Where were we? Flipping those darn flat pancakes again

[BeachysSandyFlipflops]

Hello, damn quick work there by MNHQ

Did you NEED a new jacket Herbs?

Yes! I got wet on my bike in the one I thought was waterproof. I shall be flogging my cagoules...

Heavens, I missed the Stuck Drawer Drama. Herbs, glad to hear you got through it. Good thing my DH wasn't on hand - he goes for the "brute force and ignorance" approach, and would probably have destroyed your kitchen by now.

Anyway, back from Zumba, just scoffed a Springbok Tagine ready meal (yes, really) which has been in my freezer for longer than I care to admit. DH is out in the hallway filling cracks and sanding paintwork in preparation for a big paint-a-thon this weekend (we realised we can't afford to Get Someone In). Is it wrong of me to pretend I'm still eating dinner, whilst staying holed up in the kitchen drinking wine and surfing the net?

CV, I reckon you can spin it out for another half hour...

The answer to your final question, CV, is definitely "No!"

I had a large glass of white down pub in the sun, and then a 126 calorie M&S salad (suspect wine more calories than salad)... If today is anything to go by lunch will be a rarity.....

No don't move CV.

I am watching GBBO crème de la crème. It is fascinating, not just the desserts, but the cacophony of Euro-swearing is excellent. Plus added chocolate sculpture jeopardy.

I've been out to supper - what channel was the debate that I've missed on?? Is it worth watching on catch up?

126calories? Is that even a lettuce leaf and a tomato?

I was thinking that too btm. Cucumber and an olive? BD you will be shattered on that number of calories. Get a slice of toast into you before you fade away,

Oh it was awful, NoCure. Audience booed and laughed and then seemed to fall asleep. People with a chance of power droned their set pieces out again, slowly, Nuttall was vile, other smaller party leaders had intelligence, charisma and no chance (so perhaps they can afford to show intelligence, etc).

That's a useful summary MsM. Think I'll give it a miss - am agog at new series of Fargo now...

Oooh, I loved the film Fargo. We watched the series with all the flares and moustaches but I kept falling asleep. I have just finished The Trial - did anyone catch that?

The Wake went well yesterday (as well as these things go) and many tears were shed, in addition to chuckles and grins when we remembered the good times with our friend.

We have just had breakfast in the garden which was lovely apart from looking at an unkempt lawn which irritates me no end. The two oldest GC will be arriving sometime between 9 and 10 and then we're off to South Shields to have a look at Souter Lighthouse: forecast isn't too bad, although it will be cloudy. DH is debating getting out his legs and wearing one of his many pairs of shorts (almost unheard of in the UK apart from in the garden).

Glad it went well, NU. I think a good wake is a good indication of a good life, IYKWIM.

Another day of running dc to and fro!

Could someone tell me about skincare please? I've run out of inspiration and am simply slapping on any old moisturiser.... the ones with spf seem to sting my eyes so much. I'm using the foam in the shower face cleaner stuff, but would like a serum or oil and a moisturiser...!

You do need spf! Have you tried any of the unscented facial sunscreens? I use a soltan 'dry touch' one, v cheap (£6) and better imo than many of the posh ones - I use factor 30 as the higher factor one is a bit greasy on me. At night I'm slapping on a bit of Ordinary retinoid and then cheapo Nivea soft.

Everything I've ever read suggests that the only things that 'work' (i.e. stave off wrinkles) are spf and retinol. And I have pretty decent skin...

I have just had to TELL my lot firmly what I want for my birthday.to be fair DD1 is usually v good at this and is somewhat preoccupied. And DD2 suddenly comes up trumps. And DP's carefree extravagance is helpful.

I have a 15% code fir The Ordinary which is leading the way in cheap stripped back skincare. Try The Buffet which is packed full if retinoids etc.
Ir try Nuxe L'Huile Prodigieuse- so soothing and smells divine. Monty also a fan.
Olay do a moisturiser with niacinamides which i am using to great effect. I am now 34

Buffet
Also available via Asos i think

I use Art Naturals (also cheap) retinol 2.5% at night, followed by Nivea soft and factor 30 on my face in the morning. Think it is Ambre Solaire.

126 calorie salad? Did you wash it down with an espresso and two fags, like the French, BD?

I am tired and have late night and 4.00 am start to catch first flight on my way home.

Hope you don't have to go into work tomorrow! 4am is rough....

Thanks all. I might have that 'ordinary' code, if it still works....

I am a fan of the Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser, but have had reasonable success with the Superdrug version, too.

I was using a Lidls face cream which was rather good (no SPF) until recently, but its just too heavy for my skin, now the sun is shining.

This has come up on the Mumsnet Swears By: Biore Sunscreen

I find The Ordinary stuff rather scary...

Is there anything for a sensitive English Rose complexion?

I worry I'll go to bed and wake up with no face the next day

I've used Clarins for years. So long in fact that my usual is still the one for women in their thirties. But it works for me. Only downside is the cost but I try and get dh to restock in duty free every time he travels - he has no expectation as to cost so it simply doesn't register. I have used dds simple moisturiser when I ran out once and it seemed very similar at a fraction of the cost so that's my downsizing plan when the income stops,

Today we have had a very pleasant potter up the Beaulieu river looking for the mooring buoy that belongs to dh's old school yacht club - probably tells you all you need to know about his schooling. Having found it we then rejected it in favour of tieing up outside the pub. So now off for a shower and evening in the pub garden I think.

Having said my skin is ok it is not at its best today. I think I may give up and stop work and crawl into bed. I don't seem to have got much done ....