Hi peeps! Can you believe that we'll soon be seeing March's dust as we head in April?!
The thought of April looming sets me in panic mode. I'm going on holiday then and we have cat sitters coming to stay to look after Bertie the cat.
Now, you know what it's like when you have people staying - you invite them into the rooms in the house that are fit for presentation. You have control of what they see.
Having people stay whilst you're away is a while different ballgame, as they will be rummaging around in the kitchen and bathroom looking for the potato masher or the loo cleaner, so EVERY cupboard, drawer and shelf must be fit for inspection.
YIKES!!!
Being a lazy person, I generally only deal with the stuff I can see and turn a blind eye to the rest. Having people come to live in my house means that for the whole month before I am systematically going through the house.
Washing and ironing bedding (the latter only happens at these times!).
Clearing and cleaning out cupboards.
Doing all of those little repairs that we've put off doing.
Actually getting round to some of those queued up room makeovers!
I think you're probably getting the picture of how March has been for me. It's been an enforced gigantic spring-clean!
You may have wondered why I've been slogging away at my room makeovers so ardently and not posting many outfits - this is the reason!
I've comforted myself in the knowledge that I will return from holiday to a house that passes muster and thus gives me the whole spring and summer to potter around in garden and play around on the beach. That's the theory.
It's hard work and I'm exhausted, but it gets me to look at my home through the eyes of a stranger and there's a huge benefit to doing that. Because things actually get done!
Ok this loonnnnnnnng intro is my way of saying that most days I've been in scruffies. I mostly have forced myself into presentable clothes for funerals. So I don't have much in my WIBWL arsenal for you!
A funeral in a cold snap.
Black frock coat, black skinnies, fur muffler.
Drinks with the neighbours.
Bejewelled berry chunky jumper and coated jeans.
Staycation at a local hotel, a lovely gift for our November birthdays (I'll do a separate post on that).
Zara blouse and black coated jeans.
Popped into town to buy a duvet for guests - (M&S, it's super soft!)
A lovely orange/coral gilet from Peacocks.
I'm starting to see the attraction of a gilet, perfect for providing a quick easy layer between-seasons.
Girlie meal with Sis and cousins.
Black lace trimmed jersey top (bought in Y2K so 19 years old and still going strong!), only slightly distressed blue jeans and a biker from Primark.
And that's it folks! The rest of the time I've been in leggings and Ts.
I'm looking exhausted, I realise that, but I've promised myself that for the first few days of my hols I'm going to sit around (hopefully in the sun) doing nothing more taxing than catching up on your comments, reading the posts of my blogger mates which I've neglected of late, and getting re-trained in wearing nice presentable outfits!
A la perchoine,
Mary x.
Loving the zing of that orange! And the fur muffler is very chic. Hope you all enjoy the holiday - I'm including Bertie in that. Thanks for joining #WowOnWednesday!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gail, orange actually goes with more colourways I've given it credit for.
DeleteHmmnn, Bertie's not the most socialable of cats so the best I can hope is that he doesn't get too stressed whilst I'm away, as he's become quite clingy with me this past year or so.
Ha! I was the same when our Aussie friends came to stay. We spent at least a mnth giving every room a deep clean before they arrived! I love that Zara blouse and your orange gilet. I keep toying with the idea of a gilet but not sure it would be me. By the time I get around to deciding I'd like one after all they would have gone out of style and no longer be available!
ReplyDeleteSo pleased it's not just me! It's a hard slog for a month but it's a good discipline and it's the only way my house comes up to standard, albeit fleetingly!
DeleteThe gilet here is just £14 so it's a good starter gilet if you're wanting to dip your toe in. They're ideal for these changeable days right now. Let me know if you you take the plunge eh.
Hufs, x.
I like that colorful blouse! Oh are you doing that? We are thinking of that but I hate the fact that strangers will live in our house. But I also want to be in the UK for at least a week! So how did you vind those people?
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nancy.
DeleteI've done a few house swaps over the years and it's worked out well because it gives you the chance to feel like you live in the country.
Hugs, x.
You'll be so glad you did all that hard work, Mary, when you come back to a lovely fresh looking house!
ReplyDeleteI love your Zara blouse it suits you so well; I like you in colour. All your outfits were cool and smart and the orange/coral gilet is lovely. I have several gilets for walking and two suede ones with fur trims for transition wear. Not worn any yet this year...
Hope your week is going well and less exhausting for you!
xxxxx
Thanks Vronni and yes, I'm so excited to come back to a fresh home, it'll be like moving house!
DeleteYou've reminded me how truly great a suede waistcoat is in spring, I'm on the case!
I've come down with a throaty cold this week, my first this winter, thought I'd got away with it 🤒
Hugs sweetie, x.
Well you look fabulous dear Mary, you can rest assured you've done your house proud and yourself. Have a super holiday and I can't wait to read all about it. Thanks for adding to #chicandstylish today. Jacqui Mummabstylish
ReplyDeleteSo sweet, Jacqui. Don't hold your breath - I don't think I'll have much to report on my Sussex holiday, I'll be mostly relaxing in an armchair planning my next room makeover!
DeleteHugs, x.
I know exsactly what you mean about people staying in your house Mary. I've had to do this a couple of times when I've had dog sitters. It can be a bit unnerving. With me it's a tidy place until you look in any drawer or cupboard! We must arrange that meet btw xx
ReplyDeleteYes, whilst the sit works out perfectly for our animals it does mean a fair bit of work for us beforehand. My latest post is all about getting the sitters' room ready!! Looking forward to meeting you soon. I'm busy on the first Saturday but otherwise pretty much flexible.
DeleteHappy weekend hugs, x.
That orange vest totally speaks to me. I love how it adds such brightness to the outfit.
ReplyDeleteXOXO
Jodie
www.jtouchofstyle.com
Oh thanks, Jodie, it's good with navy and grey too and in spring will come into its own with white and stone. Excited!
DeleteHappy weekend hugs, x.
Going on holiday and then coming back to a tidy house will be wonderful. Sorry you had to attend a funeral, but you looked beautiful. XOXO
ReplyDeleteThere's that fab blouse again:)
ReplyDelete