A new look for 2017

I'm doing well - only halfway through the month and I've already achieved one of my goals to update and give my blog a new look.

(granted, the goal was from 2016, but let's not mention that...)

I'm also trying to bring together all the various tools I use. I've dipped my toe into Pinterest which is a bit like jumping down a rabbit hole, still not entirely sure how to use it, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it eventually (maybe Jan 2018?)

I also have to admit, I don't use Bloglovin as much as I could. So I'm updating my details in the hope of using it fully over the coming year (wish me luck...)

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Cathy
xx

Favourite 6 in 16

Hello there,

Happy New Year! Already we're a week into 2017 and Christmas seems like a distant memory, save for a lone chocolate orange rattling around and an empty Quality Street tin (does anyone keep them just in case they 'might' be useful??).

Now I'm not one for New Years Resolutions as a recent pic on Instagram showed

But I do like a few goals and something to aim for (see last years post '16 in 16'). This time though, I thought I'd do something a bit different and look back as my 6 favourite outfits and photos from 2016. Some of these have appeared on the blog before, others have been lurking on my list of blog posts to write up.  

So in no particular order, here we go:

Top - Evans
Jeans & shoes - M&S

Kimono top - Dorothy Perkins
T-shirt & shoes - Primark
Jeans - M&S

Dress - Lovedrobe

Jumper - Simply Be
Jeans - M&S
Trainers - Primark

Tops & Jeans - M&S

Bag - Charity Shop find

T-shirt and sunglasses - Primark

Skirt - Joe Browns at Simply Be

So there you have it, my 6 for 16. Hope you enjoyed them, it was certainly harder than I thought to pick my favourites.

Thanks for reading

Cathy

xx

A Christmas frock from M&Co

Hello there,

It's party season which means it's time to dress up, celebrate and have a good time. It also means it's time for a new dress. To be honest, I don't own that many dresses so to find one I really really like is a bit of an achievement.

M&Co's party range this year has really impressed me. I got a sneak preview at their Christmas in July event and one dress really stood out for - their black and gold glitter swing dress*.

Now I'm 5'3 and so for me, it falls just below the knee, which is just about as short as I'm happy with for an evening dress. It's also wonderfully soft, not scratchy like other glitter dresses and has the most flattering floaty sleeves. Plus - the best bit of all - it's stretchy! And I mean really stretchy. This is the perfect frock if you know you're heading out for a large Christmas dinner.

To start with, I dressed this up with high heels and the works. But, that's not me. It's not how I would wear it in real life, so those photos were scrapped and this is exactly how I'd wear it. I can't wear heels for love nor money and I hate tights with a passion. So this is me, as dressed up as I get!

The bag is from Dorothy Perkins and is suitable for carrying anything and everything you might need on a night out (which normally includes the other half's glasses - gone are the days of a small handbag).

A close up of the material with a vintage necklace.

I think it's safe to say I've found my perfect party dress. I'll certainly be looking to see what else M&Co have (I already have my eye on a Christmas jumper or two!)

Thanks for reading

Cathy

xx

*gifted item - all opinions and reviews are my own

Bath Christmas market

Hello there,

It wouldn't be Christmas now without a trip to a Christmas market. When I was a child, I don't remember there ever being such a thing (well, not here in the UK) but now, well they're everywhere.

It does mean though that you can have a little bit too much of a good thing. Some towns I've visited just have a few sheds with the same things in every year. Other places though know how to do it properly - and Bath is one of them. With over 130 stalls dotted around the historic Abbey and Pump Rooms, it's a fantastic day out in beautiful surroundings. We were there for a whole day but I'm sure there's some bits we missed!

The disembodied head of the stall holder in this shot amuses me - I had no idea she was there at the time!

There are so many hidden gems in Bath if you take a few moments to stop and step away from the main high street.

And of course, it wouldn't be a day out without the obligatory Christmas jumper - this little gem is from Primark this year.

I could have spent a small fortune (esp on the macron stand!). These are a few of the bits and pieces I came home with.

How beautiful is this? Who wouldn't want a jammie dodger from Speckled Wood on their Christmas tree? 

Bath Christmas market was beautiful. It was the perfect way to spend a day with friends Christmas shopping and generally having a great time. If you get the chance to visit next year, I would definitely recommend it.

Thanks for reading

Cathy

xx