Frugal Frump to Fab/Winter Solstice

bratz81

haven't been on for a few days, been mad busy at work and wasn't near a computer all weekend.
I've not done anything new fabwise, still keeping up with what I was doing though, makeup everyday, a proper outfit (mostly a dress) and not throwning on any old guff, keeping my nails nice and making sure my hair is nice.

I'm growing my hair so it's getting a lot of TLC and love right now so looks pretty good, even if I do say do myself

On Saturday I did a burlesque/Xmas themed photo shoot for a charity calendar myself and some friends are knocking up (I'm December) which was nerve wracking at first but turned into lots of fun. Just hope the pictures turn out grand too! It's something I would never have considered a few months ago, so it just shows how making an effort to take care of yourself boots your confidence.

MrsWoolfe

Good Morning Ladies!

LL I was so sad reading your posts, I know it can't be helped but wish I could come over and give you a big HUG- you are always so good at telling all of us to be kind to ourselves and look after ourselves- so I'm just saying it right back to you along with sending you a big virtual:grouphug: I agree that it does sound like you are grieving and it sounds as though going back on the HRT would help, you've been coping with so much for so long that there are bound to be times when it gets too much- you are an:A but you are not Superwoman ( despite your uncanny impression of her:D) take some time to look after yourself- even if it's just an hour out to the house if you can ok?

Bratz- oooh a burlesque calendar sounds amazing! I would love to do something like that one day and your hair sounds lovely!

Floss- sounds like a very busy and productive weekend! Christmas cakes iced already!!! I've still got to sort out what we are eating etc for Xmas- have invited both sides over to ours for the first time:eek::eek::eek:

Carmen- I would definately count the raking as exercise- my garden definately needs raking too- was just far far too knackered by the time we got back from Lewes last night- it'll have to go on the weekend job list!

Pink Poppy, Maman, Sophistica, Skymist, Bitsy Beans, Callisto, Sparkles, VNMS and Molly :wave: Hope you all had good weekends.

I am feeling a bit shattered this morning- the Bonfire at Lewes was amazing but definately hard work- I didn't realise that the plan was to climb up the very steep hill outside the town to see the fireworks...it was a bit too much for me to be honest despite all the exercise I've been doing it really pushed me- had to stop a third from the end as I'd started to shake quite badly:eek::o but got there in the end- and yes the view was amazing....maybe next year I'll be fit enough to do it in one go??? fingers crossed anyway!

Long night but fun and we then went to have brunch by the sea which was lovely, didn't want to come back really:D well except for it being pretty bliming cold walking on the seafront!

So no fabbing- I'm counting Saturday's adventures as my exercise- my thighs still ache:o but did manage a face mask last night- I am still so tired that I think I will be flopping in to bed early tonight unless I get a surge of energy from somewhere!

right am off for now, need some coffee and some food!

MrsWoolfe

podperson

Morning all,

Just a quick one so not going to comment to everyone but LL glad you're feeling a little better, as someone said earlier you do an amazing impression of superwoman but make sure you don't overdo things and try to take some time for yourself. It's normal to feel upset over the changes that are happening - even if you know in your heart they're for the best. Hope your GP can offer some help.

Wasn't a bad weekend, had a tutorial for my course on Saturday, which was really good - if rather scary! Kind of pushing me out of my comfort zone to be standing up and reading things out to a room full of people but probably good for me Afterwards we all went to a little bistro for a few drinks to 'get to know each other' which was really nice - I love how you get such a wonderful range of people on a writing course. Also managed to get my assignment in yesterday, remembered afterwards I should have referenced something and I didn't but apart from that don't feel that bad about it - fingers crossed I'm not seriously disappointed with the mark now! Had a walk into town yesterday in the sunshine, had a mystery shop on at Swarovski - hadn't realised quite how expensive it was! Was struggling to find anything I could actually buy within my shopping limit. Got a ridiculously overpriced but very cute and sparkly pen - so no excuse for not writing something decent now :rotfl:

Fabwise, have been very lazy. Am determined will get some motivation back this week. Weighed myself yesterday for the first time in weeks and am actually the same weight - which I don't really deserve with the junk I've been eating and the complete lack of exercise. 7 weeks to Christmas so definately time to lose a decent amount if I can just get myself in gear. I think I'm going to aim for 2lbs a week - would ideally like an extra 4 on top of that to bring me to the next stone down but we will see. So back on the dreaded shred tonight I think and will sort a meal plan for the week

Hope everyone else is having a good day x

lizzie157

:grouphug: to LL- and anyone else that needs one. I really feel for you, you seem to be similar to me LL , having to be strong for others but sometimes you can't help but give into it. I know you'll get through it be kind to yourself.

Bitsy_Beans

Well I've been moaning to myself about my weight gain and how it's not moving despite not pigging out. And miraculously this morning I've lost 3lbs. It's hormonal and probably water retention too OK I am really glad some of its gone but can't be doing with this on a regular basis it will do my head in

LL glad you are feeling better today

Sorry I can't reply to everyone individually, been a stressful weekend which I shan't bore you with but am putting things in place to try and make things a bit easier.
Feeling really tired, done no exercise and the dark day today isn't helping. I feel the need for a blast of music to lift the spirits.

Have a good day all

lessonlearned

bratz81 wrote: »

On Saturday I did a burlesque/Xmas themed photo shoot for a charity calendar myself and some friends are knocking up (I'm December) which was nerve wracking at first but turned into lots of fun. Just hope the pictures turn out grand too! It's something I would never have considered a few months ago, so it just shows how making an effort to take care of yourself boots your confidence.

Wow bratz81 - that's some confidence boost - I'm not sure that I would ever be that brave.

I do know what you mean though about how making the effort to take care of yourself does help boost confidence. Just knowing that you look nice and smell divine is very empowering.

I know I've had a bit of a blip the last few days but, believe me when I say, that I've come a long, long way from the miserable gibbering wreck that I was this time last year when we first started Frump to Fab. I'm a different person. Yes I know I have bad days, this last couple have been particularly hard but I do at least bounce back now.

Well - I may not have exactly "bounced" back today - more of a gentle "bump" but I do feel tons better. I slept well and this morning I am all bathed and fragrant, no make up because my eyes are sore from all the weeping but am decently dressed with a colour co-ordinated necklace.

One thing I did do this weekend was to have a bit of a wardrobe sort out. I've put all the summer stuff away and have weeded out some tat - got rid of black bin liner full - some CS and some are just rags really. I need to get some coat/dress bag cover thingies so will hopefully get some when I'm out and about tomorrow.

BTW - reading about all your leaf raking - did you watch old Monty Don on Gardener's World, the other week and how to make leaf mould. Apparently it's dead easy - just gather them all into a black bin liner, water them and put some drainage wholes at the bottom of the bag so that the water can drain and doesn't go all stale and slimy. Replenish with water every so often - I think he said about once a month.

After a while = 6 to 12 months you should have lovely leaf mould compost - apparently bulbs love it. If you've got a big garden and plenty of room then you can just compost in the usual way but keep the leafy compost away from the general one.

PP - I've always fancied doing a writing course - what type is it. I don't think there is a great novel in me and I don't think fiction is my thing but I would really love to do something.

My DS1's mate has started an online new paper - basically it's all satirical swipes at the news, observational stuff, cultural and sport reviews etc. It's mainly aimed at youngsters of course and some of the language is a little "ripe" - I won't be recommending it to my father put it that way. However, it can be quite clever and witty.

DS1 has contributed a couple of articles - surprisingly erudite - made me feel me quite proud when I read them;). I might send a few "female" ones but I'm not sure how many female readers they get. I thought some "dating" tips - dos and don'ts - purely from the female perspective.

Back in a mo

lessonlearned

Back again

OH and carer are downstairs doing some puzzles and quizzes, watching Homes Under The Hammer and sundry antique shows - whilst I've locked myself in my study for some peace. Bliss although I need to stop "playing" on here and get some paperwork and phone calls done. In a minute :rotfl:

Floss - you sound very busy and productive - I have bought some jars of mincemeat and I will get started on the mince pies - soon(ish). DS2 was hinting yesterday - they are his all time favourites. I usually just buy him some to give him his fix and hide the homemade ones in the freezer. I have to keep them a secret or there would be none left by Christmas - little tinker.

I know exactly what you mean about shoulder bags - they can do an awful lot of damage to backs. I always used to wince when I picked up the boys school bags - they were so heavy and of course it didn't matter how much I nagged them it wasn't "cool" to wear them properly. Youngsters insist on wearing them with one strap over one shoulder.

Eventually - when I was a member of the PTA - we got the teachers on our side and the school implemented a two shoulder policy - at least whilst on school grounds where it could be monitored.

Bitsy/B] :T:T on the 3lb weight loss. PP will try and join you on the 2lb per week - although 1lb would be good too.

Mrs W - your weekend sounds great - you do do some interesting things - not sure about the steep hill though.:eek: - would probably give myself a heat attack. It's very interesting to hear how you feel you can measure your progress - fitness wise - next year you'll romp up that hill.

I used to live on the west coast of Scotland and knew a man who used to climb Ben Lomond at least once a week - come rain, hail or shine. He was in his 80"s!!! Maybe there's time and hope for me yet.

Anyway - must stop my chattering and get cracking. But first a nice cup of coffee ...

Before I go I would just like to say a very big thank you for all your kind comments and warm thoughts. I really appreciate your support.

Bye for now x

floss2

I know I sound productive, but it's no bother to make them really as I always make ours & FiL's! That's all they get for Christmas, and the combined delivery trip was cheaper than postage!!

pink_poppy

lessonlearned wrote: »

I used to live on the west coast of Scotland and knew a man who used to climb Ben Lomond at least once a week - come rain, hail or shine. He was in his 80"s!!! Maybe there's time and hope for me yet.

So glad you've perked up LL, you had us all worried there for a minute!! Just remember to take care of yourself between now & your Drs appointment ~ try not to overdo it

Whereabouts on the West Coast were you?? I love Scotland & hope to move there sometime in the next few years. I would love to climb Ben Lomond ~ I've seen photos taken from the top & the views are breathtaking. As for the man in his 80's climbing it every week ~ wow ~ I hope I'm like that when I'm his age!!

Fabwise ~ I now have my aspirin so will be doing the facemask tomorrow. Have been keeping up with walking every day & sticking with the healthy eating. Bought some tinted moisturiser & didn't realise until I got home that it's for 'young' skin so will have to give it to one of my DDs :rotfl:

Still to do ~ get my hair cut & maybe coloured at the same time?? I hate going to the hairdresser's so this takes some building up to Buy some new mascara & an eyebrow pencil.

Hope everyone else is doing well & keeping up with the fabness

Molly41

Another who is pleased that you are feeling brighter Lesson Learned x

I have been very "Fabby". I dried my hair using my new hair styler and although it took me a while to get the hang of it, I liked the outcome. I also put mascara on this morning (the first time in 4 years?) and also liked the effect after a couple of attempts and panda eyes:eek::eek::eek:. I have also been wearing my new bargainous jacket and nice clothes.

I am also very pleased with the progress of my toenail which I have been treating on a daily basis so I will be able to have pretty feet in the summer next year. I probably wouldn't have bothered before so this thread has really helped me and for that I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart :T:T:T