Avidly gazing at spring/summer looks, while Wisely purchasing caghouls......

[notyummy]

Hi all!

Sorry about the rain/hairdo situation Hopefully.

I am eating G and Bs Mint dark choc as I write Verity.

Bloody cold here. And wet.

Thanks for your pm Fritzi, will have a think about it! Might not be possible.

Hope your sister is ok, and takes offers of your help well.

Just received a big cardboard house for ds2. He was getting very frustrated with making dens that collapsed on his head and too small for toys inside, he loves it so far! Good to have something in this weather.

Aww I know Annie, bet you do and thanks. I'm feeling like I need to do more work. So swings and roundabouts!

(and freelance is mostly a pita, yes it's flexible but commands too much time so I might not keep doing that.)

marsha you will be thrilled to hear DD2 and I have been playing dens in the cot(which she has never actually slept in of course )

every I never wore maternity jeans and just wore my very low rise 7forMankind that sat under my bump for the hole 9months but would depend on bump position.

fritzi I wish my brother would offer that much support/understanding,I'm sure your sister is very grateful.

Reine Imagined and created dens are great. (I feel a bit guilty getting a big cardboard house!) but I know that the two of them can fit in it together and ds1 will go mad for it.

Ds2 uses the loose cot side as a 'door' and sits loves sitting behind it, opening and shutting it. Actually most of the stuff he plays with are household things. Refuses to let me do the hoovering and has to do it himself!

MiM so glad that has had a good effect.

Also Elias & Grace stuff arrived. I haven't seen my DHL guy for ages. It's bad that getting deliveries makes me feel happy!

Annie my DD would faint with excitement over those shoes, hope your little one is happy with them.

Sorry to hear about your sister fritzi. Second everyone's suggestions of a cleaning block, maybe offer to take the older two out over the weekend or something?

everything, I lost a lot of weight from morning sickness when I was pg, but had some brill maternity baxters, that didn't have a bump band but had elasticated pockets and were cut to go under the bump. Don't know if they still do them, maybe look on ebay...

So glad you are managing to get some closure MiM.

We were meant to be going to the park this afternoon but has been rained off so think we will make a den instead, you have inspired me .

Dens are great Marsha...the idea of the pop up box house is lovely! DCs forever making dens with my sofa cushions (aherm)....

I really like the little tunic tops from Elias and Grace (for girls). Very french in feel. DD2 just come back from hairdressers with a perfect little dark bob. Cute.

I really shouldn't be buying any more clothes (hence need for IO code), as funds needed for the house . I do have a yen for the IO sequin jacket, though as going to a Ball soon and it would look fab, artfully draped over skimming long black crepe gown, LK Bennett black pointed evening shoes and with new Temperley snake pouch.

Just spent a lovely half an hour or so on telephone to wonderful aged Aunt who lives in Broadway. Fantastic lady....fascinating....a good old chat, in between her sipping her Indian tea and absently talking to her dawgies....

Oh, I really need some very vintagey feel (deco poss) long chandelier-esque earrings to wear to Ball as dress v plain (elegantly so, if you see what I mean)...anyone recommend any good costume jewellery makers?

So pleased to hear you sounding happier mim; what wise words from that midwife. You should feel proud of yourself.

everything, Topshop was the only place I could find jeans to fit and they have a big selection of maternity wear online. They stopped doing maternity size 6 between pregnancies 1 and 2 unfortunately but size 8 Leighs and size 8 jeggings were good, particularly the jeggings. I had them in thick black and dark denim, they were £18 each and i wore them with long vests under ordinary tops. I also found size 6 Primark leggings (such sophistication!) worn under the bump were fine. Oh and Isabella Oliver dresses mostly too big but did find one Breton one which was amazing, definitely my favourite maternity outfit worn from 18 weeks and right through to the labour suite! Just looked and it's no longer available but worth experimenting with what's there to find just one great dress.

Love the sound of your ball outfit Dauphin! Can't really help re the earrings. Although there are lots of off-the-peg ones of that description in the shops just now. I have 2 'black tie' events next month. Just booked the hairdresser!! Trying to resist temptation to get another full length dress as I have many that rarely get out..

In shopping news I have just bought an organic cotton, beautifully soft navy and cream top from Zara... And a dress! From Zara! With proportions that fit me...it's a miracle I tell you. Will try and link later. It is a pretty pattern with collar and pleats in the front (in lieu of the chest I don't have .) Quite different from my usual style I think. I hope it looks as good at home. Will hang on to receipt just in case....

Hmm that outfit sounds so good Dauphin I think you'll have to get the IO sequins.

Yes lots of building with sofa cushions here too, with blankets thrown over the top.

Annie your dd will love those shoes. Are they a complete surprise? Her friends will love them too.

Thanks guys....off to pick up! Catch you later

dauphin Outfit sounds great but the IO sequin jacket is sold out online. I so want one too Didn't 40bum blog lady buy chandelier earrings the other day (Topshop? Primark?)

suburban Only just checked out your photo in the DM article. Great picture!

Some sequiny style jackets today in Zara. Will see if I can link later.

DSs like dens too - they use the space between the 2 sofas , put a blanket over it and use cushions for doors. Its all fine til the blanket falls down....

MiM what a great service, glad you got something from it.
Dauphin your ball outfit sounds wonderful.

Am now officially obsessed with the dvf Edna dress. Spent ages this morning tracking them down online - Harvey Nichols had the silver/grey one on their website but out of stock. Just too expensive to get one from dvf site esp as I can't actually try one on in real life so have advertised on a local expat website for seamstress/tailor recommendations to see if I can get something similar made. Worth a try I think.

marsha If you happen to have some time for shopping when you are in Berlin, go to this shop on Friedrichstrasse. Think you might like it

This is on my going out top wish list.

Other non S&B related news: Have ordered <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.de/imgres?q=flos+foglio&hl=de&client=safari&sa=X&rls=en&biw=1311&bih=723&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=32Yh5gX795UN7M:&imgrefurl=www.goodform.ch/flos-foglio.html&docid=jngi-6_GP_k9vM&imgurl=www.goodform.ch/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/355x300/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/f/l/flos_foglio.jpg&w=355&h=300&ei=5I6qT_-SFsfLswbdv6kH&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=595&sig=105623578594353049280&page=2&tbnh=160&tbnw=188&start=18&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:10,s:18,i:133&tx=93&ty=71" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">two of these wall lamps and took delivery of DD's Hello Kitty piñata.

Dauphin - I love that IO jacket too - such a shame its sold out. The Gestulz one is also gorgeous but twice the price!

Anyone looked at the Jenny Packham stuff for debenhams. Like this clutch very Hindmarchesque. Also these shoes reminded me of Verity's manolos

Am now obsessed with this blog a friend recommended.

Hello! Guess what - I have been offered the job! (finally!). Happy with four days a week and I'm pretty pleased with the package as well, they're being as generous as they can be, which is a good sign that they like me. Yay!

I'm seriously not looking forward to tomorrow, I feel much worse about giving notice on a contract than I have done in permanent jobs for some reason. Ah well, needs must.

Once I've got the boys in bed, I'm coming back to catch up on the thread and see if I can find myself a little 'new job' treat! Sorry for self-absorption, will engage properly later!

MrsCampbell I really like that clutch and have fwd'd the shoes onto a friend who was lusting after Manolos for her wedding. That blog is gorgeous, but it's freezing here, I need to read more about jumpers, coats, jeans, wellies and unbrellas... sob :(

Oh and fritz I love those wall lights.

Apusk congrats!

Have been wildly marking internal exams, and have just finished. Think I need some browsing treats too.
So, in a nutshell, I am sick and tired of rain, wind, the cold, my work clothes, my work out clothes, living in the country, no dress up opportunities, and I want a legitimate reason TO BUY THESE SHOES dammit.

Sorry I've missed loads. But well done apuski. And glad your dd's okay red.
Normal posting behaviour to resume soon.