Karl, Marc and Oscar might be three WISE men, but if it's AVID women you're after, this is the place

[PlumSykes]

new thread

WIT is back.

Hi ladies.

Yes, Hoxton is out of twins, which means those who wish to share to keep costs down are stiffed. I think the doubles may go shortly. I have been surfing, trying to find hotels that will enough rooms so we can all be accomodated together - makes it tricky as many 'boutiquey' ones are smaller or already booked. Suspect we may need around 10 rooms looking at the list so far. Also trying to find ones that aren't too 'chainy' and come in at a reasonable price.

This one has a spa and is opposite Westfield. Looks ok. Rooms about £130 per night RO for double or twin.

Just trying to gauge what is out there really! Also - location tricky as not sure where to eat?? Any advice from London ladies? I guess central offers us more options.

fritzi - just looked at WIT - that is exactly how my DD's Monday/Tuesday class teacher looks much of the time (she has a good choice of fur coats )

DP's friend's DH's funeral is tomorrow. The friend is staying with her in-laws (large North African Jewish family that takes care of its own) but apparently the Ville de Paris sent in a cleaning service and put her apartment to rights within 24 hours. God only knows if she'll want to live there again, though.

marsha - welcome back from Australia! Have you got a sun tan? There are a few very bronzed children at DD's school - I am

Meet-up ladies.

Had a thought - could those of you who wish accommodation PM me and let me know if you want a room of your own or would rather share to keep costs down. Could you also indicate your price range?? I promise I wont discuss any of this info, but it is difficult to suggest hotels without knowing roughly how many rooms we need, and what broad price range people find acceptable. If I have an idea of a range of prices, I can suggest hotels that meet the 'average' of the price ranges suggested - and that hopefully dont exceed anyones top price. We will never get a hotel that meets everyone 'wish list' - but if we start with price and then work on amenities/location we should be able to make a sensible choice.

TIA!

I'm definitely planning on coming to the meet up, but I won't need a hotel. I'm afraid that going away for the weekend to be with people DP has never met is just about as much as he can cope with - if I said I was also going to stay in a hotel, he would be horrified/suspicious/grumpy/obstructive! I will stay with friends or my parents.

I have messaged you ny

Have been lurking but not posting as still feeling a bit under the weather so nothing really worth reporting at this end!

Vin, I bought DS2 two of theseschleich elephants for his first birthday. It was an excellent idea as there are so many more to collect. He plays with his animals/dinosaurs every day. A piece of green fabric over a cushion makes an excellent hill , they can go in the bath or a basin without filling up with water and the baby ones are soooo cute. I love the ostrich baby and the www.schleich-s.com/en/action_figure/collectables/product_range/world_of_history/prehistoric_animals/wooly_mammouth_baby/index.html baby mammoth]].

Marsha, welcome home. Glad your family are all well.

I knew I should have previewed. Here's the last link. You really wanted to see that baby mammoth, didn't you vin?

yes, Schleich animals lovely. Had some farm ones here and will be getting dinosaurs for DS's third birthday in a few months.

Fritz, I assume that 100% composite means a mixture of man made fibres. Absolutely no silk in sight .

Fleecy, DS2 had his dinosaurs for his 3rd birthday along with a trip to the dinosaur park in Norwich. I would highly recommend it if you are anywhere near, they sell many of the Schleich dinosaurs in the shop there too.

Pickled ds used to collect those animals, a huge range to choose from, and I always think it's good to have a collection of reasonably priced things so you can just buy one on a whim. He got years of fun from them.

Everything I have fingers and toes crossed for you. You deserve a break, I really hope you get it.

NY your poor, poor dd - ouch, hope she is on the mend now. You are great to organise the meet-up, I hope it doesn't turn into a logistical nightmare for you! I just found a flight and will be brave and book it I'll pm you.

Apuski good luck with the interview Dh was just talking to a recruitment guy on the phone about a job that sounds perfect for him. Hope you are both successful.

I have just finished washing the dishes from Sundays lunch The water came on while our friends were here, but had gone again by 7 when they left, so no dishwasher. I thought that might happen, so had filled up the bath with cold water, then we had to take bucketfuls of that to the kitchen, boil some of it and wash the dishes in batches. God it was tedious. It is unbelievably difficult to live without water, I have decided to sign up for monthly contribution to one of those charities that brings water to communities in Africa.

To add insult to injury, I found a beautiful scarf from L&L, powder pink and cream, the perfect colours for me, bookmarked it, went back to buy it, and yes it was sold out. Anyway, should look on it as a blessing and save the money for my London trip!

Marsha welcome home, great to hear your trip was a success

Vin - I second/third wheelybug and schleich animals. Also wooden tractors very popular in this house.

Vin - I like that dress a lot

However I am firmly sitting on my hands until brora/hush sales start.

Have just washed/hoovered my car ably assisted by DD - horrid horrid job but car was shamefully filthy.

Ooh, I'm home early from my teaching and the Isabella Oliver ruched jersey dress arrived. I think it's quite spectacular. But very form fitting. Maybe too much so. Will have a think.
vino, you're likely to be kidnapped if all of us are in London that weekend!
Will pm you notyummy.

Verity, the water situation sounds awful. Shame about the scarf, maybe Matches has it? I think they stock L&L.

NY, I forgot to say, your poor DD, that sounds very sore.

I got a pair of skinny maternity jeans from Gap which are fine on though slipped down when I tried them on, but I am very tempted to buy the much more expensive Paige version, which are £100 more. I already have COH Avas, would I be silly to return the Gap jeans and buy the Paige when I will only be wearing them for a few weeks? Even though they would make me happy?

Vino, we got my DD the animal blocks and a wheelybug for her first birthday and she plays with both still.

Everything, hope you get the house, fingers and toes crossed.

Why only a few weeks carciofi?
Ebay the Paige ones afterwards, that'll offset the cost! (I'm not one to turn down premium denim though!)

Well, my regular jeans still fit me but probably not for much longer so I guess I will get a good few months out of them. I feel enabled, I'm ordering and returning the Gap jeans!

Apuski, good luck for the interview.
Looby, I prefer the star earrings for your sister.

Just tried on the Merrill coat and I don't like it so I have ordered the Paige jeans instead.

OWW, thanks for thinking about my shelving dilemma. I have decided to go for the apple crates. This is the look I am going for only on a smaller scale.

I had a nice email today asking me to be part of an advisory committee at the Institute of Education. If I decide to accept it would mean a few more trips to London and the potential for a bit of shopping. I must try not to let that influence my decision .

The meetup is turning into a huge affair. I still feel a bit of an interloper around here as you lot have such a shared history but it would be lovely to attend.