Category Archives: Life

Jet lag.

Not much changes.

And I mean it in a good way. Despite some of the the changes that have occurred in our lives including the universities, career choices and 7 children, my night out with S. last night was filled with as much laughter as I remember them 22 years ago! I arrived at her house not really knowing what to expect from the evening – it even crossed my mind for one horrible moment that she might not drink anymore! In order to set the tone I arrived with a bottle of Prosecco and 5mins after entering the door any onlooker would have had a hard time believing we hadn’t seen or spoke to each other properly since 1989 or so. I met her five gorgeous children and marveled at how on earth she remains sane – she assured me she wasn’t but bloody hell it made me wonder why I complain about feeling tired and frustrated with just 2 children! We then went out to a place called The First Chop – a tapas bar in Ramsbottom – a very appropriate venue giving the Spain vs. Portugal game was on. Good food was eaten and copious wine was drunk. We rehashed some of our school days agreeing that really an all girls grammar school hadn’t done us many favors in the long run – and surprisingly we still have a few lingering hang ups and regrets – silly really – we need to move on and get a grip. Anyway thrilled to have rekindled a fabulous friendship – it just goes to show that it’s worth reaching out sometimes even when you think too much time may have passed.

It was a really warm, humid evening here so I opted to wear my AllSaints Pipali tank, Gap black skinny jeans and Tory Burch ballet flats – yeah the ballet flats got worn!

I asked my lovely sister to photograph me to begin with but as you can see it was getting a bit mental in the lounge – chaos.

We don’t look bad for 22 years on either:)

The children unfortunately had no compassion for me this morning and were still pinging off the walls at 6.30am – uuurggh. After deciding not to be a wimp about a late night out we headed to the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester – highly recommended for anyone with children. It is full of planes, trains and automobiles, turbines, steam engines and textile machines. There is even a children’s interactive area where they can run riot and touch everything. Brilliant stuff for Mum shuffling along behind them with a large bottle of water:)

Poppy and Hugh found our vacation transport for next year.

A Sinclair C5 – I bet everyone would have one if they were introduced today!

Mmmmm ham butties.

The Enterprise – I want this.

I brought too much.

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Yes not surprisingly I brought too much stuff with us. The lifestyle, the walking, and the weather over here really don’t require the array of outfits that I packed. The need for 2 pairs of ballet flats completely obviated by consistently soggy ground and puddles. Remind me next year folks to just bring jeans, a couple of t-shirts and a couple of sweaters – it’s all I’ve really worn. Not that I’m complaining but it would have been nice to be able to wear a jacket other than my Patagonia Nano in June! Well in fact I did yesterday and made a HUGE error in judgement but more on that in a moment!

On Monday we ventured off to Skipton. Now don’t ask me why my family has always had an affinity with West Yorkshire but ever since I can remember we have been having family day trips to the lovely town of Skipton. It’s just far enough to feel like a ‘proper day out’ and yet not too far where it feels you’re not home till dark – though that would be tough here right now – completely WEIRD that the sun is not setting till at least 10pm and rising at a ridiculously early hour. My brother and his family joined us and we set off in convoy.

Now Skipton is a huge draw for me due to the fabulous fish and chips that it has to offer, so after a walk around the market we headed to Bizzie Lizzie’s for lunch. Thankfully both children seem to have embraced this British institution too, though sadly remain skeptical about mushy peas.

Hugh overjoyed at the prospect of fish and chips. Me in my Boden must have jumper in quail egg and Breton long sleeved top. Boden’s sale will start soon but they have 40% off select styles now – take advantage if you have your eye on something it may not be there in the sale!

On then to Bolton Abbey. This ruin has to be set in some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain. It is idyllic and you can walk along the river through wild garlic, blue bells and foxgloves – just gorgeous – even with 2 very tired children. I never thought I’d be the Mum urging them on and telling them the car park is ‘just around the corner’ around every corner:)

Aggressive ducks who enjoyed Hugh’s peanut butter sandwiches!

The rock climbing got a little too adventurous for me!

Poser.

At the Strid with Grandad.

Bolton Abbey is also very dear to my heart as when MM and I were trying to select a venue for our non-religious but still white wedding we landed on the Devonshire Arms – the perfect place – a bit posh but fairly unpretentious (if you don’t count the helicopter pad) – so I got to show the children yet again where Mum and Dad got married, and a few years later my sister and her husband.

Yesterday we ventured off out again, this time Chester Zoo. Chester Zoo has changed dramatically since I was little – it’s a fabulous zoo, well looked after, clean, and large with tonnes of great animals to see. The weather was glorious as we packed the car up in Bury – in fact I nearly put my shorts on and I got to wear my Wayfarers for the first time here!

Waiting to go – I’m in my Gap black skinnies, AllSaints Bonny Cuban boots, H&M linen long sleeved top and my Ray-Ban Wayfarers.

All Mini Bodened up:)

Now Chester Zoo isn’t that far away from Bury – we’re still in the North West of England anyway, but boy those skies darkened as we got closer to our destination. It turned out to be that rain, very specific to the North West, that I like to call a fine, consistent, wet rain, wet as in drenched. This is where my error in clothing was spectacular – my poor Boden leather jacket:( The rest of my very sensible family were all prepared in their Gore-Tex waterproof jackets…not me – I didn’t get the memo. Thankfully there seemed to be a coach load of Scousers wearing far more inappropriate attire than me – they were more fun to watch than the animals:)

I asked them to smile.

Wet, wet, wet.

The dinosaur exhibit – Hugh was far more interested in the inanimate, extinct animals.

The spitting dinosaur – couldn’t tell really due to the rain.

Awww – new baby tigers:)

Today we’re taking it easy. My sister and her boys are coming over, I’m going for a run, and then I’m off out with an old school friend tonight. I can’t wait to catch up – I saw her briefly last year, but really it’s been almost 20 years since and 7 children (she has 5!) since we had a night out together. I bet neither one of us has changed too much.

Donkeys, cows and sheep.

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It was curry night last night. I’m surprised there wasn’t a queue outside the front door it smelled so good. Chicken madras with all the trimmings – yum. My brother and his family joined us – apparently he pops round every so often when Mum is cooking his favorite or Dad has stock piled some beer – what a coincidence:)

I’ll mention it again but won’t go on I promise – the weather really hasn’t improved. In fact before the calorific curry I went out for a run and I’m sure it took me twice as long as the wind was so strong. Despite the weather we bundled up this morning to head for Bury Show. It’s an agricultural show so it was a great opportunity to show Poppy and Hugh cows, horses, sheep, sheep dogs and a few real life farmers. Once the falconry ‘expert’ retrieved his hawk we also saw a a few birds in flight – though the funniest part was watching him chase after said hawk while telling us how well trained his birds are. It’s a wonder he wasn’t cursing over his mic.

Poppy met a member of the Bury constabulary and when he asked where she was from he proceeded to tell us he was off to the Jersey Shore for his holiday. I asked him if he had seen the show and he replied “no but the Mrs has which is why she wants to go”. Hmmm good luck with that mate.

Having fun in the garden with Space Hoppers.

Have you ever tried to explain sheep dog training to children?

Gorgeous Shire horses.

Sheep dogs and geese?

PC Pritchard

The most expensive donkey ride ever – total scam!

With Nana and Grandad.

No real fashion stakes to talk about today – Patagonia Nano pullover was certainly needed and the obligatory green wellies – even cooler as they were the ones I had 20 years ago!

Massive cows – didn’t mention we are having roast beef tonight:)

Biggest load of bull – rarely meant literally.

Sunday afternoon now means sitting with my beloved, well missed, Sunday papers, savoring the smell of roast beef and waiting for the England game tonight! Poppy and Hugh are ready in their official M&S t-shirts, though they are a little confused between the football and the Olympics as they keep telling me they are supporting Team USA too. We’ll figure it out before August I’m sure:)

Slam in the Lamb.

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The weather today is similar to my last visit. All well and good except my last visit was early December. It has been raining non stop, blowing a gale and it is is very dark – and yes it’s June 22nd. Hard to believe just hours away on a plane it is almost 100 degrees with blue skies. After a little consideration given to venturing out this morning we all decided better of it so we’ve had a lovely relaxing day watching movies and vegging on the sofa. No point complaining bitterly about the weather – we decided to behave like grown ups – embrace it and go with the flow.

The kids have watched Wallace and Gromit about 10 times now and still giggle at the same points, never tiring of it. I have raised my game on Bejeweled, surfed Facebook and enjoyed a few more chapters of the last of the Larsson trilogy. Mum and Dad – the complete nutters – have just decided to go out for their daily 3 mile walk. Poppy was either in awe, confused, or both as they left dressed head to toe in waterproofs. I guess if you live here 365 days a year you can’t let the weather dictate your actions or you’d rarely leave the house.

I am writing with the smell of dinner wafting through – roast lamb – it smells divine. I think I might actually be drooling. It is the perfect day for a scrummy roast dinner cooked by your mum, who happens to be the best cook in the world. It’s just a shame that all I can see across the road is a field full of sheep with their new baby lambs – will just not look when dinner is served.

The weather has also allowed me to enjoy me new AllSaints purchases. I bought the Boston cardigan thinking I would wear it just open in a waterfall style, but today I have been sitting with it wrapped around my neck in some kind of cardigan come scarf fashion. I’m wearing it over an AllSaints Godiva tank with my comfy Zara cargo pants – perfect for stylish lounging:) If you’re considering the trousers these seem to run big contrary to most of the Zara items I have. I’m wearing a US 6 and they are perfect – nice and slouchy. Thankfully here you can’t see my slipper socks that I have resorted to wearing my feet were so blue with cold, so happy I bought them to wear on the plane!

Bon voyage!

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So sorry for the lack of recent posts – it has been bedlam getting ready for our trip! I’d have thought by now I would have packing for a trans-Atlantic trip down to a fine art, but oh no, this time I have some how managed to fill 2 enormous bags for 3 of us whereas previous years I’ve managed with one bag alone. The unpredictable British weather does not help – plus I need black and taupe ankle boots, and black and neutral ballet flats, casual sneakers, running sneakers and flip flops just in case:) I reckon if I could carry it all I’d make full use of our allowance of 3 bags but I’m not entirely sure they would all get in mum and dad’s car back in Manchester – in fact I’m not even sure 2 will…I’ll just have to sit on the roof…I’m sure as hell not sacrificing my closet. MM did ask when I thought the leopard print capris would get worn in Bury…well you just never know do you?!

I also have 3 iPads, 1 iPod touch, 1 shuffle, 1 MacBook and 1 iPhone to carry – Steve Jobs really was a genius.

So here are 2 outfits from over the weekend that I shared by FB and Twitter in lieu of posting the blog – lazy I know. The first is from Friday. I went to get a haircut in the morning and knew I’d be running errands for most of the day so comfort was key. It’s the first time I wore my Sam Edelman leopard print Petty boots and I adore them – they are on sale on Zappos.com right now – you must have these in your closet! They looked fabulous (note overwhelming modesty here) with my orange J.Crew shorts, black Express tee and Zara black jersey jacket. I’m embarrassed to say I now have this jacket in black, off white, fuchsia and jade. I just love them.

Saturday night my fabulous man took me out to our favorite place for dinner, Abattoir, for a farewell dinner. One too many prosecco cocktails were imbibed and too little food which resulted in a stonking hangover on Sunday – hence no photo from yesterday as it was spent horizontal on the sofa in sweatpants, watching recoded Euro 2012 matches:) After a good sweat this morning and a mani pedi with my girl I am now throwing the remaining items into my bags ready to leave for Atlanta’s new international terminal. I believe there is a new El Taco there where the kids can have some nachos and I might have a cheeky margarita! See you in England on Tuesday!

Saturday evening’s attire: Zara jade jersey jacket, Zara harem pants, DSW Levity peep toe boots, white Express tank, YSL clutch (cardboard courtesy of contractors!) – photo a bit fuzzy given MMs haste to get out of the house!

Tipsy:

My girl and her mani pedi:)

Reading material.

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I pity the poor folk who have less IT literacy than I do and try to borrow eBooks or audio books from Fulton library system! I have been trying to get a few alternatives to listen to and read on the plane on Monday but blimey you need a flippin’ IT degree to figure out the library’s system – I used to work in IT and have still been struggling! There appears to be a cluster of issues making it nigh on impossible to borrow a book. A combination of few available books, several file formats, several apps needing to be downloaded, and zero compatibility with my Macbook – resulting in one frustrated borrower. It’s easier and cheaper time wise just to buy a couple of books on iTunes or go back to the good old paperback. MM thinks I’m fooling myself anyway – thinking that I will have time to read with a 4 year old and a 6 year old in a confined space for 9 hours is just asking for trouble:) Anyway the third book in the Larsson trilogy will be joining me on the plane and I will get to read it – though I’ll be sad when I’ve finished it – I’ve loved these books so much. Next on my list is the new Robert Harris book – The Fear Index.

I’m off to the pool with Poppy this afternoon again to avoid the workmen at home. I had a sneak peek in the room yesterday and my oh my – it’s all gone! The old bathroom is completely demolished and the old closet wall is gone! So we’re almost at the ‘fun’ bit – that is bringing in the new bathroom! It does look a bit creepy in there now – as MM pointed out – they get their plastic sheeting from the same supplier as Dexter Morgan🙂

I opted for a bit of summer color today with my Boden fab jersey tunic in prune (I have the moss here too). This really has been the surprise of the season – it is so lovely in real life – the colors really pop. Luckily I also have the perfect J.Crew cashmere cardigan to coordinate with the orange in it – and my nectarine Tory Burch Revas work perfectly! Apologies for the dark photo again and all the stuff behind me – my packing is in full swing!

Movie day.

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So what do I pack for the UK next week? Is it really that bad that I just need to take jumpers and jeans?:( Am I being crazy if I pack shorts or a skirt? Is it really going to be wellies and rain coats? To be honest I don’t mind the rain too much – we had torrential down pours here yesterday and it was lovely – I miss it in an odd way. But rain for 2 weeks in the UK will restrict my footwear choice – i.e. no suede, and also means my bags will be heavier with colder weather clothes – unfortunately rain in the UK does not equate to saunas and steam room heat and humidity like it does here…I’m slowly building a pile of possible items to take but I’m now getting to the stage where I am throwing things at the pile for the hell of it. I need to keep reminding myself that I am not Victoria Beckham and will not be wining and dining every night in Bury’s finest establishments – therefore I do not need 3 pairs of ‘going out’ shoes, a pair of heeled boots, or a pair of strappy sandals. I WILL be going out though and obviously if I am seeing people from my past i.e. school etc…then I need to look drop dead gorgeous, skinny and fabulous so maybe I do need some heels?:) Shallow indeed;)

Yesterday afternoon I went shopping with Poppy for gifts for the nephews and nieces and my sister’s birthday gift. I truly am creating a diva – while at the Jo Malone counter in Saks she was asking very relevant questions about certain scents and then had the audacity to ask for extra samples – I love her nerve! We then had fun at the library doing much more sensible things for a 6 year old like signing up to the book club. I LOVE libraries – even the smell of the old books appeals to my inner nerd…entering one takes me straight back to school – I really did like to study!

Today after her gymnastics camp I’ve promised to take her to watch the new Madagascar movie. I’m quite relieved to have something to fill my afternoon given the demo of the bathroom is in full swing – the last place I want to be right now is home. I’m looking forward to my popcorn:)

I was again very uninspired with what to wear – I think it’s because I feel overwhelmed with packing and wading through my clothes – it’s times like these I can really see the benefit of a capsule wardrobe. Anyway I picked out my J.Crew skirt from a couple of years ago, Zara Union Jack tee (feeling a little patriotic with the imminent trip and England’s not too shabby performance yesterday in Euro 2012!), and then I opted for my Frye Sabrina’s in clay which I’d probably take to England were it not for the hassle of taking them on and off at airport security – and I don’t want to pack them as they will take up precious cargo space! So sorry for the rubbish photo again – ’tis dark in the basement!

Dislocation.

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Uuuurgh – sorry for the lack of weekend posts. I have had an exhausting, stressful time running up and down stairs moving what appears to be shed loads of clothes, shoes (some I’d forgotten about – the shame) and cosmetics to the basement suite where MM and I will be residing until the end of the renovations. In a way it’s quite nice to have the opportunity for a good clear out. We really haven’t done it since we moved into the house 4 years ago – then we just put stuff in what seemed logical places and now, having lived in the house for a while, I know there is a better way to organize things. In fact it will be amazing to have a large walk in closet where all my lovely clothes can be hung, and shoes can be stacked for easy access. You wouldn’t believe the amount of crap that my bathroom vanity had hidden in it. I must have really suffered with hemorrhoids after the birth of my son – I had about 20 different brands of cream in there!! Ouch!

Poppy and I took a break from the turmoil yesterday and headed to the salon for her hair cut. Honestly you would think she is 6 going on 16. Mom wasn’t allowed to sit with her – but I assure you as I sat in the waiting area I could hear her chit chatting away ‘well ac-tual-leee I can do this’, ‘no reeeeally she said so’, ‘I SO like that’…etc.etc. Where did my little girl go? She’s been possessed by a 16 year old mall rat!

The workmen arrived this morning…an hour late…not a good start…but at least they showed up to start the demo. I now have to stay clear of the house all day till 4pm so I don’t get roped into making cups of tea all afternoon:) I did manage to get MM to move the only long mirror in the house down into the guest room where we are sleeping for the next 8 weeks – but the photo is pretty dreadful today – I need to move the mirror somewhere where it doesn’t look like I have a light affixed to my head!

The outfit isn’t too inspiring today mainly as I was struggling for ideas after carrying all the clothes downstairs. Packing for England this week is going to be a nightmare – I already can’t find half my underwear! I’m wearing my Hudson jeans – all of you in England will be happy to hear it’s throwing it down here too and we have grey skies today. Paired with the jeans is the Boden Pretty top from last summer – a lovely, ‘pretty’, easy to wear top that is much more girly than my usual attire. On my feet I have my Tory Burch flannel Revas which are really comfy. You’ll notice I’m also desperate for a haircut – 6 weeks between cuts really is too long for me.

A good sweat.

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One of the reasons I love working out is that I love to have a good sweat. Sounds gross I know, and yes ladies are supposed to glow, but for me there is nothing more cleansing, purifying and invigorating than sweating buckets. Yesterday afternoon I indulged in a couple of hours of sweating at the gym – treadmill, bike, and sauna – it was fabulous. I don’t normally allow time to indulge in a sauna but it was SO relaxing – I need to do it more often if I can get over the awkwardness of sharing a small wooden box with other people for 20 minutes!

I was beginning to regret that I hadn’t planned my trip back to the UK to coincide with the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. I was really upset that I couldn’t watch the whole concert that was shown live yesterday in the UK. It looked a treat with some good old British family entertainment with the likes of Sir Tom Jones, Sir Elton and Madness. I’m thrilled though to have just discovered that ABC are showing highlights tonight at 9pm – I just hope it’s not all Stevie Wonder! I chuckled to myself this morning while reading my guilty pleasure that is the Daily Mail – William and Harry certainly did look a little hungover this morning in St. Paul’s – I’d recognize that look anywhere:)

It’s raining and grey again here in Atlanta – very unusual for this time of year – but it allows me to wear my jeans and a jacket again. I’m wearing the Zara jersey blazer in fuchsia which I love – the color is perfect – not to bright but lovely and summery. The t-shirt is an old Diesel one that I love – it’s the perfect t-shirt for layering and adds a bit of interest to an outfit. The jeans are Hudson, the shoes are my new Levity wedges from DSW – they’re high but I love them, especially the suede nude wedge heel, and the necklace is a great buy from H&M – I love it’s simplicity.

If you’re US based and you watch ABC tonight I’d love to know your thoughts on the concert! I’m sure it’s a very different experience watching as a non-Brit than for someone like myself who can embrace the eclectic eccentricity and patriotism of the event. Enjoy!

Poppy's Style

My blog about fashion, family, friends and fun.

Category Archives: Life

Jet lag.

Not much changes.

I brought too much.

Donkeys, cows and sheep.

Slam in the Lamb.

Bon voyage!

Reading material.

Movie day.

Dislocation.

A good sweat.

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