A very quick post from me today because despite the wind…and the rain…and the cold of this non-existent Summer that we’re having in the UK, we’re going camping. I’m not feeling very excited about it but it’s a trip that we go on every year with the same friends and I’m aware that it could be the last time that our eldest wants to come with us. We need to make some memories. We’re very close to these particular friends and our sons are all best buddies, we’ve been going since they were in nappies and we’ve lived through storms, downpours, the tents catching fire, plagues of weird bugs and one year the sun even shone!

So, I’ve got lots of packing to do – I like to make sure we’re prepared for the eventualities that are bound to befall us – but before we go, I just want to say a big heartfelt thank you for the fantastic response you gave to my last post. I have been overwhelmed by the stories you’ve shared in your comments and emails – what a fantastic group of women you are – very soon I’m going to analyse the common threads because I like doing that sort of thing.

What I do now know is what a struggle we all go through to try to get it right, what a lot of sacrifices are made and what a lot of pressure we put on ourselves to justify our intelligence and education. I have also been humbled by those of you who are not only juggling children but ageing parents too. As you know I’ve been there, my parents and Mr MC’s dad have sadly gone now but I remember vividly what it was like and my heart goes out to you. Anyway more talk about all of this soon I promise because I can tell I’ve hit a chord and we need to debate it.

It’s been a busy week with rubbish weather so most of my outfits have been ones you’ve seen before. I can’t believe the sales have started and I’ve hardly worn any Summer clothes – I have no desire to buy any more and I can’t stand the thought that the Autumn ranges are starting to arrive (if you don’t believe me look at the left hand navigation on Mango – Autumn 2015)!!! But here are a few casual outfits for a change:

For going out to diner with friends last Friday. I haven’t worn my faux leather jeans for a while but they are so comfortable – even after a big meal!

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Mango contrast t-shirt (now in the sale); Top Shop faux leather jeans; John Lewis snake print shoes

For a friend’s ‘Pimms on the lawn’ birthday party last Saturday afternoon – it poured down – we had Pimms around the kitchen table instead and yes, these are Winter clothes!

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Jigsaw dark denim shirt; Next relaxed skinny jeans; RachelWears long merino cardigan; John Lewis Morgan leather tote bag; Boden Jackie heels, Accessorise necklace

Yesterday for working from home in an attempt to make some headway with a 3 year marketing strategy. I get so much more done when I’m out of the office. It’s the first time I’ve worn this Johnnie B top and the neckline isn’t sitting properly in this photo but don’t forget to look at Johnnie B – no VAT so it’s much cheaper and their age 16 easily fits a size 12. Unfortunately this top, the nearest I’ll ever go to Boho, has sold out now.

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Johnnie B top; Boden cardigan; Next relaxed skinny jeans; Boden Eva heels; H&M necklace

And today in my camping glory.

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Selfish Mother sweatshirt; Boden Super Skinny jeans; Superga classics

Just a word about the sweatshirt. You’ve probably already seen these Selfish Mother sweatshirts in blogs and magazines. All profits go towards the “Women for Women International” charity which helps women in war torn regions to take year long training programmes that give them the skills to rebuild their lives. The sweatshirts come in all kinds of colours and are super soft, such a pleasure to wear and a great cause to support.

So, by 8pm I’ll be wearing 10 layers with a woolly hat and socks and I won’t take them off until the morning – don’t worry, I won’t inflict ‘camping chic’ on you! So, think of me hugging a glass of red wine with my friend in a field whilst the ‘dads and lads’ play cricket in the rain. We’ll have fun, we always do… and I’ll be very glad to be back in my own bed on Sunday night! Thank you again for your warm support – it’ll take me a while to get back to you all because there have been so many emails but I will. I’m grateful to you all for sharing your thoughts, have a great week and don’t forget to keep in touch.