Avidly plotting to Wisely splurge. Come on the sales!

[blossoming]

Just bought the Me & Em maxi. Well I had a code..

Mine contains nothing but a moses basket, pram carrycot and two big rucksacks.

Argh, have to schlep all the way down to Exeter again this week for more house viewings. It's going to be an expensive exercise by the time I've driven down there (over a tank of fuel in total), stayed in a hotel, paid for my sister's train to come and babysit, and paid her something to look after the boys for the day while I house hunt. However, this is the last chance to find a house if we want to move in July (because of notice period on current place), so needs must.

Really can't face putting up a tent for one night (will be arriving late on Weds). We can stay as long as we want in current house, but need to give notice to finish on last day of month, so if we don't find something by Thurs, we can't leave our house until either 31st July (not ideal as training then) or 31st August, which is ages away. Not looking promising though, as the two good houses I had earmarked to view have millions of viewings booked today and tomorrow, so unlikely to still be available on Thurs. We may have to accept the possibility of some overlap between houses if DH gets a job offer and we need to go, which I was really hoping to avoid - such a fantastically huge waste of money. I could buy a Mulberry with the price of a 3 week overlap

I am . Followed the link to Bloss' 123 book and saw this article. The girl in question was at school with me, although we moved in different circles and were in different years. Outrageous.

Decam your loft is a veritable treasure trove. I want one!

Lots of B&Bs in that part of the world Hopefully - could be a bit cheaper.

Great treat from your mum Portia - sounds lovely.

I have embraced your maxi madness and am wearing a racerback white/navy abstract print one. Will need to don a denim jacket for my shopping excursion later on as is definitely cooler here today.

red

She looks a lot older than 28.

Goodness what a story, all those kids.

Red I have a small pile of DS's clothes for you for South Africa - they will be in the post to you this week.

Just had the mother of all clear outs. Have a bag for the bin, charity shop and ebay. Feels wonderful.

You're lovely MiM, thank you. Am going to pop into primes for a few bits for her too.

She'll be going on 29, not that that makes much difference. It's astounding.

Gosh. DH has been turned down for the job he didn't really want (he wasn't really right for it, skills-wise) but they liked him so much that they are also (along with the company he really likes) trying to create a role for him. Who knew he was so good at his job? has thrown me into a complete flap about house hunting though, maybe we should hold off till he know where he'll be - we didn't think he'd find a job so quickly, so weren't worrying about it.

Red B&B tip good idea - have just found a couple of really nice farm ones for much les than premier inn type prices.

Purchase report from Westfield, COH grey Avedon skinnies from Donna Ida, £50 down from £260, excellent timing as my Jamies have a hole!

Amber - I loved my Avedon skinnies - quite soft and thick. Like neoprene (in a good way!) Found the sizing massive though - always struggling pulling up the 28 (inherited from Vin) and after a year and some washing they were so loose they needed a new home. I am def a 28 in TS....but obviously not in COH!

Hello! Am back, and have missed you all. Did a little reading of the thread from Majorca but have found the whole experience of packing / travelling / holidaying with toddler and tiny baby rather hectic and exhausting! Fun though. I d love the hotel we always stay in but it certainly wasn't the easiest holiday I've had.. I suppose a villa is the sensible choice but I just love hotels. Anyway, gorgeous weather (although only the same as here!) and plenty of cava, icecream and paddling. DS had a ball and DD was mostly good as gold.

S and B news: had amazing facial at hotel's amazing spa. Had eyebrows tinted for first time and am completely converted to it; they look fab if I do say so myself. Bought some great Benetton bits for the DC and a beautiful sky blue cotton scarf with tassels (like 40bum lady's mint velvet peach one). Also have ordered this jacket inspired by 40bum lady too. That's two jackets in last month despite vowing no more... Guilty but do love blazers so and Zara's great this season.

Holiday wardrobe a success I think and loved the Sam Edelman leopard Gigi sandals particularly. Wore lots of white cotton (broderie dress, lace kaftan, white shirt over bikini, skater skirt with black vest) and felt it was a stylish and easy option which I will use again.

Have missed loads but hope everyone is well and enjoying the glorious weather. Hope ollie's holiday was good too and amber I need to know about the raoul bag!

hopefully it sounds like you have lots of excitement ahead and you seem to be taking it all admirably in your stride.

Re maxis, even though I am a tiny thing I find a very slim jersey maxi works on me and wear them with a slim tan belt knotted around the waist.

Sorry for mostly me post, will do some back reading if possible although really need to do some sorting like you mim. It's so satisfying when it's done but such a faff!

Jealous of the AH Gracie purchasers. They've gone from MW now but really I would only have purchased I think if they'd done it in pink. Anyone else got anything exciting with their 40% off discount code? I've got a few things sitting in my bag including the AH gold glitter clutch... that I've wanted for aged but really don't need... although am going to a 30th party, a 40th party and a wedding in the next month or so - anyone fancy enabling me?

Im back too. Glad you had a lovely holiday too Blue. Know exactly what you mean by holidays being hard work with a baby and toddler but they do get easier, I promise.

This was the resort we stayed in Martinhal Beach Resort. We had one of the Garden Houses - was large and light and all very modern. The resort was full but it didnt ever feel that way with lots of space around the pools and on the beach etc. Lots of families with pre-schoolers but all very relaxed (think the creche, kids club and spa helped with this tho!)

One of the best things were these enormous cushions/beanbags by the pool and in the garden fatboy cushion. They have to be one of the most comfortable things I have ever sat or lounged on. Am very tempted to get some for home. Could lob them in the shed when not in use as not the most prettiest things to look at but blimey they were heaven to sit on!

No shopping to be had so am in need of a splurge after my House of Colour day on Saturday. Am hoping to try on this WC maxi www.thewhitecompany.com/clothing/dresses/pleated-v-neck-maxi-dress--navy here]] - depending on what Im told of course!
May also need to replace my short white cotton skirt and shorts - Nivea sunlotion has stained them both. You would think in this day and age they would be able to invent non-staining lotion???

Great news about DH's job Hopefully

Have just ordered the 123 Magic book thanks Decameron and Bloss. Sounds just what we need to help with DS1. No just doesnt mean no to him.

White Company link again. here

SE nah, once we've found a nanny I won't need him any more

Argh, stupid DH who is supposed to be working from home went out for lunch and missed DHL. Will be here tomorrow though blue. Got to keep him onside though as he is going through many rounds of interviews (six anyone?) for his dream job, and if he gets it I have been promised the handbag of my choice. To be honest, the amount of ironing and dry cleaning runs I've had to do I surely deserve it?

No other exciting purchases to report - bought the body brush suburban posted in her blog and some very attractive shapewear from M&S as I am doing a mumsnet trial.

Maje private sale is on for any fans (they don't brag about it, just stick very subtle little stickers on their labels denoting 30-50% off). Have my eye on a few bits in there, but waiting for the sale proper. Also want some coco pop wedges from R&B, possibly some of the tasselled loafers too. Had a fondle of a mini Gracie in HoF as well, and am not ruling it out yet. I get paid for a month in June (owed holiday) and am planning a spree!

Oh, anyone who fancied mrsCB's lilac or baby bootcut Hudsons, they are 30% off in HoF...

Welcome back holidaymakers, shame nice weather is on it's way out!

Uh oh, have just noticed the baby with my Ray Bans, she broke my glasses and DS's Thomas sunnies last week, so better watch wrestle them back!

Welcome back blue and Ollie. Resort looks fab Ollie I love Portugal.

Glad you liked the tanning post. Amber I bought a new body brush today as well after realising I had had my old one since 2006 . Have set myself a challenge this evening to see how many outfits I can create with my new white jeans, am pathetically excited.

How was the workwear hunt Red? Am also curious as to wearabouts of COS in Bristol. Am thinking about taking DD to Cabots next week as a half term treat for me .

Fingers crossed for Mr Amber and Mr Hopefully, DP also waiting for some work related news, is nerve wracking.

I really need to do a wardrobe sort out too MiM. I really loved all your links the other day especially the blouse.

Not long to go now Looby saw my friend's gorgeous newborn for the first time today and am now v broody.

I could cry. Just washed 2 pairs of white shorts, my short white broderie anglaise cotton skirt and my favourite white jeans and all have come out of the washing machine with the horrible yellow sun lotion stains still on them - which can be seen through the material.

Just annoyed as we ended up somehow loosing the Nivea lotion I use which has never left a stain and brought some replacement Nivea lotion which had exactly the same wording on the bottle etc. I noticed that it didnt really sink into the skin as well but now it turns out its rubbed off onto large areas of the white clothes I was wearing.

Really sorry to bang on about this but its almost my entire daytime holiday wardrobe (well, bottoms) ruined.

Am wondering in the new Stain Devils fake tan remover would help shift the stains or should I try some bleach and drying in the sun - if it ever comes back? Advice please??? :(

Ollie I would begin with the sun if it is really sunny. If not, I'd go hardcore and beach the lot - it's white anyway and I have never known bleach to not remove a stain.

I had a very productive afternoon - first shop I went into, first outfit I tried on! Normally, the buying of black trousers takes 4 days and tears. These are the trousers, worn with this shirt and these shoes. Have bunged a pic on my profile.

I loved this jumper in Zara and will probably go back for it at some point. Tried on the famous DP maxi and Decam's stripy dress, but both did nothing for me, which was a shame. Would really like another racerback maxi in thick cotton, like the one I was wearing today, which I haven't seen elsewhere.

Hopefully how great for your DH to be so in demand - things are changing quickly, hey?

So glad you had a lovely time Blue, it sounds glorious.

Have just been sent the details for my Mum's house and felt a little teary looking at them. Strange. So many memories there and it was DD's first home.

And Suburban the plot thickens regarding a Bristol COS. Nowhere to be seen!

Ollie - I'd soak them overnight in ariel and then do them on a very very hot wash and hang out in the sun.