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Crepes, Cats and Calamari

999 replies

MrsSchadenfreude · 13/02/2017 19:09

Here you go.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
20
Rosebag · 01/03/2017 12:21

Go Beachy ...you call them, girl. Or email? I wouldn't foist my contract on you...it's full of anomalies and nearly caused a mutiny amongst teachers. I do have one we used for the production company when we were paying actors, the director etc. Much of it is generic and then we customised/amended as needed. Any good? And great news for DS in terms of the school.

MrsW my cleaner, whom i have had for around 8 years now is a diamond that I would never want to part with. She's more like a house keeper although does ironing not the laundry, and is so much part of the family, I sometimes ponder who would go over the side of the sinking boat, her or DH Blush She speaks in a broad Jamaican patois which I have never really understood but we get by somehow. The DC seem to understand her perfectly. We're thinking of clubbing together with one or two neighbours who she also cleans for, to send her for a holiday home to Jamaica in the not too distant. She can't afford it and hasn't seen her folks for years.

Knickers...M&S high legs, two sizes too big are like midis for those of us with fat thighs. Very comfortable.

Bras....enjoying Prima Donna Balconettes at the moment. Panache balconettes probably give me the best lift and I do wear them, but it's like being garrotted by the end of the day. I am completely different sizes in different brands...

I am having a difficult week. Unstructured and feeling like a spare part. DM has upset me...changing arrangements constantly to fit in with other people that she deems more deserving than me...and trotting out the usual "you understand, don't you? " No I effing well don't. I was in tears but had to run out to choir last night, so texted DH to tell him and for some support, and he sent back the most unfeeling, standard reply. Typical. Any way I got the last laugh. He ate something very heavy on the lentils for lunch at work yesterday and now he's got the shits. Karma.

Cremolafoam · 01/03/2017 13:10

FOR WAF
Northern 🇪🇸 for you
North coast
San Vicente de la Barquera – Cantabria
Fly to Bilbao from Stansted with EasyJet or from Heathrow with BA*
Stay:*
http://www.toprural.com/Casas-ruraless*Cantabriaia0013636r.htmll
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/spain/cantabria/articles/cantabria-travelguidee**/*
San Vicente de la Barquera offers some naturally beautiful beaches around its coastline, they are Playa del Cabo o Guerra , which is isolated and frequented by Surfers due to its strong winds and surges. Playa de la Maza or Playa de la Fuente, smaller quiet beaches with golden sands.
Xivares – Asturias
Fly to Bilbao as above
Stay:
http://www.toprural.com/Casas-ruraless*Asturiasas0011515r.htmll
The Xivares beach sums up everything that is Asturian, wild natural beauty, rugged coastline and a freshness that you would expect in part of Spain. It can be quite windy but it means you don't get too hot.also great for food and wine and particularly cider which is always helpful.
Local butter slathered on boruña ( bread for Northern Spain) is a particularly fond memory.

West Coast
Fly to La Coruna from Heathrow with Iberia or BA
Boat to islands:https://www.mardeons.es/en/

Las Islas Cies / Pontevedra
Off the coast of Galicia lies the Cíes Islands, billed as the region’s answer to the Caribbean - and perfect for those in search of isolation.
I haven't yet been here , but would love the chance to go at some point. The sea around the islands is protected and you can see pods of dolphins from the beaches apparently! Google a picture and you wouldn't believe it is in Europe.You can't stay I don't think, except by camping and there are no cars allowed. Bliss.

Absolute beauty is how to describe the beaches here and the surrounding area. The main beaches are the Playa de Rodas, Playa de Figueiras or de los Alemanes, Playa de San Martiño, Playas de Cantareira, Margaridas, Playas de Mixueiro, Areina Playas de los Bolos and Nuestra Senora, Nuestra Senora and Carracido. Natural beauty, clean sands and crystalline waters make sure every outgoing visitor has a hunger to return another day

Viveiro, Galicia *
Fly to La Coruna from Heathrow with Iberia. Can be quite expensive as it is a tiny airport.
Using Viveiro as a base, you could go to a different beach every day of your holiday, driving for less than an hour too. Or you could just stick to the beaches around Viveiro Bay, a teardrop-shaped inlet framed by hills covered in pine and eucalyptus trees.
“Covas is the main town with a great long beach. Viveiro is all about people of all ages just enjoying the holiday vibe with their family. 'Very relaxed and 'summer holidayish' but full of Spanish and Portuguese people on hols.
To stay: http://www.toprural.com/Casas-ruraless*Pontevedrara0093636p.htmll
Air b&b S for you here Waf :
http://abnb.me/EVmg/cPpEp0B19A

Cremolafoam · 01/03/2017 13:36

For GGG

Rotterdam
Fly to https://www.skyscanner.net/transportt*deeplink/4.0/UK/en-gb/GBP/city/2/13465.16019.2017-08-10,16019.13465.2017-08-14/air/airli/flights?itinerary=flight%7C-32430%7C71%7C13465%7C2017-08-10T07:30%7C16019%7C2017-08-10T09:30,flight%7C-32430%7C74%7C16019%7C2017-08-14T10:00%7C13465%7C2017-08-14T10:05&carriers=-32430&passengers=1&channel=ipad&cabininclass=economy&facilitated=false&tickettprice=98.30&isisnpt=false&issmultipart=false&clientntid=skyscannerrapp&requeststid=40e63fd5-6203-49de-93b9-d416c5b98eaa&deeplinkkids=eu-central-1.prododb46a17732990a3e92cae06253c49ea6b&commerciallfilters=false&q&qdatetimeeutc=2017-03-01T00:22:40&sourcecewebsiteeid=amac&advertisingngid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&clienttversion=5.12&utmtmmedium=com.apple.UIKit.activity.CopyToPasteboard&utmmsource=ios%20app&utmtmcampaign=UK-Flights-appshare-FlightsBookingDetails&utmmcontent=LOND-RTMTM*_
If I could I'd book while the jazz festival is on,in July. Not just high brow jazz but all sorts of music, dh's and events:
http://www.northseajazz.com/enen*/_
More festivals here, it seems Rotterdam likes a celebration
http://www.rotterdamfestivals.nl/public/calendarar*
/_
Reasons to go from Roughguides
https://www.roughguides.com/article/rotterdam-8-reasons-to-visit-the-netherlands-second-cityty*__/_

http://www.boijmans.nl/nl/#sLIvHFXwcB5LflTm.9.9*_
http://flying-dutchgirl.com/blog/10-reasons-to-visit-rotterdamam*__/_
To stay:
http://www.mainporthotel.comom*_
air B&Bs are thin on the ground and very cheap and cheerful unless there is a big festival on when they stick the arm in.
I didn't find anything lovely so maybe not an option for this city.

Lisbon:
Oh so pretty Lisbon is so gorgeous and unusual. Lots of unexpected things round every corner.
Fly ~ Ryanair/ EasyJet direct*
Stay:
Valverde Hotel very swish* http://www.valverdehotel.com/en/luxury-hotel-lisbonn**
We stayed here and it was gorgeous *
http://solardosmouroslisboa.comm**
Air b&b :* http://abnb.me/EVmg/vWvG7z529AA**
Fab eating places:
The Nun's Canteen cheap lunch place run by the Catholic Church but with amazing views .
More suggestions here:*https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2014/jun/26/10-of-the-best-restaurants-cafes-in-lisbonn**

Lyon and Annecy
Fly:https://www.skyscanner.net/transportt*deeplink/4.0/UK/en-gb/GBP/flyb/2/16189.13853.2017-08-09,13853.16189.2017-08-16/air/airli/flights?itinerary=flight%7C-32302%7C6100%7C16189%7C2017-08-09T10:55%7C13853%7C2017-08-09T13:30,flight%7C-32302%7C6101%7C13853%7C2017-08-16T14:15%7C16189%7C2017-08-16T14:50&carriers=-32302&passengers=1&channel=ipad&cabininclass=economy&facilitated=false&tickettprice=39.98&isisnpt=false&issmultipart=false&clientntid=skyscannerrapp&requeststid=4bbed442-77c1-4a35-b558-ed8b1889e2e6&commerciallfilters=false&q&qdatetimeeutc=2017-02-28T19:15:22&advertisingngid=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&clienttversion=5.12&utmtmmedium=com.apple.UIKit.activity.CopyToPasteboard&utmmsource=ios%20app&utmtmcampaign=UK-Flights-appshare-FlightsBookingDetails&utmmcontent=LOND-LYSYS*
Ooh you can even go by train-_
http://www.eurostar.com/uk-en/train/france/lyonon
_
Lyon is second only to Paris when it comes to foody delights. Lyon kicks butt over Paris when it comes to cuisine. Lyon is a fascinating city, a center of WWII resistance, textiles, Roman antiquities... and some of the best food I have ever eaten.
michel Roux recommends

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/france/rhone-alpes/lyon/features/michel-roux-jrr_s-lyon--my-kind-of-town/
Stuff to see
http://museedesconfluences.fr/
http://lasucriere-lyon.com
The cathedral
Miniatures museum ( brilliant fun) http://www.museeminiatureetcinema.fr/accueil_eng.html

To stay:
Uber posh
http://en.courdesloges.com/
Good vfm is the Sofitel by the Rhône

Boutique:le Gurguion ( wistful: had a night here once)
http://www.legourguillon.fr is the location you want to aim for between the rivers in Arr. 5
Air B&Bs - http://abnb.me/EVmg/1axhiNX78A look nice I think.

Annecy is one of the prettiest places in France and can be got to for an afternoon, on the train from Lyon if you feel the need for a winding trip toward the Alpes. Yodling all the way.

Other recommendations from me would be Gothenburg, Bilbao ( bd is good on Bilbao actually) and Saltzburg, for the reliving of Sound of music and or a bit of Mozart.

Cremolafoam · 01/03/2017 13:40

pants I like. Usually the M&s high leg version or Dunnes boy shorts. 42dd is a size too far for most shops except Amplebosom.HmmShock

bigTillyMint · 01/03/2017 13:55

I am Shock at all the Bridget Jones big knickers - I don't like high-waisted knickers, but maybe I should if they are the Crepey pant of choice.

motherinferior · 01/03/2017 14:27

Crem, have you been properly measured???3

Been swimming. Bliss (I hit the desk at 7.30am to compensate!). Went round and round looking for parking spot on return. Not so blissful.AngryAngryAngry

wordassociationfootball · 01/03/2017 14:28

Oh my Crem, beaches, cities, pants. Brilliant!!!!

I will devour this later. Although it's quite a challenge on a teenyish budget with me gluten free, the dd's both veggie and nada da lingo bar dd's 'I have one sister and a cat' stuff don't shoot me if I book all inclusive

Lalsy · 01/03/2017 14:36

Oh Crem, you are a gem. I am going to save your post as I suspect we won't get abroad this summer and I will enjoy salivating over those links anyway.....

I am also having a shapeless week, Rose. Perhaps we should meet up and prod each other? Smile

Blackduck · 01/03/2017 16:08

Beachy - Friday but also rats of work related crap has emerged which beggars belief...

hattymattie · 01/03/2017 16:37

Hello crepies

Beachy - so glad the school is shaping up and being supportive to DS.

Crem - you should work for Holidays Please.

I have M&S cotton mini short knickers or equivalent - all in black.
Not much to report here just dismal rainy weather and the heating still not working effectively. I'm getting quite friendly with the lady at the plumbing firm though and she now keeps me up to date with texts!

bigTillyMint · 01/03/2017 18:53

MI I feel your pain re parking spot - complete nightmare here, but we don't want permit parking!

Cremo, I am going to look closely at your post in the hopes of us being able to go on holiday.

Beachy, that's great re school - sounds similar to DS's experienceSmile

Feeling a bit drained after 10 hours today, but it went quite wellSmile

addle · 01/03/2017 19:13

Thanks so much everyone for breaking off from bras to cover pants.

Crem - fantastic. I'll be saving that too, thank you.

Btm and Beachy - good fr yr boys and good fr the schools

On a course tomorrow. Cannot really spare the time but will be good, I think. Also near large m&s and selfridges fr pant purchase.

herbaceous · 01/03/2017 22:18

I have just got in after pre-teaching prep, teaching, admin, parents evening, post-parents evening pizza, pre-Ash Wednesday service rehearsal, Ash Wednesday service. Good job I haven't now got to make a World Book Day costume. Oh, wait....

Re pants - Sainsbury's or M&S Brazilians. Need them high enough to go over the c-section shelf but not show above the jeans.

Still awaiting opportunity to tell DP off re ignoring me. He's all jolly now.

Montypulciano · 01/03/2017 23:17

Evening all Smile

Loving the pants chat. I can also chuck uniqlo pants into the mix. Keep their shape, not too high or too flossy, nice patterns and materials. And cheap. Bras - anything sufficiently upholstered to keep the girls under control. Usually panache or Freya, often bought new on eBay.

Rose, that is a lovely thing to do for your cleaner. I hope she gets to Jamaica. I adore my cleaner and would practically sell a kidney to keep her.

Herbs, I feel something of the WBD pain, as dd1 decided to participate at 11th hour and needed us to get something together sharpish. Surprisingly I was reluctant to donate my dresses to be cut up to look like rags so we have settled on a Mildred Hubble (worst witch) /where's Wally mash up. Dd2 and Ds sensibly made their requests last week and mr amazon, the tax dodging bastard, came up with the goods. Hetty feather and Oliver Twist all for 15 quid.

Talking of Dd1, she has had a bit of a volte face re school - whilst not proclaiming love for the place, she hasn't said she wants to leave since Sunday and is even going to a club. Baby steps but in right direction ShockWink.

Hope boys with mocks under their belts are feeling ok. Both shown great courage to get to it after such difficult times.

Cloud, how is your lovely boy doing? Thinking of you.

Had a coup on the skivvying front ce sour. Whilst filling the machine with dh's filthy jeans, I was able to pocket a small tip of £30. Usually it's a few coppers, preferably left in to destroy machine's motor and need a repair, but the boy done good tonight. Or he would have done, had he known....

BeachysSnowyWellieBoots · 01/03/2017 23:51

Ha, loving the jean gold mine, Monty Smile

We have WBD tomorrow too, but Year 7's are mostly boycotting so having produced the exemplary 'vagina cake', I'm sending her in in jeans and we can formulate a story on the 7 min drive to school Grin

Cremolafoam · 02/03/2017 00:03

Waf, just thinking you might want to look at last minute, skyscanner and EasyJet Holidays if you prefer to book more of a packaj. A wee bit more fluid than throwing money at Thomas Cook, although I have to say occasionally I have done just that at Trailfinders and First Choice. (Rhodes with dsis and Australia running after dh in a love mist) get the map of Spain out and have a look at distances. You might be better off with a car to access the best beaches which can be down narrow tracks.
casas seem to be The area specialists and have details about taking the ferry from England, which might be a restful and adventurous way to start your hols.

bigTillyMint · 02/03/2017 07:17

Monty, great news about DD - do you think it's a result of the chat?

Girl fall-out continues here amidst everything elseSad
Not sleeping atm, so everything looks worse - trying to keep low-key this morning!

IDismyname · 02/03/2017 07:20

'Tis a lovely moment, Monty when you find some dosh!

Thank you for asking after MiniCloud who appears to be just getting on with life. I know there is stuff being processed boy-style, and DH and I are waiting quietly to see what - if anything - comes out. We just keep making sure he knows he can talk to us.

He's busy trialling 2 jobs - second one was last night - so have yet to find out how it went. It involved a uniform of sorts which he didn't possess, so he took himself off to TKMaxx on his own to go shopping. He's colour blind, so I tactfully suggested that if he picked up anything that looked brown or purple, to check with someone what colour it was. Luckily, it all seems to be navy blue and white. Phew.

I have worn M&S bikini pants for eons, but feel like buying a pair of Sloggis is only one step away from velcro shoes and beige trousers. Please tell me to GET A GRIP and make my life more comfortable.

Took DM out for lunch yesterday. Cant decide whether to offer to go away on holiday with her a deux. I think she's desperate for me to offer. It's just Ive been away and just want to be at home. I want to grieve. I want to walk my doglets and feel spring in the air. I want to hug my son. (Sniff).

(On the subject of travel, I had an email from Skyscanners to say that Montenegro was one of the cheapest places to go. I have to say, it looked splendid. Can someone go and report back? I am only travelling from my armchair. )

RudyMentary · 02/03/2017 08:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

magimedi · 02/03/2017 08:13

Grip being handed to CLoud! Honestly, I've worn sloggis for as long as I can remember & have never owned Velcro shoes or elatic waisted trousers! They are just so comfortable, last forever & stay white!

Rudy, if you miss two days here it's nearly impossible to catch up Grin. I had a month off & have recently just dived back in & it's fine.

Lalsy · 02/03/2017 08:30

Jump away Rudy. and Flowers.

Cloud, it sounds like you need at be at home - and in that case a holiday won't work for DM either? Regular small doses of fun and company will also help her without tearing you up?

I am inspired by this thread, inspired I tell you. Going to run away and do Annual Pants Shop.

motherinferior · 02/03/2017 08:31

I have never splashed out on Sloggis but a friend refers to them as the Rolls Royce of knicker. Enough said...

I need a grip too, re hols. Crem, would you be good enough to pm me with your email as I need to wibble...

Also cross because I am the only person who cooks interesting food round here.

Rudy, we are all here for you.FlowersGin

Blackduck · 02/03/2017 09:20

Hi Rudy
Feel the same .... big hugs....

NUFC69 · 02/03/2017 09:46

Hugs, flowers and kisses to BTM, Rudy and BD for their woes, and to WAF for DM issues.

NUFC69 · 02/03/2017 09:47

Sorry, got mixed up, I meant Cloud.