Summer Solstice Sensation

maman

Oh what lovely potions you've made LL. I just love lavender but all of my bits are shop bought.

I've managed a walk today (about a mile plus whatever I did around our local shopping centre) and I had my nails painted. It may sound extravagant but...we have one of those shops locally that mainly deals in acrylic nails but they do a shape and polish of your own nails for £5 and a full manicure for £10. I think it's a nice treat. Only needed a polish today as I had tidied up my nails on Sunday. Yesterday I was busy doing a bit of voluntary work in a charity coffee shop/restaurant and we're not allowed nail polish (H&S!!) so today was a good day to go and have my nails done.

Other than sticking to my healthy eating a la SW, I've not done much else. I did call in to a charity shop while I was out and saw a lovely Phase Eight top and Laura Ashley cords (in smaller sizes than usual!!:D). I didn't buy them but now I'm regretting it. I don't actually need them but it would be nice to wear something that showed off the new, getting-slimmer me. I think I'll call in tomorrow and if they're still there then it was meant to be (or vice versa).

lessonlearned

Lovely sunny day here. OK, so we know that winter probably hasn't finished with us yet but it is so nice to get a taste of Spring.

Carer came this morning so had some time off. Went to see my sister - took a bag of charity shop goodies for her and my niece . My sister commented on my toned shape - especially my arms. Hadn't noticed myself but she was right - the Bingo wings are definitely showing considerable improvement. All that work is starting to pay off.

Did a bit more decluttering - linen cupboard and a couple of drawers - another bag for the charity shop. My house is starting to look a bit more the way I want it to - certainly more organised. All this decluttering and cleaning is a prelude to (hopefully) some decorating. Just a lick of paint, some new accessories - nice and fresh for the summer.

Just watched the Mary Portas secret shopper programme - it just reaffirmed everything we were saying about how awful the shops are at the moment. Let's hope she can shake up the complacent store owners and fat cat businessmen. They are making huge profits - it's time they gave us what we want - better merchandise, a better shopping experience for the customer and better conditions for their staff. Rant over.:rotfl:

5kms bike, good yoga and weight workout - no walking - leisurely gossip and coffee with little sister instead;).
Nail tidy and polish.

Maman - I think having your nails painted is great. A professional job always looks better, especially when you use darker colours - they usually last longer too. £5 is a good price too - same as a cup of coffee and a piece of cake in a cafe and less fattening;) Anyway you are doing so well with your continuing weight loss you deserve the odd reward. Hope your charity shop still had the clothes you were interested in.

maman

I did go back to the charity shop and bought the Phase 8 top! It's a sort of dark green cross-over jumper, very figure hugging:D

I'm not doing very well as far as the house is concerned this week. I will definitely fit in a blitz of a room in sometime but it may have to be the smallest room in the house:o Sadly no decluttering, charity shop things are coming to me this week! I have got a quiet weekend coming up so maybe I'll catch up then.

I've had a walk today probably about 2 miles and read a little bit of my book. Stuck to SW plan but I don't feel very thin.

I have my nails done with an American manicure (very similar to French but the tips aren't bright white, oops! you'd know that LL being a beautician). I find if I put an extra top coat on when I get home it can last up to 2 weeks. There's no way I could do the tips so neatly at home.

I watched Mary Portas too. A bit irritated that she's moved to Channel 4 because I hate the format where they stretch the programmes by repeating everything after the adverts. Do they think we have the attention span of a gnat! Of course she's absolutley right about the lack of customer service but the Pilot guy was also right that it's everywhere! Even shops like M&S have hardly anyone on the shop floor to answer questions. I loved the bit at the end where they invaded shops to help the customers. Of course, training is needed but a lot of it is about good manners.

Glad to hear you managed to fit in some 'me' time when the carer's in. It's been a glorious day here, cold but so bright.

lessonlearned

Not such a good day (although it's glorious sunshine).

Feeling a bit low, OH seems to have deteriorated again - call from Carers Agency to do another assessment - the carers are struggling a bit, so will probably need two person handling from now on. To think I've managed single handedly all this while.

After his physio I took OH for a run to a local beauty spot because it was such a lovely day (after I had treated him to a KFC - I know - but it's one of his favourites). The poor thing was too exhausted to enjoy either his food or his trip into the country. I just wish I could do more.

Anyway, off to make him a cup of tea and then do some exercise, cook dinner, finish the day with a nice bath with bubbles, lotions and potions.

Carmen/Whitewing - are you ok?

Carmen

Hi everyone,
I have had a few good days, eating sensibly, managed some walking and even started to de-clutter my bedroom! I was shocked to find some lovely clothes in the back of the wardrobe, I had completely forgotten about them mind you, I will need to lose a lot more weight before I can get into them! They are to nice to give away so I hope they will give me the incentive to continue on this regime?
Lovely facial and eye brow tidy, I wish I had the courage to wax them, but I know what will happen :eek: :rotfl: I have not had a bath for about ten years, I'm just a shower,shake and go kinda gal these days!

LL, I hope you and your O/H are better today, it must be nice for you to get away for a couple of hours:) What does he think about the new regime to have started? I lived on KFC (before becoming a veggie) when I was pregnant with my son!
Your exercise's are working LL, well done.
Only egg and chips tonight, I always make that when I ask 'what would you like for dinner' the family hate deciding as much as I do.
I do like to cook it's just deciding what to have that I find difficult.
Thanks for the tips and hughs' fishy link, shocking stuff!

Maman, great find in the charity shop it sounds lovely, I only get as far as the books!

Shegirl, well done on your near 14lb lose:) keep it up.

Cave , hope you are well.

Keep up the good work everyone.
Carmen x

maman

:wave: good to hear from you Carmen. I luurve egg and chips but My DH believed all that cholestorol stuff from a while back (although I believe it's been explained properly now) so I only have them at breakfast. I, too, found a skirt at the back of the wardrobe today. I've had it for years and hung onto it. So now I can announce I'm officially a dress size smaller:D I didn't buy clothes at charity shops until recently but I do search out decent brands now. It's partly becasue I'm reluctant to pay much for anything until I get to my target weight. I found a great Joules jacket a few months ago. I do have my eyebrows waxed but only about every 3 months or so. Once the beautician has done the shape it's easy to keep tidy at home.

Lost 2.5lbs when weighed this morning so very pleased with that. Then I did some washing and cooking for tonight and for the freezer then I had a meeting to go to. And that was about it for today:o Oh and my new id and pin came from HMRC so that's a job for the weekend along with catching up on other jobs.

Sorry to hear that your DH is suffering at the moment LL. Does that mean another carer will come in automatically? I was thinking of that worrying news about respite today. Hope your bath relaxed you.

lessonlearned

Hi Everyone

Just to let you know feeling a bit more cheerful now - didn't mean to moan but sometimes things get a bit much ......

Don't know what is going to happen - but apparently the Care Agency & Social Services are putting their heads together to give us more help.

We have been very lucky I think in that I have heard some very sad stories where people have been left to cope alone - not in our area.

I think our local government social services/health authority have been very good. Our GP's are excellent - we are very fortunate. Having said that if OH didn't have me he would be in a nursing home now - so I really don't think they could justify cutting our help. So far all their care plans etc have been geared to keeping OH at home (which is probably cheaper for them anyway):rotfl:.

I know that there is no cure and what the prognosis is - OH is very philosophical and a very gracious patient. I'm the one who gets angry and who rages against the fates.

Anyway I didn't do much exercise - just 2.5 kms on the bike and some yoga - just couldn't summon up the energy or enthusiasm - still better than nothing.

Great news on the weight loss Maman - think I will look into SW - I'm struggling at the moment. Exercise alone isn't going to shift the excess weight, I think I need the discipline of a weekly weigh-in and I know group support is very helpful.

Carmen - good to hear from you - glad you are doing so well - did you get your hair done. I've decided to book one for next week or so.

Both of you are doing well with your wardrobe finds - I've got a couple of things lurking that I can almost get into. Another inch or so off the waist and I'll be down a size too.;)

Like you I don't want to buy too much until I'm down to nearer my target weight and size. However, I think I will make an exception for charity shop bargains - you have to get them when you see them.

Carmen - you ask what OH thinks of my new regime. He loves it. When we first met I was a bit timid about wearing anything "too young or risque". I was 31 when we met. I think that was a hang-up from my first marriage - my first husband was rather conservative (a bit of a stuffed shirt). OH No 2 put a stop to all that nonsense and encouraged me to dress up and have fun with clothes.

One good thing today - I've checked my finances and I've really nailed the runaway housekeeping budget - finding some money to put aside into a (just for me) savings account is going to be easier than I thought. So come the summer I should have a nice little splurge fund.

lessonlearned

Having a much better day apart from an upset tummy - too much bread again - when will I learn.:o

Glorious sunshine again, but lots of frost - very pretty but blimmin cold, so I chickened out of the walk!! Don't do ice and slippery paths I'm afraid.

Had a mooch round a couple of charity shops and did a supermarket shop this morning, did a fridge, cupboard and freezer inventory. I'm really pleased with my budget this month and next month should be good because I'm going to work through my food stocks - I've got far too much in. The savings pot should start looking pretty healthy, especially as I've resisted charity shop bargains this month -going to wait for the spring/summer stuff to start coming in.

Finished decluttering my bedoom this afternoon. I am being quite ruthless this time - none of this it might come in handy so I'd better hang on - no out it's going. Feels wonderful. Good Feng Shui:rotfl: Unfortunately, didn't find any forgotten treasures lurking.

Kitchen declutter soon - I've got loads of extra crockery which hasn't been used for years - it's going.

The facial oil mix I made up is lovely, my skin feels silky soft. Only costs a few pennies because you only need a few drops of essential oil. I've noticed most serums are really expensive. My sister uses the Boots Protect range which is very good (she works at Boots so does at least get discount), however, it's not cheap.

I've switched to oils at the moment instead of cream moisturisers. What with cold winds and central heating ordinary moisturisers just aren't enough. My skin soaks it up like a sponge but you could always tissue off any excess after about 10 minutes. I avoid the nose and chin area so as not to clog the pores.

For the past few months I've been trying to close my Spanish bank account and transfer funds back to the UK. (We used to have a little flat but had to sell it because OH too ill to travel now). Finally came through today - not a fortune but just about enough to treat us to a small summer house. It'll be great for OH to sit somewhere sheltered (he really feels the cold) on the days when it's warm enough for me to garden but not warm enough for him to sit out. So tonight shall look forward to planning my garden (and watching Hustle). DS2 works in a garden centre and he's already brought loads of seeds etc and bits and bobs. Started keeping cardboard egg cartons for seeds. Roll on spring.

Off to do my exercise and cook dinner - fish cakes tonight - haven't had them for ages - just fancy some. (I lurve egg and chips too).

Carmen

Hello again,

Maman, well done with the weight lose and down a size, fantastic!
I agree that good bargains can be found in charity shops, the more expensive 'names' fit so much better, maybe once I have lost some more weight I may find something in my size Keep up the good work.
LL, day 41 :eek: has it really been that long? I know I started my quest to AB Fab around the same time as you but it's nice that I don't feel as if I have been on a D
I'm pleased to hear you are feeling better, it's natural to have off days and if you feel like 'venting/moaning' on here then do it! Although I really don't feel your comments class as moaning, I could introduce you some real moaners :rotfl::rotfl: As my dear mother used to say 'better out than in' :cool: I hope the care situation gets sorted soon, It sounds as if you have a great support system in place. And your O/H sounds like a lovely man, especially in encouraging you to express yourself:)
Your plans for a summer house sound lovely, good luck with that.
You facial oil sounds it would be better for me also during the winter months, can I buy the Frankincense and vit E caps in the health shops? I have never looked for that kind of thing

Well, another 2lbs lost :A and feeling fine. I have not told my family of this regime, I want to see who will notice first. They have always supported me in my past attempts and like me are concerned about my health!
I didn't get my haircut, unfortunately my hairdresser was unwell so I decided I would wait until she came back to work. I did tried mousse instead of gel/wax to get it spiky/sticky outty and found that mousse makes it less greasy after two days, so less washing, more saving on shampoo!
Another beautiful day here which always gives me the feel good factor.
Belated birthday wishes Shegirl.

How are you doing Cave?

I am going to browse the Nigel Slater recipes for some idea's for supper.
Carmen x

lessonlearned

Six Weeks & Still Going Strong

Yes Carmen, Maman, Cave and all you long term lurkers - we started this six weeks ago. And - apart from the odd blip - I'm pleased to say I think I'm doing quite well. I may not be losing weight the way you are but I really do feel better - fitter, healthier and I certainly look a lot better. I'm sleeping well, my aches and pains have eased, my mood is (generally) sunnier. In fact I feel much more like my old happy go lucky self than the weepy, anxious wreck I had become. I've got a lot more energy and I feel I've regained some of my Joir de vie (That probably isn't spelt correctly but you all know what I mean)

And - I'm saving money. Because of my daily (well almost) yoga workouts my back and neck are so improved I haven't had to see the physio for almost 6 weeks. I normally have to go about every three or four weeks. At £33 a session - that's quite a saving. So yay for Fab to Frump.:j

So - to all of us :beer:

Today it's still rather cold for walking - so I'm having a domestic goddess day - baking and cooking - my OH is in seventh heaven - he loves cake and loves licking the mixture out of the bowl!!!

Have done my full exercise workout already, today's treatment will be an asprin mask to nose and chin.

Info on essential oils

You can get a small selection of oils from larger Boots and most health shops, however, they can be expensive - especially Holland & Barrett. Superdrug do a few basics like Lavender and Tea Tree. Frankincense is comparatively rare and is not so easily available. It can be quite expensive but remember you only need a few drops - it will last for years.

I got my last lot from Aroma Direct via a company called Woodshealth - https://www.woodshealth.com Tel 08451-667788. I've just checked their website and they currently have Frankincense on offer at £4-99.

To compare - Neal's Yard Remedies - https://www.nealsyardremedies.co.uk Tel 0845-262-3145 currently stock it at £13-40, so the Woods one is quite a saving. Woods also have Neroli (orange blossom) at £3-99.

They both have a really exensive range.

Keep up the good work everyone.