There is never very much that stays in my wardrobe for more than 2 years – in fact hardly anything if I’m truthful apart from H&M trousers which just seem to fit me perfectly, last in quality and not date. The one item which I have constantly kept is, believe it or not, a denim jacket. I’m not sure where my love affair with this particular item came from but I know it just ticks all the boxes for me.  NEVER wear it with jeans – this is a real fashion faux pas – but teamed with floral tea dresses, wrap dresses, linen trousers, summer skirts and cropped pants it looks fantastic. I have only ever bought 3 in my entire life and the only reason the first 2 have not stayed on the wardrobe is that they wore out with constant wear.  According to this month’s In Style magazine, the classic denim jacket is once again back in mode. Personally, I never think it went away -  you can wear this understated and undervalued essential whatever your age, shape or size, as long as you wear it correctly and it’s a great summer staple.

Just to let you know that I have stuck to my non drinking ‘rule’ and so far so good. I haven’t missed alcohol half as much as I thought I would. In fact I really haven’t missed it at all. Have I slept better? Well, the sweats have disappeared but I seem to find I have far more energy so drifting off to sleep is far more difficult. Perhaps I have to get used to the new healthier body, I’m not sure.

Thank you to all of you who have sent emails to me encouraging and supporting me. Your stories and tips have been inspirational, so again, my thanks. Please feel free to post comments so others in the same position can learn from your experiences.