Lifestyle Maven | Page 6 of 26 | The UK lifestyle blog for your fabulous 40s and beyond

How to tame your inner demon

January 12, 2018 4993 Views 13 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]

Wisdom

2017 year in review – the highs and lows of a lifestyle blogger

January 01, 2018 1750 Views 2 Comments

The highs and lows of a lifestyle blogger I’m a bit late to the ‘review of the year’ party, but we only returned from our Christmas holiday in Dubai on 30 December, and my brain has been muddled by jet lag ever since. 2017 was … [read more]

Wisdom

Can you put a price on your health?

December 20, 2017 3635 Views 0 Comment

Every six months I take our car into the garage for a health check. It gets put through its paces, is subject to rigorous testing using all the latest technology and comes back purring. Our last service cost over £800. Ouch. I, on the other … [read more]

Beauty

The beauty bucket list

December 04, 2017 3104 Views 4 Comments

I was watching a video this morning of a blogger shaving off all her hair, not for charity, but because it was on her bucket list (a list of things she wanted to do before she ‘kicks the bucket’). Is that a strange thing to … [read more]

Food Fun

How to host an effortless, stress-free dinner party, with no washing up

November 21, 2017 2903 Views 2 Comments

What would you do if you won big on the lottery? I’ve given this a lot of thought over the years, hoping the law of attraction would work its magic. I’m still waiting, but my plans are in place and I’m ready. They fall into … [read more]

Fun Wisdom

The crazy things kids say

November 07, 2017 2019 Views 5 Comments

I have two amazing, bright, funny, gorgeous boys. Over the years they’ve said some crazy sh*t – as I’m sure all kids do. And I write them down. As their knowledge and experience grows, these weird conversations happen less frequently. But I love looking back … [read more]

Beauty Fashion

The ethical Christmas gift list

October 19, 2017 2489 Views 6 Comments

The ethical Christmas gift list I’m finding it increasingly difficult to choose thoughtful gifts for any of my loved ones. Christmas is particularly challenging. Mr Maven is bored with my usual rota of wallets, watches and briefcases; the choice for kids is either disposable, cheaply … [read more]

Food

Halloween-o-Peppers

October 11, 2017 2616 Views 0 Comment

I’ve never been a fan of edible art. Experimenting with new tastes is one of life’s great pleasures, but my personal belief is that food is for eating, not decorating. Also, Mum always told me not to play with my food. I know the argument put … [read more]

Food

How to be the Hostess with the Mostess (or “The One Where I had a Great British Bake Off in my Kitchen”)

September 26, 2017 3105 Views 0 Comment

One of the overwhelming memories of my childhood is sitting on the stairs while my parents entertained their friends over dinner. They had, and still have a large group of very close and brilliant friends, who have all been buddies for decades. Mum and Dad … [read more]

Food

Basic bread baking: what you knead to know

September 21, 2017 2912 Views 0 Comment

As the evenings draw in, I’m seeking out the kind of ‘hygge‘ food you can serve in a bowl and eat with a spoon: stews, soups and casseroles. The kind of food that makes you sink a little deeper into your chair and warms you … [read more]

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Wisdom

5 de-stressing tips for busy people

April 27, 2018 2173 Views 7 Comments

Swan, koala or cat? I remember being asked in an interview in a former life “If you were an animal, what animal would you be?” This is one of those awful psycho-nonsense questions that hiring managers like to ask to mix things up a bit, … [read more]

Fashion

The cross body bag edit

May 25, 2016 4360 Views 7 Comments

It’s no secret that handbags are my thing. I can be having a bad hair day, alongside a bloated tummy and spotty face week, but a statement handbag will always look good. Having recently brought you my Totes review, I’ve been scouring the shops and interweb for … [read more]

Most embarrassing moments: chapter two

June 21, 2016 2052 Views 6 Comments

It’s been a while since I brought you chapter one of my ‘most embarrassing moments’ series. It’s taken that long for me to uncurl my toes. Now I’m ready to overshare the next sorry story. So go get yourself a cuppa and take a few … [read more]

Wisdom

Have a heart and support Tiny Tickers

January 14, 2016 1514 Views 6 Comments

I first published this post in February 2015, but as next month is National Heart Month, I wanted to update it for the benefit of new readers and to encourage people to support Tiny Tickers’ Heart Week between 7th – 14th February 2016. Heart Week is a chance … [read more]

Fun Popular posts Wisdom

How to survive a camping trip in your 40s

June 26, 2019 4310 Views 6 Comments

A bit like Marmite Camping: do you love it or hate it? I am not a fan, although I have been camping every year for the last four years. My camping backstory I spent four months living under canvas while travelling around Africa during my … [read more]

My happier birthday

September 19, 2016 1979 Views 6 Comments

I was so over being 43 last week, what with the death of my beloved cat Hope. I brought her home on my 30th birthday and she lived to the ripe old age of 18. Here she is, in her prime. Birthdays are a time … [read more]

Fashion Wisdom

Are progressive lenses right for you? Everything you need to know.

September 26, 2018 951 Views 6 Comments

Channelling Dame Edna You may have seen on Instagram that I have some pretty funky new glasses. They’ve had almost unanimous praise. The only detractor is Mr Maven who thinks they’re a bit Dame Edna. Pah. This is a new look for me, and also … [read more]

Beauty Fashion

The ethical Christmas gift list

October 19, 2017 2489 Views 6 Comments

Wisdom

A love letter to mums everywhere

March 07, 2019 522 Views 6 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]

Happy days

May 04, 2015 2741 Views 6 Comments

The last week has been filled with fun and interesting events. I want to express my gratitude to the people who made them happen. Last Saturday I took the train up to Birmingham to attend BlogCamp UK, an event for parenting bloggers organised by Tots100. This was the first bloggers’ … [read more]

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How to tame your inner demon

2017 year in review – the highs and lows of a lifestyle blogger

Can you put a price on your health?

The beauty bucket list

How to host an effortless, stress-free dinner party, with no washing up

The crazy things kids say

The ethical Christmas gift list

Halloween-o-Peppers

How to be the Hostess with the Mostess (or “The One Where I had a Great British Bake Off in my Kitchen”)

Basic bread baking: what you knead to know

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