Frugal Frump to Fab/Winter Solstice

fedupandskint

Well I'm back from work after going downhill fast this morning. Now curled up in a big throw on the settee after drinking plenty of hot drinks to keep me warm and cosy. Not feeling that great but hoping it wears off soon. I've been taking multi vits for the last 3mths to try and ward off coughs and colds this year, oh well will see what else I can fit in to try and ward them off again.

I'll be taking my dog out for a walk later on and then curling back up keeping warm and also having a nice warm bath with my gone wrong bath salts. Using the lavender one today I think then it'll be an early tea and early night and hopefully a lot of sleep. I'll take off my make up with my usual double cleanse and then slather on my facial balm and probably a couple of layers of moisturiser as my skin feels a little dry and parched.

In fact, I think I'll write my Christmas cards tonight and get them ready to post tomorrow as won't be doing too much else!

fedupandskint

I did take the dog out for a long walk in the wind to blow the germs away - very windy so hope they blew away!

Nice bath with lavender oil and dead sea salts and lots of face balm slathered on after the bracing wind, then 2 layers of moisturiser as my skin drank it all in. Will probably need another layer before bed tonight too!

Not feeling much better and craving carbs so a pasta tea tonight and maybe some leftovers will be left for tomorrows tea too.

Think I'll get my cards out now before I forget!

maman

Sorry to hear you're under the weather sparkles. Hope you feel a bit better after a night's sleep.

I've managed a bit of a manicure this evening but that's all the fabbing I've done today.

Sleep well all.

lessonlearned

Oops that should be Day 163

Sparkles - Hope you feel better soon.

Not much news here today. Spent most of the morning preparing all the necessary stuff for SS. They came this afternoon, had a nap and that's about it - apart from the usual caring for OH of course.

Not much fabbing, very dry chapped lips - must be the cold wind.

Early night I think - feeling rather tired.

G'night all x

Molly41

Good Morning x

Just thinking about the winter solstice. I was surprised as it seems to be on the 22nd December (linky) this year. Am I right in thinking this?

Hope you are doing well x

tru

Morning :santa2:

I think you can Have It All - just not all at the same time

After my shower yesterday morning, I stood in front of the mirror, threw my towel on the floor and stared. I'm waaaaaayy off target - not so much Christmas Cracker, more like Christmas Pudding :rotfl:

I've been DIYing lately. It's sucked the moisture out of me and I feel drier than a dried up old dried thing I've been using moisturiser but it's not really doing it's job.

I'm having a day off today so will be having a much needed pampering shower, rather than what I've been doing for the last week - jump in, quick scrub, jump out, slap a bit of cream on, throw old clothes on, get covered in bits of cotton and sawdust, rinse and repeat. I've also been sporting a lovely hairsyle. I love ponytails when they're 'done', but mine has been very chav-like

MrsWoolfe

:DGood Morning Ladies and Lurkers!

Haven't been able to post much recently- things are crazy busy with work/home/xmas planning and I got hit with a does of winter flu last week which took me out for a few days:(

Happily am now on the mend, have started taking the elderberry capsules and have to say so far they are really making a difference for me- feel much brighter and managed to shift the "bleugh" feeling after 2 days of taking them:j

Welcome to Caterina and Joan! it's never too late to join in we are all at different places and it's great to have the support and swap ideas with the girls on here!

Some interesting posts over the last few days, re the having it all discussion, tbh something I've realised recently is that I'm not even sure I want it all:D there have been noises about me moving into a managerial role/doing more work in London in the next year or so- whilst it's a good opportunity, I'm finding that I'm happy with where I am right now- I'm good at what I do, have great relationships with the clients I work with and have a good team around me. I like the fact that I don't really have to get involved with all the politics and am much happier being left to get on with the technical work rather than debating best practice/etc...

also we are starting to think about a family, no definate plans as yet but it's something I want, so am in two minds really whether I really want to push for promotion...not something that needs an answer straight away so for now I will just concentrate on the Tax Return mountain that has my name on it!:D

Fab wise, have fallen behind a bit really, but am trying to get back on track have today taken the time to put my make up on properly- was watching tutorials on you tube last night and that made me want to wear eyeshadow today and planning my outfits again, always feel better in colour and when I've planning things out- today is a teal knitted dress with a grey longsleeve top under with black tights and my knee high boots, also put my hair in plaits last night whilst damp so hair is all wavy and bouncy ( am resisting urge to swoosh...wouldn't look very professional!)

I will be def taking time to pamper over the next week - I know that I'll need it in the run up to christmas. am quite excited as am having everyone over to our for the first time- first christmas in our house too!!! normally we finish work, dash to SIL's ( an hours drive from us) as it's neice's birthday on 24th I take ingredients and cook there as she is usually cooking xmas lunch for her in-laws and rest of DH's family ( SIL not neice she's 3...though that could be interesting:D) then xmas morning open pressies, drive back to ours pick up food drive to my Mum's ( an hour in opposite direction) and then cook xmas lunch there...it's exhausting! as as this is for me my crazy busy season and honestly it completely does me in- i get back to work feeling like I need a holiday!

It hasn't always been that way - we've always travelled between the two families, but normally with one for xmas and the other for new years, the crazy stuff started when my Dad passed away 2 1/2 yrs ago, wanted to look after everyone, but also knew SIL needed support she doesn't really have anyone else she's is close to and she was struggling....I wanted to help, but ended up putting myself in a tight spot....

so this year have said I am more than happy to cook for everyone...but if so they have to come to us ( DH is so happy that we won't be spending the breaking driving up and down the M4 and M25!:D) so...I will now be trying to fit 8 adults into my teensy living room, it'll be a squeeze but I'm sure it will all be good fun!

Am starting prep and freezing down things so that there is as little to do on the day as possible and have started decorating...this year I feel really excited and happy and I think a lot of that is feeling in control of things....that and I also know I'll look good in my xmas outfit thatnks to this thread!

am going to have to ponder a solstice outfit...have plenty of bright colours just need to pick one, also have work xmas meal on Monday night so need to think about what to wear to that too...

right am off to attack the mountain! sorry for the ramble!

MrsWoolfe

fedupandskint

Thank you for all the get well wishes. Still not feeling too great and taking it very easy today. Not up to the longer dog walk today. Will be the shorter one today.

Had a dead sea salt bath this morning and quickly and half heartedly put on a moisturising face mask while i was in the bath. Just going to read 2 papers this afternoon for my assignment and luckily have some leftovers i can heat up for a quick no fuss tea

podperson

Hi all,

Maman - thanks for the comments, it's nice to see people have actually managed it and your DH sounds lovely. OH is quite supportive but I do probably need to ask for help from him more - he will help out if asked but isn't very good at actually thinking himself 'oh that needs doing'. Loved your story about the fish fingers, my mum was just the same, we would usually just have something quick and easy on Sundays but if either of my grandmas were coming round it had to be the full Sunday dinner

Sparkles - hope you feel better, agree with the taking it easy. I know I'm always tempted to just try and ignore it and carry on with everything but it tends to make it worse in the long run then just taking a few days to get over it.

Tru - hope the DIY is going well, am sure you can catch up on the pampering when you're not going to be covered in stuff again in 2 mins

Molly - I did think it was the 20th but could be wrong.

Mrs W - glad you're feeling better - it does seem to be doing the rounds! It's interesting that you say not wanting it 'all' I suppose it's different things for different people. I'm not that bothered about being hugely successful (although it would of course be nice!) but I would like to not have to scrimp and save all the time. I also want kids in the not-too-distant future but it puts me off that we're not very financially secure at the moment - I can't see a scenario in our current situation where I wouldn't still have to work full time and while I know some people do fine with that I don't want to feel like I'm missing out. Another reason to try and get to the point where I can be working from home and doing my own hours I guess. Anyway, am slightly rambling again Your Christmas plans sound fun, we used to do the whole travelling round to try and see everyone on Christmas Day and it was exhausting - I must admit I use the move as an excuse not to do that anymore.

LL - hope the SS visit went ok. I have to admit am just the same way - always feel like I have to do everything and don't like to delegate. Something to work on I think.

Anyway, didn't make it to choir last night - the weather was awful and severe warning that it might get worse so decided not to risk it and just had a quiet night in. Got about a 1000 words done on the book and had a little nap - very exciting :rotfl:Figured though my body might be trying to tell me that had been overdoing it a bit lately so just went with it. Am out tonight, my film group is having a 'festive night' with xmas movies, mince pies, mulled wine etc. so am quite looking forward to it. Got some more xmas shopping done so am nearly sorted now I think - just a few bits left and need to find something for my mum. Normally she's quite easy to buy for but am a bit stumped this year
Hope everyone's having a good day x

bratz81

molly - yes the solstice is on 22nd this year rather than 21st. Shortest day of the year always.