Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot!

Week 131!

It has been nice and rainy here in Central Indiana. I love a rainy day (did you sing that in your head)! The temperatures are cool so that makes for the perfect stay inside and be cozy kinda day. And, that’s pretty much what we’ve been doing. I don’t know how long the rainy days will stick around so I’m enjoying them while I can. Anyway, it’s time for the Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot! I’m not sure about times right now, but I will still be aiming for 9:30 pm EDT. So, on with the show, right?

As part of our new year reboot, we are now shining the spotlight on a different blogger each week. We invite you to stop by their blog, take a look around and say hello! This week, we spotlight Alison from Midlife and Beyond.

Alison says, “I began to write my blog, “Midlife and Beyond” in 2018. The  timing was right for me.  I had worked from sixteen years old – mostly within Human Resources, then, more recently, for our local university, which I enjoyed.

I wanted to devote time to something I had always wanted to do. And, my blog allows me to indulge in writing, photography, fashion and beauty. The IT side and marketing, are still a “work in progress” to me and can be baffling. This covers the ever changing world of social media, plug in’s, web hosts and SEO. It would simply be too expensive to outsource all of this.

My blog is a wonderful way to reflect on life changes i.e., work commitments, getting older, children leaving the nest…. (then, returning, ha-ha), and relationships – the list goes on. My writing style is authentic and down-to-earth, probably my North East of England roots.

My mum worked in “high fashion” throughout my youth, which ignited my love of all things “couture”.  Most days, after school, I would go to wait for her at her place of work.  There was always the latest copy of Vogue and Marie Claire to read.  I’d still rather read a physical copy than a digital one. This is partly because I don’t like to overdo being online.  I enjoyed wandering through the classy showroom wafting through the new stock of the season, thrilled by the beautiful colours, sumptuous materials and wonderful cut of cloth.  Sometimes, I would be asked to try things on for customers, which I loved.  This is where I earned my pocket money. It awoke something in me that I have never switched off.

Looking at my personal style, I think I was a little “lost” back in my forties. I suppose my clothing was more functional, then. There wasn’t much need to participate in fashion, or, maybe that is just an excuse – I’m not sure! Working full time, children, looking after family members with ill health, including my mum, life certainly took over for a while.

My love of fashion has resurfaced over the years. I have slowly attempted to regain my style. With my blog, I can be “overindulgent”, taking in the new styles and colours of the season. I have found myself experimenting and being more adventurous, though my style is mostly classic with a modern twist. My favourite “go to” is still a great pair of jeans, a crisp white tee and a well cut jacket.

One thing that has improved in the current climate – which my mum never experienced – is we have thrown the fashion rule book out! Those silly rules around what a midlife woman shouldn’t wear have toned down, thank goodness!

I love being this age (64) and the freedom it brings. I have certainly changed and come out of my shell, though there’s still a smidgeon of the introvert lingering. It is never too late to do something you have always wanted to do – this can be anything from getting outside for a daily walk to taking up a hobby you have always fancied doing, or embarking on something adventurous and out of your comfort zone.

Go for it! You might just surprise yourself!!” You can find Alison here, and please tell her we sent you!

Want to know more about us…

Marsha from Marsha in the Middle started blogging in 2021 as an exercise in increasing her neuroplasticity.  Oh, who are we kidding?  Marsha started blogging because she loves clothes, and she loves to talk or, in this case, write!  

Melynda from Scratch Made Food! & DIY Homemade Household  – The name says it all, we homestead in East Texas, with three generations sharing this land. I cook and bake from scratch, between gardening and running after the chickens, and knitting! 

Lisa from Boondock Ramblings shares about the fiction she writes and reads, her faith, homeschooling, photography and more. 

Cat from Cat’s Wire is a bookworm, movie fan, crazy cat lady, armed with beads, cabs, wire and a very jumpy brain which loves to go down rabbit holes!

Rena from Fine, Whatever writes about style, midlife, and the “fine whatever” moments that make life both meaningful and fun. Since 2015, she’s been celebrating creativity, confidence, and finding joy in the everyday.

Featured favorites from last week…

Wise words about shopping from Laura!

Debbie’s home is a wonderland in any season but especially at Christmas!

Thanksgiving Foods ranked by Sally!

Another place I’m adding to my bucket list! Thanks, Laura!

I’ve always wanted to make bruschetta!

And, now it’s your turn!

Please link up your favorite posts, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Don’t forget some of your older posts might be just right for this time of year! Link up with me, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!

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