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 yes, AuntieJuan - massive congrats.

Vino I have written and deleted so many posts to you. I spent time married to a man when the love was long gone. After I left him (& it meant leaving our house, yacht, driver, beautiful cars, life, and eventually for me country) I thought I was starting from point blank again. We didn't have kids but the time I had after, when I realised my mojo was always there was just beaten into submission, was the best ever. The first man I met was, well, the most amazing man this world will ever offer up. We had many happy years together. You realise, the moment you get out, that life is out there, in you. These men sometimes eat you (this sounds better in Italian - sorry . Over years they suck the you out of you. Finding you again is the best journey ever. (And on that note, I am so happy Everything seems to be finding it again with her dp. Fingers crossed. There are lots of us rooting for you)

And on to S&B.

Asos haul was very patchy mainly as much of it looked so cheap. My laptop is playing up so seem unable to link to anything but things I am keeping are - a lace Warehouse nude vest, a Mango basics long sleeved khaki tee and an asos black round hem vest which was £5. Loads going back.

Ordered these Nudie jeans today. Vino is the new love of my life having given me her Nudie jeans and shown me how jeans are supposed to fit. I have two other pairs of Nudies that are two sizes bigger (and apparently my size) that I used to love but now I know I can wear a smaller size and feel great.

Is anyone but me shredding? How long did you stay at level one? I have done nearly two weeks with a 4 day break in between. I hate it but am feeling the benefits already. How hard is level 2 compared to 3? And on that subject, is it worth Durkaning for 10 days before holiday too or just eating carefully?

Right, dp and dd are just about to get out of their bath and I need to get milk and a story ready so best dash.

Just for those not on FB, Cakey posted earlier to say she is blissfully happy .

I am not shredding on a daily basis, but do 2 levels back to back once or twice a week. I think the jump from level 1 to 2 is quite hard - more so than 2 to 3, That said, if you have been on level 1 for a while it may be worth giving it a try!

I am Dukaning. First day and I am feeling a bit blah tbh - Dukaners - come and tell me it gets better!! Headache, no energy and feel 'stodged up'. Already tired of prawns.....

If I didn't drink alcohol for a week (I usually have a glass or three a night) would it make a big difference?

Would def make a difference - big glass of wine is 200/250 calories I think - if you are having more than that every night...,and then times by 7, then that is a lot of calories!!

I'm not very good at the diet malarky. I've always just looked at fat content and eaten good healthy food (apart from wine). Good to know. Realistically, fr
next Monday I'm off the booze. I will be thin. Thanks NY

Evening lovely ladies,
I have been up to my ears with the DS's being poorly and little terrors all at the same time but have a little time free so am catching up with the news and links!

Welcome back from your hols all who have been away.

EIE - love that pic of you, you look fab. So glad to hear that things are looking up for you at home too.

MrsJuan - congrats Aunty!! My sister had a baby 2 days ago and I am wildly excited to have another nephew too. He is scrumptious!

Vino - So sorry that you are going through such a rough time with your DP. I have to say, he doesnt sound like much of a charmer!!! You are well rid of him if you ask me. x

Plum - loving the warehouse dress!! I may ahve to buy. Would go with my new boots I have ordered but havent arrived yet, I am very optimistic about them!!

Had an asos delivery today and am very pleased with both items! Which is unusual for me!!
I ahve cape in khaki
and
this gilet which I love love love!

What do you think??

I meant to say before.... Everything I looked out for you in the Grazia Vintage spread. Girl, you're looking good!

OWW - Hope you had a lovely time in Delft and dentist could sort out your crown. And well done on credit card restraint. Have you planned what you will splurge on yet?

notyummy - Not sure about maxis for A/W especially when the weather turns nasty and you are dragging all that through puddles. Hope you will feel better with Dukan tomorrow.

everything - You look so gorgeous in that photo! Feel the same like you about food and I'm really craving carbs. Must be the cold because I'm usually not that hungry. Maybe I'll make a nice soup tomorrow.

mrsjuan - Great news! Hope your sister is well. Love the coat but better to return it if it doesn't fit well.

Is anyone watching "Baby Beauty Queens". I think I might be sick.

Just had to run on and say everything you look amazing in that picture.

everything Your profile pictures don't do you justice!

Hi ladies, have just skim read my favourite thread on the planet

MM love your post to Vin @ 19:17. You're so right and put it all so well. I realised that life is 'in me' about 6 years ago and count the realisation and awareness as one of my greatest blessings. I'm sure when some people look at my 'set up' with my DH they must think I'm compromising on many levels (doesn't lift a finger at home, not really that into the kids or family life etc etc), but I am an innately happy person and love my DH regardless (he has many positive points, honest ). AND my children are happy, perhaps I overcompensate in my parenting (due to DH's lack of it) but I love it. Anyway enough of my waffling. Vin I'm sure you'll find your way, you've been through so much and come across as one strong lady.

EIE fab photo and you have such luscious lips!!!

OWW hope you're household is getting better

Fel1x like the cape. I'd look like a yeti in that gilet but sure it looks great on you.

Bunny been thinking about you today. I've never 'known' anyone having identical twins, so exciting. Hope you've got your head around all now.

MM also I reckon one of the reasons I stay slim without much effort is that I don't drink anything but tea or water! Drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) have sooo many calories in them.

Reine and Tracey still waiting for my airer - will be Thursday before delivery now!

Finally I think I can make the meetup Yippee. Just got to sort out the logistics. DH is not up to looking after the DC on his own so we'll just have to make a weekend of it. Any suggestions for where to stay that doesn't cost megabucks. And please can someone remind me of the venue. Thank you

monkeysmama - Trousers, M&S boots look great! Hope to try them on when I'm in London later this month. Sorry to hear you had a difficult relationship in the past too.

fel1x - Hope your DS will get better soon.

Today this Boden dress in charcoal/navy arrived and I like it. It is actually very flattering and will be great with my new chunky navy cardi and boots. Boden is not widely known or popular in Germany so the print won't be recognised by everyone. Can't wait to drape myself on an armchair like the model here .

I also have a style dilemma. We are going to another corporate do on Thursday. Drinks at the opera with many lawyers, so pretty formal. Planned on wearing my new black silk dress with ostrich feathers. Silver ballet flats (due to cast) and black clutch. Now that it is so cold I might add tights but what kind of coat/shrug to keep warm? Pics of dress are on my profile although it doesn't look that good on the hanger I have to admit. Any ideas how I could make it work?

Zembo! - Please may I pick your brains? Dh has just phoned from new job, where he has been invited around to a new colleagues house to break the Ramadan fast tomorrow evening. He wondered if there was any particular etiquette around what he could bring? Dates?!

Everything - gorgeous picture - what a lovely thing to happen!

Bloody dentist saga continues - appointment before mine overran by 25 mins, I had to collect DS1 from school so have second appointment next week. I also have to see a specialist as dentist is worried about a secondary canal that could be infected (gross). Good news is that we are all better now and DS1 has his first football club training session tomorrow afternoon! He is soooo excited.

I have never been good at choosing shoes (have never had a shoe mojo!) but need some to go with the taupe silk tunic dress I am wearing for the dinner party of the wedding we have coming up. These match some detail on the dress quite well but are these a step too near 'cheap and nasty' I haven't a clue!here

NY being invited to break the fast is an honour, how lovely esp if a new colleague. They will already have dates but your DH could take anything really. I'd love it if someone brought some good dates over (as seem to be having probs finding them this year). Etiquette depends on cultural backgroud but always includes dates and water. Pakistani people tend to love fruit esp refreshing ones like melon and also sweets like rasmalai. Basically, I'm sure they'd welcome any addition to the table, I would . Sometimes it's the difference that's nice rather than having the usual stuff, i.e. something they wouldn't ordinarily have. Not sure how helpful all that was!

Sorry to hear about your cast fritzi. I'm hopeless with cover ups so I can't help you there sorry! I have a do with dh's work next week too. He's a prof and academics are not known for their style or grooming habits! Last time I went for a function, the vice chancellor had food all down his top!! Dh is steering me away from the Bec, but I intend to wear serious heels for the ocasion!

monkeysmama, I went back to level 2 Shred tonight and I found it really hard. I intend to do level 2 and 3 on alternate days. I used to love a glass of wine or two every night but after having dc1 I realised I couldn't manage my weight what with being at home all the time so I limit intake to Fri and Sat nights, unless on hols, or special ocasions.

Great news mrsj, and other new aunts. I missed lots of b'days when I was away too. Belated happy birthday to you all!

zembo, The Wolseley has been suggested for the meet up, near The Ritz on Piccadilly. Citadines have apartment hotels in London, one in Trafalgar Square. Sorry can't link. Need to ask dh for my own pc.

Finally, hope you'll feel better soon with the Dukan notyummy.

Felix like those boots. And that gilet. I love them, but any I've tried on make me look FAT!I'm awaiting arrival of Dukan, NY what is your menu plan for the week. You are so organised, I know you'll have it down to a t.

Need boots feedback myslef! Want a pair of clumpy brown boots for wearing with skinny jeans and tunic/dress/leggings.
these in suede?
these in leather
I'm sure these aren't as orange in reality!

Many thanks Zembo!

Not really done well with Dukan menu planning tbh. Just bought loads of fish, seafood, chicken, fat free fromage frais, eggs, oat bran and activia yoghurt. Already tired of no fruit and veg though......

Too much to catch up so apologies if I miss anyone...

Welcome back to those who have been on holiday. I have been nosing at holiday snaps on FB and those of you on there look like you had a lovely time.

mm we saw all those Baby Beauty Queens. It's a different world isn't it?!

eie how exciting! You look fab (of course)! I have also purchased a L&L scarf on eBay but for a rather less bargainous £49. Still, it's a huge one so big enough for a wrap and beautiful colours.

I gave up on Dukan a while ago and have been slowly toning up through general healthy eating and exercise (thanks for the tips libra). Holiday a mere week away so not long to keep it up and we have a private pool at the villa so will be able to swim daily. bloss hope I manage to maintain as successfully as you did!

fel1x I am loving that gilet. The boots link timed out for me though.

Who was asking about winter maxis? I have the DP grey and black stripe cap-sleeve maxi - think others have too? Like this but grey instead of purple. I plan to wear it with chunky lace-up ankle boots, a black l/s tee underneath and a black furry gilet over the top in winter.

everything - Have tried some second-hand shops for velvet yesterday but no luck. Would love a feather boa but as I don't have one I might go for the pashmina cover-up. If it is too cold outside I can always borrow DH's suit jacket .

blossoming - Please wear the Bec dress next week and high heels. You will look stunning! I dread going out in flats on Thursday. Not very va-va voom

ollie - Hope your tooth gets fixed soon. I also find it difficult to choose shoes for dresses. Contrasting colour might be a good idea though.

rufus - I like the suede boots best. The Fiorentini & Baker ones have a nice retro feel. Would probably look good with dresses but colour might be a bit difficult.

Hi all.

Another beautiful day today, so trying to get some wear out of summer frocks - got this on with cardie and wedges to work.

Am grimly ploughing through my fat free fromage frais with oat bran for breakfast. Have lost 3 pounds in 36 hours, so I guess the suffering is worth it up to a point! Still feel a bit rubbish - better than last night, but got a stinking headache still. I guess my body is in shock after being deprived of carbs and sugar

Fritzi - against my usual policy - but I like that Boden dress!!In fact, I just have a completely non-rational bias against them (not helped by the fact that the only thing I bought needed to have all the buttons resewn back on to it - but was nice apart from that...)

Fleecy - It was me bleating on about winter maxis again. I am obsessed! I like the DP maxi - but it didn't suit pear shaped me when I tried it on. I like your plan of how to wear it though.

Zembo - DH will be scurrying to the local Waitrose near his new job to buy some nice fruit and sweets following your advice. The guy who has invited him is a gulf arab (don't know which country) who is on the same course as him. He has rented a house for his family and put up a Bedouin tent up on the lawn to break the fast in! DH has been to a similar meal before, many years ago as his best friend at school was a muslim - he just wanted to make sure he didn't unintentionally cause offence!

Oh, Rufus - I like the second of those three boots the best.