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We're AVIDly buying Agnes, Anya & Ash (all very WISE buys!)

994 replies

OllieinOrange · 02/07/2011 09:13

Time for a new thread.....

OP posts:
roary · 12/07/2011 11:11

I am not spending anything else on clothes (ahem) for a while (ahem) but I did see this ridiculously reduced in Boden sale and thought it might be worth a try, it could look very cool in winter with black opaques too. For those who have some spending money, maybe!

blossoming · 12/07/2011 12:56

Hmm, roary. Is that a cotton skirt painted with metallic paint? There has to be something really wrong with it at that price!

I guess I thought I would be baking all day, taking dcs out on lovely long walks, having lunch out with baby being adorable. Reality is so different! I quickly realised that if you bake all day, you'll eat all night, so that put an end to that. DS never ate any lovingly cooked meal from the toddler books. He had terrible reflux and constantly vomited, so no there was no feeding him in public. Also you forget that they have their own personalities from the start and they might not actually want to do what you want to do! I had visions of us going on road trips through France, like we did when I was growing up, but DS used to scream and struggle after 5 miles in the car, which put an end to that idea too!
I don't know either why I didn't realise that if I hated cleaning, washing and ironing beforehand, I wasn't suddenly going to get stimulated by them later on.
I had a deep biological urge for dcs though, so it wasn't an option to not have children (my parents adopted 2 as they thought they couldn't). I was lucky to conceive straight away, and conceived dc2 very quickly too. I suppose I am a perfectionist/control freak, and this is completely impossible with kids. Time to go back to work!

FritziGreenEyes · 12/07/2011 12:57

Thanks for all your kind words and advice. I actually feel embarrassed about my earlier self-pitying post, sorry Blush.

wideawakenurse · 12/07/2011 13:02

Need to be quick, I am between meetings at work. But needed to say to fritzi don't be embarrassed, I totally get where you are coming from. Big un-mm hugs to you.

OllieinOrange · 12/07/2011 17:29

Hello again! Have worked out that if i sit in the middle of the garden i can get wi fi!!! Result - esp for browsing on here and a sneaky DM catch up (pickled!) Lovely holiday so far, great weather and dh and i slipped into holiday mode v quickly, sharing all the everday stuff like food prep/getting up with ds2 at 6am which is v helpful and i already feel like i have had a relaxing break. Already eaten my body weight in cheese (ignoring impact on tummy!!!)

Also changing outfit 3 times a day to justify the amount i brought with me! Am loving my slate grey racer back vest top and baggy white trousers combo.

Only skimmed read thread but wanted to add that some days i love not having a job and other days i am desperate for one. Thats life, but the important thing is to recognise the need to change something if you continue to feel unhappy with things. Oh, and to carry on buying dresses of course Smile. There are some v wise ladies on this thread which is why its so special. Sorry for the self indulgent holiday post, back later in the week with tales of french chic!

OP posts:
herecomesthsun · 12/07/2011 17:48

Jalouses stone 36 if anyone is still interested?

wideawakenurse · 12/07/2011 18:20

Hello.

On the way home at long last. Our laptop has died, so I only have access via my phone and I find the MN app a bit painful, often freezes and needs to be reinstalled.

So many wise posts here today, and with so much honesty.

fritzi don't be so hard on yourself. Only you know the pressures and strains that you have in your life, and sometimes it's important to acknowledge that they can be hard to deal with. I really thought family life was going to be very different for me too. DS is fairly high maintenance, needs lots of attention and can never just 'be'. Sometimes when I am leaving work I crave for my single life, going out and answering to no one, spending my money as I choose with zero guilt etc.

My relationship with DH Is difficult too at times. Since I am back at work we have bickered so much, and some dreadful things have been said in the heat of the moment.

The pressures of parenthood on women, are so different to that of men. DH's life has not changed that much really, yet I am struggling with keeping on top of my career, trying to juggle work and family and try and be a credible professional.

So after all that waffling, I am saying it's ok to feel disappointed with how things are and to acknowledge life doesn't look how you thought it would. We are all here to lend an ear though.

ollie glad you are having a good time, sounds like a great holiday. Don't worry about cheese-gate. Enjoy!!

Nothing of any wise or avidness to report from here, although am feeling so bloated and I am sure I look 6 months pregnant already.

Thanks for all your suggestions for my days off, cinema sounds good as does uninterrupted lunch somewhere.

Have decided not to buy a dress for DH's birthday evening. Seems a little unwise seeing as I probably would not wear it again for at least a year! Hopefully we will go somewhere relaxed and so jeans and heels will suffice.

moragbellingham · 12/07/2011 18:21

Boden "elegant vests" for anyone interested are OK at £7.50 each. Wouldn't have paid anything more though TBH. They are double layered but very fine and hang rather than cling (no lycra I think) - which is ideal for me as I have a stomach that needs skimming over!
Red & blackberry colours are nice and size down if inbetween sizes.

The other top - the linen mix t shirt at £6.50 is debatable. It feels like an old fashioned dishcloth to me but is a great shape and colour so hmmmmm.

ApuskiDusky · 12/07/2011 18:29

All this talk of working or not working is resonating with me as I sit on the train heading back from my interview (think it went ok, probably waffled too much, and I think they're seeing quite a few people). I really don't want to start a new job right now, on reflection, I want to get the family settled in the new area and let DH have a good run at settling into his new job before we go back to dual career juggling. But I'm too much of a scaredy cat about being out of the job market to just stop looking for now. It's one reason why I'm being so upfront about 4 days a week - to put off people unless they really want me!

Amazing what four hours on a train reflecting will throw up isn't it?!

Did I say I love my dresss? Love it. Felt great in it all day.

moragbellingham · 12/07/2011 19:52

That sounds positive Apuski - and it probably showed in the interview. Also there's nothing like feeling good in something to exude confidenceSmile.

MarshaBrady · 12/07/2011 20:46

Apuski that sounds great.

Hi lovely people I have been doing work for big projects and in the zone. Quite a few parties too which have been really great.

Painter still here. He has ahem been different. Ended up being a sort of counsellor as he is going through a relationship breakdown. Bizarre! What I do for nice F&B walls.

I am on the cusp of buying a proper bag, like most on this thread. Well nearly a proper bag. I shall be back soon with links.

Fritzi I really liked the sequin skirt.

MarshaBrady · 12/07/2011 20:48

Hi Fleecy! Yes to forward-planning what a great idea. I really like the style of these but sadly even more ££ and not bitter chocolate semi gloss; or even deep deep burgandy.

carciofi · 12/07/2011 21:21

Apuski, glad it went well.

Bloss, how was your NaP order?

Sometimes I want to run out to work but I remember wanting to run out of the office at times too so I try to enjoy my time at home (mostly!). Definitely going back to work when DD2 is older though. Hope you are ok, Fritzi. I love the blanket, thanks so much.

Feeling pretty tired at the moment, all the 3am wake-up calls are catching up on me.

Glad you had a good time in NY, Roary. I often wonder should we have stayed.

Marsha, fab boots and I see they are styled with my favourite ever skinny jeans, which I am wearing today. :) The Outnet straight-leg Current/Elliots arrived and they are keepers.

Will get to the post office later this week, pregnant ladies!

Night all.

MarshaBrady · 12/07/2011 21:27

Night carciofi have a nice sleep, lovely jeans. (I did think if I got the boots I need new jeans just like that to go with them )

blossoming · 12/07/2011 21:33

Hmm not sure about the NaP order. They are so creased it's hard to tell. Are they still too expensive for beach cover-ups? I will only wear them to and from the pool/beach over a bikini. Or I'll need to get a strapless nude bra. Dilemma!

Finally, sports day tomorrow. I have been shredding in anticipation.

PORTIA4 · 12/07/2011 22:08

Evening Ladies, just in from work.
Am wearing one of the P8 dresses bought in the Xmas sales, wore the other one(same as NY's) yesterday for the first time, they really are perfect for work, and great value.
As a Mum of a 19, 15 and 9 year old, believe me it does get far easier and certainly for me, so much more rewarding, as the years go on. My Dds really are a joy, such good company and nice people (with the normal teenage slip ups occasionally!) but it does get better, nothing in life is constant and we all have ups and down Smile I was a SAHM for 17 years, and often felt really resentful, now I have my days when I would love to be at home!
Plum Did you get my pm?

redllamayellowllama · 12/07/2011 22:52

Hi Ladies, you are all lovely. Things still mounting up here, but had a nice afternoon with cousins today at the Portrait of the Year Exhibition and then on to lunch at Polpo, which is a fantastic place to take lunch on a breather from shopping on Regent/Oxford Street, if anyone's looking.

Gah, the whole Mum at home/at work/doing it all thing - Ollie you're so right on the grass is greener front. I try not to beat myself up too much about my choices as wherever I turn, there will be someone supporting what I do and someone telling me I should be doing something else. I guess you can only do right by yourself. Needless to say, I'll be going back to work at some point in the next two years. I need a bit more balance to my life.

FWIW, from what I can gather on here, all of you are dong a wonderful job. As generic as that sounds, I really mean it. And, as WAN said, lots of articulate wisdom on here today.

Apuski glad you've come to a natural conclusion about what you want to be doing. Any closer to narrowing down an area? Your poor DS and poor you; heart-breaking to witness.

Carciofi is a hard, hard stage when they're no longer newborn newborn, but not yet babies able to go a bit longer through the night. You have my sympathies.

Annie I didn't get on with High Kais (actually, they wouldn't do up over my belly); Long Johns for me.

Bloss what is it you ordered? May have missed links. You're really getting ready for September; will be fantastic to hit the ground running.

Hosting my sister's last supper tomorrow with an ever-expanding guest list. DH is so looking forward to the move; he's been excellent at biting his lip (although i did catch him mouthing f off at my Mum's turned head today) when it comes to my family. Guilty of under-appreciation big style; he is a very good man.

anniemac · 13/07/2011 05:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AntPants1 · 13/07/2011 06:25

Good luck Annie. great outfit. Hope bug was 24 hour affair and you have a good day.

PORTIA4 · 13/07/2011 07:00

Annie Your outfit sounds hot to trot! Best of luck with your presentation, hope your tummy settlesSmile

notyummy · 13/07/2011 07:23

Good luck Annie and well done Apuski- sounds like you did yourself justice.

This is my bargainous tan leather handbag I mentioned yesterday. Am pleased with it!

Have good days all.

blossoming · 13/07/2011 08:23

Wondering how to sneak a black sports bra underneath my summer top Wink.

Emo76 · 13/07/2011 08:44

just dashing in to say WATCH OUT with the NAP sale if you want to make a return - it is 7 days rather than the usual 14. I am now trying to get a return outside of that period....eek

redllamayellowllama · 13/07/2011 09:21

Sorry hear abut illness Annie - sounds like yu coped admirably yesterday. Hope well-rested = excellent day.

You go, Bloss!

Emo hope they take pity on an avid customer!

Am wearing my Vince navy jumper (thanks again Fritzi), with Nudies and Jalouse today. Feeling good.

Have great days all.

blossoming · 13/07/2011 10:04

annie, that sounds dreadful. Glad you're feeling better. Good luck today. Your outfit sounds truly gorgeous.

Thanks for the advice re returns emo. Is it the agnes you're returning?

redllama, they are two racer back splendid tanks. I have seen them worn to great effect over bikinis on a beach, notably on Eva Longoria last week, link from DM. They have a curved hem that just covers bum and the racer back highlights shoulders and back. I'll iron them and see.