A loving moment with Jarvis
A Belated “Happy New Year!”
We’ve been on a trip to Spain.
The region we visited is the Costa Del Sol (“coast of the sun”). This area of southern Spain is situated in Andalusia. January isn’t the best time to visit, weather wise. But, there were several reasons we wanted to go – not least because it’s quite a short flight time of two hours and fifty minutes from our local airport.
We haven’t visited the Costa Del Sol for a long, long time – not since our children were very young. This wasn’t a holiday, as such – more a trip to explore the areas along the coastline. You may think I have been watching too many episodes of “A Place in the Sun” which, in truth, is right. We got to know the different areas from that show, especially over the last two years during “Lockdowns”. This gave us some knowledge on where to begin our exploration. Over the years, we have often wondered what it would be like to go and stay in another country for some of the winter months. So, this was our first visit, and we chose to begin our journey in Estepona. We wanted to experience places which weren’t very touristy, but not too remote, as we like a little bit of bustle.
Estepona – Old Town
We rented a simple apartment in the Marina area of Estepona. Our aim was to see how the locals live out of the summer season. We intend to make a few more visits to places like this along the southern coastline, and beyond, to see if it’s somewhere we would like to either rent or buy in the next couple of years. We acquired a lot of information on this, our first “reccy”. I will share my honest account of what our first trip was like, soon. But, now that we’re back home, I have been asked by my old place of work to help out, temporarily, which I enjoy doing.
I am also trying to return to my routine of daily exercise. I feel unfit following my Christmas indulgences, coupled with my recent Spanish ones. I know I have put weight on, especially around my middle. So, I have started my daily walking 3-5 times a week around our local Country Park, which I love, once I find my stride. It is well documented that there are psychological benefits to walking. And, it’s a chance to soak up nature, especially when Spring takes hold.
One of the swan families in my local park.
I have got to know one of the Swan families local to us over the last two years. Sometimes, my husband joins me – he usually prefers to hop on his mountain bike and take off for a couple of hours. But, the icy conditions we are currently experiencing don’t always allow for that. I download podcasts for my walk and enjoy listening to various people on “Desert Island Discs”, sharing their life stories. I do have a fascination with how people get from a to b, then c.
When I get back home from my walk, I do some stretching exercises followed by a few weights. I always feel brighter, mentally, when I’m doing my routine. It works for me. I’m not obsessed with how many steps I do, and this is not a daily hike, or I would probably avoid it. I walk for around 45 minutes at a brisk pace. And, if no one’s looking, I sometimes do a little trot which is great for getting the heart beating faster. I’m hoping this will help me lose a few inches and I know it’s great for my mental and physical health. I always feel more upbeat when I’m in my routine.
Wearing my River Iland Cape with corduroys and New Look Vegan boots
What I’m Wearing, Right Now
The saying, “Get the wardrobe basics right and everything else follows” is so true. You may remember, in my last post, I mentioned a cape/poncho (no Clint Eastwood jokes, please!!) that I had my eye on. I love the look of this cape. Luckily, the Christmas fairy got wind of it, and, there it was, waiting for me, on Christmas morning.
This winter cape is perfect to throw on over jeans, casual trousers, or a dress. I find that it’s important to know what “not” to wear underneath a cape like this, or it can be simply too much. This cape is a bulkier style so it’s best to wear it with a lightweight blouse, dress, or knitwear like I am wearing, here. Otherwise, you may feel swamped!
As I live in my vegan Chelsea boots, jeans, and leather trousers, this cape has been so invaluable. So, it has joined my list of basics. I wore it a lot in Spain as the evenings were quite cold. It came in very handy and will do so, again, when Spring arrives, which hopefully isn’t too far away.
With Jarvis
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Please leave a message in the comments if you have any questions
Take care.
Alison x
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Life, Lately – A Holiday Review and a Winter Birthday Dress
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We also dream of living abroad, but that would be the UK then! And I also always feel better after a walk in nature. Even when it is so cold. We need fresh air!
Author
Thank you, Nancy. I agree, getting out into the fresh air is the best tonic. It’s been freezing here so not the best, just as long as the sun is shining I’m happy.x
Love the poncho. They are the handiest of things! Very interested to hear how your recces go. I would like to live in Greece but Mr M doesn’t want to. Enjoyed Jacqui’s post about you ( forget to say in the comments!l
Author
Thank you, Gail. My poncho has been so useful, both for our little trip and here. Great to just throw on over anything really. So pleased you enjoyed the question and answer post – the questions really made me think. x
I’ve put on a stone since lockdown! I’m finding it hard to shift too. I’ve started doing Yoga. Just short sessions. I will be taking up fast-paced walking too. Hopefully, this will help. Love the Ponch. It looks so cosy xx
Author
The extra weight is so hard to shift when we’re older isn’t it. I keep thinking about joining a yoga class and then don’t do anything about it. Think I need to be more proactive! xx
That is so neat you have swans nearby! My husband and I visited Costa del Sol about 10 years ago and really enjoyed it. Spain is a fun country to visit!
Author
Thank you, Laura. Hope you’re having a lovely weekend.xx
I love this outfit, Alison! The cape has such a nice relaxed vibe and looks great.
My husband and I were talking about relocating to Spain before the pandemic. Estepona was on our list of possibilities. But I am an only child, and have the care of my mother. She lives with us and wants no part of being an expatriate. I don’t blame her really. So I will live vicariously through your posts.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Author
Thank you, Michelle. My post will be ready in a few days. I know what you mean, regarding moving to a foreign country full time, it’s not easy leaving loved ones behind and other responsibilities . At the moment renting for a few months here and there may be the better option for us too!
That’s a beautiful and cozy poncho! I’m looking forward to finding out more about your trip.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Author
Thank you, Lovely. It certainly kept me warm in the evenings on our trip to Spain.x
You look so warm and cozy in that poncho! What a sweet kitty and such a beautiful color fur!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Author
I have worn this poncho so much. It’s great to throw on when it gets chilly. Jarvis looks at his best in the colder weather with his winter coat. He’s fifteen in a few months time, bless him.xx
Love that you gave us a catching up of your latest Alison. Glad Santa brought you that beautiful and versatile poncho. Love those gorgeous swans you get to see on your walks, too. It is too freezing to even go outside and turn on the car here but Spring can’t be too far, right?!
Happy Valentine’s Day and welcome by and join my weekly Thursday Moda. =) Terying to get back to a blogging nromalcy, here. =)
https://eleganceandmommyhood.blogspot.com/2022/02/thursday-moda-273-valentine-home-decor.html
Author
I was so pleased with this poncho and have worn it quite a lot. It’s lovely quality, so will last quite a long time. Oh that sounds very, very cold Ada. Let’s hope Spring is just around the corner.x
I really enjoyed my ponchos and wraps this fall and winter but it is not time to swtich them for light layers and kimonos. I am going to work on cutting out some sugars and doing some intermittent fasting for the next 5 weeks or so in order to cut out an inch hopefully around my belly area. I have been running and walking regularly but should add some weight work for my upper half.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
I love your cosy poncho. We watch A Place in the Sun frequently – my husband records them all! We want to retire abroad, probably Madeira as it’s a nice temperature all year round. Jarvis is gorgeous!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Author
We have dreams of moving to the sunshine, maybe in a few year’s time. Great that you have found Madeira – we want to fall in love with somewhere and then decide but
it just hasn’t happened yet. xx