Back to life, back to reality

We slot back into our usual routine tomorrow; the kids return to school, my temporary job is over, and a more regular blogging schedule should resume. But we'll see.

Just as I went outside to take some photos, it started to rain and the wind got up, so I am looking decidedly dishevelled.

  

 There was clearly no point at all in brushing my hair...

1970s Leygil dress and boots - Ebay
Tie cardigan and necklace - charity shopped
Lurex fishnet tights - gift from Goan-mad Vix
Hair flower - retail (sale)



It was Littlest's 8th birthday on Friday. She's doing something with her friends in a couple of weeks' time, but we enjoyed a family meal out, and Eldest took charge of making her sister a birthday cake.

The cake may have been ever so slightly... err... dense in texture. Due to her using plain flour but omitting the baking powder. But we didn't mind.

My mum still tells the story of the first cake I ever made all on my own, probably at about the same age that Eldest is now. It too was flat as a pancake and of a somewhat biscuit-y consistency. My mum gave it away to a passing tramp, and claimed he was delighted to receive a flat cake and a refill of his thermos.

It was the 1970s - simpler times.

Anyway, we all ate the 2014 version of The First Cake and declared it just fine. 

Cheers, Nina - happy birthday, love!
 

Our New Year's Eve was brilliant.

I've got a face like a slapped arse, and only managed to snap a hasty photo in the mirror just before I headed out the door.

But oh we did have a fabulous time!
I wore a 1950s frock, heels, and feathers. Of course.
I chatted and ate and drank, I danced and sang and laughed, a lot.

What more could you ask for?

Non-blurry photos? Nah, never going to happen! This is my favourite pic of the night.

The kids were alright...

...and the adults had a ball, despite the photo of Ron with his head in his hands. I think he may have despaired at Claire's and my rendition of River Deep, Mountain High on the karaoke.

Fuzzy photos; fuzzy heads next day.
Just as it should be.


So - 2014, then.
What will it have up its sleeve?

 xxxxx

Dolly Day Dreaming

Busy busy busy this morning; shopping for the food for the school Christmas fair next week, and finalising volunteer lists.

Now, I must confess I didn't wear this to Lidl and B&M Bargains (affectionately known round these parts as Bum Bargains). 

 

I spotted this fabulous 1970s dress in a charity shop on Monday for a mere fiver, and a quick underarm to underarm measurement with Mrs M McCalman's tape measure indicated that despite being labelled a size 14 (that's about a 10 in today's money), it might be OK.

OK?

It's more than OK, it's discotastic!

I am pleased as punch that it fits, it's going to be my Christmas party frock.

I just need to be invited to some parties now.

And be able to attend (work is already interfering with my social life; that's no good, is it?)

But for the purposes of trying on and showing off, I swanned about in the garden in a disco Dolly Day dream, with added feathers and sequins.

 

 

 

1970s Dolly Day maxi dress, most of the bangles, hairband, shoe boots and feather boa - charity shopped

Rings - had them years

Sequin clutch bag - gift from the divinely inappropriate Helga 

 

 

 

 

I know, I know - I was all grumpy about wearing black for work.

But it's amazing the difference a chiffon frill and some diamante can make. I feel love!

Flower? Starburst? Dandelion clock?

Thank you for being so supportive and encouraging while I moaned on about about my new girl angst. I know I'll get the hang of it and feel more competent at work soon. I'll stop whining now and just get on with it!

So what disco classic might be the soundtrack to your weekend?

Staying Alive?

Boogie Nights?

Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now?

More More More?

Car Wash? 

 

 

 

Whatever you're dancing to, I hope you have Good Times!

xxxxx

 

You stood in the bell tower, but now you're gone

Where better to go for Hallowe'en than a Victorian graveyard as the late afternoon sun fades to dusk?

Littlest wanted to dress up - those are sequined devil's horns, in case you are wondering...

Sheffield's General Cemetery has featured on my blog before (here) but I never get tired of visiting, it's a beautiful and atmospheric place.

The pink chalk scrawl behind Littlest reads; Religion is a fairy tale for frightened children.

My two favourite ladies.

I'm short of words tonight.

I've just found out that an old friend is very ill in hospital. I feel a bit shell-shocked, and very worried.

Silk blouse, suede waistcoat and bangles - charity shopped
1970s velvet maxi skirt - gift from Sarah
Boots - Ebay
Feather headband - gift from Vix

And for the first time in my life,
I keep the lights on,
To ease my soul. 

Hope you all had a deliciously spooky Hallowe'en.

I'm off for blogger meet-up fun tomorrow in Nottingham - can't wait!

See you soon.

xxxx

I say it in my head

Another busy weekend has come and gone, and I have been a bit rubbish at taking photos of any of it!

 

Oh well. 

 

 

 

 

On Friday night, I went to a surprise birthday party for my friend Kathryn. 

 

Her husband and sister arranged a Mad Men-themed evening for her, and the guests dressed up to the nines with great enthusiasm and flair.

 

 

 

 

 

Heidi, Jude, Claire and Ruth.

 

The Big Reveal!

Kathryn and her sister Sarah were both wearing frocks borrowed from my collection. Sarah had been round to my house to choose outfits, and borrow vintage table linen, crockery and glasses - all done in the utmost secrecy, of course.

 

Needless to say, I didn't get any pics of me but I wore my wonderful 1950s dress as seen on the left here...

...and look - there are the dresses I lent Kath and Sarah!

 

It was a really good night. I wish I had more pics but the few I did take were mysteriously blurry. Could that possibly be linked to the freely-flowing wine and killer Bloody Marys?

Quite possibly.

 

 

More socialising, but of a slightly quieter kind, on Saturday - dinner with friends, lovely. 

No pics. Bad blogger.

 

Today's dress is one of my absolute favourites, chosen with Jane's Shiny T Tuesday link up in mind.

 

 

 

 

1960-70s maxi - vintage fair

Hair flower, necklace and bangles - charity shopped

Red wooden bangle - gift from lovely Tania

Sandals - retail

 

 

I always always always feel great in this dress. The fit, the square neckline, the sleeves, the print and colours - I love everything about it.

 

 

 

Thank you for all the lovely comments about the letter Littlest wrote to me.

She is quite prolific in her note writing, and often expresses her emotions on paper.

I mentioned to her that I didn't recall her ever telling me she hated me, and therefore that she didn't need to request my forgiveness.

She replied, I say it in my head.

Brilliant, on so many levels.

Another gem she came out with recently was that people who say mean things don't like themselves very much, and want others to feel as bad about themselves as they do.

She may not always find the academic stuff easy, but that girl has an emotional intelligence beyond her years.

 

 

 

In my head, I'm saying what the fuck am I going to cook for tea?

Red, red and more red in my garden. 

 

At least the under-ripe strawberries inspired me to buy some riper ones and make Eton Mess for pudding. Mmmmm.

I'm horribly late to Patti's, but I feel thoroughly and happily visible, so I'm heading over there to join the party.

Hope you all had a fine weekend, I'll be catching up with you when the packed schedule this week allows!

xxxx

Tulled up

Have you seen Sarah Misfit today?

And did you see Melanie's post?

Oh. My. God.

These women are so beautiful and their photos are so stunning, I fear my head may explode.

Thankfully I managed to hold myself together in order to meet Sarah's challenge of rocking tulle and a tea cup while remaining in the twee-free zone.

Actually I don't think my petticoat is technically tulle...

...and my 1970s cup is probably meant for coffee...

... but hey, you work with what you have!

Feather fascinator and ballerina flats - Ebay

1950s petticoat - vintage fair

Black top, shawl, sparkly footless tights, bangles and flower - charity shops

Why don't you join us?

Being inspired by blog buddies is such a delight!



Linking to Patti's Visible Monday today.

Also linking to Lakota's Ta-Dah Tuesday. Just because I can!



And I have added the other wonderful blog friends who decided to join in this tulle-ishness, because they are fabulous!

Delicious Desiree

Luscious Leisa

Heavenly Helga. 


I'll add you if you play!

xxx