member of Beauty Pie and find their products are excellent and a good price. Their nail polish stays on ages and dries quickly. But my number one ‘looks issue’ is that I’ve lost much of one eyebrow. I’d like to have something done but most people who have micro blading seem to end up with the same (to my mind, false) look. There’s nowhere near here that I would trust and I don’t want to go into London yet.
Regards health, fitness and weight: you have a reason for the weight gain – a bit of comfort eating can be a good thing when you’re poorly/down; it doesn’t have to be forever. I haven’t weighed myself in 30 years (apart from for medical reasons). My close friend weighs herself everyday. I couldn’t be arsed with that. I prefer to go by how I feel; there’s a line above which I don’t feel good and below which my face looks drawn. But, I like to eat healthily so time like Christmas reverting back to my normal eating/activity sorts me out. I lost a lot of weight when I was younger, dropped three sizes but it wasn’t through healthy eating and lifestyle. I became obsessed – must have been very boring for those around me!
I’ve had a personal trainer for nine years and there’s no doubt he has helped with my posture, body tone and overall fitness. I would never have dream I’d have stuck with him this long. When we started he asked what my goal was. I said “I’m a healthy woman 65 year old woman. I want to live ’til I’m 95 and be able to walk up the hill into my road without a struggle.” He smiled and said, “I’ll do my best.” During the lockdown I started following HASfit 30 minute workouts for seniors on You Tube – excellent. One of my few regrets is I’ve been a member of a gym since the 80s – In truth, just ‘farting around’; I never really pushed myself. Oh well, I must comfort myself that I was doing slightly more than nothing 😉
I reckon doing the things that make us feel good and healthy is personal and that by our age (I’m a month older than you) most of us probably know what works for us.
I look forward to your Other Blog and your January Round Up.
Look after yourself, Penny and regards to B. All the very best, Mary x
Hi Mary and thank you for such a lovely long comment. I also now have my mother’s hands! I really must get back to having more manicures. Yes, while I always put on the makeup every day without fail, even if I see no-one else other than Bill, I put it on, and yet putting on nail varnish has slipped off my agenda. That has to change. And gosh do I miss having a pedicure.
Thanks for the comment that the red top suits me. I agree that with the change in one’s hair colour you can wear colours that you might not have thought about before. I will go to the hairdresser soon for a slightly shorter and slightly different cut to get more movement into the style.
And maybe I should take a leaf out of your book and not weight myself so often. I am more like your friend I’m afraid and I know it’s not a good idea, nevertheless I can’t resist doing it. I’d have to get rid of my scales to stop this habit. And yes, good to know you too have a PT.
I shall email you shortly with an up-date on this and that and you know what.
Very best to you and D
Pennyx
A hat challenge sounds fun! I am starting my little dresses for winter challenge on Sunday Jan 30-Feb 5. I’ve taken some of my pictures already but will be wearing few more dresses to have 7 pictures to share. I have been jogging with 2 ladies a couple times a week (one 50, one 69) and I love it! It is a slower pace and just very enjoyable despite the cold (lately less than 30F since it is around 5 am! The belly area is always going to be where I need to work on!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
It’s either hats or coats – I have so many of both! I’m looking forward to your challenge.
And yes, that belly area – it’s always there for us women. But of course, belly fat is womanly so I try not to get too irate about it. I think the thing is to do something if you can’t get into clothes that you want to – that’s when to act.
Thanks Mireille 😊
Congrats on sustaining the skirt challenge for 3 weeks! It’s tough to post on IG every day.
I enjoyed your post about the effects of ageing. My hands have been awful for a long time, very veins and bony. I like the way you’re not going to hide them away. I stopped wearing a lot of my lovely rings because I didn’t want to draw attention to them, and my nails are not great either even though I apply various nail oils 3 times a day!
Have a good weekend x
I think it’s wonderful that you’ve decided to take steps to feel better about your appearance (not that you need to, Penny, you look fabulous!). I’ve been doing the same. I really let my skincare routine slip over the past (ahem) many years lol, so I finally bought some products last week. I think I might start having some facials too! It’s about time!
You have certainly amassed quite a collection of skirts, and they’re all fabulous. I particularly love the jacquard one!
Have a lovely week!
Hugs
Suzy xx