Celebration Party

Having a Celebration Party was one of the things I wanted to do as soon as I finished my treatment and had a few weeks to recover (and had some hair!)

I chose Stanmer House, just outside Brighton - not just because it's a lovely location but it's also where I've met family and friends at regular intervals before, during and after treatment.  A lovely place, very friendly staff and amazing food.

Of course - if you're going to have a party, you need a cake!

Celebration Cake from The Brighton Cake Co.

Sunshine, good food, good wine, a bit of fizz and of course family and friends - thank you everyone for being there through the last few months.

(Stanmer House - Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Today I got styled!

Having a 'new' hairstyle, a little bit further into another decade and with a recent life-changing experience behind me - I needed a makeover or at least an update to my new 'look'.

Most people who know me are used to seeing me either in t-shirt and leggings, outdoor gear or occasionally something more business related when I'm out and about with work.  I definitely dress for comfort not fashion!

I booked a session with the lovely Janine at Sassy Style who came up with a few ideas to kick my wardrobe up a gear, how to add a splash of colour, as well as telling me what suits my body type from top to bottom.

I took along a few items from my wardrobe and was pleased to say that most of them met her approval but the important thing is I now know how to wear them and make more use of a few items I haven't worn for a while.

You get a very useful style board after the session to give you some ideas and act as a reminder of what we discussed as well as shopping tips - both what to shop for and wear to shop.

Great fun and definitely worth doing if you're looking for a new look or just want to update your wardrobe or find a party frock.

I will still be wearing t-shirt and shorts or leggings to do the gardening!

My new styleboard

Stop me and buy one!

Thank you to the wonderful ladies in the Seaford Cancer Research shop.  I went in for a few Cancer Research pin badges and came out with a bag full of Breast Cancer Care pin badges that they can't sell in their shop.

I'll be out and about with them at various events to add to the fund-raising total.

Stop me and buy one - alternatively, you can visit my fundraising page on JustGiving.com!  Thank you :)

May - National Trust houses and coastline

Well a flurry of activity this month - brought on by the warmer weather and a visit from a good friend.

My second visit to Alfriston Clergy House but this time in Spring not Winter.  A delightful old house that was the NT's first property.  Lovely garden and vegetable patch.  Small but worth a visit and de

Alfriston Clergy House

Now you see it, now you don't.  Last time I was at Birling Gap a couple of weeks ago, the end house was still there but in the process of being demolished - now it's gone.  Lovely new NT visitors centre and cafe - well worth a visit and a walk along the cliff tops, just don't get too close.

Birling Gap

Amazing gardens and a house with a fascinating history.  Did both the general tour and the house tour.

Nymans

Just added a pamper session to the month's list.   Something long overdue and such a treat.

April - Rainham Marshes, Flatford Mill, Beth Chatto

Took my first trip away since finishing treatment - up to Suffolk for the Easter weekend and a spot of family history mixed with walking and bird-watching.

Visited RSPB Rainham Marshes on the way up - first time there and a lovely, surprising space on the edge of the Thames and close to London.

RSPB Rainham Marshes

Flatford Mill, tucked away in the countryside.

Flatford Mill

Stopped off at Beth Chatto's garden on the way back down - primarily to see the lovely and inspirational gravel garden.

Beth Chatto's gravel garden