What’s happened here, then? Do I detect a whole new look to the blog…?!
[Reading time: 4 mins]
Yes – it’s a new look and a fresh start. I’m not doing things by halves: as well as completing lots of home decor and DIY jobs over lockdown I also gave myself an overhaul (expect a blog post soon about my final push towards the healthiest I’ve been in years). I then thought I should, of course, do the same to the blog.
It’s time for the blog to shine and for me to fall in love with it all over again. I have a brand new theme and couldn’t be happier with it.
Regular readers may have noticed that, as far as posting goes, my content output since lockdown has been erratic at best, absent at worst. BUT! That is all about to change.
Drum roll…
As of 1st September, I’m pleased to announce the blog will resume normal service. I feel like where “being totally out of whack due to lockdown” is concerned, I’ve been there, done that, bought the t-shirt, and now I need to go home and unpack my suitcase. Unpacking will have been completed by Tuesday 1st and I’ll be firing on all cylinders once more.
So what’s brought all this about at last?
What’s been a-happening
Back in March I wrote about how I was rethinking everything – blog, work, life, self-care. We were on the brink of lockdown and I wasn’t too sure how things would turn out for me work-wise.
After a bit of head-scratching and thinking I wrote about going back to basics a month later. I needed to rediscover that spark, to reconnect with my blog. What also happened was that work dried up COMPLETELY for me. I lost two pending jobs pencilled in for Spring (postponed till September, fingers crossed they decide to pick them back up with me again) and I didn’t have ANY new work come in at all.
Not a sausage. For literally MONTHS.
It almost killed my love of blogging. This was my career, seemingly going down the toilet.
I thought I would relish the extra time that no collaborative work would allow, but instead I focused on my home and my mind, body and soul (for want of a less cheesy expression). They all benefitted hugely from the break I took from work-work.
Luckily I received a SEISS (Self-Employed Income Support Scheme) grant from the government which tied us over and kept the mortgage and the bills paid. I’m able to apply for the second (and final) grant now – it’s on this week’s To-Do list – so fingers crossed I get that one too.
Here’s the crazy thing that happened: After no work at all since March, ALL OF A SUDDEN – in mid-August – I had two super-duper, really brilliant jobs come up in one week with two major brands. It meant one trip to London and then a couple of days at home working remotely with a top beauty brand.
It was the slap round the chops I needed to make me feel like I’d “gone back to work” along with the rest of the (majority of the) population. Suddenly I felt invigorated, and it made me sit up and have a think about what I wanted to do with the blog.
The good news (no bad this time)
So the good news is that as well as having a new look blog (I hope you like – I’ve also made the fonts nice and big because let’s face it, if you’re anything like me you can’t see sh*t without your glasses), I’ll be restarting the #iwillwearwhatilike link up from next week, Tuesday 1st September. The difference will be that I’ll be merging it with the second link up I was previously hosting, the #ShareAll link up on a Thursday/Friday.
I decided that it was simply too much admin and too much pressure on me to try and do two link ups a week. As it’s now just one, the link up will still stay as #iwillwearwhatilike, but I’m allowing ANY types of posts to be linked up, not just outfits (merging the two in other words).
If you’re subscribed to just the #ShareAll link up alert emails then don’t worry, I’ll transfer you onto the list for the #iwillwearwhatilike link up. And if you’re subscribed to both, you’ll only receive the one email reminder going forward!
My new-found love for my wardrobe
As mentioned at the beginning, I also gave my body an MOT over the last few months. It truly needed it. I’d been building up to this since last year when I first published my 3 quick tips to kickstart weight loss, and then right at the beginning of lockdown (when I thought, THIS IS IT, for real this time) I talked about the mindset you need to lose weight in your 40s and 50s.
I came back from another Slimmeria retreat break [first one this year] at the beginning of this month, and I’ll be going back for one more week next month.
(BTW this hasn’t been an overnight success from one week at the retreat – I’ve been working hard throughout the whole of lockdown and a little bit in the months before that.)
Since getting fitter, slimming down my frame and being able to get into the 80% of my wardrobe that no longer fitted me, it’s made me realise how much I’d missed being in love with clothes. The times I did put something together had become a chore. I’d unknowingly lost my desire to put outfits together. Coming back from the retreat and fitting into clothes that hadn’t fitted me in years gave me an incredible boost.
Clothes are my THING. Dressing up is my THING. Putting outfits together and accessorising them is my THING.
To have that taken away from me was crushing. So often I’d look inside my wardrobe for something to wear, and nearly Every. Single. Day. I’d see something fabulous that I just KNEW I couldn’t fit into. Or I’d go to wear something that I thought I could still fit into and found that it, too, was now too small for me. I was constantly reminded that I had not been kind to myself or to my body.
I never just wanted to buy a whole new wardrobe. I knew it would cost way too much. I’d have a ton of too-small clothes that I needed to do something with, I loved the clothes I already had and anyway – my health was suffering so getting fitter was always the no.1 priority. I was worried that buying a whole new wardrobe would mean giving in to ill-health and therefore ditching any attempt to look after the body I have.
(I didn’t mean for this to get so deep but it goes to show how much feeling bloated, lethargic and constantly unwell affected me and how much I wanted to change that.)
I never realised JUST how much I loved dressing up until I had that rampant trying-on session two weeks ago. I can’t wait to start putting outfits together again.
So there we have it – a new start. I’m actually really pumped up, and I’m pretty darn excited about it. ALL of it.
Will you be joining me for the first link up on Tuesday? And how have the last few months been for you and your loved ones? Tell me in the comments…!
Stay safe XOXO
Love the big ass font
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Hehe I’m so glad, Pilar!! 😉
Excited to have you back Catherine! <3
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Aww thanks Kailey! xoxo
Your new theme looks fabulous, Catherine, and the large font is brilliant! So glad to hear you are back at it and excited to read about your newest endeavors!!
xx Darlene
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Darlene thank you! Lovely to see you here too xx
Welcome back to blogging, I am so excited to read your content!
Danielle
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Aww thanks Danielle so much 😀
Interested in how you do you eyelashes or what mascara you like. Found your nails tutorial really good.
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Glad you enjoyed the gel nails post, CW! I don’t have anything special going on with my eyelashes at the moment – I used to get eyelash extensions which you may see in some posts: https://www.notdressedaslamb.com/2016/12/sharing-my-new-eyelash-extensions.html. I’ve just bought some Revitalash serum today and after a few months of use I’ll do a before and after post, so look out for that!
The mascaras I love are Benefit’s They’re Real (https://rstyle.me/+gOORd3fWO7qqDUQ0pIQEDA – *affiliate link) and the IT Cosmetics mascara in this post: https://www.notdressedaslamb.com/2019/08/12-beauty-products-i-am-absolutely-loving-right-now.html
Hope that helps! xx
Welcome back, Catherine! I look forward to your next postings! You are truly inspiring
xoxo
Lovely
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Oh Lovely that’s so kind of you – thank you so much!! x
Yay! Welcome back. I always love your blog posts, Catherine. xx
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Anna sweetie thank you!!
YOU’RE BACK!!! Yay! I’m only 32 but I love the larger font. 🙂
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Hehe you look after those young eyes, Bethanie!! 😉 thank you hon x
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OMG and just to prove how my eyes are bad… I couldn’t read your name properly and got it wrong. Apologies, Bethanne!! #facepalm
Love love love the new theme Catherine! Perhaps the whole lockdown experience has been an epiphany for you? It certainly has for me, as you know I’ve become a full blown activist. I dedicated my slow fashion blog to all things eco warrior and even started an entirely new Instagram account. Yikes! Yes walking away from 21 thousand followers is a risk. Tbh most of them had been telling me for months they just want outfits. Those who want to continue my journey through intersectional environmentalism, will follow me on @michelletyler1.5
Over the 6 months of lockdown, I’ve also helped create an organization in my town to add Black curriculum to the schools and I’m part of the local Green initiative that is working alongside the schools new environmental curriculum. And on top of that I’m doing a webinar on fast fashion next month Wahhh! Exciting times indeed ○
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I think you’re right about the epiphany, MT…!! And wow lady you’re a force of nature – so proud of you and your devotion to activism. The world needs people like you to guide us so badly right now <3
Oh I LOVE this font, thank you! This has been a year of it, hasn’t it. I went through and did a massive closet cleanout at the beginning of lockdown. I made myself try on everything, and bagged up tons for donate and consign. It felt good to have a somewhat pared down wardrobe of things that I actually liked and would wear. I made a rolling rack of new outfits. And then they sat there for months, seasons changed, and I re-hung everything for next year. I am so glad you are feeling yourself again and look forward to your renewed take on fashion and life.
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The big font is popular it seems, Judy! Sounds like you had a good clear out… it can be very cathartic. I think my next stage is to try *everything* on and decide what can go even if it still fits. I like your hanging outfits idea, I might pinch that!! Thank you darling x
Welcome back! I’m so glad you’re coming out on the “other side” of things better than ever. Congrats on the two new campaigns. I’m so glad you’ve rediscovered your joy of getting dressed. I’ve had my font larger since I started-haha.
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Oh Kimberly that’s really sweet of you, thank you so much!! xx
Welcome back, Catherine! I love the new look of the blog and how great that you had two major brand opportunities come up! I am noticing a bit of an uptick in collaborations now as well. Which is good for all of us! I am finally getting back to my passion or creating outfits as well after months of barely getting dressed. I am finally feeling like I can look forward instead of being stuck in the right now. Great post! I look forward to seeing all your new content.
Shelbee
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Oh that’s good to hear about work for you, Shelbee! I did keep my fingers crossed that work would pick up again, but I was pretty worried, I have to admit…! thanks hon x
What a wonderful post- I almost felt your uplift! Sorry about the job losses- but clearly when one door closes another opens- and WOW what an opportunity! I love the new blog too- looks great and yes I’m all for that font- yay! I will definitely link up next week- and if you’d like please come link up with me every Friday for my FAbulous Friday’s linkup party:) Here’s to new beginnings! xx
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Oh wow thanks Lucy! So glad you liked the redesign, and yes I’ll see if my new clearer schedule allows me more time to link up…!
Great to see you back Catherine – it is wonderful to hear a positive lockdown story as some of us have definitely not been so motivated….
This might be just what we need to start moving forward – here in Victoria (Australia) we are still in stage 4 lockdown and only aloud out to walk/run 1 hour a day – tough times for everyone
Looking forward to meeting the “New You” x
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Gosh that’s pretty tiresome for you with only being allowed out for an hour still, Chris – I hope you hang in there and know it’s all for the greater good! I’m a little worried that we’ll go back to lockdown again in the UK soon, eek…
Thank you my lovely xx
Great news Catherine, can’t wait to read more from you & thanks for the bigger font size – my 57 year old eyes say ‘thank you’
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Oh I’m so pleased you approve of the big fonts, Karen! Thank you x
Wow, Catherine, it is so wonderful to “see” you again, although I did find you on facebook stories and instagram. Am so impressed by your fitness photos and it inspired me in so many ways. I’m sure it has for others, too. You kind of encapsulated what it feels like since I’ve put on weight, clothes, etc, etc. Again, am inspired, have changed my fitness routine due to what you have achieved. Another wow. Love the new look blog. You go, girl!!!!! So glad that “business” has picked up. I love the way that you stay loyal to whatever you promote which makes you the best sort of person to work with. Congratulations!!!!!!!
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Ratnamurti that’s the loveliest comment, thank you so much for the kind words and your support! I’m glad the post resonated with you…!
Welcome back- I missed you so much! Your hard work and the results are tremendously inspiring, and a reminder of how soul-sucking it is to have clothes you love that you can’t fit into. I’m a little nervous about my fall clothes, to be honest…
Thanks for the larger font size! Looking forward to new posts.
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Awwww bless you Mary Katherine, you’re always such a sweetheart <3
Soul-sucking is right. It took me a heck of a long time but thank goodness I eventually made progress, my health is so important to me! x
P.S. Love the new font size! These 56 year old eyes need all the help they can get.
Michelle
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Pleasure – I thought it was time to get them nice and big, lol!
Wonderful news, Catherine! I was just thinking about you a day or two ago, hoping that you were doing well. Sounds like you’ve put the non-work time to good use in all facets of your life. I’m glad work is returning as well. Looking forward to your linkup! (I also have an all in one linkup on Thursdays if you are interested. It’s called Creative Compulsions.)
Michelle
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Oh that’s so sweet of you, thanks Michelle! 😉
I’ll see if I can make time this time for link ups, any time for them always seems to elude me! x
I missed seeing your posts Catherine, and I love the new font size. Mine is far too small, so you’ve inspired me to change it. Congratulations, on the collaboration work and see you next week for the link up. I’ve got in the habit of doing a daily stomp/trot round our local park, which I wouldn’t have considered or thought about doing prior to all of this. Enjoy the rest of your week.
xx
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That’s great that you starting a daily stomp Alison (great word btw, heehee)! So nice of you to say you’re pleased I’m back, and yes – go change the font size! The bigger the better, yeahhhh 😉
Your post so resonated with me. I, too, have a lovely wardrobe which I had always enjoyed mixing and matching and accessorizing. Lately though, it had become a chore – this was a slow process so it took me awhile to realize that it was primarily because I had gained just enough sneaky weight to make my beautiful clothes either uncomfortable or just plain not looking as good as they did on the slimmer me. I refuse to buy a new, larger wardrobe – my clothing is beautiful, stylish and I love it! My girlfriend called her extra weight ‘COVID cookies’ but mine was much more multi-factorial including becoming a care giver for my mother as well as personally coming to grips with my own aging ( I also transitioned to my own beautiful silverish white hair in the past year ). Much to mentally come to grips with.
I am in the medical field currently seeing patients so I am using this period as a time for a mental (and physical) readjustment. I have always exercised regularly but couldn’t do it as much during COVID (or so I convinced myself). Until I can get this sneaky weight off – and I will – I have renewed myself with a very stylish, but temporarily more comfortable scrub wardrobe.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences once again.
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Your attitude towards/experience with your weight and wardrobe sounds very similar to mine, Amy! It’s that sneaky weight which takes a while to make itself known that’s the most troublesome and difficult to shift. It’s great to hear you’re determined to get the weight off (“and I will”!) as that’s how I always approached it. It was just a matter of finding the WAY in which to do it that worked for me.
Onwards and upwards, and good luck in regaining your health and happiness! x
It’s so good to get a post from you pop into my inbox this afternoon, Catherine! And I’m delighted you’ll be posting as normal from next week YAY! I’ll be joining the link up for sure.
Myself and my blog have had quite a transformation over the past few months too – I’ve been focussing entirely on my own wellbeing and have also rediscovered my passion for all things witchy! I’m exciting for the future too 🙂
Hugs
Suzy xx
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That’s lovely to know you’ll be back at the link up, Suzy! Good to hear you’ve been looking after your wellbeing too 😀
Thank you sweetie xx
This is honestly the best news. I’ve missed your outfit posts and blog so much. The walks on IG stories are great but love of clothes and outfits and your original thinking is what I love too.
Bring it on!!!!
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Awwww Sue thank you – and for all your support!! It’s been lovely chatting to you on stories, here’s to continuing that here too x
That’s SO exciting!!! I LOVE clothing and shoes and accessories too, especially vintage-look, and sewing them myself- anything from the 1930-1970s is SCRUMPTIOUS. Weight loss is lovely, but more exciting still is how much better you FEEL again, and that you have your sparkle, your zest back. Cheering you on from over here, SO looking forward to the fashion posts, hopefully in addition to the daily walks. While they’re good for you, they are restful for me
ps. I have to admit, having 80% of your closet back is pretty darn scrumptious too lol
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It’s an awful thing to inadvertently have something you love doing taken away from you, isn’t it Heide…?! That’s fabulous that you love sewing, I did use to do it when I was young but now I’m more of an upcycler rather than a starter from scratch. I admire your dedication!! Thank you hon xx
Hello! I’m happy to hear that blogging has sparked your energy again. The new look is wonderful, a fantastic refresh both here and in your well-being from the sounds of it. And cheers to work chugging back after this lull. I hope it keeps up.
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So glad you love the new look, thank you for the kind words Melanie xx
Can’t wait to link up again and reading regular posts! I have enjoyed following along your walks and adventures on Instagram these past months. Congrats on the new collab jobs! These past months, i have been regular with my exercising and it sure is nice to feel the difference!
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That’s great to hear that you’ve been exercising regularly too, Mireille – keep it up!! And thank you, I’m glad to be starting back properly again x
Glad you’re back. I’ve missed you. XO.
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Aww bless you Arell – thank you xx
Must say I love the new font and of course, the fab regeneration of you and your great blog!
Well done you
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Oh I’m so glad Erika! thank you xx
catherine! this is wonderful! i too just created a whole new website for my upcycles! it took about a month, and that’s why i didn’t want to separate from my first website, because I knew the work it would take….but so glad I did….and I love your new look! it’s fresh!
good luck my dear!
xo eva
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That’s really kind of you Eva, thank you – and good luck with your own upcycling ventures! x
So happy to hear this Catherine. You’re a natural columnist and I get a lot out of your blogs on a variety of subjects. You have your feet firmly planted on the ground and your humor and originality is fantastic. That’s an unusual combination of characteristics. I don’t take tips and “advice” from too many people, but I really enjoy and appreciate YOUR blogs, truthfully. Even your honesty and candor during this unexpected hardship was helpful. I look forward to this new iteration of the blog. I was literally just thinking this morning how I want to plan some trips for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I definitely want to hear about the physical shaping up and healthy living too, which I realize now more than ever I need to do. Onward!
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Oh gosh Liz that’s the loveliest comment, thank you… I’m so humbled!! I have lots planned so keep an eye out xx
You know I will be there! And it’s so good to see you back. You were right to take that time out. The blogosphere died a death I think? And work is still quiet for me xx
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I’m hoping that it was just a lull Laurie and not a death… I’m not getting anywhere near the number of offers I did pre-Covid (that I was lucky enough to pick and choose from) but the fact that those other jobs came along is a good sign that brands are picking things back up again and needing content. I hope it picks up for you soon! Thank you my lovely xx
Welcome back. We all need refreshing from time to time, and it’ll be good to have you back as some wonderful inspiration.
XOXO
Jodie
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Ahh that’s very kind of you Jodie, thank you so much xx
Nice to see a whole new post and look when I check (as I’ve kept doing) your blog. Welcome back … to welcoming us back, and on into fall!
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Thank you for the welcome back Katherine, I’m looking forward to getting back into a routine! Don’t forget you can subscribe to email notifications of new posts to save you constantly checking if that works for you…? x
Looking great! And looking forward to seeing where you take things here!
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Thank you so much Catherine 😀 x
I’ve missed seeing new posts from you, Catherine, and I love the look of the blog and the size of the fonts! Good for you for making your health a priority! Looking forward to the new link up party coming in September!
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I’m really glad everyone’s loving the big fonts, Debbie! Thank you ever so much, it’s nice to feel like I’m back xx
Nice to read that you are coming back! I will not be joining your first link up sadly, because I have a two week break and want to really enjoy my time with friends and family and my fabulous partner. But after that I will gladly do so!
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Oh not to worry Nancy – you enjoy your break!! We’ll see you soon, and thank you x
Welcome back 🙂
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Thank you Ann 😀 x
Ooh, I love the new font size!
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I’m so pleased, Karen! xoxo
I think all your readers have missed you and hoped you were well. The re-boot looks super and I’m sure we are all looking forward to your next “new” post! Aaand I think many of us have been in the same boat, so to speak…re-evaluating our life, deciding what is important, and working on self-care in whatever form that has been for each of us. Carol in VT
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It’s been very very weird, hasn’t it Carol – keeping up with my usual schedule didn’t seem right. Now things feel right again and I’m looking forward to the new beginning and getting back into a new routine. Thank you so much xx
Welcome back, Catherine. So pleased to hear you are feeling better. You and the blog both look wonderful. Here’s to a fabulous fall!
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1000% yes, Sue!! While I didn’t want to wish away the summer, I do want to feel like I’m starting afresh – a new routine with a new-look blog seemed like the best way to reinvigorate my love for blogging. I think it’s working!!
Thank you sweetie xx