Tag Archives: Boden

Weight loss and margaritas.

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I’ve been trying to get back on the weight loss wagon after our guests and then Memorial weekend.  I’m struggling.  Not with food but with cutting out the odd glass of wine.  I’ve been running more hoping that will compensate for the calories but no – I have seriously plateaued.  Last night I had a couple of margaritas while MM and I were getting into the serious territory of prioritizing our renovation projects.  It’s always easier to talk about money and projects with a drop of tequila inside you.  Take it from me I’m much more malleable and I think we came to a great consensus with no stamping of my feet or sulking – a huge success.  So given a few compromises here and there, come the week of the 11th June, we’ll be beginning work on a new master bathroom, new walk in closet, hardwoods in the currently carpeted rooms and new granite and back splash in the kitchen.  I am giddy with excitement – for the result – not the ensuing turmoil, dust and relocation of the family to the basement.  Thankfully 3 of us will be ensconced in Bury for a couple of the weeks – hopefully the dirtiest of them.  Now if the sun could just relocate to Bury again that would be freakin’ awesome:)

I’m struggling with the arrival of summer here and 90 degree temperatures.  I’m still craving boots and pants.  In order to at least look like I’m embracing summer and the passing of Memorial weekend I got the white jeans out today.  These are from Gap who seriously do the best, comfiest skinny stretch jeans ever, and at a great price – I couldn’t see skinnies on their website though, only cropped ones.  With them I’m wearing my new Frye Carson button short boots (the natural color is summery!), an oldish J.Crew tank that was a great sale purchase, and following the theme of yesterday’s post – my Boden jersey jacket from 2011.  I normally wear the sleeves down but the lining matched so well with the tank that I rolled them up – I’m feeling a little Miami Vice – but hoping to goodness that I get away without any predictable Don Johnson comments from MM.

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Back to ‘normal’.

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After a few days off in the sun it’s back to the office for me today.  Quite nice in a way as I get to dress in something other than a bikini.  Even my 4 year old son mentioned yesterday that I needed to put some lipstick on and a dress – he’ll be asking me where his dinner is next.

So it’s back to cracking the whip at work and figuring out why some stuff isn’t being done.  It’s a tough time of year when most people, including me, just want to slow down and enjoy the summer, but with only 2 weeks left before I leave for England needs must when the devil drives.

To honor my son’s request I am wearing the Boden Fab jersey tunic in moss – I just love it.  It hangs perfectly and is the lovely stretchy jersey that made me fall in love with Boden tunics in the first place.  So comfortable to wear in the heat and yet I still feel really neat with a few accessories.  I’ve thrown the Boden cropped cashmere cardigan from last year over the top of it for the freezing air conditioning in the office.  Accessorized with H&M pink beads and Tory Burch navy Eddies.

I’m currently lusting over the Boden tipped blazer in blossom.  I know their sale will start soon but I’m so tempted to order now so I’ll have it in time for my trip back to the UK.  At $103 it’s still a bargain and the perfect color to wear summer into fall with white or blue jeans.  What do you think?

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iPads to complement books.

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We caved and bought the children an iPad each, well actually Hugh inherited mine and Poppy and I got a new one.  Before you damn me and tell me how I am spoiling my children rotten let me give you our reasoning.  Yes they are only 4 and 6 but they have been using my iPad and an iPod Touch for some time playing games like Bejewelled, Cut the Rope and Angry Birds.  It amazes me how they pick up the objectives and tactics of these games so easily – I think they are brilliant for the development of reasoning and logic skills.  We are also soon to embark on a long trip back to the UK so instead of carrying 2 heavy DVD players and a selection of discs (the Manchester flight NEVER has consoles/screens in each head rest) I can carry 2 light devices on which they can play games, read, learn and draw – perfect!  After setting them up the other evening I am thrilled and a bit overwhelmed by the number of apps out there for preschoolers and 1st graders.  I’ve downloaded nearly every free ‘sight’ word and reading app there is and also a couple of books for Poppy.  I’m hoping to encourage her to enjoy her reading throughout the summer.  So far it has proved a challenge as swimming at the pool oddly seems to be a bigger draw.  I’m terrified she will forget everything over the summer so armed with the iPad and a new batch of library books every couple of weeks I’m hoping that she learns to see the fun in reading and not see it as ‘work’.  I’ve also encountered a site called iGameMom.com which is a great resource for apps and tools for children, plus it also eases my guilt in knowing that other Moms out there are embracing technology for their children.

So after reading this morning we are off to the pool to celebrate Memorial Day.  I hope all my US readers have a fabulous day in the sun – and I for one will be taking a moment to remember those who have lost their lives.

As promised here’s the Boden pool party tunic in yellow loopy – it’s a little more see through than the pavillion prints but still perfect for the pool.  I have the ruffle trim bikini on underneath in bluebell bud.

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Grilling out.

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Even though we have been having temperatures in the 80s for some Memorial weekend marks the beginning of summer.  It’s always quite a  landmark and this year more so as Poppy is ‘out of school’ for the summer.  After the chaos of May the plan has been to do absolutely nothing except sit by the pool, grill out and enjoy the odd cocktail.  The plan is working out well and even if I say so myself I made some of the best burgers ever yesterday – Worcestershire sauce mixed in with the ground beef makes them delicious!  Our house is well set up for grilling – the grill is on the patio and we have outdoor speakers so I can boogie away (to Blunderbuss of course) while flipping the burgers and enjoying my mojito – it doesn’t even feel like cooking:)  Of course I had justified a little indulgence after an incredibly hot, sweaty 8 miles in the humidity early that morning though I’m not sure beer by the pool is the best way to rehydrate?

I had lots of questions about the pink pool party tunic the other day, and foolishly I omitted to take a photo of my aqua pavillion version that I wore yesterday.  I also have the yellow loopy colorway that I’ll try and model today.  The yellow and aqua were absolute bargains in the sale and you can still find all the colorways floating around on eBay – I highly recommend them – gorgeous, eye catching, easy to wear and great over a bikini in the heat.

Pool party tunic in pink pavillion:

Pool party tunic in aqua pavillion:

Pool party tunic in yellow loopy:

Enjoying a deserted pool with Mom:

Poppy and I went for a pedicure on Friday in preparation for the pool and I now have the gorgeous Opi Austin-tatious turquoise on my toes – I love it for summer!

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Rising temperatures.

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Are the forecast today.  Lovely – I’m going to head to the Y with Poppy in tow, workout and then hit the pool there so she can get up and down their slide a million times.  We had a fabulous time at the pool yesterday – it was quite cute how she kept telling me ‘I love it just you and me mom, no boys’.  As much as I love it when the the four of us are out there is something special when it’s just mommy and daughter time.  I hope it stays like that always – and it’s made me even more excited about spending some time with my Mum in June when I take the children back for a couple of weeks, the girls are beginning to be outnumbered with the birth of my nephew.

Our contrite contractor arrived yesterday apologizing for ‘getting carried away’ when taking us to look at fixtures and fittings.  Damn right – why he thinks I want to spend 10% of my house value on a new bathroom I’ve no idea…now of course if money were no object that would be fine, but I think the budget we have already set is pretty extravagant and we have no need for Italian designer taps nor marble flooring shipped directly from the Vatican.  I sometimes suspect that contractors arrive at your house have a good scan around and assess how much they think you really have to spend, rather than what we want to spend.  What he doesn’t realize is that I still want to get to Europe every year and maintain a bad clothing/shoe/bag addiction – I have no intention of being house poor.  So I’ve laid out what I refuse to compromise on – that being my tub, new big window, and the granite I selected for the vanity – we now have to cut corners elsewhere – which is fine especially if I get my new hardwoods and walk in closet.  Certainly no extravagant YSL handbags this year that’s for sure – maybe just a little splurge on the Boden Fall preview that should be here in a month or so!  Now if I can just get them to dig a hole outside for the pool while they’re here that would be perfect!

Pool bound in my Boden retro bikini and radish stripy tunic.  This tunic’s fit has improved with wear and wash – it’s much softer and a little looser.  Navy slim Havaianas.

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Sun and storms.

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That goes for the weather and my mood today…I decided to work from home as it was Poppy’s last day at school and I needed to get some chores done while I still had time on my own.  It worked out well – I managed a run and completed most of my work by lunch – I’m always much more productive at home.  So I rewarded myself and nipped off to the pool for a bit.  I was actually hoping I would be there most of the afternoon as Poppy was off to a friend’s pool party to celebrate the end of the school year.  How cool is that to be able to go to a pool party?  It’s times like these that I really appreciate being in Atlanta – I just used to hang out on the swings on the rec.  Her friend had even called MM’s cell phone to talk to Poppy and invite her personally.  She was over the moon at receiving her first phone call – I could see my 6 yr old transforming into a 13 yr old before my eyes – terrifying.  Anyway the pool for me didn’t last as the storms rolled in and I headed off to complete my chores.

While I was out I received an email from our contractor.  We’re due to start the renovations in the next couple of weeks and I’ve been SO excited about the planning and design stage and I’m just ready to get going with the dirty work now.  That was until today when we were told we’re over budget with our list of items we want to install.  I’m livid – he knew our budget before we started so why take us to the most expensive stores for fixtures and fittings? – I feel so deflated and of course don’t want to compromise on anything we’ve picked out.  MM feels the same way – so I hope Mr. Contractor has a good solution tomorrow that doesn’t involve us having to pay more or compromise too much on our choices.  Mad as hell…yes I am – plus I wasn’t going to drink this week but now find myself with a glass of red next to me to calm my mood.

Pool wear:  Boden Pool Party Tunic from Summer 2011, Havaianas slim, Boden retro bikini 2012 – I love this bikini by the way – it fits great and has ample support for a bigger bust!

 

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First test of eBay!

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I made my first foray onto eBay today.  Having bought a few items over the past week or so, and knowing that the Boden Fall preview will be released sometime in June (I think!) I needed to make room in my closet and increase my shopping funds!  It was hard to choose what to part with as I treasure all my Boden clothes like collectibles, but the items I listed just weren’t getting worn.  I adore the crinkle jersey shirts but I never wear them as I wear my tunics so often.  So I’m excited to see if they get sold or not – wish me luck!  (p.s. my eBay seller name is Poppys_style if you want to take a peak!)

S. and his girlfriend arrive today and what with Poppy’s birthday tomorrow I have a few errands to run to make sure everyone gets fed tonight and that my very-soon-to-be-6yr-old has presents to unwrap in the morning.  In honor of S. I am wearing more black – my black Frye Shirley strappy short boots, Gap camo jean leggings that I had on yesterday too, an H&M khaki top from a couple of years ago with a J.Crew black tank underneath.

I may be absent for the next couple of days entertaining and recovering so see you soon with lots of photos and updates on fun times!

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The desk is built!

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Hurray!  The IKEA desk is now assembled!  After the exhausting weekend I have to say the last thing I felt like doing last night was battling my way through a flat pack but what with guests arriving from Sweden on Thursday the rest of the week is going to be filled with tidying and cleaning.  Last night was my only chance to get the desk erected before Friday.  The process began as expected with MM watching, pointing out the bleeding obvious and lining up the screws and pegs for me while I battled with huge, heavy pieces of chip board.  He was also very handy at taking photos of me.  I am actually glad he was around though, as I did need him to help do some of the heavy lifting – these things ain’t light!

The desk is now hidden under a sheet in the dining room until I can put it in Poppy’s room while she is at school on Friday.  The plan is to hang her new pictures, mirror and basically rearrange her room while she is out so she can be surprised with her ‘big girl’ room on her return!  I can’t wait to see her face!

Of course I did find time in between dinner and flat pack hell to do a little online shopping.  I had polled some friends earlier in the day on whether to jumpsuit or not?  Meaning is it something the every day woman can get away with?  I’ve avoided them so far thinking that only a 6ft skinny bird can wear them and look good, but then I stumbled on this stunner in the AllSaints archive.

It looks a lovely drapey, heavy jersey and I think it would look fab for a bit of evening glamour with heels, and it could be worn throughout the year, pairing it with a jacket in the colder seasons.  The poll results were divided so I decided to take the plunge and order it – I’ll let you all have your say when it arrives and I try it on.

I also ordered this gorgeous top in chalk blush which I’m hoping to pair with the vintage pink Petrel Brodies.  I decided against the Prey sequin vest as I remembered I had a couple of cheaper versions from Express that will do just nicely.  This top is much more unique and I love the colors.

Earlier in the day, on my way back from picking my little man up from daycare I happened to be driving by DSW and thought we could take a quick look before going home – what better place to take a 4 and 6 year old?  The only reason I wanted to nip in was that I had seen a pair of shoes on sale that I knew would go with my new items.  I’ve found that I’m a much better shopper these days.  I do procrastinate a little but online shopping definitely allows me to build a great capsule collection of new pieces instead of making impulsive mall purchases of lots of items that don’t coordinate.

Here are the lovely wedges that I got for a bargain of $50 – in store there was an additional 30% off!

We’re off to watch my daughter’s class perform the Three Piggy Opera today which should be fun, and then I am off home to start cleaning the house ready for S. and his girlfriend’s arrival – I am so looking forward to seeing them and partying all weekend!  I shan’t be cleaning in these but I’m wearing my AllSaints Phinius dress (here’s the top), Boden leggings and my Tory Burch black patent Eddies.  I love this dress and it’s also super cute with cowboy boots and bare legs.

 

 

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We did it…!

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…We got through the week and survived! The chaotic week ended on a high note with Mother’s Day and Poppy’s 6th birthday party.

Mother’s Day was celebrated with two beautiful notes from my children.  I was ecstatic with Hugh’s for the most part, especially only weighing 10lbs and eating salads…little does he know…but I’m a bit confused about the ‘visitor’?  MM thinks it’s the UPS delivery man:)

Poppy’s was lovely and made me well up especially as I could see how much time and effort she had taken in writing it.

“My mommy is the best mommy anyone can have.  I love you mommy.  I love going outside with you.  I love going to the beach with you.  I love spending time with you.”

What more can a mother ask for?

So then it was on to the birthday celebrations at a huge indoor gymnastics center with inflatable castles, slides, zip lines, swings and trampolines.  It was brilliant and everyone was thoroughly worn out afterward.  Thank goodness we went for the indoor option as it rained hard all day.  Previously we’ve hosted all the parties at our house with a bouncy castle in the garden, which just wouldn’t have been used today!

So it was back to sweaters again.  Not sure why I’m surprised as I remember taking Poppy to the Zoo for her 3rd birthday and it was freezing so I should be acutely aware that Atlanta’s weather is unpredictable till the end of May.  I wore my Hudson Collin jeans, Boden essential long sleeve scoop neck t-shirt from SS 2011, Boden Must have jumper from this season in quail egg and my favorite Adidas Gazelles.  I had a pair of green ones back in the 90’s and thought I was the bee’s knees wearing them around Notting Hill.

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Trying it for size.

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So yesterday morning was a tad surreal.  I woke up with a stonking hangover to start with.  My tolerance for alcohol is pathetic these days and after a very relaxing Thursday evening spent in front of some DVRd Real Housewife episodes with a bottle of chardonnay I was useless come Friday morning.  A bit rubbish really as I had to rise early and head up way outside I-285 with our project manager to visit a bath tub manufacturer.  Uuuurrrggh.  I threw some work out gear on knowing I’d potentially be hopping in and out of tubs to try them for size and comfort.  All in all it was a successful trip but I did feel a bit weird sitting in a bath tub in the middle of a factory floor with 6 burly blokes looking at me.  Sorry no photo:)

Even with the bottle of chard the night before I was more than thrilled later in the day when I got to my Jenny Craig appointment that I’d lost just over another 2 lbs!  Whooopppeee that’s 6 lbs in 2 weeks!  Now imagine if I hadn’t had drank those 1000 calories the night before?  Obviously I’m allowed to cheat every now and then…

I think the reason I indulged on Thursday evening was that I knew this weekend was going to be manic.  This morning was Poppy’s ballet recital.  Now in the past she has done ballet through daycare, this year we signed up at Atlanta Ballet School and goodness me the rules, regulations and instructions have had me as a mother terrified all year that I’ll do something wrong.  The bun as to be perfect every week and the uniform has to be worn etc. etc…it has, if truth be told, taken some of the fun out of it for both of us.  I’m also a little aggrieved at the amount of money I’ve been asked for what with tuition, recital fees, uniform purchase, ticket purchase and then we were told no photographs at the recital but we could buy photos and videos for a fee – you’re kidding me!  I was also mad as hell when we arrived at the theater to find that all the girls had to wait in a room that was covered wall to wall in merchandise, displayed purely for 6 year old girls to fall in love with and then beg their parents to purchase for them.  I dug my heels in and managed to distract her but come on!  Anyway despite my irritation the recital performance was fabulous and Poppy yet again has a very proud Mommy and Daddy.

Tomorrow is Poppy’s birthday party, plus it’s Mother’s Day here – which I hadn’t realized when I booked it so I am really hoping some of her friends actually show up.  Shockingly bad organization on my part but I’d forgotten all about Mother’s Day once the UK one had been and gone with me successfully getting a card and flowers to Bury, but Happy Mother’s day Mum (again!) and to all the lovely Moms, Mums and Mothers out there xx

As it is MUCH cooler here today I opted for a jacket that I love but haven’t worn too much – the grey jungle cat Boden trimmed velvet blazer from AW 2011 – which is now in clearance at $41.40 – get one quick!!  I love it – it fits perfectly really well tailored.  I wore it with the LE pale iris Sassy Stitch top from AW 2011 – another of my favorite tops – I just wish it wasn’t dry clean only as I’m less likely to wear it often.  Going for an edgier look (amazing what a new haircut can do) I paired them with my Gap grey legging jeans, Gucci belt, and some Nine West mid heel pointed pumps similar to these.  My favorite black bag came out of the closet too after I had put it in storage for summer – a hint that a lovely nude YSL Roady would be perfect to add to my collection…

So Hugh doesn’t feel left out and to thank him for his Mother’s day gift hurled at me as he walked in from daycare on Friday, here is my lovely little man in his new Mini Boden tee shirt – he also has the cricket one which he is completely befuddled by.  Golly I love their clothes for boys.

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