AVIDLY addressing the key questions that WISE women ask....like 'full refund or credit note only?' and 'what this would item actually be on a cost-per-wear basis?'

[notyummy]

Hello all!

Hello, no news to report I'm afraid.

Interesting to hear about the chore/work/childcare provision within everyones lives. I think it's so funny on MN that some people get so het up about it. You could have an AIBU, "My husband tried to strangle me with a jumper last night, should I leave him" and no doubt someone will ask whether the jumper was his, did you iron it etc.

DH has upped his game since I went back to work, and does help out a fair bit. One thing that I have found is that you make the situation work for you, and really it doesn't matter if that's not like it 'should' be. When I am working, I am surprised at how productive I can be. Once home, I get a burst of energy to get washing/cooking/tidying done...I'd rather whirlwind around the house for an hour in the evening to keep on top of things.

Lovely wish list Fritzi, especially the trench and the cuff.

I can't bear Brad and Ang either MrsCB, all so contrived and posed. What is that hand holding about with his Mum and Dad?

I love the whole sitting down to a family meal too, cooking is my main hobby and I find it so relaxing. It was so funny yesterday though, my Mother always says the same thing everything they come for lunch. DH will remark that the food I have made is good, and she will start going on about how she doesn't like cooking, and that you can't be a good cook and have a clean house. (Clever dig)

She then tells the story that for a while she used to cook the family a Sunday roast, but after a while thought.."Why should I bother?"...Er to provide nice food for your family?! My Dad worked abroad so only home one weekend a month, would it really have killed her to make the effort?

Funny though, because DH predicted that we would have that conversation yesterday. I couldn't look him in the eye with PMSL!!

Afternoon all. Am going to sit down and have a look at Oscars pics in a bit, once I've got a little on top of the mounting tasks pile. We are furiously painting 4 of our rooms this week before the carpet fitters are here next week (I cannot tell you how excited we all are at the prospect of flooring). I meant to ask mrsCB or Dauphin (or Apuski) if you know of painters/decorators you would recommend locally? The hallway/stairs/landing is a mammoth task of years old wallpaper and decay that no cost-saving could make us attempt.

Happy birthday to Looby's DD!

Shame about the dress Ollie and seems like an odd thing if one side should fit so well. Must be something to do with the asymmetry. Post a pic?

Interesting reading about the split of tasks. I definitely do the lion's share, which seems only right given that I'm at home more. When DH is around, it's a 50/50 split for childcare, cooking. I take washing/cleaning and he takes DIY, which means that I'm coming out on top at the moment .

I've had my arm twisted into being the resident feature in our local newsletter by the very scary editor and now have to write it. With picture.

Oh your mother MiM. Priceless. That making it about her thing really is her speciality, hey? Good that you and SH could share a giggle about it all!

Happy birthday to your DD, Looby. Such a sweet dress. My baby is in 12-18mths for Petit Bateau and she is only 8 mths. I only really buy vests and the odd thing there but could happily buy the whole range (I don't because dh would kill me!).

Mim, please post that in AIBU!!

Bonsoir, that is hilarious.

I do most everything at home as dh works long hours but I would expect him to do more whenever I go back to work, however I would most likely be sorely disappointed. Mess doesn't bother him in the same way as it annoys me! We cancelled getting the cleaning lady (and the babysitter mid-week, boo hoo but it was that or my clothing budget!) as the place got trashed every day anyway. I also like cooking but keep it simple during the week as dh doesn't get home in time to eat with us anyway.

Red, post the article when you're done!

The jeans already gone to charity shop but they were nothing special or I would have offered them here first. They are 29 waist and you are all slim little things in comparison to me.

Lovely stuff, Fritzi. I have my eye on the DVF bag in navy but waiting for the summer sale. The trench coat is great too. I also like Weekend MaxMara for trench coats.

Notyummy, how is your friend doing now? I hope she's in remission.

Mim, my mil sounds exactly the same, she couldn't be bothered to cook and have them all sit down together. They all ate whatever whenever and were like little lodgers. DH thinks that is one of the reasons they aren't a close family now.

No way scarf! Am trying to write it now and sound like such a smuggins. It's unbearable. As soon as I'm back at work for a decent amount of hours and DD is getting her free 15 hours a week, I shall be employing a cleaner. Can't wait.

And also, as if I wasn't going to appear enough of a do-gooder already, my neighbour and I suggested a fortnightly coffee morning for parents with pre-schoolers. And I have been tasked with writing that up. Grim.

I will be rehiring the cleaning lady asap. Might give DH a list of jobs each weekend to discourage these cutbacks.

Petit Bateau must come up particularly small then scarfi. I think that tends to be the case with more expensive brands. I have never bought anything from there either due to cost. :) She usually takes age 4 clothes in most other brands.

Your mother MIM. Mine has the same habit of always turning everything back to herself too. At least you and your DH had a laugh about it! I'm not v good at holding my tongue and would definitely have said something!

red- I'm impressed that you manage painting with your 2 DC around! I am a rather slow and v messy painter.

marsha- great that you feel more clear about your work aims now and what is possible/ what is not.

I may have missed the boat with the oscars chat but am on train now catching up. My thoughts- generally loved the scarlet dresses (Michelle Williams partic). Also liked January Jones for doing something a bit different. Nudes all a bit blah.

thank you for all the great book links yummy have amazon wishlisted them all and will hit DH up for his library card later.

love that cocktail ring fritzi

I keep looking at this
and this

re-DH inputs,I have a really close friend with a DH who is a pretty poor show at times(sneaked out for NYE 2 years in a row,pregnant with dc2 the first year,new baby the next )so I think my DH feels it's easy for him to look good!having said that he does do a fair bit of cooking,I get very bored of the day to day type,and does his bit with HW.

I think penelope cruz's dress is pretty yawnsome but she is a good looking chick none-the-less

annie I definitely find the good weather gives me a kick up the butt..though dull again here today.am not fussed about rural living generally but would love to live close to water but preferably in a city.

In between my reports, but wanted to add..
YY wtf is going on with Angelina's leg, and the hand holding. Yeuch. And why is everyone still wearing nude? Makes them all look half dead, and also wtf was that cape? Really not feeling the oscar love. Cameron Diaz wears her dresses so tight. Why?
Enough.
I don't like the whistles seam back tee that just arrived because of the gaping arm holes. Is that your problem with the joseph dress ollie? But I do like the silk scarf. Will have to do a you tube session on tying it. It is smaller than the ones Wendi used.
My car wouldn't start this morning and I was suddenly relieved again I lived in a small town. Garage sent a mechanic straight away. Diagnosed the battery, and sent me to work in a rather nippy Merc! Don't want to give it back!
Hate. Writing. Reports.

The Guardian has a very funny Oscar blog-as-it-happened thing. here

Am so annoyed with my Oushka bag. Only started using it at the weekend and the shoulder strap has come undone and the bag has fallen to the floor twice - once from my bike and once just now crossing a busy road with DC in front on an oncoming bus. The hole through which the stud fastening sits has a split in it. Am going to email and send a picture. Its just a hassle,

Back from a walk into town for more pineapple and a muffin and mocha.

Had a look around the shops, Marsha I saw the MIH blouse in navy, lovely material and so so soft.

Lots of lovely J brands around, Blue Bonnets looked so pretty.

I have a French Connection voucher for about £30. They had a few things in, quite like this, looked lovely in store although worried that it could be frumpy...and flappy.

Get you Red, celeb status! I have just ordered the warehouse butterfly scarf after you have said it softens the Roxy.

Ollie thats crap about the Oushka.

I laughed at Penelope Cruz being a good looking chick Reine! Know what you mean about her dress though, nice but a bit predictable.

Meant to say happy birthday to Looby's DD. Am feeling so much more indifferent to my Mother of late...detached and calm in a way.

Your doing well with the reports Bloss, nearly there.

I have told DH that when I go back to work we will need to look at a cleaner. Not sure I can do 2 DC's, and work without needing some help. Although we worked out the nursery bill...ouch!!! I really need to look at finding something that is full time but could still be covered with 3 days childcare, so 12 hour shifts, possibly something that is nights...hmmm, much to consider.

Right I am off to make green curry paste for tonights dinner. Ironing still in basket. (Sticks tongue out a mother )

Finished my reports with 5 minutes to spare before picking up the dcs. Phew that's a relief.
Had a good look at FC after your link mim. Nothing shouted at me. I might just follow fritzi, and buy this trench. I wore my BR one to death. It hasn't dry cleaned well - fading round the buttons.
Loved your other links too fritzi.
Bad form about your bag ollie.
About to make dinner. Left over Sunday lunch but I am making brown rice for me instead of fried potatoes (polishes halo).

Yes, yes you are right about the cardigan annie..I don't thinks its me. Actually, it's me now, but this is not the usual me..(if that makes any sense at all).

Yep, nanny could be an option. Do nannies accept salary sacrifice vouchers though? I'd feel so guilty about taking DS out his nursery though, he loves it and has a little gang of friends that he adores. They all help themselves to breakfast and sit round the table together, 'tis adorable.

I love my curry too, one of my best experiences was when DH and I travelled around Goa for 3 weeks. We ate a lot of curry, and it was amazing. Tied in with the odd bit of dysentery here and there, meant it had no effect on my waistline. Ahhh, that was an amazing trip...

Very good Bloss, very good...brown rice and school reports done.

That happens to me too annie when I make quiche! Or lemon tart.

Spending a leisurely afternoon with DD at home including DIY pedicure. My toe nails look splendid in Chanel April, DD's in May

Yes, I agree.

I have a friend who always bangs on about her 'hot' sex life with her DH and general perfect life. I just don't buy it. All too contrived.

Fritzi, I can't believe you don't have on line supermarket shopping in Germany.

Sorry, that look like I don't believe you...(why would you make up something like that?!!)

I meant that I am really surprised.