Mexican date night.

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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!

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Another 13.1 done…

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So another half marathon successfully completed.  Still a tad slower than I had hoped for but the course yet again had far more hills than the profile had led me to believe.  It was also one of those courses where you ran backwards and forwards along the same 3 points so you could always see the faster folk running past you the other way – just a little demoralizing!  I much prefer a nice long loop where you have no idea how many are in front of you or behind you!  It was won by a 26 year old girl (it was an all female race – I prefer mixed) in 1hr 31mins – amazing.  The last 2 miles seem to go on FOREVER but thankfully my reception committee was there to cheer me across the line.  The weather was amazing and we got to relax afterward with music and wine by the side of Lake Lanier.  I shuffled around the house for the rest of the day – my knees got really tight – but I’m feeling pretty good today after a good stretch and using my foam roller.  I have to wait till Wednesday to see if I get an NYC marathon number before planning another half.  My goal now is to get leaner, toned, stronger, faster and more competitive – my next 13.1 will be under 2hrs!

My outfit today was inspired by the need to be comfy and by School Gate Style’s color palette.  I love pink and grey together – MM always says it’s my love of the ’80s.  I’m wearing my Hudson Collin jeans (mid-rise today for added comfort!), grey ruffle J.Crew tank from a few seasons ago, pink Boden LE sparkle pocket cardigan from AW 2011, and my favorite Tory Burch camilla pink Eddies.

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My First Boden Summer 2012 Order Has Arrived!

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I vacillated over this order for some time.  Unusual for me.  Of course I ended up placing the order as previously when I have been on the fence and not ordered, hoping to try them in the clearance, the items have promptly received rave reviews and sold out  – the Border print tunic for instance (though more stock was recently added so I swooped!).

It was initially the print of the Fab jersey tunic that I couldn’t decide on – I loved the colors and have a current obsession with green – so knowing how often fabrics look better in real life than online, I ordered both the prune and the moss.  I am thrilled I did!  I like the pebble colorway too but think it’s a bit too pale for me.  As always the jersey is super soft and stretchy and to me the cut feels as if it does nip in a little at the waist making it less straight up and down.  I ordered the US 6 which seems to be my regular size for Boden tunics – especially jersey.  I’m 5’6″, 140lbs, 36C with no waist so I definitely think a Boden US 6/UK 10 is more generous than other brands.  The prune is gorgeous – a lovely brown background and the lilac flowers are gorgeous, so even though it is brown the colors feel very summery – it’s going to be stunning with a golden tan (spf everyone!!).

The moss is lovely too.  I think moss is a bad color name – for me it conjures up dirty greens on a damp day – not good!  This green is actually much fresher and vibrant – though not lurid and fluorescent – a good balance and again perfect for summer.  The navy flowers mean it can be worn easily with navy shoes too – but nude flats would look great with both colorways.

The Fab jersey tunic comes heartily recommended!

 

 

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Why do we blog…?

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I’ve just been interviewed by a journalist about blogging.  Some of the questions she posed really got me thinking.  Why do we blog?  I don’t do it to improve my self worth, self promote or to become an authority on anything.  I do it pure and simply because I like writing.  For me it is like writing a journal entry.  A quiet moment in the day, just me, my laptop and occasionally a glass of wine.  Initially it was also to help me feel connected with both of my homes here in the US and back in the UK, but now it’s also to stay connected with the many fabulous new friends I have met through blogging.

The virtual blogging world is non judgmental.  It is full of camaraderie and support – maybe because we are all wearing our hearts on our sleeves, we can each relate to the vulnerability of exposing snippets of our lives on the internet?  I am no longer surprised by how many like minded, strong, intelligent women I meet via blogging.  Our time with our laptops allows us to unload at the end of the day and then chat with each other about the joys and successes or the trials and tribulations we’ve experienced.

Of course there are many bloggers who are now professional/career bloggers.  Many are Moms who have had a career change or find that people value their opinion and advice.  I personally would never want to claim to be an authority on parenting, running, what to wear or anything else I write about – but I do enjoy sharing my opinions (my siblings will concur).  A recent article identified 7 categories of bloggers and I probably align closest with the ‘opinionated’.

She was particularly interested in differences between ‘mommy’ bloggers here in the US versus the UK.  Having thought about it I think there are more similarities than differences.  Our virtual blogging world is of course global.  Checking my visits today I have had views from Brazil to Oman and from Spain to Malaysia – amazing.

I think some of the similarities of blogging in different geographies include:

–       There are both sophisticated mom bloggers who have turned it into a profession, and amateur bloggers who are in it just for fun

–       Many moms who have had their kids, regardless of location, or whether they work or stay home, are looking for another outlet – I find blogging is the perfect ‘me time’

–        Blogging is a way of connecting with people between getting the kids off to school – often done while enjoying a glass of wine after the kids have gone to bed.  It’s certainly more fun than watching t.v.!

–       Thanks to Facebook and Twitter women everywhere are becoming more comfortable with sharing information thus pushing the boundaries of what would have been acceptable

–       Women relate to ‘real’ women – not models and women on reality shows

–       There are moms around the world who, like me, have established blogs as personal journals for motivation or goal setting (e.g. running)

–       Many brands that people follow or are loyal to – for me for example Boden, AllSaints and Tory Burch, are available globally

–       Mommy blogger networks and recognition or awards for bloggers exist globally e.g. Mom Summit, and Marie Claire blogger awards

I did start to wonder, hypothetically, if there is something culturally different between a UK blogger and a US blogger.  I definitely see more bloggers like myself, taking photographs in front of the mirror, coming out of the UK.  Are we thicker skinned?  Does our self deprecating humor allow us to shrug off negative comments?  Are we less worried about looking perfect?  What do you think – is there a difference?

One thing I know for sure these days, after 4 months of blogging, is that even though they say everyone has a book in them, I’m convinced everyone has a blog in them.

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…and the bride wore red.

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A good friend of mine recently shared a wedding photo of herself.  I know most brides look stunning but Eva stands out as one of the most gorgeous looking brides I’ve ever seen.  Probably several reasons contribute to this – she’s gorgeous anyway, the backdrop was Mustique, and she has her handsome husband by her side – but she also opted to wear a very non-conformist, amazing red dress.

Eva and Stefan:

In an odd coincidence Harper’s Bazaar just posted a piece on red wedding gowns.  I think the Vera Wang one on the left is just divine, and the Spanish inspired dress on the right is Oscar de la Renta.

I’m not planning on getting married ever again (MM will hopefully be pleased to hear) but if I had to do it all over again I’d go for red.

It’s definitely time for some April showers here in Atlanta and that combined with the Arctic blast I receive from our office air conditioning requires long sleeves again.  Yesterday I wore Boden’s SS 2011 long line cardigan, and the AW 2011 crinkle shirt in chilli.  Both were sale bargains and they coordinate perfectly with my Tory Burch Revas in Tory Red.

Today I’ve opted for one of my favorite tunics from this season.  It’s the Chic Spotty tunic in taupe and you can get it at the marked down price of $89.70 right now (originally pricey at $138).  I love how it fits – it’s so comfortable to wear and doesn’t cling at all.  A great way to give your legs an airing!

A new nail polish made it’s debut too last night.  Essie’s A Splash of Grenadine – it’s a gorgeous light purple and perfect for spring, I think it’s one of my new favorites.

p.s. sorry for the grainy photos – the lighting was poor due to the rainy morning!

 

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A new playlist.

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Gosh Monday mornings can be tough, especially after such a great weekend.  It was one of those weekends where I feel we attained the perfect balance of doing and relaxing.  Yesterday I made burgers and we had our first proper cookout of the year.  It was so much fun and the first year where I felt that the children enjoyed it as much as the adults.  They behaved at the table and ate a bit of everything – result!

As MM and Mike caught up on some of the FA Cup games I attempted to compile a new playlist for my race this weekend.  I enjoy running with music but for my last half I opted to run without – I did enjoy soaking up the atmosphere but by mile 8 I was craving a distraction – so this time I’m taking the shuffle.  I get really lazy with playlists.  MM creates them for every event – road trips, parties, birthdays – they’re his mixed tapes.  So knowing how crucial the right songs can be, I decided to take my time and pick out some top tunes – I even bought a couple of new albums – David Guetta and Madonna’s new MDNA, plus a couple of oldies that I knew would spur me on.  Every time I hear Like A Prayer it makes the hairs on my neck stand up – I love it and hopefully it will put an extra spring in my step on Sunday.

As I readied myself this morning I fortunately remembered I had a meeting with a new web designer.  It’s very exciting at Halcyon Media LLC at the moment as we are getting ready to launch new magazine title in September and a new website is required to support it.  It’s good for everyone to start new projects, there is an air of nervous excitement, and the office is rising to the challenge.  I can’t wait to let you know more about it as we make progress!

Today I am wearing one of my favorite Boden tunics.  It’s a couple of years old – in fact SS 2009 I think – but there is a similar glam jersey tunic in their new summer line.  I’m wearing the fabulous tunic in spearmint and I love it more every time I wear it – I do like the big prints – and I paired it with my sand Tory Burch Revas.

Let me know what your favorite running songs are so I can add them to my playlist!

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Calories burned > calories in.

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Yesterday started early with a 10 mile run – my last long run before the Zooma half marathon next weekend.  I wasn’t sure I was in the mood for it as I woke at 7am but by the time I’d fueled myself with pancake and coffee I was excited to get going and the weather was perfect for 2 hours outside.  I was frustrated though as it took me a while to find my rhythm – sometimes I wonder why I don’t see the huge improvement I want over the course of several runs.  I find running is definitely mind over matter and once you feel out of sync it’s difficult to pull it back.  I can set out feeling exactly the same and run a scorcher one day and fall completely flat another.  Anyway I managed to get going and forced myself to floor it going up the long hill which we like to torture ourselves with.  I have a new mantra which I keep reciting in my head since I got my Newtons, ‘land, lever, lift’ – it’s quite a good rhythm to run to!  We set a good pace but I wish I’d finished stronger – I guess I’ll keep that with me as I run along a nice flat course next week aiming for a PB:)

I was very grateful to MM who not only watched the kids while I was running but then allowed me to have a nap for an hour to recharge before we headed out to dinner with Mike.  I felt like a million dollars after a good sleep and knew I could indulge guilt free after all the calories burned that morning!  I chose to wear my new AllSaints Dissolve dress.  I just love it.  It is a simple t-shirt dress with a little bit extra – and I love the long sleeves but it’s still light enough to wear on a warm evening.  I think all AllSaints clothes run big and this is a UK size 8 which I could never get into in other brands.  The Economist had this interesting piece on size inflation the other week – talk about vanity sizing! The skirt is lovely and kicks out perfectly – I have to say I felt dead sexy in it (without wanting to sound like Samantha Brick – though I recently heard a friend had labeled me a narcissist for my blogging…not bothered lol).

We had a great evening, with good conversation.  Abattoir is always one of our favorite spots and last night they had lots of my favorite vegetable on the menu – rhubarb.  My cocktail was a Rhubarb Ricky – delicious!

So a little tired today but looking forward to a fun day in the sun again.  Maybe the paddling pool will come out for the first time, and then we’re grilling out later.  I have the perfect Boden stripy tunic to wear.  This dusk stripe was actually my least favorite color of the four I bought, but I have to say I love it on – even MM said he loved it and he initially preferred the darker radish and French blue ones.  My dermatologist will be mad but everything does look a little better with a bit of sun on the skin – don’t worry I’m still wearing my SPF 30!

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 and MM

Mike in his seersucker with sherry:)

Seersucker and 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.

Boden Must have jumper and Breton

*MM – My Man

My summer makeup.

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So summer is here to stay by the look of it.  Not only does this mean switching out my closets, but also my makeup bag.  I don’t tend to wear a lot of makeup – just foundation, concealer, eyeliner, mascara, blush and lip gloss normally.  I sometimes use a bit of loose powder too but I am starting to get more paranoid about it as I once read you should stay clear of it as you get older as it can settle in fine lines and age you.  I don’t remember where I read this or even if it holds true but it stuck with me.  I also don’t like a shiny nose and chin though, so that can present a dilemma.  That is until I discovered my new favorite product – Boots No.7 Shine Free.

For my US readers Boots is a fabulous UK retail store which I miss greatly.  They are probably best described as a cross between Ulta and CVS.  They began as a pharmacy, but I miss them for all things cosmetics plus their lunchtime sandwiches!  They have great store brands and my favorite is the No.7 line of cosmetics.  I always considered No.7 a splurge when I was younger especially compared to their 17 brand, which is cheaper, targeted to a younger market and as far as I am aware not available in the US.  Well I’m older now, plus living in the States where everything seems cheaper, including Boots No. 7 makeup, which can now be bought at Target and Ulta – hoooray!!  As I was tracking down my favorite No.7 Protect and Perfect Intense Serum, a white tube caught my eye that promised to leave me shine free – it’s now become a staple in my summer makeup.  I apply it after moisturizing and it goes on smoothly, though you can definitely feel it’s non-greasy and it has a different consistency to anything else I’ve tried.  As soon as it’s applied you are instantly shine free, with no discoloration or chalkiness, so you don’t even need to apply foundation if you, like me, prefer to be low maintenance in the summer.  It’s perfect and highly recommended.

Shine Free

So as I wander around shine free I’ve had two vastly different temperatures to deal with.  Yesterday was in the 80’s and today was only mid 60’s so it was back to the jeans.  As I’m growing my hair I’ve taken to just sweeping it back with some pomade while it’s still wet.  MM likes it but then a friend at the bus stop said I was channeling Pat Benatar – not sure that is a compliment.

Yesterday’s outfit was a fab Target dress from 2 years ago bought for probably $15, a J.Crew lightweight cashmere cardigan, my Frye Carson pull ons in fawn, and some lovely Ralph Lauren turquoise earrings that I got dirt cheap at Nordstrom Rack.

Today I was out and about in my Hudson Collin jeans, AllSaints plume jumper and Tory Burch Eddie flats in musk.  I love this plume jumper it’s really lightweight, super easy to wear and conceals any imperfections around the midriff – what more does a girl need?

Oh and I love the earrings I wore today.  Kenneth Cole does great quality, ‘urban’ style jewelry that is easy to wear and not overly distracting.

Day of rest.

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After 4 days of manic workouts to try and shift the Tybee indulgences I opted for a day of rest.  It has been welcomed by my body though my mind is restless – I think I’m just plain tired.  I’m glad I did rest as it was freezing cold at the bus stop this morning then sweltering as I arrived home this afternoon – neither option tempted me out for a run.  Plus I got to rest my foot which is still bugging me after rolling it playing tennis 3 weeks ago.  I can’t have broken anything as I’ve run on it, but it’s stiff and bruised on the top near the ankle making me aware of every step.  Frustrating to say the least with less than 2 weeks to go to the Lake Lanier Zooma half.  Anyway I’ve been following RunningInMommyland‘s advice and writing the alphabet with my big toe which seems to be loosening the tightness – and of course the ice pack helps.  All due to prancing around on a tennis court for the first time in 12 years!  On the bright side I have a back pocket excuse in case I choke on the 22nd:)

I did get out for a quick 4 miles in yesterday which was fun in my new Newtons!  All around I’ve seen more and more people opting for them and raving about them…so I caved and bought some to make me run fast.  I’m glad I visited the running store as I discovered I’d been wearing shoes at least 1/2 size too small – hence the nasty blisters in the Georgia half – which I’d attributed to poor fitting socks.  That news gave me all the justification I needed to buy these beauties and on my first outing in them I’m optimistic – they felt great even with the stiff foot.

Newton Gravity

No one in this house wanted to get up this morning – first Monday back after a fabulous spring break was a tough one.  Thankfully I’d chosen my wardrobe quickly last night before jumping in bed.  It always saves me at least 10 minutes, which are crucial at 6am when I have an almost 6 year old deliberating over her attire each day.

So today I opted for my old faithful French Connection polka dot tee, my favorite AllSaints Cerulean cardigan (I SO want the grey in this too!), Hudson Collin jeans and Sam Edelman Alvin shoes in black – perhaps the most comfortable shoes I own.

Day of rest.

 

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