Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on Botox and fillers so eloquently on my last post. I'm delighted to know that I'm not in the minority after all. Sod the Aesthetics police, here's to visible ageing! Let's age disgracefully, together we'll flaunt our crow's feet, our thinning top lips and our wrinkles...if I'm going to let myself go, I'm happy to do it in the company of so many fabulous women!
On Sunday I pulled this vintage hand-embroidered Greek blouse from the wardrobe, held it up against the rail and this Anokhi skirt and waistcoat (also by Anokhi) made their presence felt. I swear I could almost hear them whispering choose me, choose me! I'd never worn these three items together before and loved the look....some may call it shopping your closet, I prefer wardrobe alchemy. My plaits look so much better with the face-framing layers I had cut in last year.
Although we'd been warned of high winds and intermittent showers, typical British bank holiday weather in other words, Easter Monday was beautiful. Before nesting season Jon had pruned the hawthorne and as the council's garden waste collection has resumed after its Winter hiatus, we chopped it up and got a large proportion into the brown bin, under the watchful eye of William who, with the warm weather, has thrown off his house cat mantle and returned to his erstwhile garden cat persona.
Remember how those of us lucky enough to have gardens relished working on the during Lockdown? Well, despite how much pleasure our attempts to tame Stonecroft's wilderness gave us, the return to festival season and our frequent European trips proved more alluring and it's once again become a haven for foxes, hedgehogs, barn owls, bats and the odd tomcat.
I wore a 1990s chiffon maxi dress bought from the £2.99 charity shop last year with an All About Audrey recycled cotton blouse over the top. I was thrilled to find another pair of the peep toe suede boots I wore on repeat in the early 2010s, eventually trashing them at Glastonbury. How on dearth Vinted knew I needed a replacement pair I'll never know but they popped up in my feed priced at £6 and the rest, as they say, was history!
The Gala remains closed and due to Easter closures we'd not been for a swim at our adopted one since last Wednesday (don't worry, I still use my Wii Fit on the days when I don't swim). I could hardly sleep with excitement on Monday night! As usual, it was very busy and we had to share lanes but the fellow swimmers are friendly and it was all very good-natured.
There's not been many days this year when I've been able to peg the washing out on the line.
A swimming day calls for clothes easy to take on and off, no faffy belts or rows of buttons. My beloved vintage Indian silk kaftan is perfect.
A glorious day with temperatures hitting the low 20s, after a spot of weeding I sat and read in the sunshine with my sleek companion (Jon did a tip run with the remainder of the hawthorne trimmings).
X-Rated ladybirds!
I've been plagued with arthritic pain for a while and in recent weeks have been using a walking stick to get about. The only time I'm pain-free is when I'm swimming (hence the reason I'm obsessed with going). I finally put my big girl pants on today and saw the doctor. In 2006, following my total hip replacement op I was told that I'd need my right hip replacing within a couple of years so I don't suppose I've done too badly - it doesn't mean I want it, though!
Being a stubborn cow I still insist on walking everywhere, even if it takes me a while. I was worried these Converse x Missoni All Stars might be a bit too flat but Jon found some gel insoles in the cupboard and they were fine for my two mile trek into town this morning.
My purple Dollyrockers maxi got so much love that I was stopped countless times by women admiring my outfit. One lady asked if I was spiritual, I didn't have the heart to tell her that the only spirits I'm into are alcoholic ones. The quilted Indian block printed waistcoat is a 1970s original with a Chelsea Girl label.
I've got so many pairs of sunglasses I'd forgotten about these beauties I found whilst rummaging through a basket in a Black Country charity shop last February...a pair of genuine Fendi sunglasses, no less! The model is Opal, the colour is Bordeaux and they retailed at £230...I paid £1! I might get them glazed with my prescription, they're so comfy!
Back at home we were treated to a visit from our friends Brendan and Lynn and had a fabulous afternoon chatting in the sunshine. Lynn and I have an unofficial book club so we swapped a few reads, I'm currently halfway through my third book of the week, I'm a solar powered reader!
Isn't the bookmark Lynn gave me beautiful? It's by the British icon artist, Hanna Ward (HERE).
I'm off to harness my spiritual side and crack open the Lidl white rum..cheers!
I feel for you on the hip pain and hope you get relief soon. During my knee issues, I put strain on my hip in compensation. After Greece, it's been yelling at me. I'm back next week to my favorite doc, hoping that perhaps a non-invasive action can cut the pain and I just need to do the PT exercises given as part of my knee rehab. I've just hurt too much to do them effectively. As for the garden, yard, I have the opposite problem in that it's in need of plants and color. My fun will begin once the weather is right.
I hope you get that hip sorted and without any invasion action, Sam! As I mentioned in my comment on your blog, after my first hip replacement I strarted getting pain in my knees and the other hip, it takes a while for our bodies to adjust to the replacement. I love a colourful garden! Ours is every shade of green with an unexplected something popping up out of the blue! xxx
I totally empathise over the arthritic pain. I wake up every morning with some new ache, different from the one the day before. Still, as Mark says, at least we wake up! The weather has been glorious today. I've been sat outside reading too. I love those peep toe boots. I always wanted a pair, but never found the right ones for me. I must look on Vinted. In the meantime, I've got a pair of mock croc 'open' style boots that I think look great with fishnets. You've inspired me to dig them out xxxx
Haha! Mark's right, at least we're still waking up! I'm loving these mild spring days, its been beautiful here inbetween hailstorms and torential rain. I love the sound of those mock croc boots with fishnets, very Debbie Harry. I know Clarks' did some suede peep toe ankle boots with crepe soles which often pop up on Vinted at very good prices. They'd be comfy as well as groovy! xxx
Awww, thanks, Andrea! I love that wearing my hair differently makes clothes I've been wearing for years feel fresh and exciting. I will not let this hip defeat me, even if it kills me! xxxx
Don’t you think it’s odd how people equate clothes with certain religious leanings? Like if you dress bohemian you must be spiritual? Whenever I search Vinted for velvets or goth type clothes it always amazes me how something will be listed as pagan or witch. Does that mean I can’t wear it as I’m neither of those things lol. The only thing I rule out is things with religious imagery on, like pentagrams or inverted crosses, but a black velvet skirt does not a witch make! So sorry to hear about you being in pain, does that mean you’re going to need your second hip replacement then? I hope you’ve got yourself a snazzy walking stick, my mum has one emblazoned with flowers and her ‘posh one’ that’s all gold sparkle. May as well accessorise if you need one. What a find those Fendi glasses are. Xxx
You're right, everything is described as witchy or pagan these days. I don't think I'd ever associated velvet with practicing the dark arts, I wonder if we're missing something?! I think a hip replacement is probably on the cards. The last time I had an Xray, as part of the follow-up care I got from being the youngest patient our hospital had ever performed a hip replacement on, the consultant described it as being "a bit rubbish, but not as bad as the other one was...yet" and that was 6 years ago. I think I need a gold sparkly walking stick in my life. xxx
Hi Vix, I'm sorry to hear about your painful hip. You did the right thing though in going to get it checked out. Let's hope you are not kept waiting long for it to be sorted out. On a somewhat lighter note it is always fun ( and a bit surprising too) when we find out we already had a great outfit in our wardrobe that we had never figured out before simply by putting certain items together for the first time. I always love your Anokhi pieces- timeless. The Converse x Missoni are keepers too. I found a nice Missoni scarf in a charity shop a few years ago and enjoy bringing it out each year. X
Thanks, Alysia! I can't imagine anything will be done for a while but at least I've started the ball rolling. Isn't it fun to play around with our clothes and try out different combinations. I love challenging myself to wear the first thing I pull out of the wardrobe. I've got a charity shopped Missoni scarf, too - I don't think I've worn it this winter but its not like we're worried about our clothes going out of fashion, is it? xxx
Your garden looks a delight - a proper haven for wildlife (and cats) what more could you ask for? I drink cider vinegar and honey (in a mug of hot water) for my rickety hands and it certainly helps - I know it would not prevent the need for hip surgery but I find it stops my fingers and wrist hurting when I am gardening :) And here is to growing old very disgracefully and loving every moment💜
Thanks for that, Kate! After I read your comment I sent Jon out for some cider vinegar and we've both been drinking it like you, he suffers with his knees and hands so hopefully one of us might find some relief! xxx
Back in the blissful sunshine, love it. I'm fully onboard aging disgracefully and have no interest in looking anything other than me. I even went full on silver fox a couple of years ago and haven't looked back. I've just finished reading a spy series (I can't remember if I told you about them, got some brain fog going on, keep putting things in the freezer that need to go in the fridge), author is Gerard Seymour, the character is Jonas Merrick. They are pretty good, I'm on the last one in paperback, have flew through them. Enjoy the swimming Vix, see you next time.
Hello DianeS! Full-on silver fox is a great look, I'd be more than happy to embrace my silver when the time comes. You haven't mentioned Gerald Seymour so thanks for that, I shall see if AbeBooks has got anything going cheap. We do love our spy stuff, don't we? See you soon! xxx
Hope the hip is holding up. It's snowing here again, so my knee is not happy.
Add me to the list of natural aging. I gave up hair dye about five years ago. Embraced the grey and got back $1200/years and 3 hours every three months. It was my treat to myself a salon cut and colour.
Sorry to hear about your hip pain being so bad. My mum suffers a lot with her knee. I've had a lot of wrist pain for the last year and I wake up in the middle of the night with pain or numb wrists but I couldn't imagine what it feels like in your hip which needs replacing! I'm totally with you on the cosmetic procedures by the way. I was in the middle of typing my comment in the car last week and my phone died mid comment which was v annoying! Love your purple outfit and what amazing fortune to find those boots just when you needed them. I love that your garden is a wildlife haven. We are annoyed about the railway guys with chain saws at the end of our garden mowing back trees in the Spring when birds are nesting! Ha, laughed about the spiritual comment. My dress sense defo has pagan tendencies at times!!! Xx
Thanks, Kezzie. Its such a hard thing to ignore, isn't it? Jon's knees are affected like your Mum's are. Have you had the wrist issue looked at? That sounds horrible. Unlike with my other hip it's only walking I have a problem with, sleep, swimming and sitting are all okay but its starting to impinge on my daily life and simple things like putting my knickers or boots on are starting to be really challenging! I hate it when I lose a long comment. I can't believe that the railway workers were chainsawing during nesting season, surely there should be a law against that. Aren't people funny with their assumptions? I'm often asked if I'm a leftie, do yoga or have travelled in India - I'm obviously doing something right! xxx
Sad to read about how bad your hip has got . . . hope there are options for you to get on top of the pain. I can now no longer ignore that my hands are becoming arthritic, not fun at all.
Arthritis is so draining, isn't it? I'm sorry about your hands and hope there's something that can be done. I realised this morning that I've been using my walking stick incorrectly, its supposed to be held on the opposite side of the body. I went for a walk today and its made a difference! xxx
Sorry to hear about the hip Vix - but I'm glad to hear you've had it looked into. I can't imagine they could recommend anything better than swimming - for both your physical and mental health.
I know one of the delights of old age is that your collagen steadily declines and it affects skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Yes, we're all going to turn into rickety action figures whose knicker elastic has lost it's ping lol. I've been looking at supplements - the joint-supporting stuff is collagen II - and it is usually derived from boiled-up 'bovine' sources or 'marine' - boiled up fish. You can get vegan collagen which is primarily amino acids designed to get your natural supply going. It's all hyped-up to high heaven and very hard to get a clear understanding of how useful supplementation is when the research is often funded by the people producing them. The BBC had this recently https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/c07jggy3p2eo - might be worth looking into? I much prefer to try and supplement through diet - I've been even more into nutrition since I had my accident as I'm veggie (can't do the ultra processed vegan stuff or (shudder) tofu (shudder) lol. I've been concentrating on getting more protein and calcium (hello cottage cheese!). Also - here's a more uplifting view of ageing ... https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DM7-9oUXyYU https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wFcnTcmL-fg
Love that first Anokhi outfit and gorgeous outdoor William - come on Spring - we've had a beautiful start over Easter - but today and yesterday was a drizzle-fest. Hope you're feeling more comfy today - take care xx
Gah! I just managed to delete my long reply! Thanks, Elaine! Funnily enough I've been getting collagen adverts constantly popping up on social media - aimed at us ancient old crocks on the wrong side of 55 - and obviously disregarded it as it's not vegetarian friendly. I didn't know about their bones, tendon and ligament benefits. One of the over 50s influencers was flogging some the other day, claiming they got rid of wrinkles an dmade you look about 18 which confused me as she's always going on about Botox being every girl's best friend. I had a look at the BBC article, thanks for that. You've got me craving cottage cheese now, though! Those YouTube vids are ace, keep 'em coming! xxxx
Hello Vix, sorry to read about your aches and pains, I have similar problems, Ive found lots of stretching before I even get out of bed helps and, like you, swimming works wonders and I have a Concept rowing machine (purchased during lockdown) that is really good on my core. Lovely outfits this week, especially the lovely blue silk kaftan that I bid against you for on EBay many moons ago! Your garden looks exciting, full of forgotten treasures, very pretty and rustic. William's coat looks beautiful, what are you feeding him? Betty
Thanks, Betty - I'm so sorry that you're also struggling. I hate being so feeble! It makes such a difference to our mental health to do some form of exercise, I bet that rowing machine is brilliant for building core strength. I always think of you when I wear that kaftan! xxx
PS William's coat is amazing, he's like liquid silk when he moves. He is very fond of those Royal Canin Hair & Skin biscuits (cost a bloody fortune!) xxx
You look amazing in the Dollyrockers purple maxi, it really is your colour so no wonder you got so many compliments. I have lots of lovely bookmarks, but they all seem to be in books that I have put back on the shelves, and my current one is a shopping list for Aldi. One day I will have to have a search the books, who knows maybe in the past I used a £20 note as a bookmark! I hope you can get a hip replacement sharpish if you need it, it would be well worth going private if you can. I am trying not to use a walking stick to help my back pain, but my bench-hopping is getting shorter and shorter at the moment.
Thanks, Sue! I do love purple, I must have been a royal in a previous life! I'm amazed that I've managed to keep a track of the bookmarks I own, there's been several occasions when I've had to rummage through the charirty pile to rescue one. A missing £20 is a great incentive for sorting the bookshelf! A friend's mum went down the private route with her hip replacement. My lovely NHS surgeon has retired and that's another of my concerns, I was very lucky that he fought for me to have a Furlong hip, not widely available on the NHS. As a very active person, a "normal" one would need replacing within 10 years. I resisted the walking stick for ages but it makes so much of a difference although I hate all the pitying looks and strangers asking me what's wrong! Buy yourself one of those blingy foldable ones like mine! xxx
Here's to aging disgracefully! And what a relief that Dove Cottage's garden isn't the only one which has reverted to wilderness since the days of Lockdown. I haven't been able to venture to the back of the garden since last Summer! I'm sorry to hear about your arthritic pain and hope that the doctor is able to sort you out without reverting to surgery. Fantastic outfits as always, I particularly love the 'spiritual' Dollyrockers maxi :-) xxx
Thank you! I don't feel quite as guilty knowing that Dove Cottage's garden is in a similar state of disarray, Ann! I live in hope that there's a quick fix to my hip problems but I think it's finally reached the point of replacement. The last thing I wanted for my 60th year on the planet!! xxx
Hi from Miami, dear Vix! Just writing to say "hi" and tell you that you look fabulous, as you know. I am missing the spring updates about our dear departed Jacob, rest in peace, as well as your beautiful cat Polly. I'll keep reading along from the land of sun and shady people! xo xo xo
Sending lots of love to you Mei, in the land of sun and shady eople (brilliant!) I've been thinking of Jacob a lot now its Spring, he'd normaly have emerged from hibenation and be stomping around the garden by now. Dear little Polly, I keep getting those memories on Facebook pop up and it's so sad seeing her, Stephen and Frank. xxx
Sorry to read about your problem hip , you have done so well with your exercise to prolong the hip replacement. I fully understand about the overgrown garden but I am sure the local wild life is delighted. Your outfits are always wonderful , I am in awe of your bargains. No cosmetic surgery or botox for me - I have earned my wrinkles and celebrate enjoying life and ageing in style. xxx
I did read your previous post, but then I forgot to comment. I'm with you on avoiding botox and fillers. I must admit that when I look in the mirror, it does feel incredibly tempting at times, but I'd be much too scared - especially when I've seen some of the results. I'm sorry to read how painful your hip is becoming. Is it something that you can get treatment for? And it's been ages since I last wore my hair in plaits. You've inspired me, Vix. Xx
Hello Jules! Yes, I've seen too many botched jobs to risk ever trying it myself. I think my hip has probably reached the end of the line, the range of motion is really poor and I even have to sit down to put my knickers on. I really don't want to go through that op again, although I think it's improved a lot in the last 20 years. I'm happy that I've nudged you into plaiting your hair, they're great in windy weather! xxx
I'm sorry to hear about your hip pain, Vix. Surgery is never fun and having to do it again when you already went through it is even worse...but sometimes it must be done. What must be done, must be done. I'm trying to avoid another operation myself for as long as I can. I've been told I'll need another resection operation but I'll try do as much as I can without the surgical resection. As always, I love your outfits!
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I feel for you on the hip pain and hope you get relief soon. During my knee issues, I put strain on my hip in compensation. After Greece, it's been yelling at me. I'm back next week to my favorite doc, hoping that perhaps a non-invasive action can cut the pain and I just need to do the PT exercises given as part of my knee rehab. I've just hurt too much to do them effectively. As for the garden, yard, I have the opposite problem in that it's in need of plants and color. My fun will begin once the weather is right.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get that hip sorted and without any invasion action, Sam! As I mentioned in my comment on your blog, after my first hip replacement I strarted getting pain in my knees and the other hip, it takes a while for our bodies to adjust to the replacement.
DeleteI love a colourful garden! Ours is every shade of green with an unexplected something popping up out of the blue! xxx
I totally empathise over the arthritic pain. I wake up every morning with some new ache, different from the one the day before. Still, as Mark says, at least we wake up!
ReplyDeleteThe weather has been glorious today. I've been sat outside reading too.
I love those peep toe boots. I always wanted a pair, but never found the right ones for me. I must look on Vinted. In the meantime, I've got a pair of mock croc 'open' style boots that I think look great with fishnets. You've inspired me to dig them out xxxx
Haha! Mark's right, at least we're still waking up!
DeleteI'm loving these mild spring days, its been beautiful here inbetween hailstorms and torential rain.
I love the sound of those mock croc boots with fishnets, very Debbie Harry. I know Clarks' did some suede peep toe ankle boots with crepe soles which often pop up on Vinted at very good prices. They'd be comfy as well as groovy! xxx
The outfit is so beautiful, I love your hairstyle with the braids, a great look.
ReplyDeleteRespect for walking the 3 kilometers despite the pain, you amazing woman.
Purple looks fantastic on you!
Cheers!
Awww, thanks, Andrea! I love that wearing my hair differently makes clothes I've been wearing for years feel fresh and exciting.
DeleteI will not let this hip defeat me, even if it kills me! xxxx
Don’t you think it’s odd how people equate clothes with certain religious leanings? Like if you dress bohemian you must be spiritual? Whenever I search Vinted for velvets or goth type clothes it always amazes me how something will be listed as pagan or witch. Does that mean I can’t wear it as I’m neither of those things lol. The only thing I rule out is things with religious imagery on, like pentagrams or inverted crosses, but a black velvet skirt does not a witch make! So sorry to hear about you being in pain, does that mean you’re going to need your second hip replacement then? I hope you’ve got yourself a snazzy walking stick, my mum has one emblazoned with flowers and her ‘posh one’ that’s all gold sparkle. May as well accessorise if you need one. What a find those Fendi glasses are. Xxx
ReplyDeleteYou're right, everything is described as witchy or pagan these days. I don't think I'd ever associated velvet with practicing the dark arts, I wonder if we're missing something?!
DeleteI think a hip replacement is probably on the cards. The last time I had an Xray, as part of the follow-up care I got from being the youngest patient our hospital had ever performed a hip replacement on, the consultant described it as being "a bit rubbish, but not as bad as the other one was...yet" and that was 6 years ago.
I think I need a gold sparkly walking stick in my life. xxx
Hi Vix, I'm sorry to hear about your painful hip. You did the right thing though in going to get it checked out. Let's hope you are not kept waiting long for it to be sorted out. On a somewhat lighter note it is always fun ( and a bit surprising too) when we find out we already had a great outfit in our wardrobe that we had never figured out before simply by putting certain items together for the first time. I always love your Anokhi pieces- timeless. The Converse x Missoni are keepers too. I found a nice Missoni scarf in a charity shop a few years ago and enjoy bringing it out each year. X
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alysia! I can't imagine anything will be done for a while but at least I've started the ball rolling.
DeleteIsn't it fun to play around with our clothes and try out different combinations. I love challenging myself to wear the first thing I pull out of the wardrobe.
I've got a charity shopped Missoni scarf, too - I don't think I've worn it this winter but its not like we're worried about our clothes going out of fashion, is it? xxx
Your garden looks a delight - a proper haven for wildlife (and cats) what more could you ask for?
ReplyDeleteI drink cider vinegar and honey (in a mug of hot water) for my rickety hands and it certainly helps - I know it would not prevent the need for hip surgery but I find it stops my fingers and wrist hurting when I am gardening :)
And here is to growing old very disgracefully and loving every moment💜
Thanks for that, Kate! After I read your comment I sent Jon out for some cider vinegar and we've both been drinking it like you, he suffers with his knees and hands so hopefully one of us might find some relief! xxx
DeleteBack in the blissful sunshine, love it. I'm fully onboard aging disgracefully and have no interest in looking anything other than me. I even went full on silver fox a couple of years ago and haven't looked back. I've just finished reading a spy series (I can't remember if I told you about them, got some brain fog going on, keep putting things in the freezer that need to go in the fridge), author is Gerard Seymour, the character is Jonas Merrick. They are pretty good, I'm on the last one in paperback, have flew through them. Enjoy the swimming Vix, see you next time.
ReplyDeleteHello DianeS! Full-on silver fox is a great look, I'd be more than happy to embrace my silver when the time comes.
DeleteYou haven't mentioned Gerald Seymour so thanks for that, I shall see if AbeBooks has got anything going cheap. We do love our spy stuff, don't we? See you soon! xxx
Hope the hip is holding up. It's snowing here again, so my knee is not happy.
ReplyDeleteAdd me to the list of natural aging. I gave up hair dye about five years ago. Embraced the grey and got back $1200/years and 3 hours every three months. It was my treat to myself a salon cut and colour.
Glad someone is having good weather.
Snow is the worst for joint pain! I hope your knee's holding up.
DeleteThat's a brilliant saving on hair colour, all the more for the holiday fund! xxx
Sorry to hear about your hip pain being so bad. My mum suffers a lot with her knee. I've had a lot of wrist pain for the last year and I wake up in the middle of the night with pain or numb wrists but I couldn't imagine what it feels like in your hip which needs replacing! I'm totally with you on the cosmetic procedures by the way. I was in the middle of typing my comment in the car last week and my phone died mid comment which was v annoying!
ReplyDeleteLove your purple outfit and what amazing fortune to find those boots just when you needed them.
I love that your garden is a wildlife haven. We are annoyed about the railway guys with chain saws at the end of our garden mowing back trees in the Spring when birds are nesting!
Ha, laughed about the spiritual comment. My dress sense defo has pagan tendencies at times!!!
Xx
Thanks, Kezzie. Its such a hard thing to ignore, isn't it? Jon's knees are affected like your Mum's are. Have you had the wrist issue looked at? That sounds horrible. Unlike with my other hip it's only walking I have a problem with, sleep, swimming and sitting are all okay but its starting to impinge on my daily life and simple things like putting my knickers or boots on are starting to be really challenging!
DeleteI hate it when I lose a long comment.
I can't believe that the railway workers were chainsawing during nesting season, surely there should be a law against that.
Aren't people funny with their assumptions? I'm often asked if I'm a leftie, do yoga or have travelled in India - I'm obviously doing something right! xxx
Sad to read about how bad your hip has got . . . hope there are options for you to get on top of the pain. I can now no longer ignore that my hands are becoming arthritic, not fun at all.
ReplyDeleteArthritis is so draining, isn't it? I'm sorry about your hands and hope there's something that can be done. I realised this morning that I've been using my walking stick incorrectly, its supposed to be held on the opposite side of the body. I went for a walk today and its made a difference! xxx
DeleteOh Vix, I hope that pain eases up. Poorly hips are a blimmin nightmare. This getting older malarkey can be pretty uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cherie! Its so draining, isn't it? xxx
DeleteSorry to hear about the hip Vix - but I'm glad to hear you've had it looked into. I can't imagine they could recommend anything better than swimming - for both your physical and mental health.
ReplyDeleteI know one of the delights of old age is that your collagen steadily declines and it affects skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Yes, we're all going to turn into rickety action figures whose knicker elastic has lost it's ping lol. I've been looking at supplements - the joint-supporting stuff is collagen II - and it is usually derived from boiled-up 'bovine' sources or 'marine' - boiled up fish. You can get vegan collagen which is primarily amino acids designed to get your natural supply going. It's all hyped-up to high heaven and very hard to get a clear understanding of how useful supplementation is when the research is often funded by the people producing them. The BBC had this recently https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/c07jggy3p2eo - might be worth looking into? I much prefer to try and supplement through diet - I've been even more into nutrition since I had my accident as I'm veggie (can't do the ultra processed vegan stuff or (shudder) tofu (shudder) lol. I've been concentrating on getting more protein and calcium (hello cottage cheese!).
Also - here's a more uplifting view of ageing ...
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DM7-9oUXyYU
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wFcnTcmL-fg
Love that first Anokhi outfit and gorgeous outdoor William - come on Spring - we've had a beautiful start over Easter - but today and yesterday was a drizzle-fest. Hope you're feeling more comfy today - take care xx
Elaine Anon
Gah! I just managed to delete my long reply!
DeleteThanks, Elaine! Funnily enough I've been getting collagen adverts constantly popping up on social media - aimed at us ancient old crocks on the wrong side of 55 - and obviously disregarded it as it's not vegetarian friendly. I didn't know about their bones, tendon and ligament benefits. One of the over 50s influencers was flogging some the other day, claiming they got rid of wrinkles an dmade you look about 18 which confused me as she's always going on about Botox being every girl's best friend.
I had a look at the BBC article, thanks for that. You've got me craving cottage cheese now, though!
Those YouTube vids are ace, keep 'em coming!
xxxx
Hello Vix, sorry to read about your aches and pains, I have similar problems, Ive found lots of stretching before I even get out of bed helps and, like you, swimming works wonders and I have a Concept rowing machine (purchased during lockdown) that is really good on my core. Lovely outfits this week, especially the lovely blue silk kaftan that I bid against you for on EBay many moons ago! Your garden looks exciting, full of forgotten treasures, very pretty and rustic. William's coat looks beautiful, what are you feeding him? Betty
ReplyDeleteThanks, Betty - I'm so sorry that you're also struggling. I hate being so feeble! It makes such a difference to our mental health to do some form of exercise, I bet that rowing machine is brilliant for building core strength.
DeleteI always think of you when I wear that kaftan! xxx
PS William's coat is amazing, he's like liquid silk when he moves. He is very fond of those Royal Canin Hair & Skin biscuits (cost a bloody fortune!) xxx
DeleteI love that book mark, Vix!
ReplyDeleteHopefully you can get your hip sorted out soon. It's terrible to be in pain.
Isn't it beautiful? I love Byzantine iconography! Thanks, Jess! xxx
DeleteYou look amazing in the Dollyrockers purple maxi, it really is your colour so no wonder you got so many compliments. I have lots of lovely bookmarks, but they all seem to be in books that I have put back on the shelves, and my current one is a shopping list for Aldi. One day I will have to have a search the books, who knows maybe in the past I used a £20 note as a bookmark! I hope you can get a hip replacement sharpish if you need it, it would be well worth going private if you can. I am trying not to use a walking stick to help my back pain, but my bench-hopping is getting shorter and shorter at the moment.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue! I do love purple, I must have been a royal in a previous life!
DeleteI'm amazed that I've managed to keep a track of the bookmarks I own, there's been several occasions when I've had to rummage through the charirty pile to rescue one. A missing £20 is a great incentive for sorting the bookshelf!
A friend's mum went down the private route with her hip replacement. My lovely NHS surgeon has retired and that's another of my concerns, I was very lucky that he fought for me to have a Furlong hip, not widely available on the NHS. As a very active person, a "normal" one would need replacing within 10 years.
I resisted the walking stick for ages but it makes so much of a difference although I hate all the pitying looks and strangers asking me what's wrong! Buy yourself one of those blingy foldable ones like mine! xxx
Here's to aging disgracefully!
ReplyDeleteAnd what a relief that Dove Cottage's garden isn't the only one which has reverted to wilderness since the days of Lockdown. I haven't been able to venture to the back of the garden since last Summer!
I'm sorry to hear about your arthritic pain and hope that the doctor is able to sort you out without reverting to surgery.
Fantastic outfits as always, I particularly love the 'spiritual' Dollyrockers maxi :-) xxx
Thank you! I don't feel quite as guilty knowing that Dove Cottage's garden is in a similar state of disarray, Ann!
DeleteI live in hope that there's a quick fix to my hip problems but I think it's finally reached the point of replacement. The last thing I wanted for my 60th year on the planet!! xxx
Hi from Miami, dear Vix! Just writing to say "hi" and tell you that you look fabulous, as you know. I am missing the spring updates about our dear departed Jacob, rest in peace, as well as your beautiful cat Polly. I'll keep reading along from the land of sun and shady people! xo xo xo
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love to you Mei, in the land of sun and shady eople (brilliant!)
DeleteI've been thinking of Jacob a lot now its Spring, he'd normaly have emerged from hibenation and be stomping around the garden by now.
Dear little Polly, I keep getting those memories on Facebook pop up and it's so sad seeing her, Stephen and Frank. xxx
Sorry to read about your problem hip , you have done so well with your exercise to prolong the hip replacement.
ReplyDeleteI fully understand about the overgrown garden but I am sure the local wild life is delighted.
Your outfits are always wonderful , I am in awe of your bargains.
No cosmetic surgery or botox for me - I have earned my wrinkles and celebrate enjoying life and ageing in style. xxx
Thanks, Jill! You look absolutely fantastic and a shining example of ageless beauty! xxx
DeleteI did read your previous post, but then I forgot to comment. I'm with you on avoiding botox and fillers. I must admit that when I look in the mirror, it does feel incredibly tempting at times, but I'd be much too scared - especially when I've seen some of the results.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to read how painful your hip is becoming. Is it something that you can get treatment for?
And it's been ages since I last wore my hair in plaits. You've inspired me, Vix. Xx
Hello Jules! Yes, I've seen too many botched jobs to risk ever trying it myself.
DeleteI think my hip has probably reached the end of the line, the range of motion is really poor and I even have to sit down to put my knickers on. I really don't want to go through that op again, although I think it's improved a lot in the last 20 years.
I'm happy that I've nudged you into plaiting your hair, they're great in windy weather! xxx
I'm sorry to hear about your hip pain, Vix. Surgery is never fun and having to do it again when you already went through it is even worse...but sometimes it must be done. What must be done, must be done. I'm trying to avoid another operation myself for as long as I can. I've been told I'll need another resection operation but I'll try do as much as I can without the surgical resection.
ReplyDeleteAs always, I love your outfits!