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

[blossoming]

Where is everybody???

Hi Bloss, thanks for asking, nothing definite on the job front so far - had talked to a couple of companies but not my wanting to work more than 4 days a week is proving a killer for corporate roles. In theory I should be offered an interim role with someone I used to work with in the next few weeks, but don't know what the offer will be. Otherwise I might be looking at setting up as an independent which would be a bit scary!

And no, not spent ebay money yet!

Thanks Roary and Bloss I did get a teensy bit excited. That's good to know. I might say only if they provide somewhere for a year or so. But even then I doubt it. Too hard to deal with school years. I imagine same for NY, one would have to earn buckets to have a nice standard of living. Probably good when single!

I'm pleased you are here for a bit before your big move. Might be possible to meet and give info from sister (think she is enjoying it so far).

Petit I've been shredding for 9 days now and am about to go on to Level 2 which I really didn't get on very well with last time. I am definitely seeing results - mainly in my upper torso, arms and thighs - my 'belly' is being slow to respond, but this has always been my problem area. I seem to respond quite well to exercise, which makes it all the more stupid that I am usually so lazy. Last time I tried, I was doing it in the evening; wiped out from bf-ing all day. Shredding in the morning seems to be the key for me. Shred essay finished.

So, petit and Nan - your 30 day Shred completion reward will be?? A fab pair of jeans for me, most definitely. And possibly a trip to Rigby and Peller to get well kitted out for bras after 3 years of pregnancy and bf-ing (if I can summon up the courage to stop).

Glad you had a lovely break Apuski - v jealous of you (and all others) who nabbed some hasbeens. Very much wanted a red pair.

House things are a bit annoying atm; we're going to need to do a lot more than we envisaged, which is fine, but it could mean me and the DCs staying here for a bit longer while DH heads down to start work come September.

Carciofi - wow, you're on the home straight. Lover everything you have linked to, fingers crossed you nab the DKNY blazer in the NaP sale.

Sounds like a fab time had Portia - in hindsight, I wish I'd made a bit more of a fuss. DS has become even more of a little Royalist - he is insisting on wearing the commemorative medallion presented to him by his Nursery at all times (features a shocking portrait of the happy couple) and can occasionally be heard talking to Kate and William. Was positively gleeful at the sight of today's Grazia.

Hi all.

Portia - your day sound AMAZING. Am very jealous!

Apuski - glad you had a good break. Hope the right job makes an appearance very soon.

Ladies, I have my personal shopping session tomorrow and am starting to get excited! That said, I have no idea what I actually want to get out of it. I don't think I want a complete style 'makeover' but I am willing to try stuff on that I wouldn't usually pick up, as I guess that is kind of the point! I would like a couple of really nice tops, possibly silk, that could be worn to work or dressed up for a night out. I don't think I am particularly short of one kind of item, although arguably I have hardly any handbags....but I feel like she would be better used on advice on clothes rather than bags. Also, bags could get very expensive, very quickly, and whilst I am looking to spend a bit of money, I am not 'going for broke.'

Any advice from those who have done something similar?

NY, have never had a personal shopping session but hope you have fun.

Marsha, any of my friends with dc in New York city send them to private schools, or they move out to Long Island or upstate NY and send the kids to state schools.

Petitdonkey, I have bought at Donna Ida before. They have a great selection, they are good with advice and I didn't find them pushy. I have J Brand mid-rise straight legs, can't remember the style number but will check. I also have Bloss's skinnies on my very long list!

Red and Nan, good luck with the Shred. I have my copy ready for June.

And Apuski, very good luck to you on the job front.

Morning all!
Love that list everyspring. For me I would have to add, in brackets, after each one: in wind and rain!
But really, it hasn't rained for 4 weeks here. Some kind of record.
I am being careful of DH right now as he is busy and stressed. It means foresaking my London hairdresser trip this month and braving a salon I've been to with dd in Chester. I have made it clear it is a one off though!
Maybe it would mean enough money saved to buy Chanel shades next time I go though.
Hope you have fun tomorrow notyummy. I want to hear all about it!

Thanks everyspring, definitely interested in something that just lasts and then I don't have to think about it again! I've found a salon in town that does minx nails so will look into going there.

Looking forward to hearing about what you have bought tomorrow NY!

After a rest day to chill after the hectic weekend I'm back on the decluttering today. And trying to distract myself - DH is going to the hospital this afternoon to have a suspicious mole removed. I know in all probability it'll be fine, but it's hard not to worry.

Hello all!

bloss, I can't believe you are forsaking your London hairdresser trip. Couldn't you call them up and tell them you can't make it and see if they can recommend anyone closer. The hairdresser I use in the village worked in top salons in London for many years before setting up here. I hate the thoughts of your lovely edgy cut being spoiled.

Apuski, it is hard not to worry. Roll on tonight when you can breathe a little sigh of relief. You are getting closer and closer to the right job I am sure. Are you committed to the idea of four days? I ask because I am considering something full time - am I mad?

NY, I think she may show you things that you would rule out on the basis of your not at all too big bum. It should be fun.

Marsha, it's nice to have a little daydream about relocating somewhere lovely. I remember a few years ago when we had the opportunity of relocating to Paris, I was so excited. In the end it all came down to money and there just wasn't enough of it to cover the 'risk' IYKWIM.

Love that list everyspring although I could probably wear the same outfit to about five of those events. I do tend to get in a bit of a groove and wear my favourite things again and again.

I hope it goes well for him apuski.

Thanks pickled. I am holding out for 4 days at least for now - as much for me as the ds's. I don't think I'd have enough energy at home if I was doing a demanding 5 days a week job, I just don't think I have the physical or mental stamina. Much as I'd like to be, I'm not an 'always on the go' type of person.

Must have taken ages to post that and missed yours Bloss! Thanks.

pickled, I really didn't want to hear that about my hair!! However I just saw that Andrew Collinge has a salon in Chester. Can't be that bad can it? If I go for senior style director?

bloss, find out where the WAGs go .

I googled, and this is what I saw Not the look I'm after!

Bloss - when I was a student in Chester I dreamed about going to Andrew Collinge!!

Carciofi - thanks for info on Donna Ida - think I will head there if I am successful at shredding. I'd like to lose a stone and I think that's realistic in six weeks or so. (I have about 4/5lbs on at the moment that is just bloat from too much drinking and carbs, that will go quite swiftly and then I'll have to work harder at the rest.) Obviously I'd love to lose more and be a size 8 but I think that, for my body type and lifestyle, I would be happy being a trim size 12.

Good luck petit, there's plenty of support on here and elsewhere for you. You know we all just want to look and feel our best. And thanks for the vote of confidence in AC!

I know my wardrobe is complete, blah, blah, blah. But I really like this emerald bikini. And I remember my research from last year, and triangle, tie side bottoms best on me. In a size down, according to Heidi Klein.

Oh, the wedge ankle tie espadrilles arrived, and they're a 'no'. Such a shame. My dresses/skirts are quite short this year and they looked wrong with them. Maybe without the ankle ties.
Never mind, I may find something on Saturday. I've made an appointment. Gulp!

What a shame Bloss - about your London trip and the espadrilles. If it helps, I always used to admire the haircuts AC did on This Morning (student daytime watching)!!!
Everyspring - thats a really good way at looking at wardrobe needs. I'm always getting caught out by events and having to buy something on the run rather than having it to hand in my wardrobe.

Blog about pleated skirts here for those interested here

Back from my potter without kids - brought zilch for me despite trying lots on. Came close to buying a navy cotton top with nice swallow print on but didnt like it enough to pay 70euros iykwim. Did pick up DS2 some cute baggy swimshorts - red with big white stars which got a big ''thanks Mum' from him - bless.
Off to view house now. Back later.

Afternoon Ladies. It's quite chilly here today, so am still in winter clothes .
I am finding it hard to get my head around the new trend for pleated skirts, in my head I associate them with my Granny in the mid eighties!
Bloss shame about the espadrilles, but I'm sure that you'll find something nicer, best of luck at the hairdressers.
Every that's a great list of occasions that require outfits and would be a good way for me to analyse what I need in my wardrobe, if anything!
Am off to look for some navy trousers that aren't too formal but that I could wear to work. Will post later if I am successful!

Apuski- hope everything went ok today.

Everyspring- thanks so much for that list. Really useful.

Bloss- am watching last nights Biggest Loser. Cannot believe Darius' time - 4 hours for a marathon for someone who weighed 350 pounds only a few months ago is SERIOUSLY impressive!

Well my Jessie flares from TS have arrived. here. I really like them and they look great with my wooden heels from Zara. The 28/34 are ideal.

I know it was amazing notyummy. And the fact that Michael who is still overweight finished it in 6.5. I also thought Koli looked rather 'hot'!
Who do you think will win? And who'll win the 'at home' prize? I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

I honestly don't know who will win. Can't believe Darius put on weight though! He must be one of the fittest and healthiest though. As long as that annoying red t shirt woman doesn't win the at home prize, I dont care!

Good Morning.

Back to earth from recent hotels/evening out lifestyle, with two long days at work having had very broken sleep with DS and his teeth. Thank goodness I am now have some days off.

NY looking forward to hearing about the personal shopping experience. Love the idea of occasions and outfits, makes more sense really. Really like the flares too. Are the same ones as MrsCB has?

Bloss sorry to hear that the espadrilles are not working for you, especially after such a long wait. Hope the hairdresser's is ok. Is DD getting a haircut too?

petitdonkey I am only 5'4'' so I like the 901 J brands, skinny but shorter. Word of warning though. The black ones are made slightly differently to the indigo ones, in that the black have 2 % spandex in them and the indigo's do not. This is why my recent Revolve purchase was wrong - I need to size up in indigos.

Apuski I know what you mean about doing full time, would a killer for me too. Don't fall into the trap that I have though of being paid part time but easily working nearer full time hours. It really is a skill in itself strike a balance between work, children, and family.

Grey day here today, so matched with grey skinnies, white t-shirt and my new Gap scarf.