Frugal Frump to Fab/Winter Solstice

Bitsy_Beans

floss2 wrote: »

Bitsy, please could you PM me the link to that? Thank you!

I will PM you this link too incase you don't see it but I thought I'd share it with everyone.

http://essbeevee.blogspot.com

when I say she's interested in clothes.....more specifically dresses. I am not sure she even possess a pair of jeans :eek:
Granted I am 10 years older than her but I think her blog kinda appeals to the latent girlie girl that lurks waaaaaaaaaaay inside me. I am naturally a tomboy, painting nails, wearing heels has been a bit of an effort etc. Compliments about clothing freak me out and ultimately make me feel uncomfortable (stupid eh?!) and yet part of me wants to look pretty. Although I've been trying to break away from v necked t-shirts I do LIVE in jeans 90% of the time and with winter coming I want to branch out into knee high boots, skirts with tights etc. But jeans are practical and hardwearing, even now I am sitting here in a white longline t shirt is covered in gravy from DD's dinner. Hard to feel even a smidge of glamour whilst looking after 3 year olds.

I fear I need to be Gok'ed. I so need a personal shopper and an unlimited bank balance. Of course I have neither <rollseyes> :rotfl:

podperson

Morning all,

LL - yay on the weight loss and the general wellbeing - it is a worry sometimes isn't it how much stress can affect our health and often we don't even notice how much until it goes. Our film for film group was Inception - someone had suggested a very strange film called Little Otik but apparently it isn't on release anymore and people were having problems finding it so it was changed rather last minute to something they thought everyone had probably seen or could get hold of easily. Didn't mind too much as I hadn't got round to watching the other film and I did remember Inception from when it came out and quite enjoyed it. Something random again next time I think but I quite like that as it gets me watching things I wouldn't normally choose I also have a massive film collection, have loads of dvds and then loads more on the computer that I really must have a sort through as I tend to forget what I have when I can't see them in front of me lol. So yes, am definately busy - I think happy is a rather subjective word but am working on it

Maman - yay on the weight loss (good week all round it seems!) Your new dress is lovely, haven't been to Tesco in ages as it's a bit of trek but might have a look out there soon and I agree, very versatile!

Cuckoo - welcome I think we've all been there with the vicious circle but you have to try and think that it can work the other way as well - if you make a bit of an effort with your clothes, make-up etc then you can feel less 'frumpy' and then be inspired to make a bit more effort and before you know it you'll be completely fab And you've taken the first step already!

Bitsy - will def have to have a nosy at the blog, I was reading your post thinking I could have written it - am definately living in jeans and am trying to branch out a little. It would be nice to be Gok-ed, for the lovely clothes budget you get if nothing else. I always seem to feel guilty spending money on myself - and it's not like I buy in expensive shops, it's usually Asda, Matalan or charity shops.

Speaking of which got pulled in by the charity shop again - I shouldn't be allowed in :rotfl:It's right where I get off the bus from work and opens late some nights so I just have no willpower! Anyway ended up getting two skirts :eek: Have decided as Bitsy said that am going to try and break out a bit from the living in jeans so got two Per Una skirts ( I always seem to pick the most expensive items in the place!) one is full length in a plum coloured corduroy fabric with a little flower pattern on the bottom, think I could get away with it for work and just out and about. The other is mid-calf length (think it's perhaps meant to be knee length but I'm short!) and is like a patchwork effect with different grey and silver velvety fabrics - is really nice. It's a tiny bit snug round the middle (though it does zip up!) but I'm thinking it would be nice for winter/xmas time so should have slimmed down a little by then I am trying to change my attitude to clothes, before I would kind of wear things until they dropped to bits and then buy something (or be given something ) to replace it cause I needed to. I look in my wardrobe and there are a lot of things that I don't really like or that don't really suit me and I think - why did I buy them? So now am trying to only buy things that I really like! Don't have much money so it will go slowly but will aim to have a wardrobe where I can open it and want to wear everything in it

Anyway, went to film group last night, glad I went as someone pointed out to me they hadn't seen me since July :eek: hadn't realised it had been so long! Tried to make a bit of effort, had a nice top on, did my hair and make-up - OH even said I looked nice which is sweet of him. Oh that's another thing I'm trying to work on, when someone gives me a compliment I used to think they were either just being nice or they actually meant it to be funny or something - now I'm trying to just say 'thank you' and not overanalyse it. Lol, I'm sounding like I have issues in this post :rotfl::rotfl:Was a good night anyway, was much later then I meant to be

Hope everyone has a good day x

MrsWoolfe

Hello Ladies!

Thanks for all the positive msgs...I'm still really chuffed and happy:D

LL- :j:j:j:j:j:j Is all I can say- you must feel so much better now that things are more settled! And what a lovely thing for you FIL to say- see people DO see how much you do really!

Lots of postive vibes doing the rounds I see- Maman I really like that dress you posted- I actually picked up a couple of nice little dresses from there recently, not bad at all!

Cuckoo- welcome! believe me all of us on here have been where you are, it takes time and real baby steps, but you really can turn the whole thing around- stick with us- we'll help you get there!:D

Bitsy- I've often joked that I want a Gok of my own:D and you know it's ok not to look drop dead gorgeous ALL of the time, I don't think of this as trying to be perfectly groomed all the time, more taking better care of me- and you as Mum to a little one especially need plenty of TLC for you as I imagine you spend your time giving it to others??? In the meantime I will peek at that blog later and daydream about pretty dresses-

my goal to wear more dresses @ work does seem to have an effect- today I'm wearing wide-legged trousers and whilst smart just don't feel as good as I do in a dress...weird seeing as I spent my teens warring with Ma NOT to wear them!:o

PP that grey skirt sounds nice- I've been trying to think ahead to winter for the work wardrobe, and I think thick tights,layers and boots are going to be the way forward...will need to replace my trusty black knee highs though as they are literally falling apart...but I love them they are so comfy and look lovely...or did once...

Willow- sounds like you are going great guns on the Kinect! yay you!

!!!!!! and Floss:wave:

Now.... I just wanted to say a big Thank You to all of but especially LL for your help and support during this challenge (oh gawd I'm coming over all "Oscars":o) Having that positive review (although the proper appraisal is still to come with the director of my dept) really brought home to me how much I've changed and acheived over the last few months- I know it's soppy and silly, but the little changes have made a big difference and I think have had a knock-on positive effect on every thing in my life, one thing DH said a little while back was that I was returning back to the girl he met 10 yrs ago- in terms of being happy, confident etc...and now I really feel like I am nearly there- I've got my Sparkle back!:D_party_

So all of you who have patiently read my rambles, offered advice and cheered me on THANK YOU!:D

Don't worry though- I'm not going anywhere:D and I still think there is plenty I can do- I think tbh for me this is becoming more like a "club" than a challenge that has an end...I hope we can keep running with this for as long as people are interested- what do you think guys? LL- maybe we could just have new threads for each solstice and keep it going and going??? pleeeease???

Right- we have decided to make last Friday's Cocktails and Canapes night ( last week was tapas nom nom nom:D) a repeat performance with this week being Dim Sum...at this rate it's going to become a habit, but it's a lovely way to spend some time with DH- I've got some Dim Sum in the Freezer from the CHinese supermarket and we still have the bits we bought for last week's cocktails so won't cost anything:money: am off to make the selections!!!:D

Hope you are all having a great Friday!

MrsWoolfe

floss2

Mrs Wolfe, DH and I generally have Friday as our date night, starting with cocktails or G&T at gin o'clock (6pm!) followed by a scrummy supper and bottle of wine As you say, its a great way to spend quality time with one's other half!

maman

MrsWoolfe wrote: »

I think tbh for me this is becoming more like a "club" than a challenge that has an end...I hope we can keep running with this for as long as people are interested- what do you think guys? LL- maybe we could just have new threads for each solstice and keep it going and going??? pleeeease???

Totally agree MrsW, Super Idea!!

floss2 wrote: »

Mrs Wolfe, DH and I generally have Friday as our date night, starting with cocktails or G&T at gin o'clock (6pm!) followed by a scrummy supper and bottle of wine As you say, its a great way to spend quality time with one's other half!

Just thought I'd catch you quickly floss before gin o'clock:D DH and I are having a totally non SW supper tonight which is centred on a plate pie from M&S. DH loves them and has gone without (pies that is;)) for the best part of a year while happily eating all the healthy, SW food. He's a star.

Have a good evening all.

lessonlearned

MrsWoolfe wrote: »

Hello Ladies!

there is plenty I can do- I think tbh for me this is becoming more like a "club" than a challenge that has an end...I hope we can keep running with this for as long as people are interested- what do you think guys? LL- maybe we could just have new threads for each solstice and keep it going and going??? pleeeease???[/COLOR]

I see no reason why not.:D

Great "Oscar" speech - hope you were doing a Gwyneth Paltrow - bawling your eyes out:rotfl::rotfl:

Loving the idea of Cocktail Nights and Date Nights - we've often done similar things over the years - depending on the age of the boys etc - sometimes family stuff - sometimes just OH & I.

I think it's a great way of keeping the fun going, and of course, cheap and cheerful. We used to have eat your way around the world nights - one week France, the next Indian - themed food etc. Sometimes if we were having friends round we would add appropriate music, decorate the house dress up too.

Millionaires night was a good one, Casino nights etc. One of the funniest a couple of years ago was Benidorm night. We all dressed as tacky "Brits Abroad" - the men in socks and sandals, knotted handkerchieves etc - the women as "Marbella Woman" fake tans, too much bling.

These things cost next to nothing and they are usually really good fun. Sadly we no longer we really do much in that line now. My sister recently did an English Afternoon Tea, dainty sandwiches, pretty cakes, doilies, bunting. It was lovely.

Although Oh is too poorly for entertaining I still try and inject some fun and a bit of mystery - tonight was "Fridge Friday" - copied that idea from Nigel Slater.

Basically you rummage through the fridge for any bits and bobs to use up, add a dash of imagination and hope for the best.

Tonight was cheesy/potato/bacon/leek bake followed by plum crumble and cream. I only had one spoonful of pud - so hopefully not too much damage done;)

As Floss says - a good way to spend quality time with loved ones.

Which reminds me ................

Willow92

Another 100 cals burnt today Legs are killing though.

lessonlearned

Today I realised something - it had been niggling me for a while, but I wasn't quite able to put my finger on it. However, it really came home to me this morning.

I was busy, busy, busy - as usual.

OH and his PA were enjoying themselves watching their usual Homes Under the Hammer/Bargain Hunt etc, then doing quizzes and puzzles, whilst I was running around like a lunatic, making phone calls (all OH's care related) and tackling that mountain of SS paperwork.

It dawned on me - partly because of something someone said to me yesterday. They said "Of course when OH is in the nursing home when you visit him/take him out etc you'll be getting really good quality time with him".

She was absolutely right - and it simply hadn't occurred to me before. But when I thought about it - it's true - that's exactly what happened when he went into respite.

Because I was no longer running the whole show I was able to relax and simply enjoy being with him instead of running myself ragged trying to pull everything in.

Sometimes I just can't see the wood for the trees:o

So - if I can think of it in those terms and approach the move in a positive light then it makes the idea of OH's transition to residential care far more palatable.

I've also decided to change our car to a wheelchair accessible vehicle, it will make life much easier for both of us. I'm now at the stage where I can't really manage our outings on my own - this will give us back some freedom and independence. We will be able to go out on "dates" without a chaperone:rotfl:

Back in a mo

lessonlearned

Maman - Love the dress - an excellent "all rounder" - at £22 quite a good investment too. You're worth it.:D

Well done on the calorie burning Willow

Don't know if anyone else saw this - but in yesterday's Daily Mail they were talking about some new jeans that ASDA are doing. They have some special seaming at the back which helps to restore the look of a nice "pert" bottom. A bit like magic knickers I suppose.

Forget what they were called (had the word "Bum" in). They are £18 and in a nice darker denim. I think an investment is called for. My last pair of jeans are now far too big:T Oooh that feels good to be able to say that.

Welcome Cuckoo - of course join in - it's never to late to join the Fab Express.

I agree with the others - once you break that vicious cycle it does get easier. Just start with a few easy tweaks and before you know where you are it'll all start to fall into place.

Yes, you'll have bad days and times when you feel that you are getting nowhere fast, but don't give up, just take heart from all the lovely peeps on this thread. Keep going, if you fall by the wayside for a day or three - then just draw a line, pick yourself up and start again.

It's a marathon, not a sprint - that's why we are taking it slowly and gently.

Re the bit about receiving compliments.

It's true isn't it. We sometimes find it very difficult to just accept a compliment for what it is.

A friend of mine pointed out that whenever she commented that she liked what I was wearing I always had to tell her that it was a bargain, or in the sale, or I'd made it myself or whatever. She was laughing of course but what she went on to say was I didn't need to justify spending money on myself - I was hardly in the Jackie O/Liz Taylor league of big spenders. I was allowed to buy clothes now and then.;)

Ladies, now that we are becoming truly Fab we now need to start practising how to be gracious. When we receive a compliment we should accept it at face value - for what it is - an acknowledgement of our new found fabness and gorgeousness:D.

We shall just smile sweetly and say "Thank you".

G'night all x

Carmen

Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to pop in and say hello.
I have almost caught up with all the past posts :eek: Two more pages to go, slow reader.
Hugs to all that need one.
Welcome to all the new ladies.
Hope to post about my ups (and downs) soon.
Goodnight
Carmen xxxx