Frugal Frump to Fab/Winter Solstice

tru

Morning :hello:

I finished National Chocolate Week in style. There was even a big encore :rotfl::rotfl: I had a very unhealthy weekend, what with that and a party on saturday night where there were far too many bottles of lager available

I have stopped taking vitamins. Last year I took on a temp job that lasted a few weeks, I had to work for twelve hours a day plus two hours travel. I knew it was going to be manic, and there was no way I could cook (or even be bothered to eat) when I came home every day. The company provided free food but I didn't know what I'd be getting so I started taking vitamins just in case. I carried on taking them out of habit. But the reason for taking them in the first place has become the reason I want to stop - if the food is rubbish, it's OK because I have vitamins. It's almost become an excuse to eat junk So I've binned them.

I've cut our budget even more and have already managed to put a few £s away for our holiday in April (we've decided to go in spring next year). Once I've got enough for a deposit, I'll book a cottage in Mevagissey again. I have my eye on a couple, hopefully they'll still be available when I want them.

So I now have two goals, Christmas and spring. By Christmas, I should have dropped a dress size, by spring I should have dropped another.

My right leg now has a wider range of movement so exercise is easier.

Hhhmmm dresses. I haven't worn one since 16th December 1989, and I only wore that because it was my wedding dress :rotfl:

lessonlearned

maman wrote: »

:wave:

Off to watch Downton in a moment, hope I manage to stay awake!

Just a quickie - back with a proper post later.

Just wanted to say that Violet/aka Aunty S was an absolute joy to behold last night, cutting through swathes of bureaucracy and putting uppity vicars and doctors in their proper place. Wonderful:D

And then, to cap it all - having a little weep at Williams wedding and trying to pretend she had a cold - so Aunty S.

I swear Julian Fellowes must have met and dealt with my Aunty S:rotfl: It was her to a T. She may "only" have been a butcher's daughter - but the way she dressed and behaved she was every inch a dowager duchess.:rotfl::rotfl:

There was a fab fashion piece in the Daily Mail on Saturday about Downton inspired clothes - apparently hitting the shops this season.

Ooooh bring on the velvets, furs, feathers and pearls - I'm ready:D

I love glamourous clothes and sumptuous fabrics - I was born in the wrong era - denims are all very well but you can't beat velvet.

True story - for my fourth birthday Aunty S took me to a very exclusive children's wear shop. She told me I could choose anything I liked. Apparently I made a bee-line for a gorgeous navy blue velvet dress - needless to say the most expensive in the shop.

Always did have champagne tastes - needless to say Aunty S was as good as her word and bought me the dress - it was probably about a weeks wages for her but she kept her promise.

Anyway back later for a good catch up with you all - some fab posts by the way.

I've got a little treat today with DS2

podperson

Morning all,

Haven't been on all weekend so been having a catch up!

Tru - you did tell me, it's all coming back now lol! Hope you're selling lots, I'm sure I said before that we need some piccies - but then I've been spending too much lately as it is so probably not good for my bank balance :rotfl:

Callisto - yay on the weight loss :j actually haven't dared brave the scales this week as have been very bad with the eating and the exercise so I know they aren't going to be nice to me! That said, nothing wrong with an odd bag of chips now and then Loving your cardi - looks really warm and snuggly for winter.

Willow - woot, more weight loss so also grats :j I really like your boots, I never think of Evans for shoes so might have to have a look in this week.

Jenny - welcome! sounds like you have lots of ideas already which is great. I do think tiredness can be very connected to diet and lifestyle - I know I always feel so much more tired when I've made no effort with the healthy eating for a few days. I agree a multi-vitamin might be a good idea, I think I need to go back on a multi one, just have a vitamin C and iron booster at the moment to try and stop me catching all the little coughs, colds and bugs that are always going round.

Maman - glad you had a good weekend and got lots of compliments nice to see people are noticing all your hard work - you definately deserve it.

Carmen - yay on the positive thinking, am sure will definately be a few sizes down by next summer.

Molly - glad you're feeling a bit more positive, I think we're all entitled to a grumpy weekend now and again and you more then most at the moment!

LL - know what you mean about being in the wrong era, I love vintage fashion - it's so much prettier and more unique then the 'on trend' stuff today. Hope you have a nice treat with DS

Anyway, have had a very lazy weekend. Went to a gig on Friday night, which was fantastic - absolutely tiny place so really intimate and got to meet the guy we went to see (who was actually the support) beforehand as he was just wandering round. Got my piccie took so was a very happy bunny! Rest of the weeknd was ok, just feeling a bit unmotivated at the moment - should have started some work for my Open Uni course but couldn't be bothered so will have to get onto that this week. Was very lazy with the healthy eating and did very little exercise. Did get a nice tunic/dress from the charity shop, Next one in black and white with like beaded butterflies at the top.
Hope everyone has a good day x

maman

podperson wrote: »

Did get a nice tunic/dress from the charity shop, Next one in black and white with like beaded butterflies at the top.
Hope everyone has a good day x

I just read that as beheaded butterflies!:rotfl:must try harder!

Like the sound of your Next stuff too bratz. I completely agree with you about buying a size bigger if it looks better. I think there's nothing worse than squeezing into something cos it's the 'right' size, I think it just makes you look bigger.

Not much fabness going on here yet. DH finished the wardrobes on Friday, so today I've been putting things in there. I'm sure I'll change my mind as I start using things but it's good not to have all my cardies and tops in suitcases any more.

Off to dancing class tonight so will get dressed/made up for that later. Huge, healthy stir-fry planned for supper (it's our regular Monday meal as it's quick and light when I'm going out).

Willow92

I've lost another 2lb! :j

lessonlearned

Noticed we had two Day 106's - I'm losing it big-time.:o

Some lovely posts today ladies - good to see you are still fabbing along nicely. To those who are struggling a little - don't worry - it happens - just remember that big old elephant.

My tummy is still not happy - so no wheat products at all for a few days and trying to eat nice "soothing" foods. Feel very bloated and clothes feeling tight again.:( Never mind a couple of days of rabbit food should sort me out.:rotfl:

Molly - I think you are entitled to a little grump given what's happened - your family too must be finding things very stressful. Stress makes us snappy so don't be too hard on yourself.

Well had a lovely time with DS2 this morning.

It's his big job interview tomorrow - so please send all your good vibes.

Anyway we went visiting show houses so that he could do some research. The first with the builder who he has applied to. We had a lovely long natter with the negotiator who gave him lots of background info, tips and a bit of inside knowledge. She was great - made us some coffee etc and was very generous with her time.

(I told her about my background of course and it turned out we knew lots of people in common in and around the industry).

We then had a little look at some competitor builders.

Now I adore mooching round show houses even more than I like charity shops. A great morning.

I do hope he gets this job, and so does he - fingers crossed.

The person I spoke to today was very encouraging about me going back into the industry next year - she was older than me and didn't feel my age would be a problem.

I would so love to go back for a few more years so I'm thinking that once things are settled - say next Spring - then I might see what I can do. Maybe do some temping/agency work to start just to dip my toe in the water.:)

Must dash - OH now awake - he'll be wanting tea and cake.:rotfl:

Bye for now x

MrsWoolfe

Hello Ladies and Lurkers!

Hope you are well...

Jenny- welcome! I'm sure you will find lots of support and advice on here- the main thing i think as LL has alredy said is to take it one step at a time- small changes are easier to stick to and become habit before you know it and can really make such a big difference. You sound like you have a lot going on so it's not surpising you feel so tired! I would start by making sure I was getting enough good stuff into my meals- focus on adding good things in rather than cutting bad stuff out is my advice here as that is what has worked best for me, plenty of water/fluids some veg and fruit and lean protein is a good place to start- if you try and increase these things bit by bit- there is less room/desire for as much of the bad stuff I find!

LL sounds like you had a lovely day with your Son- fingers crossed for tomorrow and good to hear that if you want to the door is still open for you to go back into the industry, muc open up a lot of possibilities for you!

PP- the gig sounds like fun- I love going to gigs like that, always have a great time and often hear something new and different! don't beat yourself up about being unmotivated- we all have those spells, just draw a line and keep fabbing!

Willow :jon the weight loss- sounds like you are definately on track! and Sparkles well done on the running too- can't be easy with the mornings getting cold and dreary! You have inspired me to get my bum back on the ex bike tonight!

Carmen- re the water drinking do you like herbal teas at all? I tend to swtich to these as it gets colder and will sip from a cup of lemon and ginger throughout the day- Aldi also do some at fairly reasonable prices

Molly- sorry to hear about the bruise on your back sounds painful fingers crossed your GP is helpful.

Bratz- sorry to hear you've been under the weather, are you feeling any better yet- lots of people seem to be poorly at the mo- the dresses sound good though!


Tru- I've done the same with goals as you- though broken into 3 one for Christmas ( stay healthy, tone up and keep normal stress relted poor eating/poor sleep etc at bay), one for April ( drop a dress size) and one for end of June/summer ( drop another dress size if needed (will see how I feel) tone up improve fitness levels and buy my first bikini!

Phew- caught up now! to everyone else hello! and sorry if I've missed people, nothing meant by it- just a job to keep up with our growing army lol!

well I had an interesting weekend, nice to see Mum and brother, bit of a mad rush on the friday and odd eating times etc but nothing too stressful ( though I know what my answer will be next time I'm asked to attend for the "Hymns":eek:) went shopping and gots lots and lots of bits- some lovely brown low heels with a comfort sole that are perfect for work, a nice pair of wide legged grey trousers, couple of blouses...basically I went on a bit of a spree, it was planned and bugeted for but still was second guessing whether to get things or not- until DH told me off and that there was nothing wrong with treating myself to some nice things when I've worked so hard for it!:D decided it was time to buy some nice underwear that fits properly- the situation was getting silly:o Matalan to the rescue some nice bras and sets in there at the moment so I'm sorted!

so now other than a good pair of boots to replace the beloved but dying black pair I use all winter/most of the rest of the year and the down coat I mentioned before I think I'm pretty much kitted out for winter!

not a lot of time for fabbing at the weekend but tonight I will try and do a face mask and de-fuzz tempting as it is to leave it whilst it's cold and I'll be covered up, I also know I always feel better with smooth (or as smooth as I can get them!) legs so it's out with the epilator - making sure I have checked the Kitten is not in the room- one of the items on the list of Things That Freak Ninou Out and cause crazy kitten time!

right ladies must dash for now- sending hugs to all who need them and fabulous vibes to you all!

MrsWoolfe

Bitsy_Beans

OMG £42 for a pair of boots.




For my 3 year old daughter :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

Where do Clarks get off with their pricing?!!!!! In total it came to £76 on two pairs of shoes :mad: I did try online but they didn't have anything in her size (ordered it and was then told it wasmout of stock) and since she is now a size and a half bigger I've had no choice but to go to Clarks. No where near an outlet and shes got wide feet so off the peg stuff won't do.

Feeling a wee bit fleeced to say the least. Sorry rant over.
Having an attack of the CBA :mad: did pretty good week before last with my exercise and mindful eating and last week all went to pot. Feels like this week is going the same way <rolls eyes> am fed of the self sabotage. I do this every time. Meh someone shoot me and put me out of my misery

Sorry forgive my manners can I just give a general wave to everyone glad you are all doing so well on the fabbing front.

fedupandskint

Pretty fabby day today as I was told by a friend I hadn't seen since the beginning of summer who told me I looked great and my skin was glowing! We have both lost a stone over the summer so we're very happy with how well we've done and how we're sticking at the changes in our eating habits and how much better we're both feeling - Fabbiness all round here!

Today's exercise was walking for 2hrs today in total so pretty good there too.

Keep fabbing everyone and remember how much better we feel for it!

JennyJewell

Evening ladies
Thank you so much for all your lovely warm welcomes
Well I made an ickle change today - I had breakfast before work! This was made possible by ironing all clothes needed last night and getting to bed for 12pm Now I know I need to get to bed earlier than that but I was still able to enjoy getting up at a nice early hour feeling a little more awake, not run around the house like a looney and happily enjoy a piece of toast,(50/50variety - so halfway there ) and a cup of coffee - ok so the coffee is a bit naughty but I do enjoy my caffeine boost in the morning Tomorrow I intend to do the same plus have a piece of fruit at break time
I'm lucky that I haven't got a problem with my weight at the moment and I am eating healthier due to a free lunch in work - I don't particularly like the look of the hot meals tbh so always opt for the salad bar or occasionally a baguette
It's the tiredness that completely takes over me that has made me realise that I need to change my diet and slowly my lifestyle, ie, put good in, chuck bad out and start doing some exercise and build up a regular sleeping pattern. I am also starting to come in from work and keep busy getting stuff done ready for the next day rather than flake out on the settee - hard at the moment but hopefully a routine will build out of habit I have put the washing on - after tea I'm going up the shops, (good walk in the fresh air to keep me awake ), to get some flowers and a sympathy card for an elderly lady I know who has recently lost her husband I will pop down for a cuppa with her, come back finish what I am doing, give myself a facial and get to bed
If I get chance I will report later If not, sweet dreams
Thank you for all your kind words and support - they are much appreciated xx
Jenny x x