Come join me by the pool!


Hi and how are you? How's your weekend going? This is my third day in off in a row which is a lovely treat. Polly has returned from Tobago and no, I'm not in the least bit jealous! The two weeks away have done her the power of good and she's still very chilled out, not to mention sporting a super golden tan. It's great to have her healthy vibe about the place.


My outfit of the day is a mix of old and new, mostly from the high street. I threw this together when my friend Rachel said she'd step in as photographer of the day. Plan A had been for Steve and I to head off-island to capture that desert island feel for a summer dress I have lined up, but he's having a boys weekend on the mainland which came about at the last minute. The weather here is suddenly looking like summer and I'm only slightly annoyed at missing the chance of the boat trip, but I know it'll come around again.


These cute little beach huts are mini changing rooms for the swimming pool that's just across the way from Rachel's house. With a swimming pool on one side and the beach on the other she's so well placed for her end of day downtime too. Much as we live on this paradise island, we still have the same work stresses as everyone else and it's good that she remembers to find some time to unwind at the end of the day. Rachel and I both attended the Mindfulness Retreat on Tresco last year and its health benefits have remained with us. My time to chill seems to be during my morning swim which has the same meditative effect as stopping and staring at the view with a lovely mug of tea, as Rachel does.


So, what about the outfit? The jacket was a TK Maxx find in Manchester last summer, the brand is Anja Rock. Trousers are River Island, sandals are by Dune, tee shirt is from Topshop, jewellery is all charity shopped and the straw handbag was a present from my friend Suzie in New Zealand. 


I have to mention that the trousers have that half elastic back which makes for a great snug fit. I'm not sure if it's because I'm shopping more on the high street that I have quite a few pairs of these now or could it be that I'm still carrying that bit of extra weight around my middle that has me drawn to this easy fit style. I'd like to blame my thickening waist (and back fat) on my age and a slowing metabolism, but I fancy that I'm probably eating too much and am just not active enough. I beetle about, dodging up and down the stairs at work all day long, but I finally admitted defeat this week and have joined the gym. I think I need some weight bearing exercise and will be reviewing my week to see if I can fit in some walking too after work or maybe I'll grab an apple and walk during my lunch hour. 


Please don't misunderstand me, I'm not begging for sympathy - it's half a stone for goodness sake! But it's all relative, don't you think? I don't compare myself to others, I just refer to clothes and old photos to see what I used to be. That seems to be the best way for me to keep in touch with what's my best or should I say happiest size. If I'm carrying too much weight it simply gets me down. My clothes don't fit nicely or some of them at all and therefore I know it's time to act. 


When I looked at some of these photos I saw lumps and bumps that I wasn't happy about and so it's my nature to be honest with you and to name and shame myself rather than have my readers see this gradual change and think I don't notice.


The pool was deliciously warm, but not tempting enough for me. Give me a chilly stretch of sea with a brisk onshore wind and the odd bit of wake from a passing boat - that's more my thing!


So this is how Saturday evening at 6pm looks on the island. It's a pretty amazing backdrop looking across the Great Pool from this swimming pool location. The sunbeds were all empty and not a soul was in the water. The island is almost full booked currently which just goes to prove that you can always find a quiet spot when you come to stay. 

Until next time, have a super week!

Anna x

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10 comments

  1. I saw your lovely video on IG of you in the sea! Unbelievable, I freeze just looking at it. Fantastic!

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    1. My sea swimming is a Godsend, Nancy. Without it I'm not the same person - it gives me my sense of self, of well-being and a true voie de vivre that no other exercise can do.

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  2. I hope when I visit you can show me all these beautiful photographic locations Anna. I like the tan and orange mix in the jacket.It's got me thinking about wearing that xx

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    1. Laurie I'm so looking forward to you coming and will definitely take a day off to show you around when you're here. Orange and tan would look great on you x

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  3. I need to lose several pounds too. Like you I hate when my clothes do not fit. It is food with me too.

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    1. I'm glad I'm not alone with this. Age, post menopause, greed - whatever the reason, I'm not happy about it!

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  4. I am loving this riot of colour, Anna! I feel you - I'm also up a few pounds, and I really notice it in my photos. Been eating my veggies like mad (I have 7 servings of fruit and veg in my work lunch every day!), but it's those treats that get me.

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    1. Thanks Sheila. I too eat loads of fruit and veggies, but have been eating lots of nuts recently and I know they're calorie laden. Ho hum!

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  5. Those pants are especially charming. Something about border prints that always kicks a garment up a notch. The entire outfit is cheerful. The cropped top is a perfect length to show off your "fit body" Anna. You look wonderful!

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  6. So lovely to have your kind words of encouragement Jude. I do like the border print trousers as I fancy that they have a leg lengthening effect - or is that just wishful thinking? Have a lovely day x

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