Paradise and a U turn

Today I was whisked off to paradise by my doting husband. We took a couple of hours off work and tootled off in our little boat to Samson, one of the uninhabited islands that make up the archipelago of the Isles of Scilly. Summer has been skirting round us for some time now, interspersed with gales and fog, but by late afternoon we truly felt like it had arrived. 


That's our boat on the left and the yacht in the centre was conveniently moored up in front of us just to add an exotic touch to our view. This shot was after our picnic tea. Steve had indeed sung for his supper by first of all taking some shots for the blog. So without further ado, here's what we achieved.














We spent a leisurely few hours catching up, discussing local news and generally making time for each other. It was good to step out of our normal routine and take a moment to enjoy the life we have here on these beautiful islands. We never take our lives for granted, but we know that we don't get out and about as much as we ought to. So this summer hopefully you'll see more of our picnics and boat trips too.

My own news included the fact that I've been approached to feature some jewellery on my blog. If you're a regular reader you'll know that I've been unwilling to go the way of sponsored posts and collaborations in the past. Well, it seems I'm about to make a U turn. As I'm heading towards my 60th birthday I've come to the conclusion that I can in fact change my mind without loosing my job as blogger extraordinaire! I have to be realistic about my blogging life span and would hate to get to the end of the road and regret not making the most of the opportunities that come along. I'm aware that I'm crossing a line in the sand and that some readers and fellow bloggers may not approve, but this is something that I feel happy about and the time feels right too. I'm sorry if I lose respect or readers as a consequence, but Steve and I chatted today and this really isn't such a big deal in the grand scheme of things is it? I'll still be choosing what I feature and how, so things ought not to look much different.

And finally apologies to those of you who were expecting to see the third episode of my black trouser challenge. It'll be along very soon, I promise!

And suddenly it's midnight and time for me to get off to bed. Thanks for joining me and I do hope you'll keep coming back in the future.

PS Everything I'm wearing today is charity shopped, and I love it all!
Anna x

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26 comments

  1. Everyone needs to do what feels right for them. Congrats on making a choice that feels right for you. We're allowed to change our minds. That's one of the best things about being a woman! Ha ha! Or so I tell my husband.

    Love these bright photos. You certainly do live in a lovely spot.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. What a generous response to my change of heart. Your approval means such a lot to me Suzanne, thank you.

      This is indeed a very lovely spot.

      Anna x

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  2. I think the most important thing is that you do what YOU want - this is YOUR blog, Anna! I am not anti-ad but I always appreciate knowing when posts are sponsored or when goods have been provided - I have found that readers appreciate that clarity of purpose. So, good for you, go for it! I know you will do what's right for you. Hugs to you!

    Now, look at you, you beautiful lady! Those greens and blues - you look like a genie let loose from your bottle. Wonderful to hear you and your fellow taking time together - that's just the best, isn't it? Glad you enjoyed your time off! Thank you for sharing it with us! Love those harem pants.

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    1. Your vote of support is much appreciated Sheila.

      We just had the best time ever on the beach and can't wait to visit another island on our next jaunt. The British weather makes these away days difficult to plan so it has to be very spontaneous, which just adds to the sense of fun.

      Glad you like the harem pants x
      Anna

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  3. You must follow what you think is right for you. I hope you get lots of lovely freebies!

    Love your beach outfit; such lovely colours and the pattern on those trousers are lovely and the green top and scarf match them beautifully.

    Is that the latest Maggie O Farrell you're reading? Haven't read it yet but it's on my list. I've enjoyed all her books but my favourite is 'The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox'.

    Hope you're having a great week.

    xxx

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    1. Thanks so much Veronica. The paisley print trousers were a recent charity shop find which was a really lovely surprise; I can never understand why these beautiful pieces end up discarded.

      I think I've read everything Maggie's written so far and did enjoy Esme Lennox very much. We read it for book club last year I think. Hurrah for Maggie O'Farrell!

      Anna x

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  4. At the end of the day, Anna, you do you best. And I sincerely doubt you'd lose your integrity all of a sudden over partnering with a brand :) it's simply not in your personality xoxo

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    1. Sheila it's great to have your feedback about this, thanks! I've thought long and hard about this and it sits well with me, so that's all that counts isn't it.

      You clearly know me better than I think x

      Anna

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  5. I've been a paisley lover for as long as I can remember and you by the sea with your arms flying freely...the fresh colors! mix of patterns!, light floaty fabrics! OH MY!! ITS GORGEOUS!!! I can actually feel the breeze in this post!
    Jewelry sounds like fun and your honest, ethical demeanor evokes a feeling of trust that will make it even more pleasant to view the merchandise.

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    1. The joy of sharing is what blogging means to me. I love the way the internet has broken down the miles between you and I so that we can enjoy these little interchanges.

      I'm really pleased to have your response to the jewellery too, so thanks for that Jude x

      Anna

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  6. Breathtaking scenery Anna - you really can't beat the UK when the weather is great! Good for you regarding the jewellery - I think it's good to work with brands provided we would happily buy their products. Looking forward to seeing the results!

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    1. I couldn't agree with you more, the UK does take some beating. And yes, it's best to keep it as simple as possible re working with brands and the guide has to be exactly that.

      Anna x

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  7. We're all entitled to change our minds, and good luck to you in this new venture. x Love this outfit Anna, looks like a perfect day. x

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    1. Thanks for your support Jacqui. We did have the best time ever that day.

      Anna x

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  8. You must know that receiving gifts for blogging is one of my favourite perks Anna. Why not enjoy gifts for your hard work? It's your choice to choose what you receive from the brand, and so long as your honest with your readers about your gift, I think that's what matters. Enjoy! xx
    www.vanityandmestyle.com

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    1. I think you're so right Laurie. I'm very happy with my decision and look forward to seeing what turns up in the future.

      Anna x

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  9. Congratulations, Anna, go for it! (the jewellery thing!). If it feels right for YOU, follow your intuition! I do love these wonderful harem pants and look forward to more picnic adventures during your summer. xx

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    1. It does feel right for me now Elizabeth, mainly because I feel more confident in knowing my mind.

      These harem pants were a wonderful find for me and I know you'll see them again this summer.

      Best wishes
      Anna x

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  10. Beautiful spot and lovely outfit and photos. As for the jewellery , it is your blog and your decision and I am sure you will do it well . I must agree with Sheila as long as the sponsored product is acknowledged as such it is not a problem.

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    1. It is indeed a beautiful spot Jill. I think you could wear anything against this backdrop and it would look fabulous!

      Honesty is my watchword and will guide me to acknowledge all that has to be revealed. And of course, I'll tell it how it is!

      Anna x

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  11. But classy gemstone jewellery is very much part of who you are so it totally makes sense for you to collaborate of this and I thought that when I read the post before! The other times you were approached wasn't quite you, I remember you said.x

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    1. I agree Kezzie. It's about choosing brands that really are appropriate and relevant to me and my lifestyle. I think that's the right thing to do. Thanks for your input.

      Anna x

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  12. Nothing wrong with sponsored posts or advertisements on your blog Anne. You won't hear a bad word from me. Just follow your gut feeling. If something about such a post doesn't feel genuine to you, then don't do it. Your readers will notice. If you can "advertise" the brand / product wholeheartedly, then go for it.
    Greetje

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    1. Thanks so much Greetje. I'd like to think that my readers can trust my judgement and therefore the brands I do choose to work with will have my very own seal of approval, hahaha!

      So let the fun begin!

      Anna x

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