Frugal Frump to Fab/Winter Solstice

lolly101

Hey Everyone,

Thanks for the kind words everyone, I am feeling a bit cheerier now I'm usually quite chilled out, but some days it just seems like everything is going against you!

Took the shoes back to Clarks - they were really rude about it, and shrugged it off saying that some styles have more 'give' than others... yeah, his old shoes had more give than the new ones :rotfl:
Had a browse around online and decided that the Start-Rite shoes were too boring, lol, and they didn't have any cute boots, so we are now going to Kids at Clinks in Meadowhall, http://www.charlesclinkard.co.uk/ when we can find the time, as they seem to have a good range.

Put on 2 lb this week although it was DS1's birthday and party this weekend and I wasn't particularly strict with myself so can't be too upset. I've made up for it today though and will hopefully carry on so I may lose it again by next week. I've been just about keeping up with my fab routine, but it is starting to become 'the norm' so think I need to start making a bit more effort and adding a few more things.

Maman - Wore the shoes out this weekend... they started hurting within 2 hours . Will keep on looking - I will find pain free heels!!!

LL - Shame about DS2's job interview, but great news about the wedding! ... Hope the physio can work some magic for you tomorrow

Floss - Lovely dress! I can't really tell what it's like from the pic, but would probably go for either black opaques and black shoes if it's already very 'dressy', or maybe bare legs (or sheer tights) with gold shoes to set it off, if it doesn't look 'too much' iykwim.
Either way, I would probably have a bag to go with the shoes rather than the dress as I always like to have the shoes go with something (bag, belt, jewellery, whatever) as it makes them look more like part of the outfit rather than an afterthought.

Happy Diwali Mrs W!

Must go and get some cleaning done now, I spend waayyyy too much time in front of this laptop

Speak to you all soon.

lizzie157

Hi,
Callisto- have PM,ed you hope it helps. I am beginning to realize that things I saw as "normal" or "not that bad" are signs of dominant behaviour. The way when I'm asked to do anything or want to do anything the 1st thought is what he's gonna have to say about it and if its worth the battle. Don't get me wrong I did used to go on girls nights out until the friend I went with decided I wasn't flavour of the month any more -he didn't like it and it was 20 questions when I got back but I needed to go. I do challenge his behaviour but it is very wearing being under constant scrutiny.

LL- sorry your son didn't get the job.
Also sorry for your friends situation- at least she's left it behind now and can move on. I have put up with it for 20+ years but I think when kids were small I concentrated on them and because I was out and about with them I did seem to have friends and although he did always have that side to his personality it seems to have got worse since one by one the kids have grown up.

Anyway thanks for all your good wishes everyone it may be a long process but hopefully I'll be sorted in time. Unfortunately a lot of my problems are down to lack of funds and thats not going to be easy to solve.

PP- know what you mean about being unable to take a compliment and taking people's comments in anegative way I do it too!

Tru, I too, like Bitsy and PP, have a rebounder, bought from Argos a few eons ago, after reading the Nasa stuff about it. I was an avid user...initially.... and like PP, would watch TV while rebounding. Now, it has a new function....on it's side, propped against the wall, the legs are great rucksack holders!!!LOL

This made me laugh I've had lots of excercise stuff thats finished up going the same way.

Hi to anyone I haven't mentioned and hugs to anyone struggling. Speak to you sooon

bye

Bitsy_Beans

Lizzie what you described is my good friends husband. He grills her about everything, where she's been, rings her loads on the phone, she's not allowed out in an evening, not allowed a FB account, convinced she's going to have an affair. Truth be told he stand the fact that she has friends and can't understand why things might have changed since she met up after having our first babies. She's still with him, I wish shed realise she's worth so much more.

floss2

lolly101 wrote: »

...Floss - Lovely dress! I can't really tell what it's like from the pic, but would probably go for either black opaques and black shoes if it's already very 'dressy', or maybe bare legs (or sheer tights) with gold shoes to set it off, if it doesn't look 'too much' iykwim.
Either way, I would probably have a bag to go with the shoes rather than the dress as I always like to have the shoes go with something (bag, belt, jewellery, whatever) as it makes them look more like part of the outfit rather than an afterthought....

Thanks hun - I think you are right about shoes & bag - if I try too hard to "match" it will all be a bit too Danny La Rue as my mum used to say!

lizzie157 wrote: »

Hi,
Callisto- have PM,ed you hope it helps. I am beginning to realize that things I saw as "normal" or "not that bad" are signs of dominant behaviour. The way when I'm asked to do anything or want to do anything the 1st thought is what he's gonna have to say about it and if its worth the battle. Don't get me wrong I did used to go on girls nights out until the friend I went with decided I wasn't flavour of the month any more -he didn't like it and it was 20 questions when I got back but I needed to go. I do challenge his behaviour but it is very wearing being under constant scrutiny....

Callisto & Lizzie I've also been been there, had the T-shirt and got the divorce. It took several years of being single (and a 24yr old Brad Pitt lookalike ) to get my own life back, and DH's love gradually encouraged me to accept compliments as they were intended without looking for the double meaning IYKWIM. Anyway, am here if you want to rant :grouphug:

The old emploment thing still isn't entirely wonderful...the world as I know it will shift on its axis next week and although I can't see myself being entirely fulfilled in the future, there could be one or two chinks of silver lining behind that grey cloud. And I've had a light bulb moment re my job in that I may be a bit of an "enabler" for the situation I am in...cue Floss wearing tin hat & trying to keep her head down

P.S. that SO ain't going to happen :rotfl:

floss2

Bitsy_Beans wrote: »

Lizzie what you described is my good friends husband. He grills her about everything, where she's been, rings her loads on the phone, she's not allowed out in an evening, not allowed a FB account, convinced she's going to have an affair. Truth be told he stand the fact that she has friends and can't understand why things might have changed since she met up after having our first babies. She's still with him, I wish she'd realise she's worth so much more.

But that's the thing - one doesn't as one believes one's (insecure?) beloved "because they know best"

I've just deleted a lot of this post as it was a bit ranty about my own experiences

Molly41

A very early morning from me x

Lots on my mind so thank goodness for MSE and this thread. Sending lots of virtual hugs to those who need one xx

I also love the dress Floss. I bought myself a new dress and some new boots too:cool: This is the dress. I was taking some bits back when I saw the shop assistant wearing it and bought it without trying it on :eek::eek::eek: (Well I generally take out half of the shop with my mobility scooter so dont tend to try things on unless Im desperate). Anyway it fits perfectly and had my hubby drooling :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: (nice to know I can still interest him in that way)

Otherwise I have established a facial skincare routine. I am now using muslin squares with a cream wash and it seems to be working very well. I sort of borrowed the idea from Liz Earle but using my regular cleanser and my skin is noticeably clearer.

Am still wearing all my best clothes and really enjoying it. I have actually donated a lot of my joggers and fleeces to the charity shop so they are now gone forever:T:T:T

fedupandskint

Lovely dresses molly and floss

I bought this one last week and it looks great - nice and curvy and slim - woo for losing some weight, a nice reward as there was no way I'd have bought this before! http://www.clothingattesco.com/knitwear/f+f-fair-isle-patterned-knitted-dress/invt/bm122322/&bklist=icat,4,buylists,featuredproducts,wm-25-off-cold-weather.

I bought it for weekends and the odd relaxed evening out etc (if I ever go out anywhere that is!)

lessonlearned

Good morning ladies

Lovely dresses - nice to see you all treating yourselves occasionally.

I'm sitting here in my dressing gown, hair all over the place and feeling rather delicate - not very glamourous. Not very fab. Slept badly and have a tummy upset - maybe that takeaway curry wasn't such a good idea after all.

Will skip WW today - I know I've not done too well anyway - will just sort myself out and then go to physio later.

Tomorrow I have a facial booked so - all in all - I've indulged myself a little this week even if I didn't manage the clothes shopping expedition I had planned. No matter - the shops will still be there another time.

My skin is feeling really dry, sore and itchy. Once again I've wasted my money on a moisturiser and eye cream that doesn't suit me. This time it was the Simple Repair anti-wrinkle range - not very expensive but it's still frustrating .

I'm usually fine with Simple products - especially cleansers etc. There must be some ingredient in all these "advanced" creams that doesn't suit me. I know I can't tolerate retinol so always avoid that.

My sister loves the Boots "Protect" range but again it doesn't suit me. I've tried the Aldi's one - again no good. For the time being I will make myself something - a rose oil serum. However I would like a nice moisturiser.

In the past I've been relatively happy with Elizabeth Arden, Clinique and Dermalogica (when I was doing beauty therapy training and could get a good discount). Obviously more expensive but that's not too much of a problem.

I don't mind paying the higher prices (within reason) - if it's going to be ok. Several years ago (25 or so) I swore by the Bodyshop's carrot cream, but they've changed it slightly and again it no longer suits me. The girl at the Body shop suggested I try their Vit E range - supposed to be ideal for super sensitive skin. They're what I would term mid range - round about £10 to £12.

It's just that you can waste so much money trying different creams only to find they just don't suit. I do use unwanted creams up on elbows and feet though.

I'm thinking that my problem might be linked to the fact that I've more or less come off HRT and the problem is hormonal.

What do you think - any ideas or recommendations.

Anyway went to see OH yesterday and he seems to be happy enough. He is very well cared for and the staff have fallen under his spell already. One of them was giving him afternoon tea and cake when I got there. She had bought it in from home specially for him having made it herself. Isn't that lovely. I noticed that some of the other residents are talking to him too.

My OH's name is Bob (Robert). However, over the years I've noticed that the people who fall in love with him automatically call him Bobby (he is a natural Bobby - if you see what I mean). Anyway already some of them are calling him Bobby.:)

I think that we've found the right home for him and I have to admit that it is a huge weight off my shoulders. Knowing that he will be well cared for and happy means so much to me.

Had a good chat with the Matron yesterday and she's happy for him to go in for respite every few weeks so that he gets to know the place etc. She suggests a gradual transition to give him lots of time to adjust.
So I think this is what will happen.

I'm not going to set any dates just yet - probably some time between New Year and Easter. It will depend on how my back holds out and also if his new treatments (when we can finally get them started) make any improvements to his mobility..

His PA will visit him today - so I will have a day off. If my tummy settles I might even manage a bit of a charity shop mooch after my phsyio.

I fully intended to do some SS paperwork last evening but spent it dozing in front of the TV so I need to try and get that done today.

Just realised this post is all a bit me, me, me. Sorry.

I will say how much I enjoy reading all your posts - I love the general chit-chat and how everyone is so supportive.

It feels like having a nice coffee morning. I feel that you've all become my friends. I am sorry if I rabbit on about OH too much sometimes - it's just that it's all such a big part of my life at the moment.

It will be nice in one sense that once the nursing home issue is finally done and dusted that I will be able to start and build myself a new life.

Gawd that sounds awful - but I think you know what I mean. I will never simply abandon him, put him in a home and walk away. Even if dementia sets in and he no longer knows who I am I will still be there for him as best I can.

Anyway time to start the day - I think I can finally face some breakfast.:rotfl:

fedupandskint

LL -Don't worry about what you say on here. I think it does good to get it out somehow rather than keeping it locked up inside.

I know what you mean about face creams - I have to avoid quite a few as a couple of ingredients trigger off an extreme eczema reaction. Now I know what I can use and what suits me and I'm sticking to these once I've used up the last 2 pots in the drawer which I'll use for night then stick to what I know works well.

As for food - trying something plain until your tummy settles down and I hope you feel better soon

Bitsy_Beans

LL I don't use expensive creams or the like. Most of it feels like it sits in top of my skin rather than being absorbed. I just use Boots own brand Cucumber Daily one, it absorbs nicely, not too greasy for me and costs approx £1.50 I have a Vit E night cream from Boots but really I am going for wrinkles Joking aside I have Eva Frasers book, I shouldn't NEED fancy creams if I actually did the facial exercises


ETA you never bore us with your H LL, I can only imagine how it must feel to see someone you love with a debilitating condition. If talking on here helps you then talk away xxx We are all here for you and yes it does feel li,e we are friends here, something I need a great deal as I don't see that man people during the day.