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Hello,
Off out on Friday evening with some colleagues and plan to wear this. Will be going a few bars. Not feeling great about myself at the minute and ChatGPT has told me the dress does nothing for my shape but unfortunately, I just have no waist at the minute due to weight gain (perimenopause 😩) so please no comments about how it does nothing for my figure as maxi dresses are the only thing I feel comfortable in right now 😭
Anyway, what shoes would you wear? Black flat sandals, black heeled sandals, trainers? I have no gold shoes.
Does the outfit look ok overall? I will also be wearing a bracelet that matches the necklace.

39

Day one of a weeks holiday in Spain with DP and DC (age 4, 3 and 0)

Me and DP had an argument this morning which was in my opinion trivial but I know people are different. Basically I was stressed because the 2 older kids had been crying most of the morning as we had a late arrival and they haven’t slept enough (got to hotel at 1.30am and was up at 7.30). Wasn’t working in the hotel room trying to get them to sleep so I wanted to get them out in the pushchair. Partner suggested going to the shops and (I believe he said) then go swimming straight after. Baby was asleep so didn’t get her ready for swimming. DP was taking ages getting ready so I said I’d just walk them up and down to stop the crying. Tbf it was only a few minutes when I came back as he still wasn’t out the room as he was doing his hair. I was unreasonably annoyed, basically in a huff saying I might as well get baby ready as I was waiting for him anyway (but didn’t say that). It was just the stress of waiting around for 2 hours in the room already with them not settling. Then it was an argument over what we were doing basically. Escalated as he said that he was gonna stay in the hotel room so I was fuming because that meant me being left with all 3 kids and I genuinely can’t take them all out by myself very easily. So I got pissed off and threw a hat at him which knocked his water over (that was out of order I know). So he said he was going out before he got angry. This was 7 hours ago. He’s not responding to messages etc so no clue where he is. He’s probably just in the hotel bar. But I’ve had this before where he takes days to calm down regardless of whether I apologise etc. Yes it was my fault but it this a normal reaction?! I can’t stay on holiday like this. There is literally no point me being here because I haven’t been able to take the kids swimming or anywhere really today. Had a walk to the shops (2 in a pushchair whilst wearing a baby carrier. 4 year old is autistic which is why he needs a pushchair for safety) so only a small walk. Got some food etc to cook as I don’t see how I can go to the restaurant with all of them as I can’t leave them at the table. We’re all inclusive and haven’t brought enough money to keep buying food as didn’t think that was going to be needed.
A friend has said she’ll lend me the money for flights home if I want to go tomorrow. AIBU if I do that and just leave him here? I will let him know but he’s not replying to anything even me asking if he was coming back so I could get the kids some food which I think is out of order. Hence the walk to the shops. So I have no clue when he’ll be back. What would you do?

233

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To avoid duplicate threads please try to post in the thread that's ending to alert everyone you're setting up a new one.

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It might be an idea to keep a list of advents that are live in the OP and later on which are sold out. This can be copy/pasted/edited when a new thread is started.

It probably goes without saying but please be courteous and patient with each other. This thread will have spoilers and please no judging of others for their purchasing choices. Participation in the threads is optional.

Current BACs waitlisted/ revealed or on pre order

Not an exhaustive list. Just some of the most popular.

Liberty £285 (BD member discount £25) now available to pre order. Est. delivery 21st Aug - 1st Sep. Full contents revealed.
https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/beauty-advent-calendar
PLouise 2026 advent £250 now available to pre order. Payment instalments available and GWP for existing advent customers. Delivery 2nd November onwards.
https://plouise.co.uk/collections/wonderful-world-of-p-louise-advent-calendar/products/what-glows-around-2026-advent-calendar
Neal's Yard £195. No contents yet. Pre-order for October.
https://www.nealsyardremedies.com/products/natural-organic-advent-calendar

Harrods x 3 expecting to be released on pre order in the next week.
https://beauty-detective.com/harrods-12-days-of-hair-body-advent-calendar-2026-full-spoilers/
https://beauty-detective.com/harrods-fragrance-advent-calendar-2026/
https://beauty-detective.com/harrods-beauty-advent-calendar-2026/

Cult Beauty Waitlist
https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/c/advent-calendar/

John Lewis reveal
https://beauty-detective.com/john-lewis-beauty-advent-calendar-2026/

Harvey Nicks waitlist x 2
https://beauty-detective.com/harvey-nichols-fragrance-advent-calendar-2026/
https://beauty-detective.com/harvey-nichols-beauty-advent-calendar-2026/

Tatcha waitlist available 1st Sep
https://beauty-detective.com/tatcha-advent-calendar-2026/

Boots waitlist x3 including new frag advent
https://beauty-detective.com/boots-beauty-advent-calendar-2026/

Holland & Barret waitlist
https://beauty-detective.com/holland-barrett-beauty-advent-calendar-2026/

YesStyle
https://beauty-detective.com/yesstyle-beauty-advent-calendar-2026/

Lancome
https://beauty-detective.com/lancome-advent-calendar-2026/

Vogue
https://beauty-detective.com/vogue-advent-calendar-2026/

Neom
https://beauty-detective.com/neom-advent-calendar-2026/

F&M
https://beauty-detective.com/fortnum-mason-beauty-advent-calendar-2026/

CT
https://beauty-detective.com/charlotte-tilbury-advent-calendar-2026/

Sephora
https://beauty-detective.com/sephora-uk-advent-calendar-2026/

Selfridges
https://beauty-detective.com/selfridges-beauty-advent-calendar-2026/

Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar 2026 | Liberty
Liberty
https://www.libertylondon.com/uk/beauty-advent-calendar
584

Who do you find attractive but they're perhaps not attractive in a conventional way?

I'll start with David Baddiel. Something about him. His facial hair is sexy. He did a series cycling round France with Hugh Dennis (who I also have a crush on) and the pair of them were a joy to watch. Witty and intelligent. He's also fiercely proud of his Jewish heritage.

394
DoggieNamechange
AIBU?

They're 13 and 15. I work FT (largely from home) and do all housework and dog walking around that.

The past few weeks I've been getting them lunch when I break for mine but now they're getting up later and later. They've been up for an hour now and just hanging about in PJs.

I am not making them food - there is a full fridge / cupboards etc with stuff they like but they will just wait for me to crack and make them something. Am going to try and ride it out but all my maternal instincts are heading for the pannini press.

Surely most teens can do a sandwich?????

166

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MIL had a big health crisis about 2 years ago so she now needs care at home which is clearly expensive. Her and FIL (who died ages ago) made some money so this can be covered for a couple of years but equally there are concerns about how long it will be before the house will have to be sold to continue care.

She's approaching a big birthday and is now talking about organising a party at a hotel as opposed to doing anything at home. I know the pressure is going to come regarding us putting our hand in our pocket (compared to DH's two siblings) and I am therefore wondering what you would do regarding the party and who should pay?

In some ways it's understandable because we are very much wealthier than the others but I would have a number of problems with putting my hand in my pocket. Firstly, double standards. There are a number of things we have paid for (small) but whilst a big thing has always been made that the siblings were paid back if they ever paid for as much as a teabag, the same grace was never given to us (and if we asked there was a chippy comment about how we could afford it anyway so what does it matter). Indeed, I was told by MIL during one zoom call with carers that I specifically should provide her with drivers for her to get about now she can't drive. Secondly, MIL never made an effort with the DC before she got ill. One of ours has SEND and the view was that whilst we had more money the SIL clearly had both better parenting skills (hence the more compliant child) and was brighter (hence the first child didn't have any issues at school) which was a bit annoying. Thirdly, I don't think costs would be kept under control if they thought it wasn't their bill. When we got married my parents paid for a no holds bar, no budget limit wedding. SIL was a bridesmaid and when she realised my DP's were paying for the shoes she asked for a pair of designer shoes worth £1000 when she would only ever pay for supermarket shoes if it was her own bill which was a bit galling. Fourthly, we were talking to MIL a couple of days ago (I said we should phone) and afterwards DH commented that SIL was terribly high handed and patronising with DM to which I had to say she was like that with everyone and always had been. Finally, such requests are often "bounced". There was something MIL really needed and was a life changer but was expensive (that she could easily afford and was so necessary) but it was about 9 months before SIL agreed to the cost, clearly on the expectation that we would say it was taking it too long and would pay to expedite it (we didn't though I put massive pressure on her to get it done and I don't believe it wouldn't have been done if I hadn't harped on).

What would you do? Would you hold your nose and pay? Or leave them to it? I should clarify nothing we have is anything to do with that side of the family. It's because of money I had before we got together as well as money we have built together.

109

I decided to have a barbecue next weekend because I’ve got my garden looking the way I want it and I do enjoy hosting. I’ve been inviting people for the last couple of weeks or so. I thought I’d invited around 10 people but I haven’t. I’ve invited almost 20. I’ve only just counted them up and now I am seriously panicking.

I’m not a particularly good cook, never mind on a barbecue. How on earth can I do 20 burgers and sausages and time it so people aren’t sitting starving? It’s a charcoal barbecue so putting more charcoal on after one batch would mean some people waiting another 40 minutes whilst the coals cook and I cook again?? What can I do?

And also, my garden isn’t tiny, but it’s not particularly big. I have a garden sofa and stools that could fit around six people near the kitchen door, and then on the upper decking I’ve got a high dining table that would seat another six. I do have additional small stools but they’re too little for the high table and it would be very squashed round the other table because it’s right in front of the kitchen where everyone will be getting their drinks.

Any advice gratefully received. I have never hosted for this number.

413

I’m going to try tankini this year but i can’t find a good quality pair of bottoms - i need shorts - that look like short cycling shorts. i’ve bought a few and had to return as the quality was bad and felt like they would
combust in the sun ! can anyone please recommend a comfy soft pair please - size 22 🙏

3

I’ve had a terrible haircut. The hairdresser is new to me and clearly made an error. These things happen. I said I would sleep on it but after a wash it looks terrible.

Salon manager is very apologetic and has refunded me in full but I have this hideous cut to grow out. I think I need a wig.

Any recommendations of a cheap ish one that will see me through a few months?

I’m absolutely gutted.

I’m a grown woman - I know that it won’t be exactly like the reference picture but it’s honestly nothing like it. I’ve had a little cry, DH has sent me the pic from Fleabag and we’ve had a laugh but I’m so disappointed that I’m going to look shit for a few months now.

38

Looking at moving from London to Cheltenham - specifically The Park area - can anyone tell me if this is a good area? It’s a listed house we’re looking to renovate if all goes through. We have children in primary school.

Popular on Mumsnet Swears By

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I’ve been having BIAB on my nails for the last five or six years now. I used to go to an amazing woman who would always get it exactly right. Then I switched to another salon because she stopped doing nails, and I hated them. They were awful 😅

In January I started doing my own BIAB, and it was fine, but it would take two hours to do a set of nails. I soaked off my BIAB last night and was actually really surprised by how strong my nails have become underneath the BIAB, I have one that’s a little damaged but the rest are doing well. So I’ve gone back to just doing gel nails. It feels quite alien at the moment, but also really good!

4

I live a stones throw from a secondary school which I have to pass daily on our school run.

A male member of staff stands outside in the morning greeting the kids.

A few months ago he made a comment to me as I walked past him. It was a stupid remark, nothing vulgar or massively offensive, but it has bothered me to the extent I'm now self conscious about what I'm wearing whenever I have to go past him.

The comment he made was "morning Blade" in a mocking tone, both infront of the secondary school kids and my own.

(for reference I was wearing a belted leather trench coat and some black riding style boots)

It wasn't a friendly jibe, he was being a twat. I wouldn't give it much thought if he were a random in the street but he's stood there representing the school 😐

Would you have raised it with the school or not? Do you think it was inappropriate?

267

My 18 year old has been applying for jobs since her year 12 summer last year and has gotten no where. She really started to ramp it up when her A Level summer started, but still isnt even getting interviews? She tailors her CV to each role,puts effort into each application and applies directly on the company website but no luck. Shes also staying home for Uni, and specifically says this on her applications meaning that they know she would be committed long term. Shes even tried handing in her CV in person, but we live in a major city where most places are either chains (who tell her to apply online) or family owned independents who would obviously rather hire their own. Is there something she can do to improve? I usually dont get involved in these things, but shes getting really down about it as money is becoming an issue

64

I feel like I’m going to snap. I’ve name changed as I’ve spoken to a few people in real life about this and it would be obvious who I am.

My father in law - I’ve never liked him. I don’t know what it is, he has the most annoying face and stupid expressions. He always has to be centre of attention. On our wedding day the person doing the video went over to him and he just stared into it with a stupid grin slowly opening a bottle of wine and it completely ruined the video as it’s so, so annoying. Everyone says so, it’s not just me.

During the summer holidays he’s taken it upon himself to visit every morning to see the kids (unfortunately he only lives a short walk away). He lets himself in through the back door and then just stands there in the kitchen grinning, not saying anything. I’ve started just completely ignoring him until he walks in and speaks like a normal person.

Thing is I can feel myself boiling over with rage. On Friday he came in, stood there not speaking so I ignored him and he suddenly shouted “I’ve Brayed my Bonce!” Baby was asleep, woke up in shock, started crying and I was so annoyed I just snapped and said “Right. Why did you come here then?” Whilst I saw to the baby.

On Saturday DH made a big carrot cake and FIL came in and shouted “where’s my lump?”. DH said we’re not cutting it yet. Later that evening he rang up saying “don’t forget I want a lump”.

Yesterday morning he came around and said “when am I getting my lump?” So I snapped and said “DH will you just cut him some cake please, I’m getting sick of hearing about the fucking thing”. He winds me up more than anyone I have ever met. I’m getting annoyed just writing this post.

This morning he came in - stood in the kitchen grinning with his arm outstretched holding the tub the cake was put in so I snapped “what??? Just put it on the side!! What are you just stood there with it for??”

he put it down and said “right, I assume you’re busy so I’ll leave you to it” and left. Now I’m thinking is it me??

404

What can I pair this with?

Fell in love with this (brand new, £5 from my local charity shop!) Got so excited I may not have even considered what to wear it with 🤔😂

For a late September wedding (day & evening guest)

Help!

21

I'm worried about going away. I'm staying at a budget hotel. They don't serve food. I was thinking we can just eat out. But i didn't think it through and its to late now.

I can only eat grilled chicken, plain cod. Plain prawns and tuna steak.. protein yoghurts. Boild eggs strawberries doubt i will find them things. Even if i can they will likely be cooked on oils things and end up full of fat.

59

hi guys
my daughter is starting nursery in September and her school requires nursery children to wear full school uniform. I have been looking for pinafores as they will be most comfortable her school requires grey school uniform I wanted the mid grey uniform but I can only seem to find the darker grey in The supermarkets. I currently have a pinafore from m&s but again, it is the dark grey. Anyone know where to find the mid grey school uniform from or should I just keep the dark grey

11

DMIL has come to visit. Had a falling out last year as we were apparently not inviting her over enough.

Has 4 sons, all unmarried but DH, all tow the line, including DH although he's getting better.

With the fallout, I stood my ground and talked back at her, something she's never had from her sons.
She cried and made out I was attacking her.
DH was caught in between but it blew over as she then pretended nothing had ever happened.

I used to include her, make a fuss, cook elaborate meals, give her our bigger bedroom when she came to stay, take her out every day etc until we moved and needed time to settle.

This is when she kicked off about not being invited even though DH would still go and visit her.

Now she's here, it's been tense. When she arrived, she made a beeline for our bedroom and I had to break it to her that she's actually in the spare room.

This morning, she went to the shops with DH before I saw her, they got back when I was making breakfast in the kitchen. She walked past without a good morning. She'd seen me but I hadn't initially as I was grabbing something from the fridge.

I then shouted morning and she came back, mumbled good morning and went to her room.

Breakfast was a little tense but ok as didn't want to spoil it for DH.

We were all meant to go for a walk after but I stayed back as couldn't be asked.

She's taken it as a slight of course and rest of the day will be a pain. I took AL for this!

She goes back on Thursday.

Will I be unreasonable to opt out of rest of outings and never invite her again?
Obviously DH would still want to invite her as his house too but maybe work late whenever she does visit.

So done with the drama.

77

I've been co-hosting a conference where I study as a mature student but somehow I've never met this guy despite the fact he works in the department. We first met on the coffee break and I felt an immediate feeling of warmth and a spark.

When I saw him again later, I realised I really fancied the look of him (I never fancy anyone). Then he seemed to be hanging around next to me so I struck up conversation. We were then told to get into small teams for this game thing so we stuck together.

We spent over an hour walking about the grounds in sunshine being good teammates (although we didn't win but oh well!). We laughed so much and had a great time. It made me think of the early days where you're first enjoying someones company and I felt strong chemistry. Then he had to go back to work. And today was actually my last day working in that building!

I found him easily on social media because we both follow the uni department account. We have several friends in common. I'm wondering whether to add him to see what happens.

I'm in my 30s and my serious long term break up happened 14 months ago and I have been so heartbroken. It was bloody lovely to meet someone I felt that 'glimmer' for again today. The other part of thinks, maybe I shouldn't chase him and let it go/hope I'll meet someone another time?

95

My symptoms started more than two years ago. I was 39 at the time and I only developed skin problems everywhere (including eyelids, neck, and my labia / perianal region). I was passed from GP to GP and they all gave me a different diagnosis (from Eczema to Lichen Sclerosis). A dermatologist looked at my photos and said it was psoriasis- and gave me a bunch of corticoids. My symptoms never fully went away, and I also noticed that my cycle went from 26 to 25 days.

One year later, still fed up I went to the GP and said that I was perimenopausal (mind you I’ve never had any other symptom), and put me on HRT. HRT did cure 95% of my skin problems (apart from my butthole) and I was ok with it until my boobs never deflated and the water retention was substantial (it had an impact on my active lifestyle).

Anyway, two months ago I decided to come off HRT as the psychological impact of the side effects, and my skin so far seems ok!

So I’m wondering was I even perimenopausal? I’m
Also iron deficient and hypothyroid, but those conditions are all under control.

I keep my mother at arms length, she’s always been very selfish and lots of narcissistic traits.
shes just turned 81 and moans about her mobility but still manages to be out for lunch most days and get away on holiday.

my Dd is getting married in London next month and we have to drive from our location. She wanted to come to us ‘for a few days’ first but I put a stop to that as I would have to wait on her.

so ive told her to get the train to london from her location, which she’s not happy about even though we will meet her in off the train

now she’s complaining because I’m going to meet dd at her hotel in the morning, she asked if I would be going back and I said no I’d meet her at the venue (DP & rest of family will walk with her), she’s not happy as ‘there will be no one to help me with my fascinator’

honestly I know she’s going to spend the whole day playing the victim and expecting everything done for her, I would just like to enjoy my DDs wedding as MOB

212

My 4-year-old needs surgery for a condition that affects his day-to-day life, although it’s not considered urgent.

His consultant would ideally like to carry out the operation within the next four weeks. The timing is difficult because he would then need a few weeks to recover, which would mean missing the start of Reception.

He is already quite anxious about starting school as none of his nursery friends are going with him. He had several transition sessions before the summer (almost weekly during the last half term), and drop-offs were difficult and he says he doesn’t want to go and wants to go back to nursery with his friends.

I am concerned that missing the initial settling-in period, when routines and friendships are forming, could make the transition more challenging for him.

The consultant has said it may be possible to have the surgery in October or November. The downside of delaying is that there is still a risk his condition could lead to intermittent absences from school in the meantime. There is no risk of it worsening.

Has anyone’s child missed the start of Reception? How did they settle when they eventually started?

24