Half Term Break

We had a short break over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend and hired a cottage in the Peak District. It was an area which we had not explored before and there is plenty of beautiful unspoilt countryside so we got in some good walks!

 

One of the highlights was a visit to the National Tram Museum. Here you can easily spend a day riding on some beautifully restored trams. Many are 75 to 100 years old and we had a ride on these. My husband was more excited than the children. He loves old vehicles and they had plenty of others in a shed where you could watch them being restored.



The top picture is of a German tram which they have as it is wheel chair friendly. The destination panel says "Kopenick". Readers from Germany may know where that is. The second picture is known as a toast rack tram as it is like riding on a toast rack. At the terminus you have to stand up, turn your seat and face the other way for the return journey.

The final picture is of a tram which is very nearly 100 year old and has been beautifully restored.

I was allowed to explore the local charity shops - I think I would have had withdrawal symptoms otherwise. My husband and children like to view the book and dvd sections anyway.

I did purchase one tee-shirt which Hannah photographed in the kitchen of the cottage. For £1.00 it will form a useful addition to my summer collection - even if it only gets worn around the garden at weekends.

Royal Blue

A quick post this week as we are going away for a few days over the Bank Holiday weekend.

This Royal Blue top was a recent charity shop purchase. I think it cost me £2.50. I do wish Hannah had noticed that the front needed adjustment before she took the picture! However I like the top and it is nice and warm during the cooler spring weather we are experiencing at the moment. It should get plenty of wear.

Casual Top

My latest charity shop find is this short sleeved top. It cost me £1.00 so was difficult to resist. It has a white floral pattern on a navy background and will be suitable for wearing at weekends during the summer.

In the photo I am wearing it with my black work trousers but it should be fine with many of my summer skirts. We now just need some summer weather!

Cheerful Summer Skirt

A quick post after a busy week for me. I am settling in at my new job and getting to know my colleagues. They are very friendly and keen to assist me. It is a little strange to be in a position of line manager to other people but I like a new challenge. I always try to be fair and considerate and not expect others to do something that I would not be prepared to do myself.

 

I thought that my outfit post this week should be more colourful and I found this cheerful summer skirt in my wardrobe. It has been rather cool and unsettled here in the UK so another indoor photo was necessary. The skirt was another charity shop purchase - I think it cost me £3.00. I like the colour being largely turquoise. The short sleeved top came from New Look a few years ago.

 

Hopefully the weather will soon improve to enable me to wear the skirt at weekends.

 

New Job

I started my new job on Monday. I was a little sad to say goodbye to my friends at my previous office but I am still working in the same town and we have promised to meet up every now and then for a coffee and a catch up on news.

My new office is nearer home and I won't have to experience so much traffic congestion each day. I should be able to save about 30 minutes in total and will be able to collect the children slightly earlier from After School Club.

Although the work is similar to my previous job, I have a little more responsibility as I supervise two other girls and the smooth running of the reception area and back office is down to me. I love a new challenge every now and then and so I am looking forward to it.

My new company has a few similar rules including a dislike of social media - so my head will still be chopped off in my posts and I need to be careful what I post on Facebook etc. My husband jokes that I must know how Anne Boleyn and Mary Queen of Scots felt when he looks at my posts!

Dress code is similar as well - staff have to maintain the "corporate image of the company" and maintain "a smart appearance" at all times. Reception staff must wear black and white but I seem to have a little more discretion unless I have to provide sickness or holiday cover for reception. I may be able to wear navy, for example, but perhaps a flowery summer dress might not be so appropriate.

The photo shows my outfit on my first day. I have had this suit for several years and I have worn it to work many times. I like the length of the skirt as I am not comfortable with skirts above my knee. I am still having to wear flat or low heel shoes as my ankle is still a little painful after my mishap a week or so ago.

 

I will try to do a post on some more summery outfits next week but the weather is wet and cold again - certainly not feeling like summer!