Category Archives: Family

Some last minute sale purchases.

At the start of the Zara sale I was a little disappointed with how few items grabbed my attention – though that may have had something to do with being up at midnight to be online as the sale went online. Well as happens every time, the more you look, the more treasures you find – especially in the ‘Last Sizes‘ section – but you’ve got to be quick! If when you click below they are out of stock – never fear – I see items popping back in and out of stock daily – in fact almost hourly at the moment – depending how much surfing I am doing!

This Kimono jacket is just lovely – the colors are gorgeous – and it’s only $29.99!

This bird print dress is relatively recent – and I love the shift shape. Again it is just $29.99.

I have these sarong trousers – and they are beautiful with a really interesting cut. Now just $39.99.

This crochet blouse is just gorgeous and has been out of stock in the sale for a while – I was lucky enough to snap up a Large when it came back yesterday. It will look great with jeans in the Fall. It reminds me of a gorgeous Next one that I treasured back in 1989!

When I’m hunting the Last Sizes section I am mainly looking for dirt cheap bargains like this t-shirt. I ordered the Medium in this.

This is my absolute favorite purchase and it will look great with my harems. It is the same t-shirt that Sue has and wears so well – a bargain at $14.99!

These are not yet in the Last Sizes section – I have been watching them all season but feared the print just made them too obviously ‘Zara’. I love them and have finally decided to hit the order button. I really want to wear these together with my white stilettos. We’ll see when I try them on!

What have you seen in the sales recently? Have you been scouring the Zara sale still or have you moved on to the Next sale in the UK?

Finally a quick round up of holiday activities and outfits. We went to Famagusta the other day to wander around the old City inside the castle walls. Before 1974 this was were all the Turkish Cypriots in the city had to live and there are lots of sad signs of war and destruction. Over the centuries many civilizations have lived in the walled city and left their mark so there are lots of great ancient sites and stores to see!

On Saturday night we wandered up to the village for our nightly ice cream and lo and behold another wedding was taking place. I also discovered it is the month of Ramadan, after offering our gardener a glass of water he told us he was fasting. I am learning new things all the time here – I had no idea Ramadan was timed to coincide with the gorgeous crescent moon.

I am wearing the Gap sunwashed t-shirt, J.Crew chino shorts in peach neon and my Marks and Spencers bowcage sandals.

Last night we went out for a ‘fancy’ dinner – according to the children that is. It’s about as fancy as it gets here in N. Cyprus – but I wore a frock for the occasion:) (I’ve worn the red version here). The sandals are Marks and Spencers. As my Husband was driving I was unable to polish off the full bottle of wine on my own (it must be the heat) so I brought it home – classy.

My spiritual home.

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So I’m not normally one to get deep, so bear with me. I believe that everyone has a ‘spiritual home’ – where you feel that sense of calm, along with a stirring sense of excitement. Like you’re where you belong. If you’re lucky enough to travel often you may have encountered several places that give you this feeling of elation, or you may be even luckier to experience it right where you call home now.

15 years ago my Husband and I journeyed down the Karpaz – the peninsular or ‘pan handle’ of Cyprus. It was barren, poor, and occupied by farmers. It was, and still is, one of the few places on the island where you find Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots living side by side. It is also home to fabulous hidden ruins, sea turtles and wild donkeys. Today it is much the same, though the western Karpaz now has several holiday villages bringing in much needed business and money to the area. I’m not sure the photos do it justice but I hope they convey some of the reasons why the Karpaz is my spiritual home.

BIG holiday hair!:

Not sure I’ve ever seen clearer water – no wonder the turtles love it!:

Lunch was a picnic in a ruined chapel – not a bad spot:

Just call me Aphrodite:

So I want to be a goat herder when I grow up:

Excuse me mate!:

The beach behind me is Turtle Beach where we spent a night of our honeymoon at the bar, and then slept in a beach shack. It was a very drunken night – I still remember how rough I felt the day after! Hasan, the owner, who poured the brandy in 1998, was still there today. Amazing memories:

My paradise:

Güzleyurt and Salamis.

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It’s been a busy couple of days here. Over the weekend we headed to a ‘real’ Cypriot town where we were the only tourists – I stuck out like a sore thumb with my Nikon hanging round my neck. It was market day in Güzleyurt so off we went to stock up on some fabulous fruit and veggies.

We also made sure we beat the heat with a glass of strong çay.

This is a New Look dress that I bought on my trip back to Bury back in February. This is a similar one in navy and now just 7 GBP in the sale! I love it – but Hugh asked me if I had a baby in my tummy – so maybe not the most flattering on me. Comfort wins every time here though in the heat!

Today was an amazing day. When my Husband lived here from 1971 to 1974 they lived in Famagusta. The city is now home to a ‘buffer’ zone where only derelict, war torn buildings remain, patrolled by the Turkish army and the UN. It’s sad to see this part of the city crumbling away, but they obviously think a buffer zone is still needed to separate the North and the South. We drove around the barriers trying to pick out my Husband’s old apartment, where he lived as a child, that sits in the middle of the buffer zone.

Earlier in the day we visited what is probably my Husband’s most favorite spot in the World – Salamis. Imagine having ancient Greek ruins by the beach as your play ground when you were 7! He told me he had his 6th birthday party there and even wore a red toga for it – a lot of things are becoming clearer to me on this vacation:) I’ll be asking my FIL for the photos.

The Med is crystal clear here – almost too clear for me as I could see what I was swimming with – lots of tiny fish!

The obligatory photo on the headless statue.

Another fantastic lunch.

The neon beach cover up is from Target. I can’t tell you how hot I was standing here!

Who knows where tomorrow will take us!

A wedding, in the square, in the village, in N. Cyprus.

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As I was showering, getting ready for our evening promenade into the village, my Husband seemed unusually restless and impatient. I was taking my time, washing the grit and grime away from our hike up to Buffavento Castle earlier in the day. Little did I know we had a function to ‘attend’. Yes he had scoped out the village square earlier in the day, and he was well aware of the function about to take place that night. He was keen for me, and Poppy and Hugh, to catch a glimpse of local life, and I was ushered out of the door under the pretense that he was tired and wanted to get home soon.

We meandered up the road to the village square to get the children their ice creams, with the plan to sit in the municipal play area and watch them use their last reserves of energy on the swings.

When we got to the square there was a fervor of activity. A wedding was about to begin – it was just how it is in the movies!! I couldn’t believe our luck! I waited in two minds while the kids ate their ice creams – was I invading someones personal moment if I tried to steal a glimpse of the bride? Or was it really just like the movies where every man, woman and child is welcome to attend?

Suddenly the decision was made for me – the noise of car horns blasting up the road got louder and louder, and as the cacophony turned towards us we were cornered by the screeching wheels of 20 or so cars pulling up. Ever tried hand brake turns around a small village square? It looked like some of these dudes did it every week in their pimped up 1988 3 series.

So we stayed – and many of you will be relieved to hear that we didn’t actually get too close – mainly as I didn’t have enough Turkish Lira to pin to the groom and his new bride – it was definitely a ‘pay to enter’ wedding.

I only took out my point and shoot camera regrettably – but some photos came out okay in the dark.

I managed to surreptitiously grab some snaps of the local barber – a busy man at 8pm – I keep trying to persuade Hugh to get his locks chopped there but he’s not having any of it.

Watching and waiting…

On arrival the Bride wandered around in a circle several times – I later learned that it is traditional to walk around 3 times with the bridal party before the wedding:

The wedding stage was decorated and covered in floral arrangements, and the guests lined up with their gifts of money ready to congratulate the bride and groom .

The first dance – I couldn’t help but wonder who this lovely couple were, and what life will be like for them here over the course of their marriage.

The whole village had turned up with gifts – it was going to be a while before the party started. I think I may have just left a bowl out for gifts and cut right to the dancing if it was my wedding.

So we left them in peace and wandered home listening to the music increase in tempo – my feet were itching to do a u-turn but I didn’t want to cross that line of hospitality so stayed put at the house enjoying a late night beer with my groom.

My wedding outfit consisted of Gap shorts (not online – size down though they are BIG – these are a US 4!), Gap t-shirt (just $5.99 right now – make sure you size down though) and Zara sandals (in the sale) – I wished I’d been told so I could have worn a frock:)

And my outfit for our walk up to Buffavento – I swear they could see me in Turkey in this. Buffavento has never seen anything quite like it:) The t-shirt is Zara (old) and the shorts are J.Crew chino shorts in neon peach, worn with my Newtons.

Sightseeing.

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There is so much to see and do here in Cyprus, including doing absolutely nothing but lounge by the pool in the heat, and fortunately we are here long enough to do a little of everything each day.

On Wednesday we started the day with a trip up to St. Hilarion – one of the three castles that are perched on the mountains around Kyrenia. The children loved it and did great climbing the steep access to the Royal quarters. Poppy was spurred on by her desire to be a Princess for the day.

Up and up we went with lollipop rewards at the top. Well worth a visit for the views alone. The drive up there is interesting too – through a Turkish military zone with shooting ranges on the side of the mountain.

For this trip I wore my J.Crew Factory shorts (only $19.50 in the sale right now!!), Gap t-shirt (just $15 in the sale with another 35% off today using GAPMORE) and M&S sandals – though as you can see the Newtons were required for the climb. (Sorry about the blurry photo I was being rushed out of the door!).

Yesterday we hung out at the pool until the heat subsided in the early evening. We then headed off to Bellapais Abbey which is just stunning, if a little touristy due to the many people searching for the Tree of Idleness from the book Bitter Lemons.

We had some fun amongst the ruins.

Yes that sign behind her says ‘dangerous stairs’ – she’s a rebel and will do anything for the right shot.

I wore harems from Next, T-shirt from Zara (old) and sandals from M&S, and Poppy is wearing a t-shirt from Target, harems from Zara (similar here) and Havaiana flip flops.

After Bellapais we drove into Kyrenia for another wander along the harbor. We ate kebabs and lamaçun with the locals, and then I had my brandy sour at The Dome as I did 15 years ago. Apparently Kyrenia has some of the best forgeries in the World – there were a couple of ‘Birkins’ that caught my eye. Might be time to do some bartering tomorrow.

Finding our groove.

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It’s amazing how quickly you can get in the swing of things on vacation. Once you discover the supermarket, beach and local restaurant it all becomes so easy and you can hit the relax button.

We discovered our local beach yesterday – it was flippin’ hot at nearly 40 degrees celsius – our feet were burning on the sand! It was pretty busy too – but the Med was clear and warm and the kids had a blast. I was fascinated by the broad spectrum of people having fun – there were women with six packs and thong bikinis, and then there were women in Burkinis – all having a blast in the sun.

We picked up some fruit and water on our way there – I wish you could smell the sweetness of the melons wafting my way.

Last night we wandered down the road to try our local restaurant. My fingers were crossed that it would be good as there aren’t too many places that we can walk to here, and I want to make sure that OH isn’t driving all the time – he enjoys a cold beer too occasionally:) As we left the house I was shocked to discover that we were now a family of six.

Thankfully the food was amazing, and the view was even better. The restaurant was perched on a rock by the sea, and we listened to the waves crash as we munched on our mezze.

The fish was fabulous.

And so was the Efes.

My dinner guest wasn’t interested in having his photo taken:)

All six of us made it home and sat for a while staring at the thousands of stars, watching the Millennium Falcon fly over us, while listening to the call to prayer. A magical night.

I was comfortable but looking at the photos in the light of day this outfit is pretty unflattering – it gives me zero shape. Ahh well you live and learn – OH thinks I should write a post titled ‘Vacation Outfit Failures’ – he obviously didn’t like it either and thinks there may be more to come:) Thank goodness I have thick skin.

The loose shorts are old from Target, the t-shirt is the Gap sunwashed tee (Just $5 in some colors!) and the sandals are Zara (in the sale).

As I was on Gap getting the t-shirt link I completely fell in love with this dress – with a little imagination styling wise I think this is just gorgeous!

Day 1 in Cyprus.

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We’re staying in a villa just outside Kyrenia. It’s always great to arrive and find that the villa is all it was described to be! It’s fairly new and has all the home comforts that you need on vacation with children. We spent most of yesterday around the pool recovering from our traveling.

The rental car then arrived and we then headed out to explore and get our bearings. Kyrenia has a gorgeous harbor and castle – relative to the rest of N. Cyprus it is quite touristy – but in the grand scheme of things it is pretty low key. Just as I remember it from 1998, there are still lots of expats here. Most places even accept stirling as well as Turkish lira.

The Dome Hotel is where we spent the first night of our honeymoon in 1998.

We sat at one of the harbor bars for treats – Mum had one too:)

We then thankfully discovered a fabulous supermarket. We will be eating out, but it’s also reassuring to know that we can buy great food and eat at home when we need to. The children are very happy that we have found chicken kofte, fries and watermelon – they won’t starve:)

Now for my attire for the past couple of days. I love my new harems from Mango – so comfortable for travel. (Laughing at the Bisto gravy granules in the background – they’re to take home!).

Trousers – Mango // T-shirt – Gap // Sandals – Zara // Scarf – Gap

Yesterday I was in a bikini most of the time but ventured out in my River Island t-shirt dress and new M&S sandals. These sandals are perfect – so comfy and they have rubber soles so no slip sliding over cobbled streets.

The BIG holiday hair arrived after a day in the pool and the wind in Kyrenia:)

And of course Poppy didn’t want to miss out on the photo ops. Here she is in her new M&S dress.

Off to find a beach today!

Why Northern Cyprus?

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In 1974 the Turks invaded Cyprus and the landscape of the island changed forever. The South, ruled by the Greeks, is buzzing with resorts, tourists and night life. The North, ruled by the Turks, is rural, lacking investment and still unrecognized by most of the World. 1974 is also the year that my Husband and his family were evacuated from Cyprus, and his father’s posting here with the British Government came to a sudden end.

My Husband’s love for Ancient History must stem from his time spent in this amazing country, which is filled with stories of Aphrodite, and ancient and medieval ruins. The North is home to castles perched on the mountain tops where the wind howls and creates magical playgrounds for adventures and exploration. Salamis, on the East coast, was one of the richest cities in the Mediterranean and is now a well preserved site where you can wander back in time.

It’s an emotional place for my Husband to visit. As he tearfully told me when we were landing yesterday, the last time he flew to the South of the island he was with his Mum and Dad. My Father-in-law has been back a few times since to visit. My Mother-in-law sadly passed away in the first few months of our courtship, more than 20 years ago, she was far too young. My Husband and I last came here for our honeymoon in 1998, so I have a good understanding of why this island has such sentimental meaning. You can’t help but fall in love with it’s beauty and mystery. I am hoping that this, our first trip here with the children, will be somewhat cathartic for my Husband, and encourage him to share some fabulous memories of his Mum with her grandchildren.

It’s already been an adventure. After a long flight via Schipol we arrived at Larnaca where we were then driven North, over the border in Nicosia – the only city to be divided by an international border. Who knows what adventures we’ll have today!?

Still in her 30s

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But only just! I spent the day today celebrating my sister’s 39th birthday. We left early, abandoning our children, and ran for it to the bright lights of Manchester. What followed was one of the best days of sibling bonding I’ve ever had. I wish I could spend days like this every week with my sister.

After a mooch around the shops, where I bagged a couple of great deals in the Mango sale, we headed to Harvey Nicks for a fabulously debauch lunch – minimal food, copious prosecco and abundant conversation. I felt like I was on an episode of Long Lost Family – we spilled so much, talked so much, laughed so much and cried a little. It’s amazing what growing up can do for a relationship.

Lovely Louise – Happy 39th!:

My new pants – fabulously comfortable:

In between bottles of wine we dashed into Zara where I fell in love with this jacket – I will be ordering it on my return. It’s just the most perfect lightweight jacket – it fit like a glove.

We also managed to buy half of the Marks and Spencer’s shoe department. Lordy I might need a new suitcase again.

I first saw these on gorgeous Avril and I couldn’t resist the nude too.

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Then these are the first ever strap sandal I have ever owned! Normally I can’t get my toes to stay put beneath the strap and I end up with all sorts of nasty welts and blisters – but these are just SO comfortable. My first ever non-thong sandals. I promise – far nicer on – no Jesus sandal about these! My sister confirmed they were cute and not frumpy – I trust her, you should too.

Here are Louise’s – very classy indeed and a great wearable height. I’m so impressed with M&Ss shoe collection – thank goodness they do free shipping to the US now!

My outfit today (it was warm and sunny!):

Dress – T-shirt dress James Perse (old) // Jacket – Zara (old) // Shoes – Isabel Marant Bobby Sneakers // Scarf – J.Crew (old)

Off to bed now ready to head to Leeds! That’ll be a fun story for you:)

2013 family vacation is underway.

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We made it! I have to admit I was exhausted before I even got on the plane. Hugh and Poppy were so excited that the first thing they asked at 7am was ‘are we going yet’. Only another 12 hours of waiting, and answering that question then! Finally we were on our way, bags packed with what I know to be way too many clothes – I even managed to sneak some extra shoes in their bags;) For the first time we actually departed from the new Atlanta International terminal. In the past we have checked in there and then had to get the airport train all the way back to the old terminals which just seemed like a complete waste of time. This time we got to explore the sparkly new terminal, with a food court to rival those of the best airports in the World. I could quite happily have spent an hour or so in Ecco drinking wine and eating flatbread. Instead we had homemade ham and cheese butties which I think Poppy and Hugh appreciated far more.

My travel attire: Trousers – James Perse cargo trousers (similar here) // T-shirt – Gap // Sneakers – Golden Goose (I ended up wearing my hi-tops though – a story for another time!)

After an hour delay due to bad weather we were on our way, finally!

We arrived yesterday to glorious weather in Bury. So sunny in fact I managed to recover from my jet lag lying in the garden. Just perfect! I also got to try out my early birthday present from my Husband. Looks like he picked up on my not-so-subtle hints. My fabulous man presented me with a new Nikon D3200 before I left. I am SO excited to have a great camera. It’s the perfect entry level DSLR – even though it has all the bells and whistles, it has an ‘Auto’ setting for when I’m feeling lazy:) I have, however, read the instructions and have tried out some of the various settings.

Nana and Grandad have converted their serene garden into Alton Towers.

I found the perfect objects for some still lifes:

Unsurprisingly the weather here is ‘changeable’. I started the morning with a run in the sun. I’m not sure Bury rush hour traffic was ready for bright pink hot pants though. I suddenly felt rather self conscious.

My bare arms have since been covered with a grey cashmere cardigan, and I’m adding layers as the morning progresses.

T-shirt – Gap // Scarf – Marks and Spencer’s (from my last visit – has a bike printed on it – I love it! // Jeans – Gap // Ballet pumps – navy Tory Burch Eddie flats

We’re looking after cousin Alice today. I’ve a feeling Nana and I will be on the wine soon.

Poppy's Style

My blog about fashion, family, friends and fun.

Category Archives: Family

Some last minute sale purchases.

My spiritual home.

BIG holiday hair!:

Not sure I’ve ever seen clearer water – no wonder the turtles love it!:

Lunch was a picnic in a ruined chapel – not a bad spot:

Just call me Aphrodite:

So I want to be a goat herder when I grow up:

Excuse me mate!:

The beach behind me is Turtle Beach where we spent a night of our honeymoon at the bar, and then slept in a beach shack. It was a very drunken night – I still remember how rough I felt the day after! Hasan, the owner, who poured the brandy in 1998, was still there today. Amazing memories:

My paradise:

Güzleyurt and Salamis.

A wedding, in the square, in the village, in N. Cyprus.

Sightseeing.

Finding our groove.

Day 1 in Cyprus.

Trousers – Mango // T-shirt – Gap // Sandals – Zara // Scarf – Gap

Why Northern Cyprus?

Still in her 30s

Dress – T-shirt dress James Perse (old) // Jacket – Zara (old) // Shoes – Isabel Marant Bobby Sneakers // Scarf – J.Crew (old)

2013 family vacation is underway.

My travel attire: Trousers – James Perse cargo trousers (similar here) // T-shirt – Gap // Sneakers – Golden Goose (I ended up wearing my hi-tops though – a story for another time!)

T-shirt – Gap // Scarf – Marks and Spencer’s (from my last visit – has a bike printed on it – I love it! // Jeans – Gap // Ballet pumps – navy Tory Burch Eddie flats

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BIG holiday hair!:

Not sure I’ve ever seen clearer water – no wonder the turtles love it!:

Lunch was a picnic in a ruined chapel – not a bad spot:

Just call me Aphrodite:

So I want to be a goat herder when I grow up:

Excuse me mate!:

The beach behind me is Turtle Beach where we spent a night of our honeymoon at the bar, and then slept in a beach shack. It was a very drunken night – I still remember how rough I felt the day after! Hasan, the owner, who poured the brandy in 1998, was still there today. Amazing memories:

My paradise:

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Trousers – Mango // T-shirt – Gap // Sandals – Zara // Scarf – Gap

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Dress – T-shirt dress James Perse (old) // Jacket – Zara (old) // Shoes – Isabel Marant Bobby Sneakers // Scarf – J.Crew (old)

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My travel attire: Trousers – James Perse cargo trousers (similar here) // T-shirt – Gap // Sneakers – Golden Goose (I ended up wearing my hi-tops though – a story for another time!)

T-shirt – Gap // Scarf – Marks and Spencer’s (from my last visit – has a bike printed on it – I love it! // Jeans – Gap // Ballet pumps – navy Tory Burch Eddie flats

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