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

[AmberNectarine]

Here we go..

Amber - New Look has lots of glittery ballet pumps at the mo here

ollie I think I will recycle the sequin dress from first meet-up. Love the IO skirt but I always struggle to find tops that look really good with skirts. Think dresses are better for me.

For those of you unfamiliar with Kettlewell they have sparkly crossover sweaters for Christmas here. I think they're quite nice!
Also fritzi, I remember you missed out on the animal print cardigan last year, so incase you haven't seen it there's this one here.

This thread is turning into an episode of strictly with all these sparkles and sequins

I'm not that keen on Halloween, not the way it's done in this country anyway. I cut lots of little star shapes into a pumpkin and sat it in the middle of the table but that's as far as my contribution goes.

Pickled- yes- need to deploy dd's rainsuit as more of an overall rather than just getting it out during downpours.

House renovations well underway- had gardener in at weekend to remove a couple of trees and a row of conifers (my mum and I made a valiant effort and spent a whole day getting rid of one but we admitted defeat and called in the professional for the rest)

Kitchen structure planned and work starting in a few weeks, also having dreadful 70's lounge 'feature wall' plastered over at same time.

Dd has abandoned her afternoon nap. Boo hoo!

Full steam ahead then Icey! Hurrah.

Well done MrOllie on scarf purchase.

Everything crossed for you for Wednesday NJC - any idea of the format?

Annie there is a lot of Whistles in my cupboard, but have been buying from there for the last 4 years or so. I have taken a few bits back recently (green jumper, pleated skirt) so not too bad. But still quite bad. I tried on a stunning jumper dress today which I am really very close to buying. And then no more.

Thanks for the alternative birthday snack ideas - the problem is that they sit down for fruit and milk twice a day so no fruit excitement to be had. TBH DS mainlines houmous so will probably be just as happy as if it were a cake, but it is slightly ridiculous. DH set forth for aaages.

Am hiding upstairs after DH put on a horrific film - Insidious. He ins sits on a Norris every Halloween, but this was of thue bad things happening to a young family in a new house variety. Not ideal.

Yes Njc- I'm intrigued about format too- will you have a practical? How exciting- good luck!

Hummus and breadsticks all very well but a bit depressing compared to cake. How about mini cheese scones or something?

Morning.

Hope Reine had a great time trick and treating Stateside! Did anyone get squirted in the face with a water pistol? I'll never forget when that happened to my Mum when she opened the door one Halloween!

Fritzi I keep looking at this Mint Velvet sequin dress but seems a lot of money for what it is. here Your dress was lovely - will look great at the party - the hostess who sparkles! LOL at Icey's Strictly/W&A observation!

Having the day at home today sorting 'stuff'. On the list is a mini wardrobe clear out, pile of admin/filing, cleaning kitchen draws, making xmas list and general pottering (secretly looking forward to it tho!)

A John Lewis delivery arrived - nothing special to report but I do wonder what the packers must think when they have to box up random articles such as ceramic baking beans, a duvet cover, moth repellant bags and mens socks!

bloss I'm in awe of your sartorial memory! The animal print cardi is gorgeous but I think I cannot justify to buy any more grey/navy knitwear at the moment

annie I protected myself from the sweets by going to bed early. Still tired this morning... Would love to be able to cook the perfect rice as I love it so much but can never get it quite right .

ollie I think my dress doesn't have as many sequins as the Wrap one. Feel inspired by your decluttering/sorting out plans and think I will follow your example. Reward will be last episode of Downton Abbey for lunch!

icey We watched Strictly with DD when we were in London and she absolutely loved it. Trying to recreate the atmosphere at home with as many sparkles and sequins in my everyday wardrobe as are appropriate for everyday wear .
DD gave up her midday nap when she was about 2. Replaced it with some "quiet time" when we would cuddle up in bed and listen to a CD. This way you can at least put your feet up for a few minutes.

red Link to fab sweater dress please?

Hope you all enjoyed Halloween! I am loving all the sequins and sparkles too. We had quite a few children round, and DH took DD out. He was at home with her yesterday as she had an inset day, so he had done another pumpkin and painted her face. She went out for about 20 minutes at 6pm and visited about 5/6 local houses and was quite happy. DH annouced (rather ominously?.) on his return that 'We have to do better next year. She needs a better costume and I am going to 'theme' the house.' [Hmm] Fine, as long as it is definitely 'we' and not just 'me' that is doing it all, I thought to myself. (I will make some arrangements in advance though for her to trick and treat with some friends as that is what she was keenest on - she wasn't fussed about having the house all done up, and I suspect DH has just come over all 'competitive Dad' as he saw a few really well decorated houses.)

Glad you enjoyed The Fades Annie. We watched the last episode last night, as we hadn't wanted to try and watch it with my parents up visiting and have to explain the entire plot! We are also watching The Walking Dead, which is great (if ridiculously gory!) Am recording Top Boy as well because it looks pretty compelling stuff.

Sounds like things are coming on apace Icecream - very exciting. Am living vicariously through Reds lovely Whistles links - I walked past it yesterday but was strong! Picked up my black Jigsaw jacket yesterday that I reserved at the weekend. It should go with a lot of things and was half price for some very good tailoring. I have a similar cut of jacket from M and S that I have worn so much that it is starting to look a bit shabby, so I was pleased to find a suitable replacement in the sale - especially as I had exactly the right amount of voucher left to pay for it! I managed to use my Molton Brown voucher at the weekend before it expired - did you Carciofi? Bought DH's brother a Christmas present and got a few freebies thrown in, so overall a great result.

Verity - am still thinking of you and hope you and your family are managing to cope.

Bed linen cupboard sorted, St Martin's Day celebrations for DD's class organised, summer hats and shoes in hall wardrobe swapped for gloves and boots. Time for coffee

Love the sequin jumper Red. Really lovely.

NJC I would love to be going too, how wonderful. As it's Fritzi's and because I am really enjoying various parties atm.

Ds2 has stopped having a nap too. A few nights where he stayed up til 9.30 / 10 made us change.

Dh is away for a few days. Quite liberating (so far)