We are Avidly snapping up Primarni brogues, whilst Wisely swapping (for charidee!) our unwanted clothes...

[notyummy]

This way ladies....

Also, can I ask if denim is okay pretty much anywhere? Not sure what to wear yet (don't want to think about it or I might crack under the pressure ) but might play it safe with smart jeans.

Hi dolce any house-hunting progress yet?

I had Marsha in mind as Carla Bruni. Tracey also as Kylie

Hello loopy.
Happily - i like the sound of your dress - can you add me so I can have a nose peek?!

Back from a quick trip to Ikea - not a single Christmas decoration to be seen in the entire place (possibly a good thing as its only October?) but still managed to spend 50e on not very much - but did pick up one of those cute green apple cutter thingys which boys with love and a blue and a red & blue fleecey blanket for each of them - was getting jealous that they kept dragging my nice grey throw out to use when they are watching TV and want to snuggle under something! Thats wrong isn't it?) Does anyone else have a minor rummage when picking up one of those yellow ikea bags in store so you don't get a cruddy looking one even tho you don't keep it? I think I have issues!

Oh dolcee I almost spluttered tea over my keyboard. You are too kind! How I would love to be a Rachel Hunter lookalike but have rather small chest, bigger nose (not quite Barbra Streisand but cannot be overlooked either...) and pokerstraight brown hair instead of Rachel's lovely dishevelled beachblonde locks .

Forgot to say: Have just copied your Roasted Mushroom Recipe notyummy and will try this week. Sounds yummy and lovely for autumn! Does anybody else crave more food as soon as the colder weather sets in? In summer I don't need much really but the last few days I have had a real craving for "warm" foods like soups and pasta and potatoes. Cannot do salads when it is cold outside. Maybe I'll cook a big pot of minestrone later.

MM Meant to say, thought your cafe in the park story was very funny - but felt your pain too! I think I would go back too - sounds like it was very handy for you - maybe go at least once to see how things go???

I'm back in Chester today, aargh!! School shoe shopping and geox, £89 down already. Teacher training today.
Let's decide and book somewhere meetupladies, central, need to leave ar 4, being my only criteria. Happy to book hix in selfridges if you want, can't check out choo's suggestion right now.

broadbandless for the whole weekend! So I've barely caught up but lovely links all!

I can't see any of the profile pics please add me if you have a sec!

Ebay users that miss out sometimes - have you tried any of the auto services? I know they are frowned upon by some (and it's ages since I've used one)...but when I did I always won the auctions! bidnapper

MM - I know it was a very tricky situation but how 'lovely' tricky. A nice warm memory to store up....for to be so adored is rare. Who knows - perhaps you'll inspire some great literature from him in future

The bra I was on about is this one. I got it from a local shop though. It's not very pretty but it shapes very well and works with low cut evening wear. I know it says padded but it doesn't really add bulk.

ABO - sorry to hear about DH and I hope somethings turns up soon.

Sorry too Apuski that you are still having to go through so much. On the scar issue - I've read this is supposed to be amazing.

Back later to catch up properly!

Hi Looby.

Picking names really is the fun part. I love Italian names for girls. Thinking of Stella or Clara if we have another girl.

Fritzi, hope you get your boots, it really is annoying waiting for orders.

Wrecked tired as was awake in the night worrying about where we should move to, schools and so on. Not really a problem but it seems like that in the night.

Marsha, I imagine you as a Gwyneth Paltrow (but more fun!).

Esher, I do like the Sonia Rykiell.

Happily, I can't see your photos.

Traipsed around with my friend as she bought loads in Comptoir on Sat but decided to build up a post-maternity wear fund.

I assume it is ok to keep going to the gym? I do a lot of cardio.

carciofi Post mat clothes fund seems a good idea. Hope you're feeling fine. Choosing names is so exciting! Going to the gym should be fine as long as you feel fit. I kept on cycling (not in the gym just normal bike) up to two days before DD's birth as found it more comfortable and quicker than waddling around.

Was supposed to edit and proof-read manuscript for a friend this morning. She send me first draft of her crime novel but I kept nodding off while reading it. Not a good sign I think and now I have to find a way to give her constructive feedback .

everything, do you have any views on meet-up venue? monkeysmama, are you still thinking of coming?

carciofi, things will be back to normal tomorrow hopefully and will send off the dresses. I got your cat message this morning!

Ref meetup - I think maybe go for Hix for lunch at 1 45 as it seems we can all make this time? Perhaps once we have eaten we could go the American Bar for a drink - it doesn't do reservations so may not want to rely on getting a table there for eating...? Also, some people have to be gone by 4pm don't they, so they could slip away then, and those who can stay a little later can have a drink or two (I will have to leave 6 ish I think - maybe slightly later.)

Feel free to tell me to poke off

Have we got a list?

Me
Blossoming
Fleecy
Everything
Esher?
Choo
MM

I may have forgotten someone - if so, its certainly not personal...

Happily you look lovely in that dress(despite illness!) I really like the back detail. Platform heels and a cuff style bracelet would be good as accessory, as so much detail already near face.
Names! my sister had Clemency on her list. I love Ellis, Olivia, Thea, Theo.
Carciofi I'd say do whatever you feel up to. Your body will let you know if you're pushing it too hard.
Choo as you seem to be the expert! Where would you recommend for DH and I? 10 year anniversary and plan on a London weekend at end of November. Thanks in advance for anyone who can recommend.
I'd also like a recommendation for a hairdresser! Would consider getting cut and colour while there. Any recs? You get yours done in London don't you Bloss?

Hix is good for me - as it is in my spiritual home of Selfridges You will have to hold me back from venturing up to the 2nd Floor shoe hall.

I think Bunny and Zembo are also coming?

Now what do I wear?

How could I forget Bunny and her beautiful bump???

Don't think Zembo can make it anymore.

Not sure about LTEC - maybe for a drink?

Could be 8 for lunch then if Blossoming is booking?

carciofi - All the advice seems to be to continue exercising in pregnancy unless you have any risk factors, just don't try for any personal bests I ran up to 6 months - did a 10k at the 6 month point and then retired to power walking uphill and the cross trainer for the last trimester.

Good news! Just got job offer confirmed and will start working end of October for 20h/week. Slightly more hours than I planned but DD is at kindergarten in the morning anyway and I am looking forward to getting dressed for work and meet people! Plus I'll have some more money to spend, yay! Not that much mind you, but it still feels good.

Although I'm not coming I feel a bit nervous about the meetup. Please let us know details of everyones outfits!

Selfridges is great for me, although am almost certainly going to be wearing denim - can't fit into much else apart from my maternity Baxters. Dear me.

Thanks for all the name suggestions! They are all pretty much the kind of "flavour" I favour - old, not popular, substance etc. I really like Olivia and Livia, but DH not keen - WHY??? And WHY won't he see the beauty in Diana? The P of Wales isn't in the news so much any more.

Esher - love the M&S fur coat - please do tell how it works out! Uniqlo doesn't look half as luxe IMO, but RL and internet photos aren't always exactly the same, are they?

Fritzi - oh dear re nodding off during crime thriller. Me thinks it does not thrill.

Many congratulations Fritzi!

Rufus This is quite helpful for hotels

I see the San Domenico is recommended there - that is on the 2 nights for 1 Mr & Mrs Smith offer.

I like Browns and Charlotte St - CS is part of the Firmdale Group Here

Happily Lovely dress! Lovely you and dd!

Fritzi Great news on the job.

Fritzi, congratulations!

Blossoming, thank you and no rush, I won't need them for quite a while.

OK, good, will keep going.

Rufus, the Kensington Gore hotel is really nice. My friends stayed there at the weekend.

I love Italian names too carciofi. Anna was on our list for girls as a beautiful Italian name but one that sounds good without an Italian accent! Lucia is lovely too looby. My dad's been doing our family tree recently and it's interesting to see how the names of the relatives make you view them. I've found myself really drawn to the name Sarah which conjures up a strong elegant woman to me. It wouldn't have occured to me as a possibility before; too many of them when I was at school!

Sorry you didn't get your christmas fix oww. And yes, looking for a less-creased yellow bag is bonkers

Congrats fritzi! And hope your footwear arrives soon...

Carciofi my boys all have italian names. Clara's not Italian though - it's 'Chiara' (Kiara). My top favourite is Fiamma. Sofia is beautiful too. Ilaria is pretty. Hmm, must ttc a female

Well done Fritzi.

Esher - I copied you and ordered these - just arrived and are fab

HF - oh I love Lucknam - just round the corner from me