Summer Solstice Sensation

lessonlearned

Hi Carmen - our YMCA sells anything. They also accept electrical goods as donations which is good because most charity shops refuse them. I've given them an old pc, my old sewing machine (I did warn them it needed attention, apparently it went within 5 minutes of going on display). They test everything and do any repairs, they even deliver free (unless you live a very long way away). Our particular branch calls itself "Happy Homes" but it is the YMCA. Actually we are very blessed here with both charity shops and second hand furniture stores - proper prices too, not pseudo-antique shop prices.

Glad to see you are still managing your long walks. I'm hoping to start walking a bit next week, only short ones though whilst OH has his afternoon nap - can't leave him on his own for long, but if I could manage about 30 minutes three or four times a week that would be good.

Anyway off to bed now, night all.

P.S. Carmen you reminded me. Just remembered I've signed up to Hugh's Fish Fight campaign - think you just type in https://www.fishfight.net/ and it brings it up. I hate to see such waste - it's not only fish - it's everything - food, clothing, oil you name it.

When I went to the tip, the man in the car next to me was throwing out perfectly good (and very nice) kitchen units. They couldn't have been very old. What a waste.

maman

Have been ashamed to post because tax return still not done:o I filled in paper one (just to be sure I had all info ready to copy) then when I got onto on-line HMRC site it wouldn't let me access form! After over 40 mins hanging on for helpline, nice young man explained it was because my id and username were out of date. Sending me another within 7 days! Will post when it arrives.

Good walk today and 'healthy' curry (lots of veg and lentils in beef dhansak SW style). That's about it really.

There's a lovely thread on OS board about shabby chic where they often post pics of furniture make-overs they've done. And if you go on Google images and post shabby chic that gives lots of ideas too. DH put new taps in bathroom today (Edwardian style 'cos it's an old house) because one was dripping beyond repair. This might (who knows?) mark the start of our decorating plans. Bathroom first then onwards and upwards!

'The King's Speech' was really excellent last night. If you enjoy period drama (or Colin Firth:D) you'll love it. We're not regular cinema people but I really enjoyed this.

lessonlearned

Ah Maman - no need to be ashamed - you're half way there.

Will try and see Kings Speech soonest (Colin Firth:)

Thanks for shabby chic thread - often lurk there. Also like https://www.betterafter.blogspot.com/ - USA site - some fab makeovers.

My kitchen is looking pretty good now - amazing what a thorough clean up can do;)

Well now - afraid to say this week's progress report isn't that good. Weight still the same, however, good news is I've lost another inch off my waist. So, whilst the exercise is certainly making me fitter and helping my aches and pains, I don't seem to be burning any fat off. Time to change/add to my exercise routine. Will try something aerobic as from tomorrow - I certainly want to start walking anyway.

I'll try keeping a food diary, weighing stuff etc. If that doesn't work then it looks like SW or WW here I come.

maman

Hello LL (and anyone else lurking)

I'm really looking forward to spring so I can get out walking more regularly too.

Quite a good day today in that I spent an age having a lovely long shower, exfoliate rub, loads of body lotion, did my hair, nails and a face pack (shop bought:o). Didn't do any reading this weekend so must try and play catch-up during the week. Made us a lovely roast tonight with loads of veg so very healthy too.

It's interesting how you can lose inches through toning muscles. That's got to be better than nothing and it's doing you good to focus on you. If you do decide it's for you then SW is really good. The plan I'm doing requires very little weighing or measuring so lives up to its name of Extra Easy. Losing this weight is making me feel so good about myself and I've met some lovely people in the group as well.

Thanks for the link to that site. I won't look now as I'll never get to bed:rotfl:

cave_2

lessonlearned wrote: »

Cave - have you thought about sewing classes - although to be honest if you stick to simple patterns sewing is actually very easy. I find the hardest part is getting the sewing machine to do what I want - I always have trouble with the tension. The actual designing, constructing and making up the garment is a doddle by comparison with faffing around with the damn sewing machine. (I need a new one).

I'm in rural-ish part of Northern Scotland - would go to classes if I could, but there's not much here! I have huge problems with tension and not letting the machine run away with me. Have only made little bits a pieces so far, and they all have mistakes somewhere...

Anyone got any ideas for healthy lunches? I don't want to eat meat (it's usually for dinner) and I'm not getting much further than mackerel-and-toast. Pretty sure that I'm not supposed to eat that everyday either.

Have put on masses of weight since I've been I'll - went from 9st10lb to 10st4lb (I lost more than that having flu over new year, and I was probably super-dehydrated for the first weight) and I'm just trying to control my body's post-starvation calorie grabbing mode!

lessonlearned

Hi everyone - hope you are all still working on the fabness;)

Maman your pampering session sounds like bliss!! You can't beat a good roast dinner;)

Cave - do you mean packed lunches or to eat at home. Soups, sandwiches and salads for packed lunches or even leftover shepherds pie, stew, casseroles, stuffed jacket potatoes etc if you have somewhere to heat them up. I often cook a bit extra so my DS2 can take it to work where he can heat it up in the microwave. Especially in the colder weather.

At home it's much easier - any of the above - plus anything to hand really. I love cheese & ham omelets, hot garlicky mushrooms on toast, melted brie and tomatoes on toasted ciabatta (could murder that right now - if you add a layer of ham or bacon it makes it really substantial - enough for a quick evening supper).

Go easy on the cheeses, pack them out with a side salad or any leftover veg. Pasta with a few leftovers and some sauce or other, (I usually cook a big batch and keep spare portions in the freezer). Even easier, cous-cous with any leftover bits of veg, cooked meat or fish chucked in.

(Oven) Chip butties, sausage or bacon butties (grilled), scrambled egg on toast, poached egg on toast, beans on toast.

If you can't be bothered cooking - just fruit and yogurt, or humous with raw vegetables.

One of my summer favourites, which I eat out in the garden, is a few crackers or some really nice crusty bread, a bit of cheese, packed out with olives, slices of cucumber, some sweet juicy tomatoes - the glass of wine is optional:rotfl:

(As the Italians say - a meal without wine is like a day without sunshine)

Have you ever seen Nigel Slaters Simple Suppers - many of those are veggie and would make great lunches. Most of them are really quick too.

Can't you just tell that I adore food!!! I love cooking - tonight I had some leftover cooked beef which I found lurking in the freezer - made two moussakas (low fat versions of course) one for dinner and one for the freezer.

Apart from the cooking had a very productive day (didn't manage the walk - just too busy) - gave the house a mini-blitz, made a start on some paperwork, cleared my ironing pile. Finished off with a lovely soak in the bath and my Face Lift Face Pack.

A good day - although I may have done a bit too much - backache now.

shegirl

Hi girls

I'm now at nearly the stone mark woohoo!!!:j

Have been clearing out my wardrobe tonight,sorting everything I'm going to sell which has been very hard for a self confessed shoe/clothesaholic:o I've got some of my gorgeous evening/party dresses out including a few designers,some shoes:eek:,some day wear and a couple of my favourite suits all ready to photograph and sell.I tend to hold onto them all but they won't fit much longer (and are rather loose now lol) and if I get rid of them I can put the money towards new clothes:j And with a new me (as in old me) it will be good

It's my birthday today and at 29 I'm starting to feel old and think about the future:rotfl: so may be asking you for some ideas later for stopping myself feeling ancient and to introduce more fun and spirit into my life.

Hope you're all doing well

lessonlearned

Hi Cave - Had a think about sewing classes etc. - can appreciate what you say about your rural location - my SIL used to live in a tiny village about 10 miles from Elgin, and like you say, not much there.

How about the WI or something similar - don't be put off about being one of the younger ones - being a member is very trendy at the moment, lots of younger women join up now. Other than that are there any local ladies who might be prepared to show you the ropes, craft groups etc.

I never attended formal sewing classes - I'm largely self taught (as with most of my practical skills - including cooking, decorating, gardening etc) I made loads of mistakes at first - i wore them anyway!!!

The other thing I wondered if it was worth googling something like dressmaking tuition and see what comes up. There are loads of tutorials on the internet for all sorts of things.

She-girl. WOW - you are really flying now. :T Happy Birthday!!!! 29 ah you're just a girl, a lifetime ahead of you - hope it's full of fabness and wonderful things.

Will do update later - the sun is shining and it looks like being a beautiful day.

cave_2

lessonlearned wrote: »

I never attended formal sewing classes - I'm largely self taught (as with most of my practical skills - including cooking, decorating, gardening etc) I made loads of mistakes at first - i wore them anyway!!!

Thanks for the tips

I've been having a go at online tutorials, but the only thing is seem to be able to produce with any predictability is creative expletives...

Will have a look into women's groups, not sure if there are many around here.

Hope everyone is well!

lessonlearned

Lovely day here today - managed a short walk - couldn't do much because of backache - but if I start small and aim to add a bit more each time, hopefully will be able to build up to something worthwhile. Still did the usual 5kms on bike and some yoga stretches - no weights today.

Fabwise? - Well I've made a few potions, using essential oils and whatever carrier oils and creams I happened to have around.

If you want to try any of them please remember the three golden rules.

You absolutely must use pure essential oil and not be tempted to try using the refresher oils you can get for pot pourri and the like.

Never put neat undiluted oil directly onto your skin.

If you use any kind of citrus oils, lemon/orange/lime etc do not use it on areas of skin that will be exposed to strong sunlight.

Anyway this is what I made today.

Facial oil B]

I look at those really posh serums you can get - they are very expensive. The main active ingredient in these is Frankincense, which is good for mature skin.

30ml carrier oil - almond or wheatgerm is best
6 drops frankincense
1 vit E capsule

The Frankincense has a slightly clinical smell - fresh and not unpleasant. To make it smell gorgeous I add a couple of drops of Neroli (orange blossom oil). Orange oils are good for wrinkles. Rose or geranium oil would also be good.

Moisturising Cream

I didn't have any special carrier cream so I've just tried E45. Just made a small batch.

15ml E45
3 drops Frankincense & 2 Drops Neroli
1 Vit E

Vitamin E acts as a preservative and stops the potions going off. In very hot weather I keep homemade potions in the fridge.

Lavender Pillow Spray

Lavender is one of the most versatile oils, - aids relaxation, eases sore muscles and is mildly antiseptic. I often use a lavender massage oil on my back and neck, a few drops added to bath water is a great way to de-stress and ease aching joints. Creepy crawlies don't like lavender and it makes a good moth deterrent. I always use it in my wardrobe and sweater drawers.

Lavender always reminds of my grandmother - she made beautiful lace edged sheets (hand made lace no less or that fancy cutwork - where you pull out threads to make patterns). Her bedlinen was snowy white and smelt of lavender, it was like sleeping in scented clouds.

Anyway, Lavender Spray - How I witter on.

60ml water
4 to 6 drops lavender oil
Pop into a spray bottle.

In the summer I make a citronella version of this to keep mosquitoes away. Mozzies adore me and nibble me to death - so each summer night I spray the house and my bed.

At least no mozzies tonight. Sleep well.