Two can keep a secret if one of them is dead

I am not one for the imported ritual of trick or treating but the kids wanted to dress up... and you know I'm not averse to a bit of dressing up myself.

So we reached a compromise;

dress up and go out for a Halloween tea, thereby avoiding the hoards of kids coming to our door expecting sweets.


Clever, no?

  

 I managed to avoid the ubiquitous Slutty Witch/Vampire look this year...

...preferring Steam Punk Governess chic.

Hammy Horrors.

Can't think where they get it from...

Oops, the skirt has swizzled round a bit (it's slightly too big) so the rose is off centre, but you get the idea. Does my bum look suitably stern and scary? I do hope so.

Method acting at its finest.

You know what they say about never working with children or animals?

It's all true.

1980s silk leg o' mutton sleeved blouse - vintage shop
Skirt (don't laugh, it's Per Una), Ann Summers corset and bowler hat - charity shopped
Boots - Ebay


We had a really good laugh getting decked out and taking the photos, we enjoyed our tea out, and I haven't contributed to the future development of diabetes in my children or anyone else's.

Result!

Spot the odd one out.



Joining Lakota's Halloween link up today.

  xxx

 

              

It ain't easy for a circus girl

Yesterday was spent having a very long wait to be seen at Sheffield's NHS Walk-In Centre.

Littlest has another skin infection. It's an occupational hazard with her skin condition*, and I have become adept at knowing when we need to get antibiotics for her. I have seen how frighteningly fast her skin can break down if we don't get her some treatment immediately, so I don't hang about.

She's fine. That kid is a bloody trooper.

But I found myself feeling a little downhearted about it all.
Which doesn't serve any purpose, I know. If she can live with it, then so can I.

(* Bullous Ichthyosiform Erythroderma/Epidermolytic Hyperkeratosis)

And what do I do when the going gets tough?

Dream a little dream of another life and play dress up!

                    

(There isn't a video for this song, but play it as a soundtrack for the post if you fancy.)

While we were at my sister's, she took us to see the fabulous Giffords Circus. It's a small traditional circus run by Nell and Toti Gifford, who develop a new show with a different theme each year.

The band.

Their sassy, sexy Victorian bordello styling has been my inspiration!

There was no chance that the frilly bloomers weren't going to make an appearance, was there?

 Beautiful Nell, taking a breather during the interval. It was hot in that Big Top!

Feathers? Yes please.

I found this corset top in a charity shop yesterday, as we pottered around town after we had got Littlest's meds. Serendipity or what?

Gratuitous boob shot!

Wild West cat house chic!

Giffords Circus stars.

It was a fantastic show, warm and funny (no clowns), skillful and quirky. The girls joined in the dancing at the end, Seldom Seen Kid refused but agreed to a pic with Mama.

Circus costumes - 1980s Stirling Cooper sheer skirt, wigs, feather fascinator and lace-up boots (Ebay)
Ann Summers corset, bowler hat, tights, petticoats and bangles (charity shops)



This post is dedicated to all those who are struggling.

With their own stuff.

With the stuff affecting loved ones.

With troubles.

I know dressing up doesn't change anything. But just for a moment I'm on top of the world.

Just for a moment, I'm a circus girl.

xxx