Frugal Frump to Fab/Winter Solstice

JennyJewell

I have decided that every evening I will do the basics of getting uniform ready,etc plus one work/business/housework related item and at least one thing for myself such as pampering/read a book/watch a fave tv programme
Jen x

Bitsy_Beans

JennyJewell wrote: »

I have decided that every evening I will do the basics of getting uniform ready,etc plus one work/business/housework related item and at least one thing for myself such as pampering/read a book/watch a fave tv programme
Jen x

That sounds like a very good plan Jenny

lessonlearned

Well now finally a bit of time to myself. As Maman said although I'm trying for earlier nights I do need a bit of wind down time in the evenings, after all the usual dinner, putting OH to bed, lunch box for DS2, feeding the washing machine and dishwasher, plumping cushions and a quick tidy round - phew. After that lot I need time to just relax for a while;)

However, my new regime means I must try and be in bed by about midnight latest. Tonight I've spent some time prepping DS2 for his interview tomorrow. He's not as prepared as he should be but then that's his way - he does like to "wing it":rotfl: Typical macho male I'm afraid.

Reminds me of an old quote by Winston Churchill - can't remember it word for word but it goes something like "When I was 18 my parents were stupid - by the time I was 21 they had improved and were quite intelligent".

Your plans sound good Jenny - do-able and sustainable.

Bitsy- yes Clarks (and Start-rite - do they still exist) are expensive but it is so important to get good shoes for delicate little tootsies. Trouble is their feet grow so fast you hardly seem to get a breathing space between each new set.

Do you have any outlet shops near you. We were lucky there used to be a Clarks factory in Arnold near Nottingham which had a factory shop - we used to drive over to get the boys shoes - well worth the trip.

Nice shopping trip Mrs W - sounds like quite a haul there. I need to get some new undies too.

My baby sis was a bit down in the dumps today. She has been putting on some weight lately and it's getting her down. She and OH are struggling financially, she is quite desperate for clothes now but doesn't want and can't afford to buy any so I'm going to do a sort out tomorrow and see what's lurking in my wardrobe. I've picked up a few bits and pieces from the charity shop recently so will take those over on Wednesday and see if anything appeals.

Was interested to see that some of you are setting yourself mini goals and targets. Excellent idea. I think it makes things much easier - breaking down the elephant into manageable portions.:rotfl:

I've set myself a goal for one stone by Winter Solstice, another by say Easter or shall we stick to the theme and say Vernal Equinox (Spring Solstice) - appeals to the pagan in me.:rotfl:

That would take me down to 10st which at 5'6" should be about right. Used to be 5'7" - need to try some serious pilates to see if I can gain my inch back. Don't know if that's possible. Can you regain lost height or is it irreversible.

Tru - well done on cutting back on the budget - having a goal like a nice holiday does make it worthwhile. For me even though I'm now debt free and (relatively) ok money wise I still like to budget carefully. That way I can channel any extra money to buy nice things and also save a little too.

I do have expensive tastes I'm afraid and do love a little bit of luxury in my life. If I can be thrifty in some areas then I don't feel too guilty if I have the odd splurge or indulgences.

When things do finally settle down with OH etc then holidays will definitely be on my agenda again. We used to travel a lot but I've not had a proper holiday for a few years now.

I think Megavissy looks lovely. Mind you I just love Cornwall - full stop. I love Port Isaac and of course Tintagel for all it's Arthurian connotations and myths.

Right it's nearly the witching hour - so it's Goodnight all x

Molly41

Just working my way through the thread, so please forgive me if i have missed anything, but wanted to say that Cornwall is my all-time favourite place on earth and I just cant wait to start planning out trip down there next year :T:T:T

Hugs to you Bitsy. I do remember what it was like when my kids were small as all four had odd feet and we always had to buy Clarks or Startrite. Have you tried Brantan0 - I went there recently with Mooloo's DGD to get her some shoes and was very happy with their service and variety available of Clarks, hushpuppies...They fitted them too:T:T:T

I had my GP appointment and she was lovely - I am so lucky to have her as my doctor. In fact the whole practice is brilliant. She is not hopeful but despite that will write for me.

I am off to London tomorrow to the the National Hospital for my treatment. This will give me three weeks respite so I am looking forward to it:T:T:T I am also having my hair cut and coloured so it will be a busy day. Hugs and positive wishes for your respective journeys x

lizzie157

hi,

welcome jenny - I'd second what Mrs W says about adding the good stuff rather than taking away the bad. It stops you feeling deprived, having fallen by the wayside so many times, I'v decided this is the best way small changes in the right direction seem to be more likely to stick with you- good luck.

LL-sending good vibes to your son -hope it goes well

pp- my 1st assignment due soon too. Want to make a start before school hols next week when I probably won't have much chance to do it. I'm sure we'l manage it before the deadline.

Willow- congrats on the weight loss! keep going


Bitsy-personally don't always think Clark's shoes are what they're cracked up to be. Remember a relatives toddler's feet ending up in a blistered mess after getting apair from there despite paying an arm and a leg. I used to draw round a their feet on card and take this with me to shoeshops and fit the card in the shoe to check width, length etc . Found it really helped me to get them shoes that fitted well without having to pay clark's prices.

Hugs to all feeling ill/ down :grouphug:and hi to everyone else.:hello:


Have been keeping up the changes to eating habits -still eating the choc etc just eating more good stuff with it.
trying to keep up the nail tidying and am trying to do the face excercises again.

keep up the good work everyone. see you soon

Bitsy_Beans

Lizzie what a good idea re drawing round the foot, will bear that in mind.

LL no outlets near, nearest one would be Biscester which is over an hours drive away. I told my mum we need to move to Street as the Clarks village there is fab I too love Cornwall, especially Tintagel. I want my ashes scattered there when I pop my clogs :cool:

Molly I will check out Brantano, not one in the immediate vicinity but there is one approx 20 mins drive away.

Did the asprin face mask last night, yet another breakout :mad: bloomin' hormones

Need to make more effort to eat what bit of fruit I do like. So am chuffing an apple as I type. Go me :rotfl:

lessonlearned

Good morning all

Bit nippy here this morning but nice and bright so going to go for a short walk in a few minutes. Just had a couple of naughty mini croissants so need to work them off a bit.:o I love croissants but they have to be a once in a blue moon treat nowadays - not a regular part of my diet.

I am trying to fit in a short walk each day - so far have managed 3 out of 4 so not too bad.

Well I've finally got my a** in gear. I have booked a physio appt for Thursday morning at the sports injury clinic - £33 but worth every penny. I am feeling so sore and stiff at the moment. All my usual diy comfort treatments aren't really helping much. So ....s*d the money, being pain free is soooo worth it. Actually I have turned 60 since my last batch of treatments I will ask if there's any 60 plus discounts available. Well you gotta try.:D

If I wait for the NHS it'll be a couple of month's wait and then you are only "allowed" 4 treatments at a time before you have to be referred again. TBH it's a complete waste of time because 4 treatments is no way near enough so I'll just have to resign myself to self funding. Beans on toast again ............:rotfl:

I've also booked an appt with my GP - have to wait until 15th November but again it's a waste of time seeing anyone else in the practice. He does at least know us and our history. I think these big practices where you see different doctors are worse than useless - surely it's far better to see someone who knows who you are.

Oh dear it sounds like rant at the NHS time.

Well get this. OH saw his consultant on 6th September - still no letter re follow up treatments etc. Rang his secretary today (4th time) - paperwork nowhere to be found.:mad:

Despite the fact that she had spoken to me three times previously she hadn't a clue who I was, what it was about. Talk about banging your head against a brick wall.

We've been seeing his consultant for about 4 years now - this must be his 5th or 6th secretary during this time. So which is it - are they all useless or is he impossible to work for.:rotfl: The penultimate one was lovely - really on the ball, she even returned phone calls.!!! She lasted a couple of months.:rotfl:

Am going to try and book a facial - have a birthday voucher to use and also book a hair appt. Time for some serious pampering whilst OH is in respite.

Bitsy An apple a day ......... Well done - how about some soft fruits or a banana made into a smoothie. Could you manage that - a good way of sneaking fruit into your diet.

Molly- good luck with your treatments tomorrow. Glad your GP is nice and supportive. Just keep plugging away.

Do I see a mass migration to Cornwall when we all retire.:rotfl::rotfl:

I was flicking through Rightmove the other night - as you do.

Saw my dream house in Cornwall - a gorgeous architect designed 60's bungalow. It even had two conservatories - one facing east for the morning sun and one facing west for the evening sun. How fab. The guy uses one as his studio - lots of light - could just see myself happily esconced in that house, especially the studio. Gorgeous gardens. Perfick. Shame about the price.:rotfl::rotfl:

Should I put it in the 5 year plan.

In the meantime I want to make some apple chutney today so time to get cracking.

Bye for now x

maman

lessonlearned wrote: »

I do have expensive tastes I'm afraid and do love a little bit of luxury in my life. If I can be thrifty in some areas then I don't feel too guilty if I have the odd splurge or indulgences.

Apologies to anyone who's finding the financial situation really tough but I completely agree with you LL. I try to be very organised and frugal with my household spending. I hate waste and I hate being ripped off! The money I save is spent on things I choose to spend my money on not what's extracted from me by ridiculous over-priced shops. So, if I have a lovely meal out with friends and it costs me the same as a week's food shopping that's my choice.

lizzie157 wrote: »

hi,
Have been keeping up the changes to eating habits -still eating the choc etc just eating more good stuff with it.
trying to keep up the nail tidying and am trying to do the face excercises again.

:rotfl::rotfl:have visions of you making faces at the screen as you type lizzie. Great to hear you sounding more positive lately. Good luck with the assignment (and to PP).

Well done on the compliments sparkles, it's such an ego boost! I hope all goes well at the hospital molly and that you're pleased with the hairdo. And hope your DS is doing well in his interview LL!

I thnk you're idea of organising yourself into manageable tasks is a great one Jenny. There are so many things that have a 'feel good factor' and being in control is definitely one for me.

I'm all showered and slathered today and blow dried my hair. It's always more difficult the first time after it's been cut but I think it looks OK. Off to football later so I'll have a decent walk. I must get back to regular walking, I've been so lazy recently. Also, cooking a gammon joint for supper but what I'm most looking forward to is the lentil soup I'll make with the stock. Healthy HM soup is ideal as weather gets colder.

Have a good afternoon all.

podperson

Hi all,

Maman - :rotfl::rotfl:at beheaded butterflies - I used to like some goth stuff but that's pushing it I think Could really do with getting my wardrobes sorted, we have walk in ones in the bedroom and one of the doors has broken so very hard to get into them at the moment. Hope your dance class was good.

Mrs W - all your buys sound fab, agree with your DH, you've worked hard and deserve a treat! Mind you I say that and I'm feeling guilty as I transferred some cashback I had into Amazon vouchers as I wanted to get some costume jewellery and now I'm second guessing myself and thinking should I just save them and get xmas pressies next month

Bitsy - I'd feel ripped off at that price for kids shoes as well!! I would balk at spending that on a pair of shoes for me, never mind a 3 year old! :eek: I'm unfortunately with you on the CBAs this week - need a good kick I think lol! Regarding the fruit, I'm also really bad with eating it but one thing I do really like, especially now it's getting colder, is that I chop an apple up, put into a bowl with a little water and sprinkle with cinamon then put it in the microwave for a few minutes (some people mash it but I quite like it in chunks). Tastes like apple pie filling, is lovely and filling plus one of your 5 a day.

Jenny - sounds like you're off to a great start, totally agree with the little changes approach - and you'll be amazed how quickly they can start to build up. The evening plan especially sounds really good, might have to borrow - have been trying to get my work stuff sorted the night before but needs to a be an every day rather then a 'when I can be bothered' thing

Molly - hope your hospital appointment goes ok tom, could really do with getting my hair done I think. I'm a little cautious trying new places and cause I have very basic hair at the moment I've just been trimming it and chopping some layers into the front myself It always looks so much nicer from a good hairdresser tho.

Lizzie - yay on keeping up the eating habits, fingers crossed for both of us on the assignments!

LL - fingers crossed for your DS today, sounds like he has done a good bit of preparation so hope it pays off. Hope your physio goes ok, completely agree with all rants on the NHS - the fiascos we had to go through to try and get OH some help and they never provided anything useful.

Anyway as mentioned feeling rather unmotivated and need to give myself a good kick really. OH has gone up north doing some filming for his course today and won't be back until late so got the house to myself tonight - should take advantage and get some stuff done I think! That and nab the big tv to watch something very girlie that I would normally be nice about and watch in the bedroom :rotfl:

Willow92

Got my dress in the post today! My OH posted it to me coz I didn't think I'd have to stay at home this weekend. Now I've lost 10lb the dress should fit a little better

Oh dear God...I've just opened the tights I got the other day from Evans, they're about the width of one leg! I've heard they'll give me some support, is this why they look so tiny?