Midlife & Beyond, Made Joyful

In my 30s, my wardrobe was basically animal print and denim. Now I’m in my 40s, with greying hair, hormonal chaos and a brain that occasionally forgets which of my children is which (sorry, kids).

I live in the countryside, in a house I love, at a pace my family have nicknamed me for: Haysloth. Part slow-talker, part laid-back, part doing-things-at-a-glacial-pace (and yes, partly my actual name). If I didn’t see another human for a week, I’d probably be quietly thrilled.

I write honestly about style, hormones, energy, clutter, friendships and identity. The small, unglamorous things that are actually helping me feel like myself again.

No 5am routines. No “bounce back” pressure. Just midlife, done kindly (and slightly chaotically).

I’m Lucy’s mum. I’ve done the work years, raised the children (one of whom now writes about me on the internet), and I’m firmly in the bit nobody really writes about: retired life, with all its lunches, choir practices, hospital appointments and unexpected free Tuesdays.

I live in town, where I can walk to almost everything (and almost everyone). My diary is usually fuller than it was when I was working. Lucy hides in the countryside in her own glorious bubble; I’m the one popping out for a coffee, a catch-up and probably a charity shop on the way home.

I’m fairly new to making my own clothes - it’s a new venture, and I’m learning as I go. I hunt down the best bits in charity shops, and firmly believe a good outfit and a better cup of tea can fix most things. I’ll be sharing all of it here, including the mishaps (I once sewed a pair of trousers up the wrong way - proves my point!).

Style on a pension, joy on a Tuesday.