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| then & now |
This week I turned forty. How do I feel? Actually I feel great, it doesn't bother me in the slightest. Getting older agrees with me and I have learnt many lessons on the way here. I have grown my confidence massively since my 20's and into my 30's, I have learnt that I am who I am and that will not change - I don't want to change I like the person I am. I know my own mind and I know what I want, these are two qualities that I like in myself. Here's a little insight into me reaching the milestone that is forty:
challenge...
I ran the half marathon in Leeds on my birthday, I set myself this challenge a few months ago.
Like a lot of women I try and keep fit which in turn helps me maintain my weight and figure - i'm not the perfect size or shape but I am mostly happy with my size. I have joined a running club and on average run about 15 miles a week. I love the sense of achievement I am filled with every time I do this and I recommend it to anyone. I love the benefits too - exercise is good, end of.
a new do...
I have been a die hard blonde for forever. It started with a few highlights in my early twenties to enhance my naturally blonde locks progressing to a full on blonde addiction - its a way of life. It creeps up on you and you find yourself asking to be blonder (is that a word?). Anyhow in the last few years I found it difficult to maintain and time to face facts, I mean I didn't want to end up looking like Donatella Versace. I have been yearning for a more natural look but scared of not being a blonde - back to my roots? Well yes, if I knew what my natural colour actually is. So i've done it - i've gone darker, to my natural dark blonde colour with a smattering of ombre (a teeny tiny bit!) And Im happy with the results.. Natural-ish all the way from now on.
knowing my style...
Understated, simple & feminine. I like simple style without fuss - except for the odd statement necklace, I love a statement necklace. I know what suits me and what doesn't. I know what I like.
make me up...
I had a make up session at Mac - this was a gift I received last year and have only just got around to using it. I used my birthday as my special occasion - being forty is definitely an occasion to mark, right?
I decided to go for strong eyes & lips - something different to my usual get up, which in honesty is very basic, something that has not got better with age. I'm rubbish at make up.
celebrating...
A surprise trip to London arranged by Mr ALLO: shopping, dinner, cocktails, Lichtenstein at the Tate, the London eye and more shopping. We got down & dirty for dinner and went to
meat liquor, a cool burger joint in central London which I can highly recommend, good music, good food and good atmosphere, loved it. The weekend culminated in dinner with family and friends. It was great to spend my birthday with all the people I love the most. No wild night out, i've been there and done that a million times.
work life...
I had a very difficult time at work during the end of last year and early into this year - it really affected me and im glad to say I have now moved on. If anyone has ever suffered bullying at work then they will know exactly what I have been through - horrible. I am working at my old company and I feel happy and settled and really appreciate the opportunity I have been given.
I got some amazing gifts and I mean amazing. I will try and share some of them over the next few posts. I have been well and truly spoilt and received some gorgeous and meaningful gifts that I can keep for a long time to come.
Ibiza..
Still to come and a place I have always wanted to visit. I am heading there in June with my sister and two friends. This article in Junes edition of Elle is perfect timing. I can't wait and look forward to - sun, sea & cocktails all the way. Bring it on.
the future...
There are still so many more things I want to see and do and I don't feel any older. I feel more confident and sure of what I am doing. So hello forties - I welcome you and what you hold for me. Older and definitely wiser.
