Lifestyle Maven | Page 2 of 26 | The UK lifestyle blog for your fabulous 40s and beyond

Ignored by the mainstream: Living in the invisible middle

March 19, 2019335 Views6 Comments

The invisible middle Here are some of the things I’ve learnt since turning 40 (several years ago now): Headstands are no longer a party trick I can pull off without vomiting. Trampolining is only for those mums who bothered with their pelvic floor exercises. Everyone … [read more]

Wisdom

A love letter to mums everywhere

March 07, 2019347 Views6 Comments

Would you apply? Wanted: Women wanted for long term, unpaid work. After an initial traumatic physical experience, your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: caring, cooking, laundry, cleaning, nursing, shopping, teaching, safeguarding, counselling, financially supporting and loving unconditionally for the rest of your … [read more]

Food

How to have a healthy heart

February 25, 2019391 Views0 Comment

Issues of the heart Hearts are on my mind this month, and not because of Valentine’s Day. National Heart Month is a cause close to my, um, heart. Thing Two was born with a VSD – a hole in his heart – which I’ve written … [read more]

Beauty Fashion

These are a few of my favourite things: My beauty and style picks

February 07, 2019518 Views2 Comments

Objects of desire I was sad to hear The Pool is closing. The online magazine, written by female journalists, was an eclectic mix of news, feminist writing, politics, arts and society. But crucially is wasn’t embarrassed to tackle the thornier issues, such as the season’s … [read more]

Fashion Wisdom

When does a hobby become a habit, or an addiction?

January 30, 2019401 Views0 Comment

Goodbye dry January, hello moderate February I’m nearly at the end of Dry January and bloody hell, it’s been LOOOONG. It’s also been not entirely dry. There was my nephew’s wedding: a beautiful day at the St Pancras Hotel, which would have been slightly less … [read more]

Wisdom

So long wet December. Hello dry January

January 10, 2019563 Views2 Comments

Is this madness - being stone cold sober for January, the most depressing month of the year? I've done the research and here's my Alcohol SWOT analysis. [read more]

2018 in review – highlights and lowlifes

December 20, 2018605 Views6 Comments

A look back over my personal challenges, activities and achievements. Because if I don't write it down, it's like it never happened. [read more]

Vauxhall Grandland X: keeps calm while you carry on

November 23, 2018534 Views6 Comments

The ignorant petrol head “Dear Vicki, would you like to drive our brand new SUV, the Grandland X? Love Vauxhall.” “Dear Vauxhall, you had me at ‘drive’. Love Vicki” Or words to that effect. And so started the chain of events, which led me to … [read more]

Fun Wisdom

Lethargy beating tips to energize and recharge you

November 18, 2018433 Views2 Comments

What’s GBBO got to do with it? Hot on the heels of my last post about unwinding from the stress of modern life, comes new research about the best ways to recharge during the winter months. A study by E.ON revealed that 42% of Brits … [read more]

Fashion

The midi skirt edit – how to wear this essential fashion staple

November 04, 2018748 Views4 Comments

Not a dedicated follower of fashion I have never been a glossy magazine reader. Because I’m not an avid follower of fashion, my style has barely changed in 15 years. It’s all jeans and baggy jumpers when I’m at home, and tunic or skater style … [read more]

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Beauty

The honest blogger’s review of the NEWA skincare device

May 25, 201713781 Views14 Comments

Face yoga is a thing now and it’s dividing opinions in the health and skincare industry. Some say face yoga is as beneficial as Botox or surgery and that facial exercises help banish fine lines and sagging, by increasing blood circulation under the skin. Critics … [read more]

Puppy love. Is having a puppy like having a baby?

February 10, 20173710 Views14 Comments

I grew up with dogs. Shetland Sheepdogs were our breed of choice. They were lively, gentle, loyal and incredibly hairy (a bit like me – apart from the gentle bit). Whisky was my favourite. I teased him relentlessly, but he was my best friend. His … [read more]

Wisdom

How to tame your inner demon

January 12, 20184500 Views13 Comments

The demon in my head I have a voice in my head and she’s a real bitch. She’s a demon and she is very busy, chattering and chipping away at my confidence. She beats me up from the inside, keeps me dwelling on past events, … [read more]

Popular posts Wisdom

Is fear of failure paralysing you?

October 15, 20151734 Views12 Comments

I’ve been meaning to tackle the issue of fear for a long time. I mean the sort of fear we feel in our professional lives, which prevents us from doing anything new or making changes to our circumstances, even when we’re unhappy continuing with the … [read more]

Fashion Fun Wisdom

The Ethical Christmas Gift List

December 08, 20152652 Views12 Comments

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, even though for bloggers, Christmas started with the press shows in July. Last year I wrote several gift list posts, including a specific list for beauty fans and another full of bizarre, unusual and downright crazy gifts … [read more]

Wisdom

Bring me sunshine

November 05, 20162538 Views12 Comments

I was invited to speak at an event this week, attended by all my University friends. And I wish with all my heart that none of it had ever happened. You see, the event was a funeral, the speech was a tribute and all my friends … [read more]

Fashion Popular posts

5 tips to help you find your personal style

February 11, 20163198 Views12 Comments

“I have nothing to wear”. How many of us start our day by muttering this under our breath? The experts say that we only wear 20% of the clothes in our wardrobes. I have been hoarding clothes for years and I reckon I only wear … [read more]

Popular posts Wisdom

A brave man’s legacy

May 04, 20175493 Views11 Comments

So this is not my average frivolous rant, or product review. This is important. My brother in law, who I will call ‘Alan’ to respect his family’s privacy, has suffered four years’ of cancer. It began in his tonsil and eventually spread to his lungs … [read more]

Fashion

Autumnal fashion shoot

October 01, 20151879 Views11 Comments

I am not claiming to be, nor do I have any desire to become a fashion blogger. This post is taking me totally out of my comfort zone. I won’t bother you with my insecurities and I’m not fishing for compliments. This post was born … [read more]

Fashion

Affordable style from the late summer sales

September 07, 20167836 Views10 Comments

I’ve always wanted to publish the kind of fashion photographs that ‘real’ bloggers post on their immaculate Pinterest pages (ie not those with Impostor Syndrome!). You know the ones: tall, leggy brunette with long hair flowing in the wind, striding across a crowded New York street, … [read more]

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