Whoever said money can't buy happiness, simply didn't know where to go shopping - or the Wise & Avid lot!

[OllieWollieWoo]

Stamp on the new thread (quote from Bo Derek btw!!!)

I agree culottes could look excellent. But might avoid the blouse too...

One last one... I think I actually prefer breakfast / coffee or lunch with dh. With or without the children.

That is odd huh!

Normally during the week I eat at 12, dc1 eats it at 5 and dh eats it at 8!! I definitely don't eat after 5.30. I'd be like a bus!!

You're all so healthy. I had chips and 1/2 bottle of prosecco with dh at 10pm last night .

Talking of which, I must do some sport. What can I do that would fit into this daily timetable:

Wake up 6.20, shower and dress self (takes me 20-25 mins to do the whole dry hair, make up etc) before breakfasting together, then dressing dcs checking their bags have all the right stuff etc. I can't pass any of this to dh, as he is valiantly doing 15 mins exercise bike in the morning despite being a dreadful morning person, as he's concerned about his blood pressure.

7.45 Go to bus stop with dh and kids and dog to drop kids off. Dh goes to work. I go home tidy kitchen, do any small ironing/putting away clothes jobs etc, then start working at about 8.30. Work straight through to kids coming home at 5.15, take a break until 7 to do homework and stories (not always possible, and always interspersed with calls), work again until 9, make supper for me and dh, sit down with him and eat it at about 9.30. Then go to bed.

I can't get up earlier as really need my sleep and with dh's working hours I can't go to bed any earlier.

Hate the exercise bike - makes my knees hurt.

I'm considering putting on running stuff and going for run 7.45 - 8.15 and leaving the kitchen in a tip. I want a more toned bottom, is running good for that?

What do you think?

MM -love the sound of that outfit!

Roma - your days sounds familiar in terms of hours/fitting it in.

Your suggestion re timing of going for a run sounds sensible, and it would give you some 'head space' in a busy day. For the bottom (and mine isn't exactly Elle Macpherson's...) I would say running is good, but also (and you know whats coming next don't you?) some short sessions including squats/lunges etc (The Shred!!) would be the best thing to combine running with. Maybe running 2/3 times a week and Shred 2/3 times a week.

Roma - i think the time you suggest is the only way to fit it in. I'm not a runner so have idea about bottom toning qualities.

However I have had to start doing pilates for my crumbling back and the plus side is that bottom is starting to look relatively normal. But it's a huge time commitment (1 hour twice a week - DH does the kids bedtime so I can go)...but I can justify it because it's the only thing that stops my back being agony.

I did a mammoth white company buy and try on. And the only thing that was good on me was the one Roary (I think it was you!) recommended here. Everything else the wrong length or more or not special enough!

And also went into H&M to try and find winter stuff for DD. Goodness there is quite a bit of tat but unearthed some cute and bargainous knit dresses and gloves. It was hard work though!

I think maybe those of us blessed with 2 and 3 and 4 young children (i.e. under 4) have a different take on the eating with kids thing than those with maybe just the one!

Yangy...I don't make separate dinners...we all have the same thing.

Afternoon - just back from westonbirt which was very busy!

Regarding eating - I generally sit down with the dc's but don't always eat with them but may have a coffee or something. But they eat dinner at 5'ish as are in bed by 7'ish or ds1 would be way too tired for school. We do eat most meals together at the weekend though.

I also only cook one evening meal in the week but DH's just gets re-heated as never know when he'll be home.

MM - I tried that faux fur jacket on in New Look but it was too boxy for me.

Oh and to combat the irritation of food being left etc - I am currently putting lots of things on the table and they help themselves. DS1 is obsessed with healthy food at the moment so has to have about 10 lots of vegetables and salad at every meal

Hells, I have that dress too, it's very nice.

DH rarely home before 10pm so it's not practical for us to eat together.

See Marsha, I have to eat later or, just like Plum says, I would be starving by 8pm. We all eat together at breakfast and at all meals at weekends, so early suppers and I am unfailingly absolutely ravenous by 8 pm.

My dh would be very put out eating by himself and I do enjoy that part of the day...

Tracey - I rather like Kevin McCloud too....but in a kind of weird crush kind of way...

I'm also a Kevin fan ... and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall!

Tracey - little things you mention about DS1 do make me laugh. He sounds so funny (in a good way!). That healthy eating thing is the same sort of thing my DS would get all passionate about.

I hope you are starting to feel better. Just being allowed to rest for one day (which I know is impossible for you - and to be honest usually is for me) has really kick started me feeling better. I know it would have dragged on for ages if I hadn't got that day of taking it easy.

carcifio - don't you think Hugh would be a little bit smelly though? ....I've also heard quite a few rumours about him (better not say on here though!). Kevin is supposed to be lovely in RL. I know this, not because I mix in those circles at all...but I have one friend in the know!

Hells, you must elaborate! Maybe, but in an earthy way. :) It is the lifestyle I like really, I think.

are you on my FB (please tell me your initials if so)? Will tell on there but probably naughty to be libelous on here (though I did just call him smelly - does that count as libel?!). Anyway it's not that interesting...just the normal sort of thing.

Really like but don't fancy Hugh...but agree there is a certain grubbiness about him, bless. I never fancy any of the food he' cooks for example.

I'm so not into earthy men...like 'em clean cut and edible.....

Kevin's got about 5 kids so game for a laugh anyway...I met his MIL at a vintage fabric stand (she was selling beautiful french linens etc.) in Bradford on Avon once. Lovely, witty lady.

fleecy - just saw an FB pic of you pop up. you are so bloody gorgeous - do you ever take a bad photo?

It's only libel if it's not true, hells, so you'd need to sniff him in person or get a witness statement from someone saying he's smelly, or reasonably believe him to be smelly. I would say it's a reasonable belief that it is true based on him wandering around pig farms and such on a regular basis

talking of beautiful people...where is our Cake?

I have a serious crush on Hugh Laurie but I have no idea who Kevin McCloud is

Roma I am contemplating bottom toning antics, though I haven't been running since I was about 15. Eugh just the thought of it makes me shudder! Especially in winter

sorry probably not helpful!

I used to do tae kwon do classes and also those cheesy'tae bo' DVDs, the kicks and things seemed to work wonders