What I wore in 2017 in my fashion round-up

I embraced the kimono and the cold shoulder  fashion trends in 2017, though I had flirted briefly in 2016 with the latter.  A full-blown romance was conducted with this particular fashion item so that even if it goes out of style any time soon, my purchases will not be leaving my wardrobe. Firstly, it is
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Best of 2017 Holidays in Ireland, France and Spain

Good-bye 2017. ‘Another year over and a new one just begun’ and as well as anticipation, there is always some trepidation as to what that new year may hold. The end of the year is also a time for reflection. In 2017, I enjoyed my time spent with family and friends and watched our grandson
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Christmas Jumper ‘5-over-50’ Style Challenge

I have never really been a fan of the Christmas jumper trend. I know it seems like I don’t have a sense of humour, but I can assure you that I do; it just doesn’t extend to wearing a novelty Christmas sweater. So, when Laurie from VanityandMe decided that this was to be our next
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Christmas Traditions – Food, Family and Fripperies

There is a magic about Christmas that I love. Even as a child growing up on a farm, in a family where money was scarce, the excitement and sense of expectation around Christmas was powerful. My memories centre mainly around the aromas of baking and cooking. Cakes and puddings for all the neighbours were made
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The Knitting and Stitching Show

I was always in trouble in school for my knitting and sewing. I blamed it on the fact that I was left-handed and found it all rather difficult, with the result that I have avoided anything even remotely artsy-craftsy since then. I did indulge in some ‘tie dye’ with my tee-shirts back in the day,
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The Bias Cut online shopping website is anything but biased.

My first introduction to the online shopping website and pop-up boutique www.the-bias-cut.com was through the Facebook group ‘Ageism is never in Style’ (a forum for all who agree that ageism in the fashion industry needs to go) created by Jacynth Bassett, founder of The Bias Cut. One of the reasons that I started my blog was
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Millennial bridges Gap with midlifer Mum

Today marks the launch of an unprecedented campaign called ‘Bridging the Gap’ where 100 Millennials and 100 Midlifers are coming together to blur boundaries and put an end to stereotypes.  This campaign is inclusive as we  believe we are stronger together and divisions such as Age are unimportant. I did not travel far to find
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Bridging the gap – Millennials and Midlifers in unique campaign

Bridging the GAP…What am I on about? What gap? The aim of this unique campaign is to bridge the gap between ‘old’ midlifers like me and millennials (young people in the prime of their lives) and in doing so to learn from each other. Today, 100 midlifers and 100 millennials are posting on the same
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Review of ‘Eyes to Mesmerise’ by Charlotte Tilbury

I am a fan of some of Charlotte Tilbury’s products: for example, her Wonderglow and her Light Wonder. In fact, I wrote a review of both of them here.  And I think they are reasonably good value for money. I think she does make-up really well, but her Magic day cream and night cream do
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Today’s Mum-Happier than Yesterday’s Mum?

I could not believe my ears. Nothing had changed in the 33 years since I had my firstborn. In a survey entitled ‘Today’s Mum’, sponsored by iconic Irish brand Sudocrem (who have just launched a new barrier ointment called ‘Care and Protect’) I learned that only 14% of partners share the housework equally and 19%
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Kimono trend is here to stay

A kimono can transform an ordinary pair of jeans and a top into something extraordinary. It can add a certain allure to a dress and I have seen it raise a pair of shorts and a t-shirt on a young concert-goer to a completely different level. Many of us use it to cover a not-so-pert
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Mount Wolseley mid-week break was amazing value

If you are planning a hotel break and do not wish to break the bank then perhaps Mount Wolseley Hotel Spa and Golf Resort is the place to go. GG and I enjoyed a ‘Golden Years’ (I know I am shocked too, but it is GG who is really that old!) mid-week break there a
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5-over-50 challenge ‘Amazing Lace’

I am going to confuse you all by posting on a Monday, but I am delighted to have been asked to join a collective of  ‘over 50 UK bloggers’ for a 5-over-50 style challenge and this month’s theme is ‘Amazing Lace’. I know I am now over 60, but I am still over 50…right? More
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Wedded Bliss – a male perspective

Some weeks ago, I wrote a blog post with some hints for a happy marriage. Now, in his second ‘Beside the Hilda’ contribution to overthehilda, GG has offered to put a male slant on the married union! Not sure I agree with everything he wrote, but I have let him have his say without amendment!!!  When
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Ladies’ Day at the RDS Horse Show – a memorable experience!

It is not often I get a chance to wear a hat, so when I was invited toDundrum Town Centre Ladies’ Day at the RDS Dublin Horse Show last week by Qatar Airways (the main airline sponsor) I jumped at the chance. See what I did there! The day began with brunch at The Intercontinental
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Jewellery fit for a Queen

Not many people know this but the Queen of England, the 24th President of America and I have something in common – we each have gifts of custom-made jewellery crafted by Irish goldsmith and jewellery designer Declan Killen. Declan was first commissioned to create a brooch for Queen Elizabeth for her State Visit here in
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Stripes…the love affair continues.

Last summer, I wrote a blog post about my obsession with stripes – you can read the post here. The love affair with stripes has continued this year! What is it about me that when I go into a shop I am immediately drawn to them? Neither the colour nor the direction of the stripes matter;
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wedding vow on tray

Marriage is not for the faint-hearted- How to Stay Married for 35 Years and Not Kill your Husband

 MARRIAGE VOWS Disclosure! I have not kept all my marriage vows. Those who know me well will not be surprised and probably know which one I have broken already. In my defence, I tried my best to get out of it the night before the wedding, but our minister said it would require a special
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New Affordable Skin Products You Will Want to Buy

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Taking Risks with an Asymmetrical, Deconstructed Cold Shoulder!

I have been a fan of the cold shoulder for 18 months, ever since I bought a lovely grey sweater which I have worn almost to death. I fancied myself as quite daring; I certainly hadn’t seen anyone over 50 of my acquaintance sporting one. And it got the seal of approval from the stylist
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Cancer survivor donates book proceeds to Irish Cancer Society

I would probably have urged you to buy Des Allen’s book ‘Wanderings & Ponderings’ because the proceeds are going to benefit the Irish Cancer Society. Having read the contents, I can also recommend that you buy it because Des is a fine writer and his collection of writings – recollections, musings and even some stories
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4 Rules to Break after 50 by guest blogger Nina Bandoni

This week, I am delighted to introduce you to my friend, the beautiful and fashionable Nina Bandoni from Florida. Nina and I were both part of the Fierce 50 Revolution launch way back in February and I have enjoyed getting to know her through her very interesting blog ‘Sharing a Journey’.  Nina is guest blogging
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Chez Sara – charming wine bar in the heart of Malahide

GG and I are regulars at the quaint little restaurant and wine bar Chez Sara on Old Street in Malahide. It is important to book, particularly at the weekends, but sometimes we pop in around 6 o’clock on the off-chance that we might get a seat at the counter, where we can watch the chefs
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Frayed Jeans Trend – Do I dare?

I am not trend driven at all. Well, I probably was when I was young, but certainly not now. I wear what I like and what I think suits me. Obviously, I get some help from the stylist daughter. Or rather she critiques and says yea or nay. Sometimes she says maybe. I love to
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