5 Quick things during twin nap:
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This week the vomiting bug moved from Aubrey to Clara, who suffered from Wednesday onwards. Aubrey has been tired and off her food, Clara has been sick... it's a bit of a sickness house. Thankfully our fabulous nanny has been watching them in the day, although I did decide she had gone above the call of duty when Clara threw up on her so finished work early to take over. There are lots of nice things about having a nanny - I came downstairs to find Clara cuddling her on the sofa. She didn't seem sad, or like she needed me. Having additional emotionally available caregivers for kids is great.
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On Thursday I was supposed to be in London for a leadership meeting. I left the house at 6am, got to the train station, and the car park was full. This has never happened to me before. I went to another train station but the next train was delayed and I realized at that point I wasn't going to make it to London in time for the meeting. at 7:30am I got back to the house, to the surprise of everyone. Andy was particularly happy because poor Clara had a nappy blowout in the night and required a bath and full clothing change. I was sad to miss the London day, but next time I'll take a taxi or a bus or park at my local station. It just means an even earlier start.
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When getting dressed for London I realized that nothing I own fits me right now. I'm going through a... less trim phase. Also, I'm 41 now. Maybe the dresses that suited me 5 years ago just... don't. I did some research on workwear and decided I needed a few new pieces to sort out my wardrobe. Mostly - a blazer. I have a black blazer but it's very "interview" and I do not work at "interview" job. Everyone is pretty casual, but I like to dress a bit more business when I go into the office. Fun fact - when I first met Kyria (on my way back from the office) she said "oh you look like a grown up" which I love because that is the aesthetic I am going for in work. Someone who is a grown up.
I've ordered these to try:
Today is Best Laid Plans book launch day in the UK! I know it's been out for like a month elsewhere, but I am excited and hoping it will be the kick I need to sort my planning system out so my brain stops being overfull all the time. I actually did a "brain dump" today and there's just... a lot. But also, what am I supposed to do with this brain dump? Keep working on things? Some of it is to do, some is thoughts, some is... just randomness.
I generally don't use Amazon but I got a voucher for participating in an inclusive design study about mobility and access to public spaces with twins. I didn't realize I would get a voucher, I was just excited to participate. But then I used the voucher to pre-order Best Laid Plans so it was a win win win win.
8pm EDIT: Amazon drivers work late! So do Waitrose grocery delivery drivers. Time to enjoy a super classy Friday night...
My only wardrobe advice as someone who found herself in a "less trim" phase in my mid 40s is that the sooner you buy bigger clothes, the less crappy you will feel about the situation. Feeling less crappy = potentially being able to get to a smaller size if that's what you want. Or just getting on with life in my case. Welcome to the world of soft pants! I still wear hard pants in the outside world, which is my version of being a grownup.
ReplyDeleteIt's still brutally cold here, so our weekend plans are to continue to hole up in the house.
Thanks Birchie - I am trying to just buy clothes that fit now because if I change shape later I can always buy close that fit that shape. I mean is it the cheapest? No. Is feeling comfortable in the clothes I'm wearing important? Yes. I think I spent too much time being pregnant and uncomfortable in work clothes to spend any time being uncomfortable while not pregnant in work clothes.
DeleteI wear leggings on Friday and Saturday and otherwise try to commit to hard pants on regular days, evne when working from home.
I don't know how you cold world people survive. It was 32 degrees F here for a few weeks and I am so over it now that we're back to low 40s.
Sorry for all the sickness, I really hope it doesn't spread any further. How did you find your nanny? Would be really interested to know where you advertised, how you figured out who'd be best for the job etc. Also pls keep sharing your shopping here. I am already planning an M&S trip after your success with jeans and now I'm also thinking about blazers. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nina! We honestly really lucked out with our Nanny. I just kind of googled and looked at a facebook group and interviewed. We did have one nanny that didn't work out which was really stressful and hard. There aren't many nannys working where I live, I think it's much easier in London. All the usual stuff applies, like asking for references. But also, if I had to do it again I would probably have looked into hiring from Norland or advertising for a Norland NQN (first year nanny) although it is eye wateringly expensive.
DeleteI just posted links to the blazers and shoes, they're also from M&S. I just did an order from Crewe but am not going to photograph my joggers or pyjamas. I'm not sure if any of it will work or look good on me, but I am tying to harness my effortful energy right now.
Thanks for all this info. Norland definitely of budget! It must have been so hard having a nanny that did not work out, so pleased you've lucked out this time .
DeleteThis is Lisa - google still won’t let me log in for some reason. Gah, a traveling stomach bug is the worst. I hope the rest of you are spared! Your nanny sounds amazing!!
ReplyDeleteI’ve had to overhaul my work wardrobe in my 40s, too. Weight has gravitated to my belly region so things don’t fit like they used to. I nearly exclusively wear dresses, though, which I know is not for everyone! I like that I only need to make one choice. I wear tights during the cold months. I have been wearing jeans and sweaters during this epically cold subzero stretch though! Our office is quite chilly and I can’t bear to be outside with tights on when it’s below zero.
I would probably read and rest during that 2 hour block or work on a project if I felt motivated! We don’t have a very busy weekend overall either. Today is busier with Paul having a golf clinic at 9 and then both boys have tennis at 3. Tomorrow we have no plans but Phil will take one of the boys to his mom’s.
I would love to find some good dresses! I have ones I used to like, but need to source some more... a parcel is arriving this week so fingers crossed. Dumb question but what do you wear when it's summer instead of tights? I am not comfortable going bare legged in the office.
DeleteI hope you enjoyed a less busy weekend. We've recently discovered how big a change it is having just one kids somewhere else - I think we're entering a new world of kid combinations that is going to be fun. Hope you enjoyed being home with just Will
Hi this is Daria from momofchildren
ReplyDeleteSame issue as Lisa above re:Google :/
I LOVE blazers! I only own two (one from wayyyyy back in the day and another one-new). Blazers make anyone look put together instantly. Something about those shoulders…
My favorite brands are Veronica Beard($$$$ but gorgeous), agua by Bloomingdale’s, Vince (also $$$ but can find on sale), L’Agence (average $), and Alec les filles.
I love the ones you purchased.
I realized…. Black makes me look older. So I’ve been avoiding back. You what color I look good in, surprisingly? YELLOW.
After doing a quick ChatGPT consult, I am hunting for warmer tones: chocolate, warm grey, brick, etc. those colors make me look younger and less tired lol
Daria you are a bit of my fashion inspo! You always look so put together and I know from your posts you love a blazer. I have my fingers crossed for the ones I bought.
DeleteInteresting about black! It's not a color I wear much, I wear a lot of Navy, I know I look good in dark green and maroon colors. Chat GPT color consult sounds interesting! Chocolate color looks sooo good on on some people and totally washes me out. I'm keen to follow your shopping adventures too.
Blazers look so much sharper than cardigans. I love to throw one on even if I'm wearing jeans and it just elevates everything. I mostly wear dresses, though, and don't love a blazer/dress look because I think it makes me look like an 80s female politician.
ReplyDeleteThat dark red blazer would be such a great color on you! ‐rachel
ReplyDeleteOur office is so casual, I wear jeans and sweaters to work LOL (I don't think anyone has called me a grown up with that look). I do think the blazer and shoes look very professional, but people would ask me where I am going if I wore that to work.
ReplyDelete