Midlife and Beyond

How I’ve “decluttered” my wardrobe

midlifeandbeyond / May 31, 2019 / 4 Comments

Going with the understanding that it can be a cathartic process, I decided to have a good old sort through my wardrobe and ‘get my stuff in order’!!

It was a mammoth task which needed to be tackled. This initial job was basically so that I could ‘see the wood for the trees”, i.e. trying to create order, instead of a load of old clutter.

My handy storage box.

This is the perfect time of year to do this – in preparation for the switch from winter to spring/summer – a wardrobe reshuffle, if you like – giving my summer dresses, shirts and tee’s a more prominent position. This was a crucial exercise, especially when space is an issue, which, it is for most.

The first thing I did was to put the winter items to one side, which I know I won’t be using for, hopefully, quite a few months. Some woollens were washed and stored (folded and flat) to keep their shape. Living in the North East of England, sweaters and cardigans rarely stay in their moth-proof storage bags for long, due to the occasional icy blast from the coast. So, they are stored loosely, within touching distance.

My coats were stored to the side of the wardrobe and I stole some space in my hubby’s wardrobe area to hang the rest (he hasn’t mentioned it so mustn’t have noticed!).

All my winter scarfs were neatly packed into a clear perspex box. You can usually buy a pack of three for £10.00 and they are so handy to store stuff in, plus they are clear, so you can see what is in there. I used another to put all my swimming and holiday items in. Prior to this, I’d had everything stuffed in a bag and you can imagine the creased state they were in when I emptied it prior to packing for a holiday – not ideal. So, hopefully, all items will be “good to go”.

It was very cathartic, getting everything in order!!

I put all of my summer clothes on the bed and categorised them – dresses, tee’s, skirts etc…. then I started making piles of items. 1. Keep; 2. Not sure??; 3. Sell (which I’ve never done so far); and 4. Charity Bag.

It can be tricky when you are unsure about parting with an item. I’ve made the mistake a few times of getting rid of something, and then regretting it. I did try some items on to see if they still fitted, looked good, or, if I could do a quick tweak to make them current and on-trend. Sometimes you come across that little gem that you had forgotten about. You’ve probably guessed that I’m not keen on throwing things out or parting with ‘stuff’ until I’m totally sure.

I use this small basket to store socks and tights in.

Following this mammoth de-clutter, I feel so much better, and know most of my clothes are where they are supposed to be and are easily accessible.

I have made a few updates to my summer wardrobe by freshening it up. It’s great to bring in a few welcome additions and, now, because I’m mindful of what I already have, I can think of items that will complement the new clothes. I am more aware of what I already have, which, has opened some wardrobe/styling possibilities for my old favourites.

The unsure pile – do they stay or go??

Thank you for reading my post. I hope you enjoyed it. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments.

Alison

xxx

This is not a sponsored post. All items are my own.

How to “rock” a Jumpsuit!

midlifeandbeyond / April 23, 2019 / 4 Comments

Jumpsuits are still very popular, but they can be a tricky item to wear, especially if you don’t want to look like the man who has called round to fix the boiler!!

My first jumpsuit, way back when, was given to me by my brother when I was around seventeen. Returning from his travels, he brought me an American khaki military jumpsuit.

“Etsy” Vintage 1970’s Military JUMPSUIT

Around this time, I had seen “Sting” wearing one in the “The Police” video for the song, “Roxanne”, and although I wasn’t copying him in particular, I loved the look of it and thought how cool he looked.

I felt very stylish wearing it – enhanced by the fact that no one else in my circle had one, at that time. And I remember how comfortable it was.

I found this similar vintage jumpsuit from Etsy on the internet to show you what it looked like (above pic).

Knowing your style often involves the introduction of updated versions of old favourites. There’s nothing wrong with being nostalgic! Especially, going for similar versions of clothes you know you suit and feel really good in.

Warehouse jumpsuit – currently reduced from £56.00 to £42.00

Over the years, I have owned a few jumpsuits. The attraction for me is the versatility and comfort of wear. The easiness of this item balances any bathroom and bare shoulders issues that I know puts a lot of people off wearing one. It can be a very flattering garment.

Warehouse Linen jumpsuit – currently £45.00

This season, the jumpsuit is a welcome addition to my wardrobe as it can be the perfect combo of dressy and casual. Most women’s jumpsuits are designed to flatter and frame your figure. I must admit I was spoilt for choice when looking, and found two that I liked and fit me well. I know the body length can be a problem with jumpsuits – I always have a try on, then stretch and bend to check this isn’t a problem and that the body length is accurate and comfortable.

Styled with a cream Zara jacket (2018)

The jumpsuit is an old favourite that fits with my personal style, while also giving my wardrobe a gentle update!! Like other items I have worn in the past, the jumpsuit just needed a slight tweak – hence, an instant, winning combination.

Thank you for reading my post. I hope you enjoyed it and if you have any questions, please let me know in the comments.

Alison

xxx

This is not a sponsored post. All items are my own. There are however a few affiliate links. This means that I can potentially earn a small commission (At no additional cost to you). Thank you.

Is self tan like Marmite – you either love it or hate it?!!

midlifeandbeyond / April 4, 2019 / 8 Comments

Self-tan is occasionally described as the “Marmite” of the beauty world. You either love or hate it. The results can be equally diverse. Upon application, the intention is a lovely sun-kissed glow. Nevertheless, we’ve all experienced the unattractive tango tones, patchiness and streaks, following an application. I’ve also read reviews where the product has sometimes turned green! Plus, there is that all familiar pong of malty biscuits. The best test to see if the colour is good is to do a small patch test, then check the colour in the daylight. This can be a great success or, alternatively, one which you weren’t hoping for. The upshot being a morning spent in the bathroom with lemon juice and a loofah removing said colour!! We have all been there.

Fortunately, tanning products have come a long way in the last couple of years. So, whether you prefer a deep golden tan or a more subtle shimmer, there is a product to suit everyone. The selection for self-tan is huge with everything from lotions, mousses, and handy 360 sprays to popping into your local beauty salon for an all over spray tan. Fortunately, most companies do a fair, medium and dark choice so you can usually find one that is suitable for you. I usually go for the fairest shade – but I have, on occasion, bought the dark shade and mixed a little of it with moisturiser – which can work well, too.

My wish list for a great self-tan is:

easy to apply, non-messy product;
natural colour that doesn’t go streaky and smell of biscuits (difficult to avoid in my opinion); and
good price – personally, I’ve bought expensive products that aren’t as good as cheaper versions.

To get long lasting results, I have listed a few tips I follow:

try to remember to dry brush my body daily (mostly in the summer months) – I don’t have the motivation when it’s sleety rain for weeks on end;
do a lot with exfoliation prior to application;
when washing, gently exfoliate the whole-body paying attention to feet, knees and elbows – then, use a light moisturiser to the whole body – then a second coat to feet, knees and elbows – this is because these areas tend to absorb more self-tan resulting in an uneven appearance;
once the moisturiser has been absorbed, apply a few pumps of foam onto a mitt (like the St Tropez one best) working your way upwards in a circular motion, starting at the feet – sometimes applying 2 coats, if required.
while waiting for the self-tan to develop, always wear something dark, though, I find it does wash out of most clothes.
rinse off – if the colour isn’t dark enough, repeat.
for my face tan I have used ‘Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster’ for several years now – you add a few drops to your moisturiser at night and this, I find, gives a nice glow.

Here are a few reviews of ‘self tan’ that I have used over the last couple of years.

Clarins Radiance plus golden glow booster

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster £20.00 – This is n

ot a cruelty free product.

I have used this, on and off, for a few years. I’m ready to move on and try something new. It does give a healthy glow – just add 3 to 4 drops to your night time moisturiser. There is a slight odour of biscuits – it’s not strong but it is there.

http://St Tropez Self tan

St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse 200ml – £28.00 usually £33.00 (Boots) ** Cruelty Free **

I must be honest. This is my “go-to” self-tan!! I have used it for a couple of years. I tend to use other self-tan products when I have run out of this! It’s easy to apply. Simply apply the foam with a mitt, then leave it on for one to three hours, depending on how dark you want to go. It also claims the self-tan will continue to activate for up to 8 hours following application. I like it as it doesn’t tend to stain my clothes. I also use the St Tropez tanning mitt as I find it to be the best for application.

Bondi Sands Self Tan foam-light/medium

Bondi Sands, £14.99 (Boots) ** Cruelty Free **

I decided to give this product a try after reading great reviews on the Boots website. Going for the light/medium shade, it gives an instant colour, so you can see where you need to add more. It has a pleasant fragrance of coconuts, but still had the usual faint smell of biscuits. The colour is very subtle but that’s the way I prefer it. It left a nice even tan so wouldn’t rule this self-tan out!

Rimmel sun shimmer

Rimmel London Sun Shimmer, £5.33 (on offer, in Boots – usually £8.00) – Claim they are Cruelty Free

I first noticed this product on special offer in Superdrug and decided to give it a try. It normally retails around £8.00. Though I have noticed it’s always on offer in the various shops that sell it.

I was impressed with the simple application process, the smell, the colour, the longevity, and the fade. The colour, which is a lovely peach brown, is very near to a natural tan when applied. It comes in light, medium (which I used), and dark. I have used on and off for a few years, usually when I run out of my St Tropez bronzing mousse. After St Tropez, the Sun Shimmer is my second favourite, mainly for the application, colour and price.

Marks and spencer

AUTOGRAPH Gradual Tan Body Crème- Light to Medium 200ml – £7.50 Cruelty Free

I found this to be a little messy to apply. It does look a little bit scary when it first slides out of the tube, and I was worried the bathroom would resemble a war zone. But once I started to apply it, the tint of the cream helped me to keep track. It did blend in very well and gave me a natural looking tan. The tint gets deeper as it develops. It doesn’t smell as bad as some tanners but, nevertheless, there is that familiar feint odour, though not offensive. I found it to dry very fast, I did layer a moisturiser over the top once it was dry. This was because it did look streaky in places and I found that helped even it out. The tan did fade quite quickly so topped up again after around three days.

Thank you for reading my post. I hope you enjoyed it and if you have any questions, please let me know in the comments.

Alison

xxx

This is not a sponsored post. All items are my own. There are however a few affiliate links. This means that I can potentially earn a small commission (At no additional cost to you). Thank you.

Flirty Florals and Beige Linen Dresses for Spring!!

midlifeandbeyond / March 23, 2019 / 10 Comments

“Mint Velvet” Celeste Print Midi Dress – which was £119.00 is now £79.00. Check availability

Time works differently in the fashion world. While most of us are thinking of packing away our cosy woollen sweaters and suede ankle boots, designers are planning for the year ahead.

Checking out the major brands online for Spring/Summer, the dominant colours seem to be yellow, neon brights and neutrals (which I love). I’ve also noticed a lot of florals, plus, a touch of tie-die.

Style wise, there are Spring jackets plus repeated themes such as puffy sleeves – very popular in the 80’s. I remember them well!

Maybe, I’m being a little over zealous, planning which dresses I may like from the Spring outfits currently on display, while leaving the house in warm tights, woollens and big cosy coats.

But, there’s nothing wrong with having a wish list. While doing my research, I did notice some dresses I’d be excited to wear when the weather warms up. There are also some options out there that I can wear from now through till Summer.

All it takes to transform an item into a wintertime-approved piece is a little layering action with the help of turtlenecks, cardigans or tights.

“Mango” Beige Linen dress with a pop of leopard!! Click here to check availability

Now, with Springtime just around the corner, it’s time to check our wardrobes.

“Mango” beige linen dress. Styled with a “Mango” leather short jacket and ankle boots

I try to be organised in my wardrobe (not always succeeding), separating my Spring/Summer from my Autumn/Winter. I will then go through my current items and decide which clothes I am keeping, or not, as the case may be.

“Mango” beige linen dress styled with my “French Connection” tassled bag.

While perusing the internet and having a wander around the shops, I found two dresses that caught my eye, which I have recently purchased. I thought you may like to see how I have styled them.

“Mango” beige linen dress. Styled with my brown “Zara” Jacket – which was a bargain at £29.99 in the sale!!.

The first dress is the “Celeste Print Midi” from “Mint Velvet”. This is a “fit and flare” style. The print is floral. The colours are ink blue and blush pink. The dress has buttoned three-quarter sleeve cuffs, which I find so flattering. The hem has asymmetric ruffles, which, again, I find flattering and which. I must add, attracted me to it.

The second dress is from “Mango”. It’s a beige linen mix material, with a flared design and a midi length. Because of the colour, this dress is very versatile, and I know I will get a lot of wear from it – either with heels or by adding various jackets.

Thank you for reading. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments.

Alison

xxx

This is not a sponsered post. All items are my own. There are however a few affiliate links. This means that I can potentially earn a small comission (At no additional cost to you). Thank you.

Revamping the kitchen and updating the lighting

midlifeandbeyond / March 13, 2019 / 6 Comments

We replaced our lighting with the Steampunk Style ‘Corinthia’ 3 Way Over Table Light in Aged Brass Finish.

We have recently been updating/improving our kitchen, so I thought you may be interested in the lighting we have replaced.

Our kitchen has seen many changes over the years. Not only in our family life, but cosmetically, too.

This is the lighting we replaced.

We had a major “refurb”, 12 years ago. This comprised: extending the side of our home (making the kitchen much bigger); installing a new kitchen suite and workbench; building a wet room; and upgrading the kitchen/adjacent patio area – enabling us to enjoy more outdoor living, in the summertime.

All of this major work could have been a seamless exercise. Instead, it nearly caused a “nervous breakdown” due to the builders we unwittingly chose. Following months of stress – plus a bout of shingles thrown in (husband!!!), for good measure – it finally got finished.

I will, in future posts, show you “before and after” shots as we made progress. For years, afterwards, I wanted to forget the journey!

Once we were free of the builders, I asked an old trusted school friend, Gary, who makes a living installing kitchens, to come and install ours. He is so talented and did a fantastic job.

The kitchen has a lot of natural daylight, due to it being South facing. We had large patio doors and a large kitchen window installed to enhance this.

The kitchen has three light sources, one being the uplighters under the kitchen units which light up half of the kitchen. Then, at the other end of the kitchen (we call it the “snug end”), we have two wall lights, controlled by a dimmer switch. This is where we eat or entertain, as it’s nice to have a relaxed low light atmosphere. Then the third source is the pair of three overhead lights at either side of the whole kitchen area.

These overhead lights are an essential feature, but do need to look just as good switched off, as switched on. Hence choosing the right ceiling light is so important when you are planning the style of your kitchen.

The main lighting that we installed when we did the refurb was looking very tired and worn. We were looking for a more on-trend, funky, mood booster of a design enhancing the look of the kitchen.

Home lighting is one of the most important factors in the decision-making process. The way that you light up your home can make or break a room and can be one of the most common mistakes that people make when planning their spaces.   The right glow can create just the right atmosphere to the all-important finishing touches.

I love low level lighting. It changes the look of a room at the flick of a switch. Subtle lighting, is generally the way forward when it comes to areas made for relaxation.

I trawled the internet and eventually found these vintage/industrial black metal pipe suspended ceiling pendants. I bought them from the “Long Life Lamp Company” and cost £42.99 per set. The picture looked amazing and just what I was looking for. I was a little apprehensive when they arrived in case they weren’t the appropriate “fit” for the kitchen – but they look great!!

The large bulbs, a main feature of the lights, can be expensive. I bought them on-line at a reasonable price (approx. £3.00 per bulb). I am very impressed with the lights – they have definitely improved the look of the kitchen. The perfect ending to my kitchen revamp – for the moment anyway.

Thank you for reading. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments.

Alison

When your Hairdresser isn’t going to be around for awhile!

midlifeandbeyond / February 28, 2019 / 2 Comments

My hair is quite naturally straight. I don’t like to faff about with endless hair tools and styling sprays. So, my usual request from the hairdresser is a half head of highlights, a few long layers, and a trim. Over the years, there has been the odd variation of a bob, or more layers added – but, no major changes.

This is the powder bleach and developer that i used to lift my highlights.

My natural colour is mousy brown with some lighter shades, here and there. The texture of my hair is quite fine – but I take after my mum in that I have a lot of it. Over the years, I’ve made colour, rather than cut, my priority. This is because I have a lot of red in my hair and it can be tricky to colour. I have, on a few occasions, left the hairdressers with a strange hue, which I haven’t noticed until I’ve arrived home. Why is it your hair always looks so different in the hairdresser’s chair?

My current hairdresser is very experienced and makes her job look easy. I know a lot of training and expertise is needed and she demonstrates all of the qualities of a great hairdresser.

These are the two toners plus the developer I used to tone my highlights.

Last year, my hairdresser wasn’t available due to maternity leave – so, my hair routine altered slightly. My choices were to either find another hairdresser, or do something myself, in the interim, until she returned to work.

So, I decided to do the bare minimum with my hair to see where it would take me. I thought, to get me over the next six months, I would learn how to put several highlights on the top layer of my hair to brighten it up, hence, extending my time to need a hairdresser. I don’t have a lot of grey, so I decided I would see how I got on, with regard to touching up my roots.

To begin my research, I watched a lot of “YouTube” tutorials. I also read up on how to apply highlights using bleach and developers, and then how to tone my hair, if the result was too bright. I only wanted three highlights on either side of my parting – which I thought would be enough.

I didn’t touch my hair until November of that year (four months after my last visit)! My hairdresser had given my hair a good trim in late July, so the length was fine. I found a few helpful tutorials. I had also picked up quite a lot, over the years, watching my various hairdressers at work. I can’t say I wasn’t a little bit nervous, from the outset.

I sent away for the solutions needed, then set to work. I tested with only a few strands of hair and it looked fine. So, this spurred me on to do all six highlights.

I have used this product in the past on my temples to hide the grey. I found it to be very good.

Preparation was key. So, I separated the few highlights, securing them with small clips. Then, I applied the bleach, covering each one with tin foil. When the highlights had lifted to the honey blonde I was after, I whipped the foil off and washed my hair – not applying conditioner, as per the instructions. Then, I brushed my hair out and applied the toner to my new highlights, which left them a nice wheat shade.

As previously mentioned, I don’t tend to get too many greys. So, in December, I did buy a Clairol root touch up (hair dye) – and, with a small paint brush, I applied it on a few greys around my temples. But, I could have just left them as there weren’t too many and they honestly looked OK.

It did cross my mind to stop fighting the natural ageing process in favour of letting my silver strands shine through. And, seeing as there’s not a lot of grey showing, I may just leave them, in the future. The general reaction to going grey is very positive and natural. I admire women who have decided to let their coloured hair grow out and go “au naturel”. I’ve heard the growing out phase can be a little tricky. But, once the natural highlights of silver are through, as I have seen on some women, it can look so stunning!!

Of course, we are almost into March 2019, and I have had my usual half head of highlights done, as well as a much-needed trim.

I still may do my own hair, now and again, as it means I can stall the return to the hairdressing salon by at least four weeks – saving myself a little money. And, it feels quite liberating, too.

I hope you have enjoyed this post. If you have any questions, please leave a comment and I will get back to you as soon as I can. If you would like to check my hair out, you can take a look at some images on my Instagram page. I started Instagram in August 2018 – so you will be able to see some “before and after” images. Please follow the link for Instagram on my homepage.

Alison

Styling a Classic Checked Midi Skirt.

midlifeandbeyond / February 4, 2019 / 10 Comments

When you’re browsing on the internet or looking through a magazine for fashion inspiration, and you see an item of clothing that really catches your eye, you either go to the website and buy it, or look for something similar and within budget. Especially, if the item is too expensive – which sometimes can be the case.

Winter White woollen coat from "French Connection".

I saw a picture, online, of a Midi skirt and loved the rich colours and check design. So, after doing some detective work, I spotted this Mango skirt and immediately sent for it. It’s a lovely light wool and the colours are khaki and brown tones with buttons down the front.

There are, of course, so many different ways you can style this skirt. These versatile colours allow me to wear the skirt with a neutral colour palette or bolder, contrasting tones. This skirt, for me, is a classic piece that I can wear, for many years to come.

The Midi is my favourite length – I find it very flattering for me. This skirt is a timeless classic. During this season, there couldn’t be a more perfect fabric. To me, it oozes femininity and style. It’s great, either dressed up with heels or knee-high boots, or simply dressed down and casual, with ankle boots.

Winter White woollen coat from “French Connection”.

Here, I have matched my skirt with a – winter white – “French Connection” coat, a pop of red cashmere, completing the look with long black leather boots..I really love neutral tones as they add a timeless and sophisticated look, particularly when worn together.

I have also added a faux fur “French Connection” gilet (below), along with a timeless cashmere sweater from Marks and Spencer to complete the look.

“French Connection” Faux fur Gilet

“Mango” Leather Bomber Jacket……..Here, I’m wearing long black leather boots with a short leather biker jacket, also from Mango

“Mango” Leather Bomber Jacket

“Zara” Double Breasted Brown Jacket

I bought this brown jacket, recently, in the “Zara” sale. It was reduced from £119.00 to £29.99 – I couldn’t believe my luck!! I know I will get a lot of wear out of it.

Thank you for your time and I hope you found the post helpful and informative!

Please leave a message if you have any questions.

Please note that this blog post contains no gifted items, but may contain some affiliate links. All of the items are my own.

Alison xx

Brown Leather Knee High Boots from “Marks & Spencer”

Cashmere Oatmeal Jumper from “Marks & Spencer”

Cashmere Oatmeal Jumper from “Marks & Spencer”

A few styles you might like for Autumn/Winter.

midlifeandbeyond / January 19, 2019 / 5 Comments

Apologies – a belated “Happy New Year” to everyone.

A few styles you might like for Autumn/Winter

I have never made New Year resolutions. But, I always like to begin the year with a positive mindset.

I like to keep busy and plan and prioritise my activities. Because having a few things to look forward to keeps us all ticking along and is good for our mental wellbeing – it can’t be all work and no play.

2018 wasn’t a bad year for my family – thank goodness!! For me, health is the most important thing, so as far as that is concerned, it wasn’t an “annus horribilis”.

I have only been doing this blog for a short while, and while loving it, I’m still finding my feet. I will continue for as long as it makes me happy and gives me some fun, which is the main reason I started it. I may not be doing it as habitually as others, but I am just taking small steps at a time.

In a year or two, I may be blogging a lot more – who knows what is around the corner? But, this has to fit in with my family and work. I am also only posting when I believe I have something worthwhile to show, or talk about.

I do love fashion – so here are a few items that I have enjoyed wearing over the last couple of months. And, I know I will go on wearing them. Some items are from the back of my wardrobe that, thank goodness, I haven’t thrown out! And, I still love them! For example, the “Monsoon” skirt. I have taken a few photos for Instagram, and quite a few people have remarked on it.

Thank you for your time and I hope you found the post helpful and informative!

Alison xx

Mango checked dress

Monsoon skirt – not current (please see similar ones below)

Camel Midi from mango, which is sold out – Marks and Spencers have one similar for £35.00

Monsoon

* Includes some affiliate links *

My Experience Using Retin-A

midlifeandbeyond / December 23, 2018 / 16 Comments

Retin-A My Skin Care Journey

I started using Retin-A at the beginning of 2016. This post is purely to talk about my experience using Retin-A for coming up to three years.

I’ll briefly explain what it is. Retin-A is a brand name for tretinoin which has been approved for medical use, since 1967. It’s a medication used for the treatment of acne. It’s also considered to be the “gold standard” of anti-aging topical treatments.

It is thought to be effective on reversing the signs of premature aging, such as wrinkles; age spots; sagging; and dullness, by increasing collagen production deep within the skin. Because of this, Retin-A should be used along with sunscreen, daily.

My reasons for starting to use it was my skin was dull and lifeless. The usual symptoms of getting older, along with the menopause, was my reason to look for something that would help me.

Around this time, I decided to not only look at my skincare but my lifestyle as well. I felt unfit – both physically and mentally (my poor hubby!!) – that is probably a whole other blog post!

I had always exercised – but had let it slip – so I started again in a more routine way, which was not only good for me physically but mentally as well. I have a static bike and I put together my own exercise routine – incorporating weights and stretching. I have tried my best to stick to 3 times a week, but, like everyone else, I sometimes fall off the wagon and it takes will power to get back on the bike (literally)!! I’m not much of a social exerciser so the gym isn’t for me – though I am going to start yoga, in 2019. I also really enjoy going for country walks around our beautiful countryside.

Back then, when I was doing my research, I listened to women, who, said they hadn’t had any cosmetic work done, but their skin had a great glow. I wanted that ‘glow’. Whether that sounds shallow or not, I just wanted to improve my skin and look better.

So, what were other women around my age using which weren’t injectables but could improve the look and feel of my skin? Retin-A (retinoids) seemed to be the active ingredient mentioned time and time again,

So, I decided to give it a go – what did I have to lose? I understood it would be a long journey though, and, if there were to be any improvements it wouldn’t be overnight, and patience would be needed.

Retin-A must be used sparingly (pea size amount), nightly. There are side effects like peeling; redness; dryness; and irritation. So, I decided to start with the 0.05%, though there are lower strengths available. I was unable to buy it over the counter in the UK. So, over the years, I have either bought it in Europe, (or Mexico, on the occasional long-haul vacation), or, asked friends to bring me tubes of it back when they have been on holiday, or, visiting other countries. This has always kept my supply in check.

I know Differin (a retinoid known as Adapalene) is available to buy in the US over the counter.

Adapalene is, apparently, more tolerable to other topical prescription retinoids and gentler on your skin, while still effective. I haven’t tried it, preferring to keep on using the cream.

I started using Retin-A once a week for the first month, twice a week the second month, leading up to every day after approximately six months, always in the evening. In the beginning, I would wait until my face was completely dry following my night time cleansing routine. The skin is apparently more poress when wet. I would then apply a light serum followed a few minutes later by the Retin-A. Then, after about five minutes, I would apply a night time moisturiser.

At first, I applied the cream around my eyes avoiding the sides of my nostrils and around the mouth, as I had read these are very sensitive areas to be avoided at first.

I have since read that using a moisturiser following my application has probably helped transfer the cream to these areas from early on, breaking down the intensity. Using a serum before applying Retin-A and moisturising after, was beneficial to building up a tolerance to the cream in these sensitive areas.

During the first year and a half, I slowly built up to using it every night. But the slightest irritation and I would go back a step by dropping a day for a few weeks and so forth. This is probably why a lot of people give up using it, as it takes patience for your skin to acclimatise and adapt.

Retin-A – My Skincare Journey

In my third year of use, I increased to the 0.1% strength and have been using that every other night, alternating with the 0,05% – my skin is still not ready to use the higher strength every night and seems good with the high/low application. I am slowly becoming acclimated to it. I do still get slight peeling and now I apply it directly to my under-eye area, but I still don’t apply it onto my eyelids or below the brow bone, I do, however, apply at the sides of my nose.

In my opinion, Retin-A has improved my skin. I did have a few age spots from the sunshine over the years on my cheeks – but they have faded slightly. I’m happy with the results and will probably use it, forever!

Don’t get me wrong, I still have lines and crow’s feet but, hey, I’m 58 years old and I don’t want to look way younger as I think that would look a little odd! I just want to look the best I can for my age and I’ll be happy with that.

I have read articles where women have said that their droopy eyelids have improved using Retin-A.

If you are interested, check out the vlogger, Jackie, from “Hot and Flashy”. Jackie said Retin-A has helped her and has provided photographs to illustrate this!

I have always naturally had a little bit of a hooded eyelid so I’m not sure about that, but I definitely get remarks from other people telling me my skin looks good. Mind you, a lot of sleep, a good diet and drinking lots of water contribute to that mostly – as well as not being overly stressed – that can take its toll on your skin, too

Going forward, and knowing I am now going to log the use of this cream, I will now take close-up photographs and I will monitor, on a yearly basis, especially as in a years’ time, I will be acclimatised to the full strength 0.1%, hopefully!

Thank you for your time and I hope you found the post helpful and informative!

Please leave a message if you have any questions.

Alison xx

Winter Additions to My Wardrobe.

midlifeandbeyond / November 19, 2018 / 2 Comments

I adore the plush fabrics that the colder months bring. Cashmere woollens, velvet, and corduroy, as well as tweedy tactile fabrics – wrapping them around us – feeling comfy and warm.

Over the years, I have developed a love of coats. It might be due to living in the North East of England, where you spend best part of the year in one! That said, we have had a long, warm summer, this year. Recently, I have added a few versatile additions to my wardrobe as well as bringing out old trusted garments, which I still love and enjoy wearing (check my Instagram page).

I have the odd items of clothing that are so old they could be “vintage”, but, I still enjoy wearing them. I’m pleased I didn’t have a mad moment and give them away, as I have done in the past! Some of my older items were expensive, by my standards – others, I didn’t pay a lot for, but are still in excellent condition.

I’m a fan of casual glamour, a mixture of day and evening wear. One of my mantras is, if an outfit works, and fits with your style, keep wearing it,and mix it up with other items.

I wear trousers a lot more in the winter, so, I have been experimenting with quite a few styles. A few haven’t worked, so, I have had to return them. But, others I have really liked, and they have made me a little more adventurous with my style – it’s never too late! I purchased them to spice up my winter wardrobe. I thought I would share some of these items with you to see what you think?

The three pairs of trousers that I’ve featured are all from H&M, which is purely coincidental.

Velvet Wide Legged Pants

I didn’t think I would like these at all. They are high on the waist, which can be a little tricky to wear when you get older. However, when I tried them on, I got a pleasant surprise. The velvet is very soft. It is also very comfortable, especially around the tummy. I found that, worn with the correct clothes, they are surprisingly flattering, and they work. Plus, I got a few compliments from trusted friends when I wore them.

Here’s a few ways I wore them.

Wearing my Zara tuxedo with my H&M wide velvet trousers

Worn with Zara cardigan with contrasting trim.

Black tuxedo and cream cami – also photo-bombed slightly by Jarvis!!

Black slim-fit jeans with a slight flared hem.

I wear jeans a lot, in my everyday world. These jeans caught my eye, because of the slight flare. I was curious to see if they would suit me. I tried them on in the shop, and got a pleasant surprise.

They sit quite high on the waist, pulling the tummy in, in a lovely way. There is 1% “elastane” in the material, plus organic cotton, which I like. I find them flattering. They can be worn with high heels, or flats. This style of jean is a lovely contrast as I usually wear straight legged jeans, so it’s nice to shake it up! I have worn them a few times, and they are very comfortable.

Here are a few ways I have worn these jeans.

Worn with a Zara sweatshirt that was only £9.99 and a man’s Burberry scarf that I bought a long time ago.

Worn with a Tuxedo, plus a touch of leopard print.

Wide legged checked trousers

Again, these are not my usual style. I was a little unsure if I would like them. My legs are not super long, so I was worried they would appear shorter, due to the hem sitting above the ankle.

However, they are smart, casual and a good fit and work well with most footwear. I know there have been a lot of issues with H&M sizing, but there was no problem. They fit me perfectly. I am a 12 to 14 (depending on the brand), and with these trousers, I felt more comfortable in the size 14. They are, in my opinion, a quality material, and I really like them – plus, they go with a lot of things. So versatile!

What I wore with them.

“Next” leather jacket,which I have had for an eternity and still love! Plus, a black cashmere polo neck sweater from Marks and Spencer

Thank you for reading my post. If you have any questions, please leave a comment.

Alison xx

My Favourite Foundations

midlifeandbeyond / October 17, 2018 / 6 Comments

I am not quite ready to go bare faced. I love a light, medium touch of foundation to improve the look of my skin and choosing the right one can be a tricky, costly affair if you get it wrong.

The choice on the high street is mind boggling and can be both daunting and confusing if you don’t know what you’re looking for!

During my younger years, bringing up my family, working, and running around at ninety miles an hour meant minimal maintenance regarding my makeup. It was applied very quickly and if it took away the deathly white glare that I had woken up with, I was content, happy and ready to go with my busy day ahead!

There wasn’t the choice back then, unless I was just too busy to take much notice. Of course, currently, there is so much choice it is hard to keep up!

Back then, if I was looking for a good foundation, I would do a little research, then get a few samples to try, just in case I had some strange horrible reaction to the ingredients. Always wanting light coverage that would hopefully give me a little radiance, if possible. The prerequisite was that it was a good, quality product.

The one I settled for and used for years was Clinique’s “Super Balanced Foundation”. This, I found to be very good – it wasn’t too heavy, it was light in coverage and looked quite natural. I had no knowledge of applying foundation primers in those days. Out of curiosity, I got a sample of the same foundation, the other day, in ivory – which is my colour – and, it is still a great foundation.

Towards my late forties, I tried other foundations as my skin was becoming a lot drier, partly due to hormonal changes. So, I started to do my research, looking for a foundation that would help the dryness, facial redness, skin sensitivity and….. oh, the list goes on…… Hence, over the last seven years, I have used and sampled quite a few foundations. I now wish that I had kept a detailed diary of my experiences – some good and some bad. Because, back then, I never thought for one minute I would find the time to start this blog

My wish list, foundation-wise, is to have a product that will smooth out imperfections, whilst not settling into pores or wrinkles; give me a bit of a glow; and not disappear after a few hours’ wear!

I have listed my current four favourite foundations below. And, I will continue to try new ones, as there are so many coming out, all, of the time.

CHANEL – “Perfection Lumiere Velvet Smooth Effect Makeup” SPF15 30ml (£37.00)

When I was doing my research, this foundation kept coming up time and time again with fantastic reviews for mature skin. So, I gave it a try and immediately loved it. I have been using it for around three years. I find the foundation easy to apply, it gives a very sheer look, evens out skin tone, whilst still looking natural. It may need a slight touch up if worn all day and can look a little luminous around the four to five-hour mark, but a fine dusting of finishing powder does the trick to sort this, I find.

Estee Lauder – “Double Wear Light” 30ml (£33.50)

This was my other “go to” foundation, though I haven’t used it for a little while. I did find it to be very lightweight whilst giving a natural appearance. It is long lasting and didn’t settle into pores or wrinkles. However, since I finished my tube, Estee Lauder have now changed the formula. My shade was “Number 2” with the old formula and I have noticed there are a lot more shades with the new one. I will try the new one and let you know what I think

L’Oréal – “Paris True Match Liquid Foundation” 30ml (£9.99)

I bought this foundation from Sainsburys – it was on offer for £4 – can you believe!?

I had seen quite a few adverts for this foundation, so, decided to give it a go. And, for that price, I couldn’t refuse. Though I had to guess with the colour match, which worked out fine. I went for beige and it’s a good match!!

This foundation is lasting for ages. I’m still not even a quarter of the way through, as a little goes a long way. It really holds its own against the more expensive foundations. It’s easy to apply, very lightweight and hydrating, There are also a lot of shades to choose from.

Clinique – “Super Balanced Silk Makeup” SPF15 30ml £25.50

I haven’t used this foundation for a while but included it, as I wore it for such a long time. Out of curiosity, I decided to ask for a tester to see if it was still as good. My colour is silk ivory. After wearing it for a few weeks, I still find it to be a good foundation. It has a lovely texture and sits well on the skin. It also provides great coverage without being too heavy.

Thank you for reading my post. If you have any questions please leave a comment.

Alison xx

Gift Cards and Skirts.

midlifeandbeyond / October 4, 2018 / 6 Comments

I learnt a few weeks ago that House of Fraser (HOF) are not honouring gift cards in store or online. My gift card for HOF is worth £80.00. I have followed the process for getting my money refunded but I’m not holding my breath. So my question is “are gift cards a safe bet”??

Since this discovery, I have been told it’s probably best to spend gift cards quickly in this present climate. More importantly, I feel concerned for the staff of House of Fraser. It must be the worst feeling in the world for these employees to not know what the future holds, and it makes the slight problem of a gift card seem trivial. But, nevertheless, £80 is no small amount!!!

Recently, I went to Newcastle to make sure my youngest son was settled into university for his final year. We all met up in the city centre for coffee, then and I went into Fenwicks Dept Store. This was a conscious decision as I had another gift card that I had received from Christmas 2017. The whole House of Fraser gift card situation made me think that maybe I had to spend it quickly!

Wandering around Fenwicks, I couldn’t resist this pretty blue Daria Print Ruffled Skirt from Mint Velvet (£89.00). It is chiffon material in a layered silhouette. This midi skirt sits high on the waist and I have already worn it quite a few times – pairing it with a Zara dark blue fitted jumper, or a cream fitted cardigan.

I particularly love the movement of the skirt and thought it looked good with this old leather biker jacket that I have owned for ages, along with some blue suede ankle boots.

This skirt could easily be dressed up in heels and a silky blouse or even a stylish t-shirt and sneakers with a little denim jacket – that would look cool!!

I know I will get a lot of wear out of it as it is so versatile and flattering – and I also love the midi length, which is my favourite.

Alison x

Animal Print

midlifeandbeyond / September 27, 2018 / Leave a comment

We must face facts that Winter is just around the corner. This year, we have had a real summer, so, we can’t complain.

One of this season’s favourites is the Animal print, which is a huge trend and the “go to” look. It has been a fashion favourite and seems to go from strength to strength. This is news, if you really like it.

There is no escaping the multitude of animal-inspired patterns. Animal print has never really disappeared – because, it never goes out of fashion. And, I am happy about that, because I’ve always enjoyed wearing this design, in some shape or form. But, this year, it is here in abundance.

The question is to either go “full on” animal print or just a touch. It’s all down to how you feel and what your own personable style is. I have seen some fantastic dresses and coats. But, for the person who just wants a splash, it may be too much to have a full-on “head to toe” ensemble going on.

I think the beauty of animal print is it goes with anything, and can lift your outfit to the next level with either the right piece of clothing or an added accessory. I personally love seeing a colour block outfit with just a few touches of animal print – it is just so subtle and stylish and can give the outfit the edge. But, the overall look is such a personal thing.

I read an article a long time ago that said finding your perfect animal print can be a tricky one, saying it can depend on the colour and density of the print that will or won’t work with your shape or facial features. For example, if you have dainty features, a smaller more dense print will suit. I’m not sure if I agree with this view. The article cited an awful lot of suggestions but, to be honest, I lost the will to live reading the whole piece!!! There were just too many rules to abide by. I think we all look for a little guidance. But, overall, I hope we are generally confident enough to know when we try clothes on whether they suit us or not.

I like this dress. However, I am quite a conservative dresser – so, this outfit, for me, is quite bold.

But, I find, as I’m steadily getting older, I’m getting a little more adventurous. This animal print dress may be a bit too much for some, but it brought the “daredevil” out in me. Plus, I love the midi length – so, it’s a “win-win” situation!

Thank you for reading this article.

Alison x

Skin Care

midlifeandbeyond / September 19, 2018 / 24 Comments

I would like to share with you my journey through the last couple of years regarding skincare. In my younger years, l would lie in the sun all day with very little protection. I had no idea about SPF or protecting my skin, we just went for the burn – thinking how cool we looked with a bit of colour. Mind you, I never had that easy tanning skin. I went bright pink, then it all just all peeled off (not cool). It’s little wonder that I don’t now look like a prune. With our UK climate, we are generally lucky if we get a few days of sunshine in any one year, which has probably saved me. That said, this summer has been exceptionally hot!!!

Over the years I have used many creams and serums that I thought would improve my skin, not really researching the ingredients and relying instead on the information or hype that came with that product.

I would say it was around my late forties, early fifties when my skin started to change. I noticed the skin on my face was dried out, dull and well, awful really. My skin also felt irritated and tight, my immediate reaction to this was to buy moisturisers that made me glow like a bleacher beacon! I thought if I slapped on a rich cream that would do the trick, not so!

This spurred me on to start to do my research to improve my skin, reading articles by experts, watching vloggers and gathering as much information as I could. I looked for bloggers and vloggers in my age group – I loved watching the young women as well, but they weren’t on the same journey as me, so I couldn’t really relate, women in my age group were hard to find back then, maybe I wasn’t looking hard enough.

Thankfully this is now improving and women in midlife are certainly becoming more visible. I really enjoyed listening to the ones who I thought knew their stuff and I gained a lot of knowledge from them and still read their blogs or watch them on you tube today.

I must also mention that around my late forties, early fifties it seemed to be a time that is quite frantic and stressful – you will all relate. Around this time when I felt the beginnings of the menopause everything else seemed to be also reaching a crescendo, such as children going through their own teenage hormonal stage, elderly parents or family starting to have health problems or issues – oh the list is endless and there we are trying to look after everyone as well as working and juggling other life balls as well! – so, no wonder things can become a little dramatic with the way we look and feel at this time, I know this was the case with me!

Apologies for going off the subject but it’s all related to how we feel and look.

Of course, nutrition along with drinking plenty water (I always forget) along with sleep (what’s that) and of course a high SPF cream is always recommended. Also, I know it really shows on my face when I have had a few days of overindulgence, you can certainly get away with that in your early days, but not now.

I have no experience of fillers, Botox or any laser treatments – I am certainly not against any of these – it’s just it’s never been on my radar.

For me I wanted to see which skincare or active ingredients were proven to work. Skincare that I could try at my own leisure, to see if it was effective for me and beneficial to my own skin to make me feel better.

Following my research, I learned there is a huge list of ingredients that are effective for better skin – the ingredients that were mentioned time and time again are Retinols, Tretinoin (Retin A), Vitamin C, a whole host of peptides, AHA’s and other ingredients (it’s mind boggling)!

I thought I would keep it simple and try Retin A (Tretinoin) and Vitamin C, including it in my skincare routine.

I did my homework regarding Retin A and to play it safe I started to use it gradually using the lowest strength first, using it once a week and very slowly building it up. It takes a long time for your skin to adapt, hence I’m still not onto the higher strength of 0.1% daily after using it for three years. So, the trick I have found is to go slow. This is certainly not for everyone. Tretonion is not available to buy over the counter in the UK, though it is in Europe and other countries – But I feel it has improved my skin and has worked for me – but may not suit everyone – so do your homework if you are tempted.

As I am mildly obsessed with moisturisers and serums I will be doing some tried and tested products I have used along with my journey using Retin A in the future.

Thank you for reading. Please subscribe to my blog if you enjoyed it!

Alison x

What Is Style?

midlifeandbeyond / September 15, 2018 / 6 Comments

Some girls are so certain of their style from the beginning. I remember, in my young days, these girls stood out from the rest and were an inspiration to me. I have been friendly with a lot of women throughout my life whose style has inspired me. Whatever age and size, their confidence and their flair shone through. There is nothing more fabulous than someone who is comfortable in their own skin. Style wise, they are such an inspiration and have no fear of looking a certain way or wearing something they really love and are not afraid of what people think, or say.

photographer – Viktor Hanacek

I loved nights out, in my younger years – the girls would turn up in their ‘get-ups’, which had been so meticulously put together. Of course, these were the late seventies, early eighties – the time of big shoulder pads and “New Romantics”. I also had a few mates who were “Punks” and “Goths” (now, that took time, effort and style). I wonder what they are doing, and where they are with their “style”, now. I don’t think you ever quite leave your young style behind as you get older – it’s part of who you are. As we get older, we have had time to rehearse and practise.

Photo by Sabina Ciesielska on Unsplash

I like to think I have a little bit of an idea when I’m trying on things that don’t suit me – they just feel so “wrong”. For example, in my younger years, I had some “not good” moments with woollen dresses which made me look like a giant snowball – think the whole colour block thing doesn’t agree with me, and the odd (very eighties) rah-rah skirt. This was the first successful attempt to revive the mini skirt and, hands up, I was a fan at the time! It wasn’t very forgiving if you know what I mean.

Photo by Lauren Fleischmann on Unsplash

Oh, and there was the odd bad hair-do just to add to the overall mix. I once came back from the hairdressers looking like Tina Turner which, as much as I love Tina Turner, this was not my intention or what I had asked for. I think the hairdresser got a little bit carried away.

Me out for a saunter, in the direction of the pub! I do love “easy to wear” chilled out fashion that makes me feel good, though I’m not averse to a lovely little bit of dressing up!

I believe style in midlife years is continually a “work in progress”. For example, I will see a great outfit on someone, or in a shop and love it. Sometimes, I’ve been brave enough to ask the person where they had purchased it. But, on me, it will either look equally good or really terrible. I once read somewhere that style takes time and maybe that’s true. I believe, at this age, I am still trying to look good and that, for me, it’s on-going. Some women make wearing clothes look effortless. Whereas, for me, alas, that’s not always the case!!!

Photo by Pete Bellis on Unsplash

I also believe it is very important to be comfortable, and know what suits me. I’ve done this through trial and error, and taking good advice along the way from expert fashion stylists. There is a lot of great “style gurus” out there. I believe some of them are brilliant and give out great, constructive advice. But, I also believe that, whatever advice you read, you still must feel happy and relaxed in what you are wearing. Because style is such a personal thing! We all know people who wear something because of the label or because they think, if it’s one of the most expensive, exclusive garments in the shop, then it will have to look great on them. Unfortunately, as we know, that’s not always the case.

Apologies – a belated “Happy New Year” to everyone.

* Includes some affiliate links *

I adore the plush fabrics that the colder months bring. Cashmere woollens, velvet, and corduroy, as well as tweedy tactile fabrics – wrapping them around us – feeling comfy and warm.

I’m a fan of casual glamour, a mixture of day and evening wear. One of my mantras is, if an outfit works, and fits with your style, keep wearing it,and mix it up with other items.

The three pairs of trousers that I’ve featured are all from H&M, which is purely coincidental.

Velvet Wide Legged Pants

Here’s a few ways I wore them.

Wearing my Zara tuxedo with my H&M wide velvet trousers

Worn with Zara cardigan with contrasting trim.

Black slim-fit jeans with a slight flared hem.

I wear jeans a lot, in my everyday world. These jeans caught my eye, because of the slight flare. I was curious to see if they would suit me. I tried them on in the shop, and got a pleasant surprise.

Here are a few ways I have worn these jeans.

Wide legged checked trousers

Again, these are not my usual style. I was a little unsure if I would like them. My legs are not super long, so I was worried they would appear shorter, due to the hem sitting above the ankle.

What I wore with them.

Thank you for reading my post. If you have any questions, please leave a comment.

Alison xx

CHANEL – “Perfection Lumiere Velvet Smooth Effect Makeup” SPF15 30ml (£37.00)

Estee Lauder – “Double Wear Light” 30ml (£33.50)

L’Oréal – “Paris True Match Liquid Foundation” 30ml (£9.99)

Clinique – “Super Balanced Silk Makeup” SPF15 30ml £25.50

I learnt a few weeks ago that House of Fraser (HOF) are not honouring gift cards in store or online. My gift card for HOF is worth £80.00. I have followed the process for getting my money refunded but I’m not holding my breath. So my question is “are gift cards a safe bet”??

I particularly love the movement of the skirt and thought it looked good with this old leather biker jacket that I have owned for ages, along with some blue suede ankle boots.

This skirt could easily be dressed up in heels and a silky blouse or even a stylish t-shirt and sneakers with a little denim jacket – that would look cool!!

I know I will get a lot of wear out of it as it is so versatile and flattering – and I also love the midi length, which is my favourite.

Alison x

We must face facts that Winter is just around the corner. This year, we have had a real summer, so, we can’t complain.

One of this season’s favourites is the Animal print, which is a huge trend and the “go to” look. It has been a fashion favourite and seems to go from strength to strength. This is news, if you really like it.

There is no escaping the multitude of animal-inspired patterns. Animal print has never really disappeared – because, it never goes out of fashion. And, I am happy about that, because I’ve always enjoyed wearing this design, in some shape or form. But, this year, it is here in abundance.

I like this dress. However, I am quite a conservative dresser – so, this outfit, for me, is quite bold.

But, I find, as I’m steadily getting older, I’m getting a little more adventurous. This animal print dress may be a bit too much for some, but it brought the “daredevil” out in me. Plus, I love the midi length – so, it’s a “win-win” situation!

Thank you for reading this article.

Alison x

Over the years I have used many creams and serums that I thought would improve my skin, not really researching the ingredients and relying instead on the information or hype that came with that product.

Thankfully this is now improving and women in midlife are certainly becoming more visible. I really enjoyed listening to the ones who I thought knew their stuff and I gained a lot of knowledge from them and still read their blogs or watch them on you tube today.

Apologies for going off the subject but it’s all related to how we feel and look.

I have no experience of fillers, Botox or any laser treatments – I am certainly not against any of these – it’s just it’s never been on my radar.

For me I wanted to see which skincare or active ingredients were proven to work. Skincare that I could try at my own leisure, to see if it was effective for me and beneficial to my own skin to make me feel better.

Following my research, I learned there is a huge list of ingredients that are effective for better skin – the ingredients that were mentioned time and time again are Retinols, Tretinoin (Retin A), Vitamin C, a whole host of peptides, AHA’s and other ingredients (it’s mind boggling)!

I thought I would keep it simple and try Retin A (Tretinoin) and Vitamin C, including it in my skincare routine.

As I am mildly obsessed with moisturisers and serums I will be doing some tried and tested products I have used along with my journey using Retin A in the future.

Thank you for reading. Please subscribe to my blog if you enjoyed it!

Alison x

Oh, and there was the odd bad hair-do just to add to the overall mix. I once came back from the hairdressers looking like Tina Turner which, as much as I love Tina Turner, this was not my intention or what I had asked for. I think the hairdresser got a little bit carried away.

Thank you for reading, let me know if you have any comments and please subscribe to my blog.

Alison x