We are avidly wearing our spring/summer buys, whilst wisely wondering when autumn/winter will arrive....

[notyummy]

Use this thread instead! I mucked up the title of the other one

Oh Vino what a horrible situation, without knowing the full history it does sound like you've been very generous to let him stay so long already.

Hi, just wanted to say a quick hello.
We had a great time in Dublin and did not want to leave. Two more years and then we are moving back :). Rufus, every time I saw a glam mum I wondered if it was you! I have the Lily and Lionel scarf too, I love it. Belated happy birthday to you and also to Tracey. Wow, an eternity ring.

I didn't intend to do any shopping in Ireland but bought a red Aquascutum trench coat (Kildare outlet is worth a visit for anyone in Ireland!).

It is a bit pricey but I have the Mulberry Mitzy cross-body bag and it is great.

Roary, I used to go to Canada a lot when we lived in the US, I can see why you miss it.

Vino, your XP has some nerve! I couldn't get the Mumsnet discount to work on My-W, maybe email them and they will apply it for you?

Will look at the links later as supposed to be making dinner but I like the White Co dress.

Just quickly before dh catches me not unpacking, washing... I'm home!!
Can't wait to catch up, just like the old days with months worth of Jackie magazines waiting for me! Will be back later...

I'm back too - hello all!

Haven't really manage to process all the links/news etc.

However - am also incensed on your behalf Vino - what a chuffing nerve.

Boo to all of those getting rained on during UK based holidays - hope you managed to have fun around it.

Will try and start keeping up with links now and get back into the thread! No shopping from me recently - unless you count the bottle of Chanel Vitalumiere that I bought in World Duty Free. Indeed, DH actually encouraged me to look in the jewellery shops in Volterra after he liked the things in the window - and ladies, I said 'no thanks'.....

Re the meet-up - still def good for me, and I should be able to make late lunch plus drinks after. Will have to check train times, but can walk from my house to stn so a few glasses could be a possibility!

DH left today to start his new course - 10 months away Sunday night to Friday night. RUBBISH. I know he is nervous about the course and stressed about not seeing much of DD (and me - but I am a big girl!)

Well, holiday was AMAZING. Lovely weather. Beautiful surroundings. Ryanair got us out and back, not just on time - but early! After much assiduous weighing from DH, our luggage was 2 kg under weight limit so all well. DD loved playing with other children she met, and learned to swim without armbands (looks like slow drowning, but she can keep her head above water without assistance, so we are calling it swimming )

Did quite a bit of running and the place where we were staying was offering spinning sessions so also did 2 sessions of that. Appear to have gained 2 pounds, but period starting so who knows?! Have decided to Dukan though, as weight has crept up over last year by about 5 pounds overall. Not too dramatic, but have big weekend in Scotland next weekend, inc people I haven't seen for 8 years. Want to see if I can drop 4/5 pounds by Friday by doing the Dukan attack thing until then. Hells - may need your moral support! Tesco delivery arrived this AM with shedloads of chicken, eggs, salmon and prawns. I had ordered oatbran but they didn't have any - argh!! This is when living in the sticks becomes a trial as nowhere else in our town will have it. Am hoping that the Waitrose 'Metro' thingy next to my office may stock it so I can pick some up tomorrow lunchtime.

Right, thats all for now.

Lastly - Zembo, hope Ramadan is going OK for you.

Welcome back carciofi and blossoming. Great to have you back!

Oh, and welcome back notyummy too! It feels like the start of the new term back at school .

I'm sure you look great notyummy and don't need to shred, but I would feel the same before a meet-up with people I haven't seen for a long time. Do you have a Holland & Barrett near work? They do an oatbran: here. Maybe other healthfood stores stock it too?

Thanks Fritzi! Good thought about Holland and Barrett. Would have thought there might be one somewhere near anough to my work so will have a google.

Welcome back Carciofi, Bloss and Notyummy

So is it just Esher and LTEC away now?

My, what a grisly couple of days chez Plum. I had a complete meltdown yesterday, after yet another weekend of cooking, cleaning, boring everyone to death with requests for better manners and being told my meals are 'the wrong pasta and weird salmon, Mummy. Can I have fish fingers?' Managed not to lose it with the DCs, went for a long walk while DH did bath and bed, and came home and explained to him that I feel like a total drudge. Being a SAHM might look like the easy option to him and a lot of our friends, but oh the MONOTONY! The endless summer hols are making it worse, I know, but really, I feel so dull.

Anyway, I suggested to DH that I have some time to myself this morning while he had the DCs, and went to the shops to de-compress. We are still being thrifty, so was 100% high street, but bought

Warehouse knit dress, for nod to FairIsle trend

and a very bright emerald silk chiffony cami with ruffly neckline from Topshop, to wear over a long-line navy vest with skinnies under a cropped tuxedo jacket. Not sure yet when I will wear this imaginary outfit, but the occasion will no doubt present itself!

Took a fancy to a couple of things in GAP. Khaki parka would be good for rainy school run, and their ankle biker boots look good too, but will wait until next 30% voucher comes our in middle of Sept. How wise?!

Spotted lots of goodies in Zara too, including a great handkerchief hemmed furry gilet. Next trip to the shops, I think.

Have made a list of Boden buys for the DCs this afternoon, getting quite into all our A/W10 looks!

Welcome home, Bloss, whereabouts in France were you please? Anywhere near Villefranche-Sur Mer, perhaps?

Plum - oh plum - do I know that feeling well.

The food thing drives me mad - we tend to go in phases of them being good and eating anything and then the dreaded 'pasta and pesto please mummy' every night.

Deep breaths and a large glass of wine helps I find

Love your dress - was looking at that on their website last night. And cami sounds gorgeous too.

Welcome back to everyone who's been on hols!
Notyummy hols sound fab and well done to your Dd on the swimming . Ramadan has been going better than I thought it would thanks. Bit annoyed that we keep buying loads of expensive dates and they just don't taste right though!

Carciofi I've only been to Dublin once, but really liked it. Went to Cafe Fresh (I'm sure you and Rufus will know it),anyway food was gorgeous healthy fare so I bought the cookbook and use it regularly.

Roary sorry to hear you're full of cold. Vin's advice is great, and you can take paracetamol. I only recommend the good old tried and tested cheap stuff me . Good job I don't work in retail pharmacy, I'd be so bad for business!

Vin and for you. Life must be feeling so turbulent. I'm so sorry you're having to go through all this. Does your DP have no insight into his behaviour????

Tracey at the slime fitting. Thanks for the info, I ordered both sizes before I saw your post though. Also decided to order the [[
www.brora.co.uk/Product/Product.aspx?WebShopCodeStr=S0&WebSegmentCodeStr=S2&WebCategoryCodeStr=ZM&StyleCodeStr=LQB25 jade and empire coloured cardigans]] in the end. Oh and the cassis scarf I linked to a while back. Hopefully some of it will be going back! I think the Brora look is more classic than I actually am so doesn't always suit me. I imagine most of it would look great on you though. Also, hope the jam making was successful.

WhatsWrong always lovely to have some new 'faces' on the thread

Georgina I'm getting loads of wear out of my White co poncho, I really like it and it's so lovely and warm.

Still don't know if I can make the meet up yet, will le you know ladies.

WELCOME BACK Carciofi , Notyummy and Blossoming

Carciofi Thank you for my lovely scarf. I went out with DC and DH last Thursday evening for a bite to eat on my birthday, and I was wearing it. I did think, gosh if Carciofi is out, she'll recognise this scarf! I assure you, you'd be disappointed to see me in the flesh!Did you go to Mauds? And my personal favourite House restaurant? I love Kildare village. There used to be an Anya Hindmarch shop there too, but either it had moved or moved out, the last time I was down. The red raincoat sounds fab.
Notyummy, that 5lbs is pure lean muscle, I bet. I have ordered the Dukan book online, and am awaiting delivery. Can't imagine going carbfree though. Even for 5 days. Am very impressed that you turned down jewellery buying opportunity. You are a stronger woman than I! Hope you don't find the next 10/12 too lonely with DH away.
Last, but not least Bloss. You were all sorely missed. Know exactly what you mean with the Jackies magazines.

I know I'd feel exactly like that Plum, hence the main reason I work. Mine drive me mad with food too. A friend emailed me, her menu plan for DC for 2 weeks. It's on a spreadsheet, with list of ingredients (for shopping) and page number and name of recipe book!!! Apart from the organisational ability to achieve something like that, I was amazed that her DC would eat most of the meals. Chilli, korma, rogan josh to name but a few!
I love the dress BTW Plum, I bought this tartan dress. It fits well. I am going to try Verity's tip of matt navy opaques with black patent shoes.
I had a complete splurge on Saturday and bought this Carven dress in black. I have actually never spent so much money on a dress before, but it looked so fabulous on, I went for it. DH was suitably impressed and thought it was in the words of Helles very "vavavoom"!
I still have to get a bag, and a pair of boots! Will link again to all the possible boots to get opinions. I want clumpy and brown.

What an amazing bunch of ladies you all are. I'm not naming any names but catching up with this thread has made me feel in turn, happy, inspired, emotional, sad, tickled pink..
I love being back.

I'm sitting here wrapped in my new pashmina that I ordered before I went away. I got it from mypashmina.co.uk in 'eclipse', a gorgeous deep navy. And for just over £40. Bargain!!

Well (the opposite direction from Nice than Villefranche plum), we had a great time. My lovely shredded brown legs in fat face beach shorts? Covered in boils. (Well they look like boils - at least 50 mosquito bites)!
Dc1 fell and cut his chin on day 2, doctor (wore splendid dess), said no water activity for 6 days - so we traipsed round Nice, Grasse, Mougins, St Paul de Vence, boat trip to St Tropez and I could have done with another outfit.
Was depressed with general appearance of tourists. Even in Nice and St Tropez. We need to spread the a&w word ladies.
So when dh comes off the computer I'm looking forward to seeing the Barbour coat saga, and I'm in the running for a new coat myself, to go with my new scarf of course!! Also was there another thread about waterproof bum covering coats? Love autumn winter. Have a pile of magazines and catalogues to go through. I am so over tunics, I may get me a check shirt!!

I kept away from sugar! No pain au chocolat for me. However I drank wine and the odd Stella every night, and some lunches too and I am sick to death of French bread!! I'm dreading the scales but looking forward to shredding again.
Love the Wolseley.
Off to bed. Been up since 4.30.

Hi again, thanks for the welcome backs! And welcome back to NY and Bloss.

Bloss, I will be armed with the mozzie spray when we go to Nice as mosquitos love me. :( Your poor DS, is he ok now?

Zembo, I love Cafe Fresh.

Plum, I often have those days. Nice dress and I like the parka.

Rufus, I love House too but was next door in Ella's that night! We didn't go to Maud's but went to Il Panorama a few times. I also spent a bloody fortune on fish for the seals. Anya Hindmarch was open in Kildare last week. I could have bought loads more but never did find my credit card. Just as well really. Both dresses are very cool.

Night all.

Its late but briefly, Ds and my parents have arrived safely this evening afte a long drive up from the south of France and through Britain. My parents were questioned at Bologne(sp - sorry phonetical) re their relationship with my ds - different surnames - and were told that next time the take him accross borders, they really should have a letter from me confirming permission. It got a little hairy apparently, they wanted to interview them privately. Fortunately my parents details are in DS passport as emergency contacts. Useful info for future reference.
I love the FairIsle dress Plum and Tracey, I am sorely tempted by your link to the military jacket. Might have to wait until next month after forking out an absolute fortune on school uniform this weekend! I could have bought a couple of pairs of houlihans for the money!

Logo'd PE shorts, I ask you?

Oh yes, and a minor rant: I told my friend (single, no kids and very successful) that DD lost my credit card, she said "well, you don't work, so I think you mean your dh's credit card."

Everything, nice top. I like a lot of the White Co clothes at the moment.

Purse Forum members will verify authenticity of bags on eBay.

Love Il Panorama too Carciofi! (Big wine fan here!) Like the food in Ella, not the layout. It's certainly not somewhere to go with kids!
Delighted to hear Kildare Village still has the Anya shop. Was there for a very brief visit last time so didn't even bother to ask.
Am considering going back to Shred for the next few weeks. I have that wedding on the 1st and want to look my best.
The Carven dress is quite magical. It's so tight it's like wearing Spanx!
Bloss ouch! Take some zirtek for those bites. It will stop itching and get some cream with hydrocortisone which will reduce inflammation. And poor DS. Double ouch.
Everything thanks for that tip. Think it's purseforum. Have always wondered how they'd know a bag was a fake looking at a pic.

Some "friend" Carciofi Wasn't it Madeline Allbright who said there should be a special place in hell for making other womens life hell? I agree wholeheartedly.

Ooooh Carciofi - stupid friend. Problem is people like that just make me want to act really childishly.

Bloss - I too am a magnet for bites - its horrid isn't it? Is DS ok now? I too fancy a checked shirt - keep looking on abercrombie and may even venture in there at some point.

Also glad you can make the meet-up

Rufus - love those dresses!

Today is the start of serious diet to shed about 5lbs I think which has crept on over the holidays.

Hope you're feeling better this morning plum. Is there anything you can do for yourself to break the monotony? Love the Warehouse dress!

blossoming - Is your DS ok now? I'm sure your shredded legs look great even with mosquito bites . I'm also wrapped up in navy cashmere this morning. Got a long chunky navy cashmere cardi yesterday as it is so cold here.

carciofi - How can your friend say something like that !? Seems very mean and insecure too I think. Love that Madeline Albright quote rufus!

everything - Glad to hear that things are looking brighter with DH. Trip to Genoa sounds great. Have never been to this part of Italy before so don't have any recommendations. Maybe monkeysmama could help?

everything - Love your outfit. Your family seems to be a sartorial disaster zone .

Are you doing the Dukan too tracey?

Ok off to the dentists, then lunch (hopefully...) and taking DD to yoga this afternoon.

Morning. Lovely to have you all back. Notyummy - loved your holiday pics on FB - the peacock maxi dress looked fab on you. Blossoming - glad you had a good time in France - I love the area you visited. Tres jolie!
Plum - I have days just like you had - making dinner for DSs each night is just like groundhog day! I find that I bore myself with all the do's and don'ts and then DH sweeps in at bedtime and boys treat him like a superhero! I try and schedule stuff for me to do like a trip to the shops on a Saturday morning, day out with friends or just a morning at home without the kids to get stuff done and feel better about life in general! Its hard to find a balance cos its tempting to hand over to DH at weekends and thats not fair on him - but I do find myself switching off come the weekend!
Vin - stay strong - horrible situation for you to find yourself in but you deserve so, so, so much better.
House of ill here - I was up for most of the night on Sunday with a dodgey stomach virus and then DS1 gets in from school yesterday, turns as white as a sheet and (sorry if the following is tmi!) throws up big style in the downstairs loo!

Everything - mwah to you - I love that jumper in the petal colour - just what i have been looking for to wear with indigo jeans.

Has finally stopped raining here - lovely bright and sunny day so am taking DS2 to Delft on the bike - lovely ride along a river. Have a dentist appointment later to finally get a new crown fitted - will be the 3rd attempt as previous ones have been the wrong colour and shape! DH remarked that I'd not brought anything on my credit card during August (wise) and its had the effect of me desperately wanting to splurge! One more day til Sept starts.......