AVIDly purchasing lavender, orange, yellow and pink for spring is a WISE thing.

[FritziGreenEyes]

Sorry for poor thread title but I am hopeless at rhyming at the best of times...
Unbelievable how quickly we filled the last thread!

Had one hour on Friday before the meeting started and used my time very efficiently and bought these. They are not quite as high as the 50/50s but suit me better. Was hugging the shopping bag close to me on the train back home yesterday .

ollie Such a shame that your DH isn't going to go with the job offer over here. Oh, the fun we could have!

hopefully Having you on this thread is great and I enjoy reading your posts a lot. I hope your mother doesn't find any more tidying tasks for you today. You look fab in your wedding pictures.

annie Hope you got all your work done last night and have the chance to get some rest today.

red We have our hob on our kitchen island too. We couldn't decide on backsplash for ages. Haven't had one for ages and it is absolutely fine. I do most food preparation stuff on the island anyway.

Have lovely Sundays everyone!

carciofi I think all DVF is in American sizing. I have bought from them direct, but too long ago to remember. Have been buying in store or from Matches, NaP since.

marsha, that was very strong of you. It is very hard to be true to yourself in such a situation. Well done.
red, that is crap. They should have told you that before. Something else will come along, something better.
blue, I think possibly the 2.55, which is on my list, could be too classic for me, ie it wouldn't cater for my dramatic side. Unless I used it with the roxy.... I think the longevity of the balenciaga does it for me, and I have a 'baby' chanel. Clutch sized but with the chain strap. Do love it. But I would use the balenciaga every day, and keep my snacks in a snack bag, if I could ever find a stylish lunchbox that is! There's no point me asking you lot is there??

Didn't realise you were going mid week notyummy. Have a gorgeous stylish time. I love Paris so much!

Wow NY sounds like an amazing trip! Enjoy the spa. DH and I were on a trip to Paris when we decided to have children (apparently window shopping in Petit Bateau was very persuasive )

Marsha well done on making the right decision for you instead of feeling guilted into one you'd regret. Horrible to have to do, but obviously the best choice.

We have no sibling jealousy here (touch wood). DS1 went through a bit of a regression - wanted to be carried and spoon fed - but we indulged it (well, DH indulged the carrying, i wan't going to post-section!) and it passed in a matter of weeks, but no actual problems with behaviour or anything. Oh, and DS2 gave DS1 an umbrella as a present - huge hit!

Wendy's post today is maki me want a shirt even more. May have to go hunting through Topshop etc, as my budget won't stretch to Equipment or similar!

I have seen the M&S boots that Ollie linked - the black looks really nice, but the brown looks a bit cheap. Nice shape though.

Who was asking about the boots in the DM link? I think they are grey dicker boots from last season, or possibly the new taupe ones from NAP. I am still slightly wistful about them, wish I could justify monthly resoling of my shoes!

Blue I just use excel (well, the free open office version, but it's basically the same). I rougly plan out what clothes I will need during the year in one column (plus a contingency fund for things I don't know I want yet!), set budgets for each item in the next column, and have the total at the bottom. I fiddle with the list to make it fit in with my £150 per month budget, then have a third column for actual purchase amounts with the total at the bottom. If something is over or under budget I adjust the budget for other items accordingly so the bottom figure adds up to a sensible amount. Would love to be a bit more free with it, but it means I can save for important things and work out exactly what I can afford to spend on everything. Works for us!

Interesting about clothing personalities. I think thats my problem with the roxy - its just not quite me and I feel a tad butch when I wear it.

But as I was pondering this I remembered last year's sale buy which had been languishing in wardrobe. Tried it on with floral scarf in greens and lavenders over a white top and I love it.

And you know I think NYE has got something about this colours thing as black just doesn't really suit me

Siblings - well, mine do squabble a bit but thats pretty normal. They are ultimately devoted to each other though and middle one tells me often that eldest cuddles him in the playground if they see other at school which always makes my heart melt.

NY - have a fab time!

Amber - I know what you mean about the Birkin. I feel the same about the 2.55 after seeing blooming Chantelle whatsherface carting her's around.

Carciofi - which dress are you coveting?

DH just agreed that yes I should have the AH bag I ahem ordered 2 weeks ago Can imagine lurkers tutting at my devious ways.

And I am feeling so much better for losing some of the podge - was really getting me down. Am determined to get to target weight and stick to it this time.

Was v sensible and returned my Brora cardigan after all - tried it on again and still loved it but just felt I had to be sensible. Then got an email saying it had been reduced further. So I ordered it again

Oh that made me laugh out loud Hopefully . Yy was me re ankle boots. Mmm taupe Marants you say.

Thanks for nice words, Bloss too. My contact was nice about it, disappointed but said thanks for good work, (rec cons was a tad miffed).

Have to say dh is being a blinking star about everything.

NY Paris sounds ace. Have fun!

MrsCB, I was thinking of this top. What do you think? That was nice of Rupert. Which bag have you ordered? Great leather jacket.

Marsha, I know, one week was bad. DH was very upset at DD going to daycare 8-6 five days a week but didn't tell me until I was about to start. She didn't settle in and I began to regret it. The manager was very nice about it but the recruitment agent was understandably annoyed. She made loads out of me when I contracted though.

NY, glad you are having a fab time.

Yes, I was worried about saying yes before ds2 had started any childcare and being committed even if he hated it.

So I am going to start slowly, two x half days for a while.

I love the top, and the way the model is wearing it. And the price!

Sounds great NY. Enjoy

Marsha- good you've made the right decision for you. Must have taken some guts.

Hopefully- that's so funny about the cardigan

Ollie- can't you do similar and order the oushka again while it's half price and return the full price one when it arrives? Sorry for getting carried away with questions- should have realised it wouldn't have got there yet.

Thanks for advice re dd and baby. She will always be my baby of course but is already claiming that she is a 'big girl'. I have been indulging her when she wants to pretend to be a baby (I have to rock her and he makes silly gurgling noises!) though.

I was thinking of getting her some things for her beloved corolle doll from new baby but love the idea of a camera. I might investigate.

Not sure what we are seeing at theatre. London based friend is in charge of getting last minute tickets.

Looby-teal was on my list of warm and soft colours so would think top would be a goer for an autumn (thanks NYE and hopefully for translating!). I like the print a lot.

Red-sorry about the job- have they got your details in case anything more suitable comes up? Yes, flooring is down- I'm so so pleased with how everything looks- just paint and tiles/splashback now (if we can ever decide).

this but was in my-wardrobe sale for a lot less.

Iphone links to some stores go straight to home page so have only just clicked on your leather jacket link carciofi. I think it's right up your street.
Thanks for the breton dress link ollie, I just can't resist them!
Lovely AH bag mrscb. So when are you going to have your colours done?
How exciting re your London trip icey.
It is our 11 year anniversary of getting together this weekend. Honestly, last weekend I didn't think we'd make it. He has been so stressed and unreasonable really. His thousand scripts have since been marked so hope things are on the up. We'll probably do something half term, and combine it with V day.

Just a quick query for the ladies who work full/part time and can't manage all school pick ups and drop offs (slight hijack btw- apologies!) I am trying to nuture dds friendships by inviting done friends over for playdates either after school when I am not working or at the weekend. My problem is I don't know the parents of the children at all. She had one friend she saw quite a lot of ( got to know mum etc that she says she doesn't play much with at school any more (natural moving on of 5/6 year olds) and she has mentioned other names. I tried putting a note in her school bag addresses to the other child's mum that dd said she put in her tray to go home, (with my mobile etc) but no reply. Another mum replied and said yes but everytime I have suggested dates/times she has pulled out at the last minute and I can only conclude that either she or her DS has got cold feet (despite him telling DD at school that he is 'desperate' to come and play...) Having suggested dates 3 times and nobe hdppening i dont want to be pushy and suggest more. She sees me on the rare occafions i make it to school so could always bring it up, but doesnt. I really don't want dd penalised because I don't work and she would love to have more friends round. I didn't grow up round here and hence don't have networks- the friends that we do have via NCT don't attend this school. What to do??

NY - do you not have a list of all the parent's phone numbers/email addresses so you could contact the parents directly? Am guessing not or this would have occurred to you

Bloss - well I think I can tell pretty much which colours suit me and when I looked at one of those websites - seemed to indicate I'm a summer.

Oh and we have phases like that when DH stressed with work - such fun!

Good job I'm not going anywhere today or tomorrow as have this bulky heart monitor on which is impossible to disguise. Had fun weighing myself this morning as worried it may have added ozs.

NY, I'm not working but I asked the teacher who DD1 plays with frequently and texted the mother to arrange playdates. We were fairly new to the area when she started nursery school. We have a list of all the parents contact details. The mother probably didn't get the notes. I often forget to check in DD's bag.

Very nice, MrsCB. I missed that in the sale. I'm waiting for it to come out in red.

A friend is going to NY soon, I might ask her to check the leather jacket out for me. She is a big shopper so will probably be going to Saks anyway.

My dh gets like that too, Blossoming. It's a good thing I'm so sunny. :o

Unfortunately school won't pass on any contact details, so I am reduced to passing notes because the chances of me seeing people in person is so slim.

If we had a list it would be great. Dd quite clear about the three she would like to have over, but one hasn't replied at all, one keeps pulling out and haven't tried the other. Feel sad on dds behalf and sm starting to wonder if the children aren't actually that keen on her . She seems happy at school though so I assume not socially isolated. Will check with the teacher just in case she is lonely.

Oh how awkward for you notyummy. I'm sure your dd is perfectly ok. Try not to worry while you're away.

Oh NY - I really wouldn't worry. I think in reception a lot of children are still quite clingy to their parents and not always keen on going to an unknown house without their mother.

I bet as Carciofi has said the other mother hasn't seen the not - and agree have a word with the teacher who could then perhaps speak to whoever collects the other children.

NY I wouldn't worry too much. If it's any consolation, my DS is incredibly clingy (only 3.5, but he has been like it for a long time and I don't see him changing any time soon!), and would be completely against the idea of going to another child's house without me. Maybe the children DD wants to invite round aren't ready to be away from their parents yet. Mentioning it to the teacher sounds a good idea - I'm sure that it will put your mind at rest.

Have just finished filling in an application form for the first time in god-knows-how-long. It's actually not even a proper application form, just a personal profile thing for HoC to hold on file - although there are no franchises available locally right now (NYE beat me to it , curse her ) they're going to keep my details and let me know if any of the other nearby franchisees move/want to sell up in the future.

I have discovered that years of using a computer have left me more or less incapable of actually writing neatly with a pen. Luckily it was emailed over so could print out a second copy when I splodged ink and crossings out all over the first. Way to make a good impression.

Am having doubts about ordering the VWA dress I have been coveting. Maybe I should think about making something instead. It's so much money when I could make something - am not up to making a copy, but could make something different and nice. Hmm. I know if I order it and it's nice I'll end up keeping it regardless of how easily I could make something, so am trying to decide before ordering

Have just realised that was almost exclusively a me me me post. Sorry

Thank you so much for all your supportive words about the job. I've phoned up and the head's PA confirmed that the wording of the advert was different to the job spec and that she thought I should still come for the interview after I explained my circumstances. So perhaps something may come of it, although I'm not holding my breath.

Managed to buy 3 tops in Whistles today in place of my silk one - a wise return really as not only was I never going to wear it, I also have a silk floral print top from Whistles a few years ago already . Bought an electric blue seam back tee (think you might like it Bloss) a grey marl sweater and a Breton jumper with contrasting turn-up sleeves. All of which I will wear loads. So wise. All on the new in bit on their website.

Glad to hear of a better night's sleep for you Blue - such exciting times ahead for you. Have you settled on a name yet? DS has always needed quite a bit of reassurance wrt to DD and her being the baby. I tell him lots that he is my firstborn, which he often repeats and we often look at his baby pics together (more to explain his birth injury, but that's a different story for another time!)

NY really tricky for you - would second checking with regard to the teacher in the am who she is playing with the most at the moment and then approaching that parent on the same day at pick-up, if at all possible on one of your working from home days.

DVF top is lovely Carciofi, really elegant.

Hopefully I am in awe of your organisational skills when it comes to shopping and budgeting! I should be like that.

Glad you've made a decision Marsha - must feel like a great weight off your shoulders.

Calling all Roxy owners! Which bags/steel of bag when you are wearing her? I'm struggling to find something that works.

Have you seen it IRL, Hopefully? I was surprised to find it was more of a very fine knit than a jersey dress. Quite thin, so think I'd want to wear something under to eliminate cling. Very lovely though.

Out of interest do I just sound like I constantly stalk the shops? Whenever anyone expresses an interest in something it always seems to be me piping up with a first hand description!

marsha sounds like you definitely made the right decision!

notyummy have a fantastique time (see what I did there?) and don't worry about your DD, she sounds like a lovely, bright, sociable girl who I'm sure has plenty of friends.

carciofi, that top is lovely, and a bargain!

Hopefully Gap has a nice selection of shirts in at the mo, I bought a chambray one yesterday.

I am yellowish in skin tone, NYE - does that mean warm?

NY- definitely worth having a word with the teacher but not because you should be worried about your DD. In Yr R they change so much in my experience and often 'try out' a number of different friends/ groups of friends before they decide who they get on best with. I would ask the teacher which children she plays with regularly, etc and then perhaps try to identify the parent for a quick chat on the days when you can pick up (get there early and ask DD or teacher to point out child/ parent). If she is usually picked up by a childminder, it might be worth asking her to observe the children for a week or two and see if she can pick up who DD is interacting with.
I v much doubt it is anything personal at all just that they can't put a face to your name. I think most parents in Yr R might not feel comfortable allowing their child to someone else's house if the hadn't met/ had barely met the parent. Perhaps you could suggest a meeting at a playground or whatever first.

Hope you are having a wonderful break in Paris. It sounds fabulous!

Icey- you must be excited re weekend plans! It will be lovely to have some freedom and time with old friends before DC2 arrives.

Talking of meeting friends, it doesn't look as if I will be able to make the meet up as DH has work commitments. He has suggested that I can probably go to London he following weekend (26th/ 27th March) in case any London ladies fancy a coffee/ makeover or whatever! :)

Thx for the feedback on the necklace/top/ bag.
I didn't know that VB is using a cat design, verity- will have to look them up.

I think I will get the bag as it is such a good price and the necklace and wait and see with the blouse. That's me done for Feb already unless I an get ebaying!

Oh yes, carciofi- really like the DVF top- v elegant and flattering, I think.