Category Archives: Family

Mexican date night.

Back in England our favorite way to spend a date night was to head out for a good curry and a couple of lagers. Due to the lack of good curry houses here our need for heat and spice is more often satiated by Mexican food – the more jalapenos the better! Plus I prefer a couple of margaritas these days to cold, fizzy lager. Last night, to celebrate another half marathon and take advantage of Grandpa still being here to babysit, we went out to Nuevo Laredo. It was lovely, so relaxing and such a giggle. I’m pretty sure I could have eaten all that was on my plate but that would have been greedy no?

It was freezing here, so unexpectedly I had to scurry to find a sweater and jacket to wear. I hurriedly threw this little ensemble together – my Boden stripey jumper from AW 2011, Boden leather jacket from SS 2011, Hudson jeans and Tory Burch navy Eddies. I think this is my favorite jacket – I always feel casual yet polished in it.

Before I went out and stuffed myself another Boden parcel arrived. I had hastily ordered the Boho tunic in Haze champagne spot when a US 6 came back into stock and somehow I found myself putting the Glam jersey tunic in purple in my basket too. The Boho tunic unfortunately was extremely tight across my 36Cs so I have had to return for a US 8 – but the good news is it is gorgeous. It’s a lovely lightweight, silky tunic that will be great dressed up or down in the height of summer. I love the haze color too – a great soft purple. Just be warned that due to the lack of stretch you may have to size up from your normal size in jersey tunics – it’s not as loose fitting as you might think.

The Glam tunic sparked some debate on Boden’s Facebook page last night. Others have ordered it and reported it looked a tad cheap – I can see their point – and sometimes too much embellishment is not a good thing. Also the print is pretty busy. But, when I first opened up my purple one I instantly loved the colors. There is a coral color playing in with the navy and purple spots making it a really unusual but summery color combination. My only niggle is I think it needs to be an inch longer. I am keeping mine as I have learned the hard way that sending something back ultimately ends in me pining for it. Looking at the photo I think nude shoes will be better – the navy ones make my legs look a bit stumpy – never a desirable look. What do you think about the tunic?

Mike leaves today to head back to England – it’s been a great visit and fun to have him around, and in other exciting news the 24th April may also be the birth date of my new nephew!! My sister is huffing and puffing on a labor table in the North West of England as I write. MM and I are hoping that he is called Daniel to provide ample opportunity for fun at family affairs with his two year old brother Jack:) Interesting fact of the day Jack was also born on the 24th of the month, as was his Dad, and his Dad also! Uncanny hey – though not all the same months admittedly.

Today I have on my Boden tunic from SS 2011 (I think it was the funky tunic similar to this season’s), Boden leggings and Tory Burch Revas in hibiscus pink. Hopefully I’ll have some cute baby photos to share tomorrow!

A visitor from afar.

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The children are very excited today. Grandpa arrives this evening. Mike is my father-in-law and it’s odd to realize I’ve known him for over 20 years. It shouldn’t seem odd as that’s how long I’ve known MM* and Mike has been a constant in my adult life, and a tremendous influence on me.

Firstly I am entirely indebted to him for raising the fabulous man that I married. His curiosity for the world at large and his fearlessness have certainly rubbed off on both his sons. Secondly I owe him much for helping MM and I retain our sanity while we were impoverished in London. He often visited us and filled us to the brim with indulgent meals at London restaurants that we could never have afforded on our own. He even took us to France a couple of times, along with my brother-in-law, where we wined and dined. From day one he has always included me in the family clan and showed no hesitation in introducing this bird from Bury to the rest of his family. I certainly felt welcomed into the melting pot of eccentricity that I married into.

Mike makes me feel like nothing is impossible – another trait inherited by his sons – and probably one of the reasons MM pursues his entrepreneurial projects. None of them like to conform and it is that maverick style that I adore in all 3 of them. It’s odd to think of Mike as a maverick when he spent most of his working life in the British Civil Service. He can’t tell me what he did – he’d have to shoot me – but I’ve guessed it must have been pretty important stuff that allowed him to travel and raise his family for a time in Cyprus before it was divided in two and they were airlifted out, and then later in Hong Kong. Mike’s generosity was again displayed when he gifted us with tickets to Northern Cyprus for our Honeymoon to allow MM to show me why this beautiful place is so important to them.

Mike’s wife and soulmate, and my would have been mother-in-law, Pat, passed away after a short illness back in 1991, about a month after I met MM. I never got to meet her but I often imagine us getting on like a house on fire. I like to think I am like her in some ways – maybe not, I’ll never know, but I do know she liked a party and was extremely social. After all these years we talk about her more often especially when the children ask why they only have one Nana. I love listening to MM tell them stories of his childhood that include her. I no longer feel like I’m walking on eggshells and I always learn something new.

When Mike retired early instead of tending his garden and picking up his pipe and slippers he decided it was time to see more of the world and he put his backpack on and set off on his own. Inspiring stuff especially considering the countries he traveled to. I often imagine, like some le Carré novel, that he already had contacts around the globe. What I know for sure is that when he returned he had made friends in places as disparate as Japan and Bali and he still travels often now, though he is probably a little more cautious.

So although I don’t always agree with his opinions regarding politics or football I am eternally grateful to Mike for opening my eyes to a world full of opportunities and excitement…it is what you make of it and regrets are pointless.

Mike and MM celebrating Mike’s birthday last year:

Mike in his seersucker with sherry:)

This post has turned into something I wasn’t expecting and it seems frivolous to talk about clothes now! But I have a photo and I’m going to use it! After saying summer is here to stay I jinxed the weather and it is flipping freezing here today. Time for a jumper again in fact so I reached for my Boden Must have jumper in radish over my Boden Breton, along with my faithful Hudson Collin jeans and Tory Burch Eddie flats in Tory navy. I love this radish color more than when I first bought it. Maybe it is the fact I have a bit of color now after the beach, but I’m definitely going to trawl the site to see what else they have in radish.

*MM – My Man

Bubba’s nerves of steel.

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I’m not particularly religious, at least not by the standards set by the Southern States, but Easter is my new favorite holiday. It encapsulates all the things I love about the other holidays such as family, food, giving thanks and taking time to appreciate the wonders of the world, but it also excludes all the material aspects associated with other holidays that I am beginning to loathe. I have spent a fabulous weekend with my family just hanging out, running in the sunshine, eating frozen yogurt, roasting a leg of lamb, giggling with the kids and cheering on Bubba Watson in the Masters.

I’ve always enjoyed watching golf. It’s odd I’ve never played, in fact it’s quite shameful given all those student discounts on the Old Course I could have taken advantage of. My Dad played when I was younger and I always remember it being on t.v. so somehow I became familiar with both the names and the rules and I gained an appreciation for the skill the top players have. Living in Georgia provides me with an added incentive to watch the Masters, not to mention my intrigue with the pomp and ceremony, elitism and exclusivity of Augusta. To be honest it really doesn’t concern me that women are excluded from membership. I am amused however how it is discussed every year – yes we get it – but don’t watch it if you don’t approve. For me the Masters signals that Spring has truly arrived and the immaculate fairways, azaleas and edge-of-the-seat shots never cease to impress me.

This year’s tournament has had me hooked and the last round today was thrilling. Louis Oosthuizen played an amazing second hole with a double eagle but then lost it to Bubba Watson in a playoff. Bubba is a down to earth guy who is easy to like. He is exciting to watch – left handed and has never had a golf lesson in his life – apparently. Still he can hit that tiny ball further than many players in the game and he held his nerve today to win. Plus he used to play for the University of Georgia so another reason to root for him. Of course he melted all our hearts when his final putt won him the green jacket and he sobbed his way off the green. Well done Bubba.

Home Sweet Home.

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Tybee Island is a fabulous place – I highly recommend it. I think we have found our annual Spring Break destination. Everything was great – great weather, great beach, great basic accommodation and great planning by MM. We stayed at the campsite, which is why we intentionally only stayed 2 nights. Having not been before we were unsure of what a ‘cabin’ would be like and exactly how tight quarters would be at night. As it turns out it was fine – even slightly bigger than the ‘caravan’ we stayed in in France last year. Of course it was made more bearable by the deck that functioned as an extra room in the evenings. MM and I ended up bed hopping with the kids though as they were a bit disorientated with the bunk beds…just like the old days I never knew where everyone was going to be when I got up in the morning:)

As I mentioned MM planned perfectly. In fact we both drafted Excel spreadsheets (yes we are nerds and old habits die hard!) before we left and they matched almost perfectly, listing all the items we needed…great minds think alike! We even remembered the coffee machine so sanity was preserved each morning. We wanted to spend as little time as possible in stores so we even took our own wine, beverages and snacks. It all worked out perfectly and I was able to enjoy a chilled beaker of wine while Daddy frolicked in the Atlantic with the kids.

We ate out one night but to be honest I am no fan of eating with all the other Atlantans on spring break, at over priced, beach side restaurants, so my favorite meal was a large pizza on the cabin deck with a home made margarita:) It was noticeable how much easier holidaying with an almost 6 year old and a 4 year old is compared to last year. All they seem to need is a good peanut butter sandwich, markers and paper and they are perfectly happy. We even had art work to present to the slightly high pizza delivery guy.

The only bummer was driving back on the freeway yesterday. We were informed by our son that he was ‘absolutely desperate’ for the loo. Now why do they always wait till they are in dire need to inform us? Anyway MM sped up to try and find an appropriate, safe place to stop, and crumbs there he was waiting to snare us with his radar gun. Shucks – a speeding ticket, deserved I know, but a bummer non the less. Oh well at least we saved on the restaurant dinners:)

The Spanish Moss of the Deep South in Savannah:

Hanging out on the cabin deck:

The perfect beach:

My favorite beaker:)

The perfect place for a nap….

Packing for 4.

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Yeah Spring Break is here! Everyone in this family needs it. 7am school bus rides take their toll on all of us after a while. My daughter has been asking for regular updates on ‘how many more sleeps’ there are until we go to the beach. It’s fun to see how excited she is. I’m not quite so excited yet as I have to pack for a family of 4 camping for 2 nights, and of course you need as much stuff for 2 nights as you do for 5 ranging from pillows to dixie cups, and from spf 30 to toilet roll. I know we will forget something – the test will be is it something we can do without? I’ll just make certain that my cocktail shaker makes it:)

Prior to everyone disappearing on Spring Break my running buddy and I went for a 10 miler yesterday. I found it really tough – I don’t know what is wrong with me. I had no significant aches or pains but just felt like I had low energy, my body and soul just wanted to give up. Maybe a couple of days of rest at the beach will help? I hope so as I’ve got another half fast approaching in April.

As I went to meet the school bus yesterday I was shocked to discover our only immediate neighbor has put her house on the market. Spring is definitely the time everyone tests the market as most families want to move before the start of the next school year in August. We don’t talk a lot, but she is a great neighbor, mainly because we do both just get on with our lives with little interference so I will miss her. However it would be fantastic if we get another younger family moving in. We’re in a good school district so fingers crossed. I also really hope she gets what she has listed it for – it’ll certainly do wonders for our house value and prove to me that the Buckhead Bubble is recession proof.

So I’m going to take a few days off being online – I’ll be back next week with stories from Tybee.

Getting clean.

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This morning I’ve opened a window in every room of the house. It is perfect. Sun is flooding in, the birds are singing and I can smell spring. It is the most perfect day to choose to work from home. The coffee pot is on and the dogs are lying in a sun trap on the rug. Working from home is always incredibly productive from me – I tend to work in energetic bursts and complete tasks more quickly without the distractions in the office. I’d never give up the office entirely as I love the human interaction but it is bliss being able to work from home when I fancy it.

As I had my first coffee this morning I was indulging in watching Matt Lauer on the Today Show. We grew quite close on my maternity leaves and it’s nice that we can spend some time catching up occasionally. A feature that grabbed my attention this morning was about the beauty of growing old gracefully and various brands embracing older models. You can watch it by clicking here. Mac Cosmetics recently used one of my idols, Iris Apfel, in a campaign. She looks amazing and always makes such a statement as the ‘world’s oldest living teenager’. Even at 90 she is always incredibly decked out, with perfect make up, great accessories and her trademark glasses. THAT is how I’m going to rock it in my 90’s – sorry in advance for stealing your look Iris.

Well Iris and the Today Show got me thinking. As much as I love trying to ‘look good’ I am constantly aware of the pressures trying to look young. We’ve all heard it before that the media and the fashion industry are pushing younger looking models, with skeletal, pre-pubescent figures. Last year I succumbed. I have to say it was more for experimentation than feeling that I looked old, but whatever the reason I went ahead and tried fillers and Dysport (similar to Botox). There must be a masochistic side to me as I really didn’t mind the needles. There was a slight, noticeable difference pre and post treatment but not significant enough to encourage me to try it again. Occasionally I do worry about aging and certain situations make me consider our mortality, especially since becoming a mom. What scares me more though is the precedent I may be setting for my beautiful daughter that it is okay to stick stuff in your face. I want her to see the beauty in growing old gracefully, with style and panache. I am now firmly of the belief that our lines should be treated as trophies of all that we have achieved, the wisdom we have acquired and a celebration that we have lived long enough to acquire a few life lines.

As I gazed in the mirror this morning inspecting my life lines I noticed my skin was actually in pretty good nick. Until 3 months ago I was a ‘social’ smoker. I started smoking in 1987 after making my Mum and Dad quit – I told them they would make me an orphan – brutal hey? MM and I partied hard in the 90’s and I continued to smoke regularly – we were invincible back then. When we moved to the US I tried many times to quit. MM went cold turkey and stopped completely probably 6 years ago? I maintained a ‘social’ habit. Unfortunately I have been taken in by the glamor of smoking. For those of you who are rabid anti-smokers I know it is tough to even comprehend, but when getting ready to go out there was nothing more satisfying than having a decadent cigarette in my glad rags. Well as my children have grown older and my sense of mortality has become stronger I knew it was time to kick it into touch other wise I’d be kicking the bucket. I’ve still no idea how I did it but just before Christmas I had my last cigarette and I’ve not missed them in the slightest. Obviously I feel healthier than ever, running further and stronger than ever, and my skin has also benefited significantly. It is hydrated, smooth and dare I say glowing or dewy?

So I’ve dumped a lot of stuff on you all this morning – all with positive outcomes, so please don’t judge me too harshly. Now I just need to find a couple of new healthy vices:)

Working from home I threw on last year’s JCrew shorts and a JCrew cotton sweater from a few years ago – I love the blue color. The Havaianas are out – these are the grey slim style. I think I have almost every color and I prefer the slim style as they have a skinnier thong. I threw on some big earrings to add a bit of bling to an otherwise basic outfit. I’m resting on the nail polish for now to give my nails a break – my big treat after the race on Sunday will be a spa pedicure:)

Oops I did it again.

Ever increasing social circles.

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I was a bit fuzzy this morning after a late night last night. We went out for tacos and margaritas with our neighbors and had a fabulous time, but stayed a little later than I anticipated – mainly because we were having so much fun. I feel very lucky to live in a neighborhood with such fun friends for both the children and us. Summer is going to be a blast!

My daughter is definitely benefiting from her ever increasing social circle and numerous play dates. She seems to be blossoming. Recently we’ve had a few play dates with her friend across the street, then yesterday she started gymnastics with another friend from kindergarten, and today we have a couple of girls spending the afternoon with us as it was early release from school. Our fabulous YMCA held an event to help us moms out and the girls ran riot, having a great time on the bouncy castles and practicing their gymnastics. Then we went for frozen yogurt at my insistence:) Frozen yogurt is not the only benefit I reap – I’ve been lucky enough to meet some great Moms. It’s lovely to have the chance for a good gossip so we can put the world to rights.

No workout yet today – I’m hoping I can do it once all my child minding duties are done. I’m certainly aching from the past two days so it must be having some effect – I can even feel it in my abs which is unusual for me – let’s hope it’s that 6-pack developing. Maybe my chia seed drink will offset the damage done by the margaritas last night? I’m mixing a tablespoon of seeds with water, a little honey and lime juice – it’s actually fairly palatable but it hasn’t made me feel like running 50 miles just for the hell of it yet.

No outfit photo today either as I am wearing my Nike pro capris and a sweater – very appropriate for play dates and the YMCA…I better not get into the habit of wearing my workout gear all the time though;)

As I was getting our YMCA membership cards together today I couldn’t help but giggle at my son’s. This is his first mug shot and his demonstration of smiling for the camera, bless him.

Shredded.

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My little man turned four yesterday. Hard to believe it’s four years since I was in L&D and four years on he is still capable of making me scream. At least 70% of the time though he is cute enough to make me forget the other 30%:) We had a lovely family dinner at one of our favorite diners where he devoured his body weight in milkshake and chocolate cake. He then sugar rushed his way through the noisiest set of gifts yet – a monster truck that plays music and does wheelies and a fabulous robot that shuffles around blasting things. It has to be said he is a very happy four year old.

To be honest today has been one of those shitty days that rarely comes along, thankfully. One of those days that I pretend has been sent to test me and make me stronger but has actually just made me feel a bit weepy. It started with a shouting match at work and has ended with crying children at home. I’m obviously now having my first glass of wine for 4 days, which needless to say will probably do nothing to make me feel better. Hey ho tomorrow’s another day.

I should mention that before I got into the office it was going pretty well – I did my first Jillian Michaels’ workout DVD. It was suggested after I was looking for some ‘rock hard abs’ on the Boden Facebook page. After reading all the rave reviews I thought it might be worth a try so off I trekked to Sports Authority to get my hand weights. After level 1 of the 30 Day Shred I didn’t so much feel shredded as a complete lightweight. I have no upper body strength and can’t for the life of me do push ups. I’m also convinced my abs don’t respond when I try and do crunches. I am, however, determined to continue with it for 30 days to either a) reap the incredible benefits that it promises or b) prove my theory correct that all fitness DVDs are a massive waste of time.

Even my clothing choice today promised a brighter outlook for today. I love the Boden Must Have Jumper and this is the first outing for the quail egg version worn over 2011’s essential scoopneck tee, with my bargain slate straightleg wool crops bought in the clearance.

I’m very happy with my nails right now – I used Essie’s Smokin’ Hot and the color is really flattering – a gorgeous grey with purple tones that will look great all year round.

…And suddenly everything is right.

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Firstly it is confession time. After contemplating growing my hair I then decided that before embarking on such a painful process I should at least go as short as I dare. So on Thursday evening I went to see the lovely O’Neil at Van Michael and got it all chopped off – even my trusty little asymmetrical fringe that has been my comfort blanket for so long. I have to say I quite like it, it requires no time at all to style, not even a blow dry, and it is certainly very different from the ubiquitous long, blonde hair seen here in Atlanta. I’m still giving myself a little fright every time I check the mirror as there is a lot more ‘face’ showing, but it’s definitely settling in on me. I find I’ve been spending a little more time on my make-up especially around my eyes as I want to keep it soft and feminine. There’s definitely a danger of looking too severe with such short hair. The other bonus is that MM loves it – I’m very lucky to have a man that appreciates the confidence it requires to sport such short hair, he very kindly said it was very ‘Paris chic’ – hey I’ll take it! As of now I’m planning on keeping it like this for a couple of months, maybe over the summer too as it is super for the heat and humidity we have here. Then I’ll start growing it – for sure this time.

Today I am wearing my new haircut along with a 2011 Boden cashmere tunic, Gap jeggings, and my taupe Frye Shirley over the knee boots.

Friday was hectic, first a bike ride with an old friend, then lots of cleaning and preparation for Saturday’s birthday party for my son. Prior to the tornadoes arriving, I managed to persuade my daughter to visit the shoe shop with me for her new spring/summer school shoes. I’m very old school and have inherited my obsession for ‘sensible’ shoes for my children from my own wonderful Mum, who bought me Clarks shoes every school year, long after many of my friends were wearing ‘trendy’ shoes. Unfortunately it didn’t save me from wreaking havoc on my feet in my late teens with badly fitting white stilettos. I find the choice here to be pretty minimal compared to the children’s shoes available in Europe. We have Stride Rite but I find them pretty predictable with their styles and the boys shoes are just so nerdy! This time we visited a store here in Buckhead called Sprong. Again though I was a little disappointed with the choice. Am I the only Mom in Atlanta who wants closed toe and closed heel shoes for their daughter even in the summer? I know it gets hot here, but from painful experience, sandals with no socks in the heat tend to lead to blisters, not to mention all the gravel that can get stuck under your foot. With some help from a lovely, patient sales lady we struck gold. I think you will agree that these See Kai Run shoes were made for Poppy, and thankfully she adores them.

The birthday party on Saturday had to be amended slightly. After the rain all Friday night the yard was a mud pit so the bouncy castle was cancelled. Fortunately the magician, white rabbit and twenty something kids all turned up and had a fabulous time. The photo cake from Publix turned out a treat too and was demolished by 5pm. We co-hosted with great friends whose son also turns 4 tomorrow, and both birthday boys were ecstatic with their haul of gifts. Now all I have to worry about is taking Hugh for his four year old shots, ouch…

What with the chaos of the weekend I didn’t get my long weekend run so I am planning on it this evening. I’m getting frustrated with my increased appetite from the increased running so I just ordered a bag of chia seeds. Another fad I know, but they were recommended by Christopher McDougall, the author of “Born to Run”. They are apparently packed full of nutrients and they swell to a gel when mixed with liquid, so not only are they supposed to give you more energy for long runs, but the also curb your appetite. Let me know what you think if you have tried them…

Poppy's Style

My blog about fashion, family, friends and fun.

Category Archives: Family

Mexican date night.

A visitor from afar.

Bubba’s nerves of steel.

Home Sweet Home.

Packing for 4.

Getting clean.

Oops I did it again.

Ever increasing social circles.

Shredded.

…And suddenly everything is right.

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