Fascinating rhythm

As you read this, I am at Parents Evening.  Especially this one which is an afternoon and evening affair,this is always a bit of a tiresome affair for me since I don't have the individual appointments with parents but have to be there. So this time, like my idea last year, I will be running a 2.5 hour session for my Gifted, able and talented musicians. We're going to be composing a Habanera, Spanish dance with a potential Flamencoey/Spanishy coda/extra piece depending on time.
It makes sense to do something I want to do during normal school time that I can't usually do. I must admit that I am surprised that they want to come in when everyone else is off school but hey ho, if they like music-making, it's logical!  I always feel nervous before doing something like this putting children from 3 year groups together as you're never sure how they will react!  I shall then make everyone drinks and deliver them around the school and try and get on and get lots done.


I found these photos from a little while ago - it was an outfit I wore for a party and I really liked it but misplaced the photos. As outdoor opportunities (hacked off with inside ones) are few and far between, I thought I'd share them.

When I first bought this Peter Pan dress, I reeeeeeeeeally wanted a Peter Pan collar dress but couldn't find anything so bought this- it's material I wouldn't really choose first choice (synthetic not very breathable material) but it has ended up being a really versatile piece- I've worn it in many different permutations (here, here, here , here, here for example) it's the ubiquitous blogger's remix piece!

Wearing it for a birthday party with this thrifted/charity-shopped Monsoon cardie, it seemed perfect to add collar clips and shoe clips and go with the black and white accessories.   I found this cute lace/net fascinator in Poundland which I took a punt on and was glad I did!


So exciting, talk about last minute plans. CBC and I are going to a Swing dance weekend!  It's called Good Night Sweetheart and we are super excited though know we are going to be exhausted after dancing all day at the weekend and on all three evenings! We only booked on Monday!  3 evening dances so three excuses to get dressed up though I'm a bit sad there's a decade dress code: 20's, 40's on two evenings - I had 2 nice 50's dresses I wanted to wear! I'll let you know how it goes!

On Monday of the holiday, I am going on a Chazzer-crawl (to use blogging vernacular) or a charity shop crawl with a friend and her friend! So exciting, she knows where all these good ones are. I'm going to try my very hardest not to buy anything though I've been told it's obligatory. I'll try my best to be restrained but I was asked a while back and I wanted to hang out with her!

I hope all is well with you.  Are you up to anything exciting this week?

xx

It's my party and I'l cry if I want to

On Saturday, CBC and I headed out to a 40th birthday party in Southend. It was at a very funky bar which was a bit like a yard with cobbles, funky retro decor and fairy lights.
I didn't really know anyone, except for one of CBC's old work colleagues, but it's amazing when there are lots of teachers around, as you always have lots to chat about.  Luckily, as I do find it a little nerve-wracking being a party where I don't know anyone. There's a definite fine-balance between being sociable, getting to know people and then feeling like you've talked too long and they want to escape.  How do you manage that one?  I am not a drinker, nor am I a big dancer (to modern music anyway. Swing's my thing!), so I sometimes find this a little hard.  Also, with loud music (and here my granny credentials show), I cannot hear a thing and have to just lip-read most of the time which is not conducive to lasting friendships and great conversation.


 Still, it was GREAT to have gone and the people I did chat to, were really nice.  The bar was a great location.
See those olives?  I ate most of those.  And another bowl over on the far table. And see the several bowls of crisps? Those too.  I am a complete crisp-hog!! Do not let me come to a party without dinner or I will decimate your crisp and snack supply!!! No one stood a chance!


The sofa I took the photos on was UNBELIEVABLY uncomfortable!!! Be not deceived by its vintage prettiness- it had springs as hard as nails!  The digestive cushion was cool though!


I pondered what to wear and went for my Jane Norman wildflower dress which ClaireJustine located for me.  Teamed with electric blue cardigan and tights and Irregular Choice Trinkletina low shoes (flash here to show the true colours.  Scary flash eyes! I always feel like that Star Wars character with the hood and the glowing eyes when I see flash photos!)


I always fail to know what to do with my hair (and couldn't be bothered so straighten) so I remembered a post by Kathleen Lisson a while back about millinery for an evening and wore a simple navy-blue feathered fascinator (thank you Poundland) in order to hide my lack of coiffure.  I really liked wearing this, so will do again- it stayed in securely unlike other fascinators I own!


Isn't my husband attractive?! I'll leave you with a more amusing image!


Forgive me if I am a little behind on comments- we are in Norfolk and Suffolk for a few days!!