All New, Sparkly Fab and 40 + : Mums, Mums to Be or TTC. Come say Hi !

[jeanjeannie]

Hello all - well, this is our third message board..so it's a popular topic.

If you're a fab forty something then please come and say Hi!

The thread lives in pregnancy as that's where it started....but it's certainly no longer confined to just being about pregnancy. It's for anyone whose a gorgeous 40 something. So get a cuppa, bring some biscuits - or cake - and have a chat x

Double scoops Hey - it's a thought though, shame it doesn't work with nork milk

I'm an ebay selling virgin (honest guv) Bought stuff on there but never actually sold anything. I'm all fired up though as we're positively drowning in baby clothes and it has to go!

EEewwwwwww - poo stains........NO!

hi ladymac, congrats on your CVS results
it is such a relief isnt it? i was over the moon when everything came back fine

are you nearly 12 weeks now? i am terrible remembering these things

Greetings from 'Snotsville'. There was much ado last night with howlings from both girls due to copious amounts of the green stuff pouring from both of their red little nostrils. DP has also started sneezed....uh oh - a man cold is bound to ensue

ladymac Marlow will be very nice if it's lovely weather. The park (higginson)by the river is good and there is now a small cafe for nibbles, panninis etc. Or you can steal the bread off the floor that the ducks don't eat

All the eateries love small gingers! It's THE colour to be MMmmmmmmmm, somewhere that doesn't cost £££££??? Difficult. There are places like Zizis or pizza express which will probably end up costing less than some of the sandwich/cafe places. Some fab gastro-pub food but small and not great for kids Are you nearby? or London way?

Well, gorgeous weather - shall drag the girls to the park if they like it or not!!

jeanjeanie we are coming from North London (North Londoner born and bred me!) but live not far from the North Circular so A/M40 very easy to get to. I went to Marlow years ago and remember it being rather nice, though it may have changed in the years since the railway arrived! Forecast for Saturday good. Is it a good place for wandering round, feeding ducks etc? Or is there somewhere else on the Thames that you'd recommend? We just fancied getting out of town. Only smallest ginger will be in tow as Grace goes to stay with her dad and his loathsome lovely wife this weekend.

Forgot to sympathise with you re the green snot. I have taken to tucking a small flat sheet round the head end of Elizabeth's mattress so that I can just whip that off when it's all green and crusty rather than having to faff around changing her fitted cot sheets.

Ladymac Marlow is still nice - very busy at the weekends if it's sunny. You can pootle along the river and there are plenty of ducks etc.

If you wanted to pop off somwhere else then there is also Cookham on the opposite side of the river - it's more village-like and you can park on the moor. Henley is sort of nearby but it's more town-like. Windsor is nuts at the weekend, but all your duck needs would be met and there is the castle and the pretty buildings of Eton. I reckon Marlow is a good bet

Ah...'norf Lardon' takes me back to my college days!

Wow, been busy today on here. Just to let you all know I'm around, kinda.

Will go through the posts later when I finally get to sit down!

Seems like there's a snot thread brewing. Nice

Is it me or has anyone else thought that the overrated/over priced tat of Bonpoint is clothes that old people would wear but scaled down? Or even old people from a past century (I'm thinking 19th).

I've just been looking at some on Ebay and it's bloody awful. I do so hope that it's not just me being old fashioned and I'm not missing some big fashion point. Help anyone?

Before I forget ladymac there's a WIMPY in Marlow!!! That'll see you right for lunch

johnworf the snot is indeed a'brewing here at jeanjeannie towers I think I maybe in for a rough night ahead - and that's just with DP who gets all clamy in bed once he's not feeling good.

Bonpoint is posh - isn't it? It's that sort of sensible wear for children who should be seen and not heard. Bonpoint-whatsthepoint I mean it's 'nice' but not very inspiring.

Anyone watching the restaurant?? Oh I'm hiding behind a cushion squirming....I wouldn't go into business with any of these doofuses. I wouldn't want them to make me a spagbol.

JJ yep watched it, shouting at tv 'NOOOOO'! And laughed our proverbial bollocks off. What was that dinner party like? More like a chimps tea party

Sounds lovely that everyone has snotty noses..and men are the worse. Oh, you are indeed in for a rough ride. Hand to forehead, clutching his chest, fetch me/carry me etc. That's my DH when he's well!

Bonpoint is the sort of stuff that Suri Cruz has been seen out about town in but, I've read about it in the Sunday Times fashion bit where it's derided on a weekly basis as stuff that yummy mummies buy (or at least get the au pair to buy).

jw Hahahahah I know - that hostess was nuts - and that blouse...!! One false move near a candle and she'd have been a human fireball...Mmmmm, tempting

I saw that Brad & Ange's little one was wearing Bonpoint. Mind you - that fat-lipped minx has the same changing bag as me. I'm a style-setter, she depends on me - what can I say? Hahahah poor little Shilo Pitt - the worst Spoonerism ever!!

And poor little Suri Cruz - her mother is now starting to look like Tom. Whatever happened to Tom & Nicole's other children? Are they now in down-town Melrose, begging on the streets?!

Ooooo - I've come over all 'celeb'tastic

'ello ladies

Not been around all day as we took the little fella into work to show him to colleagues as some had been asking to see him. I am fooking knackered now from the walk there and back and lack of sleep etc. Collapsed in a heap on the sofa when we got back and let OH deal with the sprog (mind you it may have had something to do with the large glass of voignier I had a lunch).

Never heard of Bonpoint - must have a gander at their website, I don't believe in spending money on clothes for tiny kinds - Darragh has already grown out of several things that he has only worn once or twice. Sounds like the kind of stuff that is dull but reassuringly expensive.

I think the other Cruise children are living with Tom's mother in a Scientology compound somewhere. Oh, and according to Grazia she is living separately from Tom in New York while she stars in this play she's in. He is there also but living across town in a hotel. The story is that she needs to focus on her acting but I reckon she is taking the opportunity not to have her head done in for once...

ah poo. Did a big long post and forgot to post it. Arse.

Love the Piloh Shitt JJ. Fabulous.

I'm wanting to know how come mrsb has been allowed out to galivant - at lunch time too!

K decided to wake me at 6am today so we were up with the lark except, once I'd brought her downstairs and changed her nappy, she nodded off again. Don't you hate it when that happens?

JJ hows the sick ward at home? Are the casualties on the mend?

The guy with the specs in the Restaurant is such a waste of time and space. Lord only knows how he got that far in the compo. I just want to slap him

Ebay have taken my nappies off the auctions as they say they breach policy for being unhygenic. Really annoying so I'm relisting on Used Nappies site. Gah.

OOoh I'm having that Friday feeling today and no idea why as I work from home anyway. Nothing planned for the weekend apart from more of the same and fitting in my last episode of Tess which I've saved like the saddo woman I am!

I note that a few of you southerners are going to be buggered with your local authorities. Possible council tax raise was mentioned on the news. We're not affected of course as all our money is invested in lard, whippets, racing pigeons and black puddings

Huzzah!

I'm glad you all watch The Restaurant like I do with cushions in front of your faces. I kept screaming at the TV last night 'don't send HIM back to get the chairs, he's supposed to be doing the bloody cooking'! And that twit in the glasses fannying around instead of doing anything remotely useful. I was sure they were going to get booted off, however, can't say I'm sorry to see the back of that Welsh woman's miserable sour face.

Good job I don't smoke, I would have got through about 20 fags watching that programme. As it was I had to polish off a bar of butterscotch Green and Blacks.

Filled out a lengthy form for a speech, language and hearing centre last night as I went to get the ball rolling in case they do find a hearing problem at the test on monday. Best question was 'what is your child's attitude to life?' Was going to wake her up and ask her except she wouldn't have been able to hear what I was saying!

Have been out shopping this morning as have friends coming to dinner this evening. I hate having to choose the wine when I'm not going to be able to drink it. Also hate it that we can't have my usual fail safe starter of assorted salamis, saucisson, olives and cornichon etc. as friend is also pregnant. So I am attempting an onion tart for the first time, which is probably not wise. Steak and salad for the main course and I want to do something with potatoes. Not chips and not roast potatoes but something in between if that makes sense. Any ideas? Could I just cut wedge shapes and cook them like roast potatoes without the parboiling? If so, how do I stop them from just being roast potatoes? Have some sweet potato too for a bit of variation.

I shall expect ideas from all of you by 5pm

ah you can't fail with chunky wedges ladymac - I find they come out better with a bit of parboiling like roasties. Or, a favourite of mine which goes really nicely with steak is fondant potatoes. tres yummy.

Tres rapide pomme de terre post:

Baby new (if in season). Roasting tin, hot olive oil in it, mixed peppercorns, throw the potatoes in and leave until cooked as desired. Like baby roasties with jackets on and scrummy peppercorns all cooked to cinder but nice taste

Laters!

ladymac am ROFL at that question on the form !!!

Glad to see I'm in before 5pm though. We're having tuna steaks with roast wedges...I think they're somewhere inbetween. I agree with mrsboogie that a bit of parboiling is good. I cut them in fat chunks - parboil (4 mins max) drain and chuck in hot fat - with salt, pepper and paprika. Loving the peppercorns from jw - nice touch there and I thought you said it was all whippets and black puddings Do you eat whippets up there?! you could try rosti - but I think it's a bit off a faff!

jw I thought Ebay had retracted its no selling of 2nd hand nappies! How odd.

Who IS going to win The Restaurant? I don't rate any of them. Oh and that bloke going back for the chairs......oh don't get me started.

Horrid day. Girls are a bit better but Verity non-stop crying and Iris very demanding...WHAH!! Nursery - NOW!! Do they collect?

Ebay not retracted second hand nappy policy. It's in there with second hand knickers apparently Ebay are such arses I don't know why I bother half the time. I've had a mooch arond the net today and found a few bargains but I'm not desperate (yet) for the birth - potty Motherease. I've ordered 3 stay dry (new) and I'll wait to buy the rest.

Yes ladymac what is Betsy's attitude to life? Is she a navel gazer? Or work shy oik? A go getter? Pray, do tell What a load of bureaucratic twoddle. My kids still don't know what attitude means although I hasten to add, they have a lot of it

JJ the potato idea was just something I glanced at in WH Smiths when I was attempting to shop lift the new St Jamie of the Oliver book. Nice touch I thought with the peppercorns. Might be more to that recipe but store detective caught up with me.....

...........however, my probation officer gave me a splendid recipe for lobster thermidor

we skyplussed The Restaurant last night - you guys have me dying to watch it - I'm all agog to know what happened.

They are all utterly hopeless - I'm sure the contestants in the last series were far better. I wouldn't put any of this lot in charge of a burger van. My favourite love to hate one was the gangly Chris bloke - nonchalantly serving Doritos to a crowd of Mexicans in a comedy sombrero and expecting them to believe it was meant to be a Mexican buffet. Oh and the carrot and green bean fajitas - cringe !

Thanks for the tips ladies. I knew you wouldn't let me down. Wedges it is then. Olive oil, thyme (cos that's what I've got) and lots black pepper cos no fancy peppercorns. Skins on, yes? Have only bog standard pots so they will have to do, but sweet pots mixed in will be nice I think. I won't parboil those as they cook so much faster.

Very stupidly came over a bit Nigella and poo-pooed the ready rolled pastry in Sainsbury thinking I'd make my own. Well I won't be doing that again in a hurry. I'm sure I used to be able to make pastry. I certainly can't now. Followed instructions and put it in the freezer at every possible opportunity but it broke up as I was rolling it and I had to patch it up in the tin. Shrunk by at least 10% after blind baking and broke where I had patched it. It better bloody taste nice!

Kitchen now resembles war zone, I look terrible after crying from chopping a half hundredweight of onions, Elizabeth is whinging due to lack of attention and I have forgotten to pick up only pair of trousers that fit me from the dry cleaners ensuring I will be wearing the same pair of jeans tonight that I have worn for approximately 57 days running.

Bet you'll all be rushing round to my place for dinner....

Meant to add, hope girls are feeling much brighter very soon JJ

Yep skins on ladymac (no peeling yay!)

that's anther thing life's too short for - making pastry.I seem to have a very long list of things that life's too short for doing...

Always have frozen pastry on stand by in the freezer. Along with half a ton of ice that needs chiselling off.

K has just barfed at least half the bottle back over herself, me, the floor, sofa etc etc. I think it quite scared her and she was holding her breath in fright. Rigid body. You get the pic. Me? I started panicing and shouting at DH ! Always good in a crisis, NOT! She's ok now. Think it's the tremendous amount of wind she has but will discuss at hospital follow up on Wedsnesday. May have to rethink Gaviscon to something thicker/stronger.

ladymac hoping your guests are suitably impressed with your beautiful outfit and cracked pastry I'm sure you look lovely and the meal came together in the end, even if it was the last minute. Have a ball anyway

I'm in nightie (another. last one has sick on it). Waiting for hubby to give me a foot massage. He's been ever so sweet and booked me an hours reflexology next thursday. AND she comes to me yay. I really feel like I need some pampering.

Friday night tv not bad I suppose. Al Murray later. My DH makes him look like a metrosexual, house-husband, sensitive soul. haha.

Evening all...WINE! I have WINE! Sod cake - it aint strong enough. It's not much but I already feel a bit like a loon

The girls are both in bed - snuffling like truffle hounds. What a day - relentless.

ladymac hope the dinner went well and that your potatoes are the toast of North London! Don't worry about the jeans - mine are welded onto my legs as I steadfastly refuse to buy new ones until I get to a size 12 Could be on these legs for sometime then!

mrsboogie is quite right - life is way too short for making pastry. I get a fat block of Jus-roll puff pastry - cut it into 6 and freeze the individual cubes. Iris had one rolled out today and made into a mini pizza - only puffed!

jw good to see your probation officer is so cultured! I always mean to do a meal plan - make life easier, so I know what we're having for the next week - but I can never be arsed. Bit of a stumbling block that.

Awww - poor Katherine and her barfing. But YAY for your pampering. I can't wait for my spa day on Sunday [smug emoticon] although I shall be racked with guilt (for a few seconds) at leaving Verity with DP. But he's taking the girls to his brothers and his sister is also going to lend a hand. Blimey - they can't do anything by themselves can they

Am watching Harry and Paul - am actually chortling to myself.

Soooooo....JJ how many fingers am I holding up? It's TWO actually! So there!

No alkeehol here, only Ovaltine and cake. It's doing the trick though.

I don't do a meal plan but we buy the same stuff every week, more or less. And DSS will only eat certain stuff anyway so that's fairly limited.

I'm very much looking forward to my bed tonight

Hope you enjoy your day out on Sunday JJ you know you're worth it What treatments are you having?

Harry & Paul was good tonight....esp The Northern Show from Henley. V funny indeedy!