Avid and Wise, up to our eyes in new summer buys!

[blossoming]

Where is everybody???

If I could choose any bikini body, I think I would like to have Halle Berry's or Courtney Cox's .

Ah yes, Halle Berry in a bikini. That would be awesome. Unfortunately my bottom will not comply with my mental instructions to shrink .

Love that J Crew bikini. I am also on the look out for halterneck and padded top (to boost bee-stings - not droopy, just small...) and flattering bottoms that arent massive but give some coverage and support in the bottom area. Reasonably high cut works for me. I am guilty of going for cheap and cheerful in the past, so may spend a bit more this year - although I think the Heidi Klein ones are still more than I prepared to spend.

I bet you look much better than you think Fritzi.

Don't forget here for discounted bikinis - courtesy of esher last year.

Courtney Cox is a fan of Tracy Anderson too and I must say I really liked her mat workout but haven't done it since we moved - must get back into it though as holiday in July requires some work on tummy etc.

Oooh - great site thanks Mrscb. Am now eyeing up this!

Great website mrscb! Are you still in touch with esher? Hope she's well.

notyummy Nice bikini! I think I'll go for medium coverage on bottom and definitely padded/halterneck top too!

Last year I was still bf so boobs fuller - this year as well as indent issues I also require padding and hoiking of boobs! DH laughs but am seriously contemplating boob job for my 40th

I ordered the most hideous bikini from boden - bottoms were good as roll-over type but the top - oh dear, oh dear, oh dear - it actually succeeded in making my boobs look droopier than if I was topless - a feat indeed.

Am currently waiting for h&m hasbeens to be delivered and love Verity and Portia meeting over them

It would be wrong for all your research to go to waste mrscb, and I love that polka dot bikini. I may have to copy you again!

fritzi, talking of esher, we've lost some lovely a&w posters along the way haven't we?

Hi all,

Sorry I have been away for a while. I've been a bit busy with Easter holidays and various other things. Children have been back at school two days and now another 4 day weekend!
What a sweet idea for a wedding party, NY
Aus trip sounds wonderful and I think that long haul would be fine with a 5 yr old. I have been to S/pore lots of times (S/porean DH) and it would definitely be a pleasant place to spend a few days. There are lots of lovely hotels with excellent service. I haven't stayed in any of them but have visited quite a few for various reasons. The food is fantastic. Shopping is also good and there are enough things for your DD too. I have also been to Bangkok a couple of times. Personally, I find it more interesting as a destination as it is less developed and has more character than S/pore. I think your DD would be absolutely fine in either place. I haven't been to HK but we have friends there and I'm not sure it would be ideal. It is v built up and polluted with v little green space. I have only been to Aus a couple of times on v brief trips so will leave the knowledgable Aussies to advise you there!

Everyone's holidays sound lovely. I'm surprised that the Italians weren't more stylish, bloss. I tend to find that Continentals are somewhat better dressed than the Brits ( large generalisation obviously).

wideawake- love the dress- you classy laddee :)

red- I'm another one with a critical mother. She never seems to comprehend that others may have perfectly valid reasons for making choices which were different to her own. Her way was/is always best! Your own DM's comments sounds as if she is reflecting her own anxieties on to you. She must have had a tough time raising a family by herself and I'm sure she only has your best interests at heart.

I have enjoyed wearing Summery clothes during the recent lovely weather. I have even braved my teeny weeny denim skirt and a pair of shorts plus skinny cargos, chinos and Lottas. Oh, I have also just received the JCrew trench dress that bloss linked to previously [http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/162375 here]] and I think it will be a keeper. I am size 8-10 and ordered the US 2 as it definitely comes up large!

None of my lot seem at all interested in Royal Weddings but I will have to have a peak at the dress!

Big waves to everyone else :)

bloss The polka dot is lovely and would really suit your style. I also miss bunny's witty posts, but she's probably busy with her three lovely girls . We also haven't heard anything from hf and roma and plum and so many others in a while. I sometimes wonder how they are all doing...

Ny I m wearing my Boden 'Fun beaded dress' with pink Burberry and a fasinator [cwink]

You're right fritzi. It's a strange old 'reality'.

Good to hear from you looby. My dh used to lecture in S'pore for a few weeks a year and I used to go with him. He could restart, but doesn't want to take the dcs. I'm trying to change his mind!

Your outfit sounds lovely Portia.

Glad to hear from you Looby. Thanks for all the info!

Am currently testing my VERY rusty French by watching Spiral and trying not to use the subtitles. Tis v good- as is The Crimson Petal and the White, although I find it very disturbing.

Dd very excited about tomorrow! So far she has made a commemorative wedding (paper) plate and drawn a picture of a wedding cake. Both of these are on display in the front window. She is getting up early tomorrow to 'make flags' ( as an officially lazy, not-particularly-royalist mother, I have told her she can do this quietly by herself in her bedroom .) She also wants to make them a card.

MrsCB I love the jacket, bloody gorgeous. Good to hear the house is keeping you busy - have just got our homebuyers survey back and sounds like ours is going to be keeping us very busy. Very busy indeed.

On which note, exciting times Apuski! know nothing about those areas, but not too far away for some mini A&W meet-ups I hope. The schools thing seems a nightmare from the outside looking in. I'm very much of the belief that with the right support at home, a child will thrive anywhere so have tried not to get too embroiled. Am trying to find a nursery for DS atm - have seen a lovely one and am hoping they'll have space for him.

Fritzi, sorry about the bikini saga. I'm not going there until next summer at least.

NY I have loved The Crimson - still have final episode to watch. It's completely changed my opinion of Romola Garai. Can't wait for feedback from your party - you must post a photo!

Hope you have fun tomorrow Portia.

Good to hear from you Looby. I was very taken with the J. Crew dress in this week's Style supplement in The Times. I imagine it will look gorgeous on you. Your analysis of my Mum Is spot-on, she phoned to apologise today so at least she is aware she over-stepped the Mark a little.

Have decided against the wide-leg Jbrands. My reward for a full 30 day Shred is going to be a trip to Trilogy to try and find something perfect for me, so no trousers till then.

And now ladies, a big challenge for you. DSis getting married in July and has decided at the last minute (as she does) that she wants my other sister and I to be bridesmaids. So, we need to find a dress that will work on both of us - not keen on different styles in the same colour. DSis is a 5 9" redhead who has a very androgynous look and would feel very uncomfortable in anything too girly. She is a size 8-10.

We liked this FC dress as a starting point. Any other suggestions?

Morning all!! I am ridiculously excited and so is DD. DH has dropped her off at kindergarten and they have a TV there so they can watch the wedding [csmile]. DD is wearing a white dress, sparkly shoes and has a "special hairdo". I am looking forward to news from our own A&W correspondent portia. Love your outfit, please post a pic!

annie Hope things calm down again and you have some time to relax once your DH is back. With BF and bedtime routine you just need to do what is best for you all at the moment and don't care about conventions I think. I am sure your DDs know what a great Mum they have.

looby The JCrew dress is perfect for you! Glad to hear you had a good Easter!

bloss Do go to Singapore with your DH and take the DCs, such a great opportunity!

notyummy Is your housed decked with flags already?

There's no hope for me today - have just watched a bit of BBC news on the wedding build up and was blubbing like a baby! Why?

Am taking boys to a friend's house to watch it - just hoping DS1 behaves himself as friend has younger children and he gets bored there (iphone at the ready then!). Am just about to make scones to take. Wish I had something red in my wardrobe to wear but will have to make do with blue and white!

Union Jack is on the flagpole too which will no doubt raise a few eyebrows around here! Its all v exciting!

I was thinking about missing W&A friends too - is Bonsoir still on MN? I loved her posts from Paris.

OOOh - possble dress news here

I'm settled in already! And feeling a bit teary, weddings have that effect on me!
Just saw the outside broadcast, Fearne Cotton looking amazing, Edith Biwman looking horrific, and maybe Alex Jones should have belted her trench!

Oooh, so exciting!! Am doing 45 mins on the crosstrainer before a shower and the wedding dress goes on . I like Ferne Cotton's style actually - although it obviously wouldn't suit me.

Good to hear from you Annie!

Right - off to do stuff before the Big Wedding. Have it on the sky plus anyway, so we may see it 10 mins later than everyone else!

Engrossed already too - some appalling hats. Am looking forward to Carole Middleton's outfit very much.

Like VB's hat!

Bloss agree re Ferne and omg what is Edith wearing!

VB's hat is great but the dress is a little dull I think.
Which side are Fearne and Edith on please?

Am listening to R 1 Royal Wedding Disco. Most of the songs are that same as we had at ours!! We had a ceilidh and then a disco and asked all the guests to tell us their fab cheesy wedding disco song for the playlist- it was ace. Opened up with Beyonce Crazy in Love, via a bit of Abba to The Proclaimers 500 miles!