Frugal Frump to Fab/Winter Solstice

maman

:santa2:

bratz81 wrote: »

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

Thanks bratz, I had no idea, thought it was always on 21st. I'm going out with a friend for pre-Christmas meet up so will have somewhere to wear my solstice outfit!

Good to hear from you MrsW, can I ask what sort of festive foods you do?

Been to DGD2's carol service today so at last starting to feel a bit Christmassy. Got myself all made-up and wore my purple Tesco dress (now down to £4 per wear:rotfl:)with black velvet coat.

Tomorrow and Friday will get all the non-perishable Christmas foods. That leaves decorations (probably Monday, I hate doing those early as I get tired of them after a while). DH will do gift wrapping (you're right podperson, he's an absolute star). I'll make him his favourite homemade mince pies as a thank you.

I just have a couple of gifts to get for friends. Nothing too expensive but I'm a bit stuck for an idea. Actually it can be one gift for a couple. They don't need anything as such but I can't bear buying 'stuff'. I think maybe nice candles which I know they'll use. Unless anyone has other ideas??

LL and Sparkles and tru were talking about moisturising . I noticed this morning that after I'd done my moisturiser, my face felt dry again after 5 minutes. I think it may be central heating as well as the weather. So lots of slathering needed.

Hope you're all gearing up well for next week.

'night all.

Willow92

I'm an official charity shop queen! I got what I thought was a dress but now I've tried it on it's more like a slightly long top...It's bright pink I also got one of those wide belts that make people that don't have a waist look like they have one (£7 from Evans, my only non charity shop buy). I got a black waterfall cardigan too. The last thing is the v neck black jumper. I'm not sure what I'll wear this with, any suggestions?

sophistica

Hi All I havent forgotten you but zero fabbing here. I even left without makeup this morning which i only do about 6 times a year. I am supervising decorators at my dads. I am in the single minded pursuit of sorting put his house and progress is being made. Another couple of weeks and i will be on tne Me, Me, MeProject. Take a look at https://www.fragrancedirect.co.uk for beauty buys (may be slightly depleted because of Xmas. Usually a great site for perfume and all beauty buys at big discount. LL i would love to meet up in London. pM me when you are coming down.

lessonlearned

Good evening ladies

Here's some nerdy stuff for you.:rotfl::rotfl:

The date of the Winter Solstice varies from between 20th to 23rd December - as calculated on the Gregorian Calendar. (Before that it was nearer the beginning of December). (It also follows that the Summer Solstice is also variable).

This "actual solstice" only lasts for a few seconds but the term has come to be seen as representing the whole day. This year it will occur at 05.30 UCT (Co-ordinated Universal Time) on the 22nd.

Here's the science bit and also a bit of historical background.

The actual time of the Solstice is when the north pole is tilted at 23.5 degrees away from the sun. The "apparent" movement of the sun's path comes to a stop and then reverses direction. From that moment the days begin to lengthen again - just a few seconds to start with and then gradually speeding up.

On January 8th the sun makes it's return to the northern hemisphere and, if the weather conditions are favourable, you will notice a difference in daylight hours of approx 20 minutes on that day.

The 8th January was a big Viking festival and is still celebrated in Scandinavia and Orkney. In Kirkwall they dress up in full Viking regalia and have celebrations on the beach, bonfires, mock ups of Viking longships etc, feasting and drinking.

The time of the Solstice was when the cattle were slaughtered (no pasture for them during the winter) and it was the last opportunity until the Spring for people to eat fresh meat. Hence the feasting, families gathering etc.

Of course, the Romans with their new fangled Christianity, and who were never slow to exert their influence and impose their culture onto the nations they had conquered, decided to cash in on these Pagan rites by annexing them and calling them Christmas. A clear case of if you can't beat 'em join 'em:rotfl: Same with Easter.

In the past 2000 years or so Christmas has eclipsed (no pun intended) the old pagan festival, although, as Christianity in general seems to be losing some of it's grip on the western world, it seems that people are once again expressing interest in some of these old traditions.

Fascinating stuff, it just shows that much of the old folklore, old wives tales etc do have some scientific basis at their core.

lessonlearned

Anyway - although the sun was out here and it was lovely and bright - it was brrrrrrrrr - cold.

Had a frustrating day - went to physio and realised I hadn't got my purse with me, luckily they just laughed and I can pay them next time.

Then went to the Post Office to pick up a parcel which they had left a card saying unable to deliver (they didn't even knock:rotfl:), Eventually found a parking space only to discover they have now put parking meters outside the post office. It's OK I thought I'll only be a few seconds, just about to park up when I spotted a traffic warden loitering with intent, so because I didn't have any money with me, I had to drive off.:o

I swear I would forget my head if it wasn't screwed on.

Then, to cap it all, we had a new carer to help with tea-time slot. She was awful, so patronising - OH detests her. I've persuaded OH to persevere just in case his PA goes off sick soon. (It's not looking good for her - endoscopy, mri scan, ultrasound all booked for the next few days). I can't help but think that they wouldn't go to all this trouble and in such a rush, unless they were pretty sure that something nasty is going on. Poor thing is only 42.:eek:

Anyway enough of about me.

Maman - yes central heating is most likely the reason for our skin feeling so dry and parched. I guess we just need to up the slathering.

Mrs W - your Christmas plans sound great. I spent years travelling up and down motorways or travelling by train over the Christmas period, dashing round like a mad thing trying to please everyone. As soon as DS1 was born OH said that's it no more. From then on we invited everyone to our place and it was like that for years. Hard work but much better than all that driving and trying to be "fair" to everyone.

Don't worry Tru - I'm sure you'll scrub up nicely when all the work is done. What DIYing are you doing.

My house looks awful, we've had even more equipment delivered today - a standing hoist and it's huge, more stuff tomorrow.

My once lovely home now looks like a shabby, scuffed, unloved nursing home and I'm looking forward to giving it some TLC in the New Year. Even DS2 has started commenting and he's a bloke!!! I know that makes me sound a bit shallow, fretting over my home and I really am pleased OH is here but it will be nice to put it right again.

And - I realise that this probably makes me sound dreadful - but I am sick to death of having carers, SS, OT's, nurses etc traipsing through my house - I've no real privacy any more.

Willow - well done on your CS bargains, it's nice to see you getting into the groove. I would imagine a black v-neck sweater is a really useful addition and can be worn with just about anything, skirts, trousers or jeans even over a dress.

Like you Sophistica - not much fabbing today - apart from the physio of course. Never mind, will play catch up soon.

The thing is now that we are well established into our daily routines the occasional lapse or a day when we only manage the absolute basics won't do any long term damage. The danger is when days turn into weeks or months and then it can be difficult to get motivated again.

Remember - the tortoise and the hare - we will do it.

G'night all x

Molly41

lessonlearned wrote: »

Fascinating stuff, it just shows that much of the old folklore, old wives tales etc do have some scientific basis at their core.

I agree. I became very interested in old wives tales when I was working as a midwife. I was very luck to be able to work with an Amish midwife when on a visit and saw her use remedies and techniques that worked wonderfully. Of course we cannot use them here as we are all so restricted to evidence based practice which limits our options considerably - as I know to my cost as regards my ongoing battle for funding x

I had a terrible day yesterday and as you can see from the time im awake and worrying again. When the place has warmed up I am going to attempt to finish off my christmas tree as i feel very cluttered by the boxes and as my dear friend Mooloo said yesterday - a cluttered house leads to a cluttered mind x

Many thanks for the info on the solstice xx

MrsWoolfe

Good Morning Ladies!

it's very brisk and chilly here today, although the forecast for this afternoon is pretty dire, high winds and sleet/possible snow will be interesting to see how we fare being on a hill- not a big one mind but it is a little steep:eek:

went out last night for a friend's birthday- just a cheap and cheerful pub meal but it was lovely to see everyone, things have been so busy recently that I've not had a chance to catch up with people for a while and also happened to bump into an old collegue who I've not seen for a year or so, so ended up being a really lovely evening, was impressed too that the make-up I put on in the morning managed to last until 10ish in the evening!

forgot to say the event in London was really good- the venue was as I'd imagined a plush private club in Berkley Square, lots of pretty artwork and nice sofas, unfortunately though we got caught up behind a nasty 6 car pile up on the way back so didn't get home til nearly midnight! I'm sure that is what pushed me over with picking up the virus!:mad:

Have to sa though I'm feeling miles better now- don't want to go on too much but I really do think that the elderberry capsules are having a real effect, feel so brighter and better rested- even got told by a collegue that I was looking "bright and breezy!"

LL- that's really interesting about the solstice, I often think that slowly we are starting to realise that a lot of the old remedies and beliefs have something to them- was watching grow your own drugs xmas special last week and it was really interesting to see that a lot of what my grandma used to give us does actually have a scientific basis for working- not that they knew that, they had just passed down knowledge of herbs and spices...apparently saffron is good for anxiety and blood pressure- now I know why they always give that to pregnant women boiled in milk!:D

Molly- hope you are feeling less stressed soon, can't be good for you to be up at that time! I do think getting rid of some boxes and clutter might be a good thing though- always find my home far more peaceful and relaxing when I don't have stuff everywhere...though I admit I don't keep on top of things as much as I could!

Sophistica- one day won't set you back, besides it's sounds like you have really got your teeth into this project at the mo and the end is in sight, bet you will feel great once it's all done and you can concentrate on you!

Willow- well done on the CS bargains! they all sound lovely, although I have an hourglass shape ( well ish at the mo but it's a project in progress!?) I love wearing those belts to emphasis my waist and accessories like that can really help you go from some clothes put together to an outfit I think. Like LL said the black V neck is versatile and looks great with loads of stuff, wide-legged trousers? Well cut jeans? a pencil skirt? lots and lots of options there!

Sparkles- hope you start to feel better soon- don't push yourself to do too much though- sometimes I think you just need to snuggle up, rest and some TLC - hot toddy and a fleece blanket would be my thinking!

PP how did your festive film night go? sounds like good fun! and I don't blame you for not heading out, really had to force myself to go last night, but really didn't want to let my friend down- it's so busy this time of year that peeps don't always make it and that's rubbish when it's someone who always makes the effort for others!

Maman- Hello! as for the festive food- it's just twists on the traditional xmas dinner- to incorporate both our families and my eating habits too, one thing my family have always done though is have a nice meal on xmas eve too- mauritian fried rice, some drinks and films, my little brother is coming the day before so I will do this with him just to keep the tradition. Xmas morning it's boiled eggs and soilders (this from OH's traditions) to keep us going until lunch. This year the menu is:

lemon, garlic and thyme roast chicken
Spicy Roast Lamb
Baked Sausage Meat
Pigs in Blankets ( as it's just not xmas otherwise apparently)
spiced mixed veg- cauliflour, broccoli, carrots etc boiled until just cooked- then I heat up a little oil shallots, garlic, ginger, mustard seeds, a dried chilli, salt & pepper and some corriander seeds and toss the veg through.
Root Veg Mash- butternut squash and swede plenty of black pepper
yorkshire puds
roast potatoes and parsnips
stuffing balls

not that different really to a normal xmas lunch - just with a few tweaks!

in the evening, it's all about the snacks though- samosas, mini kebabs, bhaja ( a bit like baaji's) I usually like to have a big salad with these bits as after the lunch I want something a bit lighter.

There is usually more Mauritian food on new year's day though as New Year is a much bigger celebration in Mauritius than xmas- growing up we would always have massive parties on NYE - in end hiring halls to do so- everyone who came pitched in to cover the cost of the hall and the services of a DJ then everyone brought a few dishes and drinks- lots of fun wandering round meeting everyone and sampling a little of what everyone has made...nostalgia!

But on New Year's Day we dont eat any meat, eggs or fish through the day - there are prayers and blessings to be done in the morning and then visiting everyone you know to share sweets and wish them a happy new year- food tends to be things like vegetable and pulse curries, roti, puris savory snacks made from lentils and spilt peas...aw man I miss those days!

I know I could go to Mum's and sort of do the same but I have to admit it's one thing I find too hard even now, for my Dad New Year's was huge, he made such a big deal out of it- and though his friends still hire the hall and have the parties etc I find it painful, I miss him so much then, and I hate the way people give me the pity look- i know they mean well - but everytime they see me they want to talk about how awful it was, how young and healthy he'd been ( he was 52 when he died) , how amazing he was how fun, how sweet, how much he's missed- these are all great thigns I know and i think it's lovely that he's so well remembered and loved but....I don't know I find it hard, it's been two years and to be honest I'm still hurting... I had to put up with/accept a lot of crap from a lot of sides at the time- kept telling myself that they were grieving/didn't realise how hurtful they were/couldn't deal with things so I put up and shut up and did what needed to be done...this is the one thing I refused to put myself through....argh sorry guys!

I didn't mean to go off on a rant like that but good to get it off my chest I suppose, don't get me wrong I'm not unhappy, in fact life is pretty good, and I am excited about seeing all my family and everything- but guess it's only natural to be missing my Dad...I guess I'm still such a Daddy's girl after all!

right I'm going to go now and stop boring you all with my moaney whiny grumpness, cup of coffee and then battling with HMRC- fun fun fun!

MrsWoolfe

maman

No time for a long post (honestly) but I'm going to treat myself to this:


It's only £6 in Peacocks of all places. My friend has one and I really like it. It's quite dressy, with chiffon flowers over it but good for dressing things up.

Willow, I'd wear your jumper with black trousers and then accessorise with a really bright scarf or necklace/earrings.

Back later.

Skymist

Hi Girls....nice to see that most of you are dealing well with the Xmas rush of food and pressie buying, stressing over family situations/expectations etc. ....hang in there, it will soon be over!!!

Great info on the Solstice LL...thank you! I'm REALLY looking forward to the 8th of January now, as sunset in Edinburgh is now around 3.30pm :eek:

By early Autum I had already succumbed to one cold bout and one chest infection, although I take a multitude of supplements, including a multivit tablet with a probiotic. It was suggested...on another forum where I am a member...that eating pickled/fermented vegetables are a very good aid in boosting the immune system.

This prompted me to do a load of Googling on the subject, and read a lot of articles and studies, which appeared to back this claim! So I'm trying this method out! Therefore my once purely carnivore diet of just meat, eggs and fish has now grown to include a large variety of these pickled/fermented vegetables!

Mr T's has a very good selection.....carrots and cabbage,onions, cucumbers (gerkins), saurkraut, red peppers, a "salad" of cucumeber,carrots and red peppers for £1.39, (the red peppers are £1.55) for a large glass jar-full....around 700gms.... and Morrissons do a lovely red cabbage! They taste just like freshly cut veg, not oversalted and with no extra added sugar either, and GREAT on calories for those of you who are keen to loose a bit of poundage!! And the best bit....NO cooking or preperation is needed....just open the jar and eat!!! I'm going to consume them daily for the rest of the winter, to see if they do make a difference to my health, by improving my resistance to any bugs, colds or flu viruses doing the rounds!!!

S

podperson

Hi all,

Maman - the outfit sounds lovely, glad you're feeling more xmassy. Your DH is indeed a star, I am giggling now imagining the look on OH's face if I asked him to do the gift-wrapping. He is useless at it, the paper is usually crumpled to anything, half a roll of tape and still can be edges poking out :rotfl:I've slightly given up on it now and I usually get my gifts in a carrier bag - good job it's just us when we're swopping! The new belt is really pretty, I always forget about Peacocks because ours is on a retail park outside the centre but might have to have a nosy - saw something similar in Matalan a bit back, ummed and ahhed as usual and when I went back it was gone.

Willow - well done on the charity shop finds - haven't found anything nice in ages Agree that a black v-neck is really versatile so could go with smart pants, jeans, skirt etc. I also have a short sleeved knitted tunic and have been wearing a contrasting coloured light jumper under it in the cold weather so maybe another idea.

LL - interesting stuff on the solstice - I did end up bringing it up the other day when someone was whinging about how people didn't care about the 'christ' in Christmas - to which I replied that it was the pagan festival first before it was 'stolen' by Christians so there was nothing wrong with observing the non-Christian elements such as trees, decorations, present giving, feasts etc. Shut them up for a wee bit I have no problem with people who want to celebrate the religious side of it but I don't like it when they try and push it down other people's throats if they choose not to.
Hope today's going a bit better - try not to worry about the house, just enjoy having OH home for xmas and can sort the rest out in the new year.

Molly - hope you're having a better day hun x

Mrs W - your celebrations sound like they will be lovely, don't feel forced into anything you don't want to do - I think it's perfectly normal to miss people more round this time of year as there tend to be so many memories centred round the holidays and it just highlights their absence more. Hope you're ok x

Skymist - am with you on looking forward to Jan, it's dark ridiculously early up here now! Was so dull this morning it felt like it should be evening and will be dark when I get out of work so feeling like I'm not seeing any proper daylight at the moment The vegetable research is interesting, might have to have a look into it.

Anyway, my film group festive night was great fun - mini mince pies and someone made German ginger biscuits which were yummy, mulled wine and Baileys, a bit of a catch up and ended up watching Elf - which always makes me smile, so was feeling quite xmassy by the end of it! Although I must admit, I didn't think I'd drunk much but was walking home afterwards and thought to myself - wow, that star is massive and really pointy, just like a proper Christmas one - it was on top of a church Hopefully will be having a quiet night in tonight and can get caught up with stuff. Hope everyone's having a good day x