Half term seems to have sucked the life out of me this evening. Keeping the children happy and entertained all day has used up every last ounce of energy I have.

Our day started with a good hour and a half of chores (clearing away breakfast debris, putting washing on, tidying bedrooms, hanging washing out etc.) but this was soon followed by a quick walk in the sunshine down to the quay. We tried to feed the ducks but mostly fed the sea gulls… honestly it was like a scene from Hitchcock’s The Birds or something, horrible creatures!!

The children were happy playing in the park for almost an hour. I’ve manged to well and truly master the skill of pushing them both on the swing at the same time. Jesse dozed in the buggy while Izzy and I searched for treasure in the local antique shop and wandered around a lovely vintage clothing store. Izzy fell in love with a beautiful parasol (which she kept calling an umbrella) and enjoyed trying on pairs of gloves and admiring sparkly evening gowns.

We ate pizza for lunch outside in the sunshine which was heavenly. I was surprised to find that Jesse didn’t spit out the capers he stole from my plate. Izzy tried calzone for the first time and loved her ‘folded-up pizza’. I was keen to avoid the crowds in town so after soaking up a little more sun in some of the city’s greener spots, we departed.

Once home we blew bubbles in the garden for half and hour, made maple syrup flapjacks and coloured. I cooked a lazy dinner and listened eagerly for the sound of Mr. LA’s keys in the front door.

Somewhere in the midst of all this I did manage to dash into Warehouse. Izzy actually relishes an opportunity to accompany me into the fitting room and she offers style advice like a seasoned shopping pro. My purchase represents my first foray into the world of the maxi dress and I’m very excited.
The picture from the website doesn’t really do it justice. The print is much more beautiful in real life and it helps that it fits perfectly.

I think I’ve contemplated maxi dresses every summer for at least the last 5 years but I’ve always felt a little ridiculous when I’ve tried them on. Not so this time. I feel elegant and stylish… and if that’s all in my head I don’t care. I think it’s the simplicity of the dress that makes this work for me, I like the lack of frills and the smooth clean lines.

I tried it on again for Mr. LA this evening and his exact words were ‘you look fit’. I guess it’s a keeper then.

There’s a very similar dress in a gorgeous tropical print that I’d have snapped up too if they had my size. I’m really hoping it comes back in stock. I can already imagine myself strolling along a moonlit beach in Bali in these… barefoot and loose waves in my hair. *sigh* In the meantime I think I might wear it to Jesse’s 1st Birthday party next weekend.

How about you ladies… have you found your perfect maxi dress yet?

Loveaudrey xxx