Avidae et prudentes, because the classics never go out of style

[AmberNectarine]

Here we go..

hi annie, sounds like you've had a blast - it will be christmas in no time

i am just about to macerate some pumpkins for soup, anyone doing likewise

pickled I'm just defrosting some pumpkin soup I made last week

We can't get hold of any bloody pumpkins!

My dad managed to get one on Thursday and did a lantern with DD - but he threw away the insides . DH wanted to get another one yesterday to do with her today....but none to be found!

We all like pumpkin soup - but we may have to miss out.

notyummy Missed your previous post. Please don't get too stressed in doing the perfect Halloween for DD. I'm sure she will be happy with a little trick or treat tour around your next door neighbours' houses and whatever for dinner. Last year I just drew some scary faces on clementines and that was our Halloween themed dessert for dinner

snap with the faces on clementines fritzi

may i recommend a melon baller to help with the hollowing out. i am planning on serving the soup in a pumpkin if all goes well.

ny, would have happily sacrificed one of our pumpkins if you'd been nearer. i assume you've tried farm shops/garden centres/supermarkets/garages. you could always nip to a pub with a restaurant for some hot choc after t or t-ing [if you decide to go]

i love halloween - less deceit than christmas and easter [what with santa and the easter bunny and all]

Anniemac's Halloween pumpkins were indeed excellent.

Must admit I haven't done much for Halloween, but did have two lovely parties on weekend. Anniemac's was the best . The outfits were amazing and it was really nice to meet her dh and gorgeous children.

I still have visions of our next big mu. But as NY says it will probably be quite hard to get a date we can all make before Christmas.... maybe another year has passed party early next year.

I am in the midst of finishing some work and am obsessed with getting it right. In the zone!

Ollie that scarf is lovely and would really suit you.

Amber how are things? Hope you are feeling better.

Hello everyone, Icey nice to see you. Pickled how's the soup?

Someone complimented my APC boots today. And I know that some are not keen on the outnet. But my tally for random compliments from nice strangers is really high with the stuff from there . But of course they ask where it's from and letting them know the outnet is no help really.

The trick is I think to time it right, the good stuff goes very quickly.

Thanks!

Hope all the poorly people are feeling a bit better.

Ollie - lovely scarf and I absolutely see you in it.

Icey - good to see you, any dates set for getting the ball doling with renovations?

Marsha those boots are amazing, not surprised you get so many compliments on them!

Hope Halloween was lovely for you and DD NY - am sure it will have been.

Pumpkin soup sounds delicious Pickled, yum.

Glad you're enjoying your time with DH around Annie, must be lovely. Sounds like quite the do at the weekend!

Big wave to everyone else.

Have had hordes of trick or treaters and DS has loved giving out sweets to them all - next year for him I think.

At nursery pick-up today i checked if I could send him in with a cake/cupcakes to have on Monday for a late birthday celebration. Not Nursery policy to have cakes, but I'm welcome to send him in with breadsticks and houmous. I mean really.

Popped into town with DD so DH could get some work done. Tried on quite a few things in Topshop and was really unimpressed with the quality and fit (and I'm no snob - Topshop and I go way back) and the fact I looked awful in it all. Made the mistake of then trying some bits in Whistles, which were marvellous in comparison and therefore, irresistible. Will be back with links .

I am ignoring loud banging on the door. Really, don't they know it's bedtime? (Don't mind me, my HoC consultant ticked the box 'reserved' - I have a reason I'm like this you know!)

Sorry to hear you so stressed notyummy. There's nothing like the ability of a child to leave important news/messages to the last minute.

Sounds like a great party anniemac. Glad your dh is home for you for a while.

Let me defend myself pickled. I meant, great necklace, great geometric print on the dress, great ring, great eye make up. I am not so deluded to compare myself to her! Her outfit though makes sense to me and doesn't scare me like some of the stuff I heard from HoC.

redllama, I wore Whistles to work today. It is really lovely stuff. That and the LK Bennett haul. I find the cheapo M&S stuff I bought for work in the summer is already languishing in my wardrobe.
More stuff to ebay!
My Landsend Stadium Squall is going for good money on Ebay this week. I'm impressed!

My DH has offered to buy me a mountain bike for Christmas. WWYD?

Must stop raiding DD's stash of Halloween sweets while drinking red wine.

I have ordered this sequin jumper as I put it on and it just made me feel so very happy! Was very sexy on - smoky eyes, black skinnies and shoe boots for a night out in a few weeks. Ordered from John Lewis though, as for some reason it is £15 cheaper there. Can't wait to wear it.

Agree that their stuff is just wonderful. I'm building up something of a collection.

bloss If you loved the biking at the weekend, a mountain bike would be a great present!

red Gorgeous jumper! I feel very drawn to anything with sequins at the moment .

annie Your party sounds great. Was it your DH who can cook perfect rice?

Non S&B question: Does anyone know about plants? I have two large potted hydrangeas on the terrace. Do I need to put them inside or will they survive the winter outside? Have googled but there seem to be different views. Any experience?

Right I want some glittery shoes - but fear they may be a one season wonder. Shall I buy these - they are nice and cheap! Really like the navy ones WiT has linked to today, but they are sold out in my size. Boo.

Can i just say ditto after Reds post? Just lost a very similar post. Bah!

Bloss - bit late but your style day sounded v inspiring. I think i may do one next year, but in the UK! Im still struggling to develop my own style so it can only help! Get the bike!

Isnt that a great scarf video, will come in v handy as..... (drumroll) Ive just brought the WC star scarf (pressie from Mr Ollie for xmas!). Am hoping its a more wearable grey than the Banana Republic one i have which is nice but doesnt seem to go with anything.

Red i really laughed at the breadsticks thing! Fruit kebabs are really popular here for school bdays, lots of fruit slices on long kebab sticks, stuck into a pineapple. Looks v effective and kids love them?

Pickled can you believe ive yet to wear the Kew skirt, I cringe everytime i see it in the wardrobe and the whole "they are pockets madam" thing!!! Have a day out planned on Saturday and will wear it then with a simple navy crew neck jumer and navy opaques. Would like a couple more things to wear with it, maybe a crisp white shirt a la Bloss?

No Halloween celebrations over here, tho the shops have started to get a few more halloweeny things in than previously so maybe things will change? The Dutch celebrate St Martin on 11th November which is v similar but no spookyness. Kids just knock on houses who have a light on their windows, sing a St Martin song and get lots of sweets. DS1 mentioned to DS2 this morning that they must take their school rucksacks this year as last year 'Mummy only gave us little bags for the sweets last time'

I have a question about fingerless gloves/ wristwarmers. Found a lovely chunky cable knit pair over here but also like these thinner M&S ones here. Any rules when it comes to fingerless gloves (eg thin is better?) or am i over thinking it too much?

ollie I bought those M&S wristwarmers yesterday, and I am very pleased with them, nice and toasty. I had a similar pair last year which were very useful but I seem to have lost one

Fritzi - i am having a sequin moment too! Love the IO skirt, your legs would look amazing in it. Am so tempted by the WC sequin jumper in taupe. Have ordered the Zara sequin jacket as a back up if i dont find anything else for the party. What are you wearing to yours?