Frump to Fab - Summer Solstice Sizzler

maman

Welcome norfolkHM, LL will give some ideas for basics but you can set goals for yourself if you want. There are no rules. All of us just want to take better care of ourselves to look and feel fab inside and out. We share ideas and report on progress ups/downs etc.

I've been finding the links to make up videos very useful. I think I need to start a new favourites file to store them. I'm still a novice but very proud of the fact that I've gone from mascara and lippy only to quite full make up but still subtle. Practising using more eye make up will be next. Yours sounds good willow. (I'm amazed about TKMaxx closing down, I thought they were doing well everywhere??).

I'm not doing anything really special tomorrow, just cooking a nice meal for me and DH. My plan is to do some pampering of myself during the day. I might even finally get around to the aspirin mask.

'night all.

[Deleted User]

Hi All
I'm up early this morning - the way I like it. I really don't like lying in bed too long. It's been a productive morning already - I have awashing on and am in the middle of making soup. I didn't get a chance to do my hand treatment yesterday so going to do that this morning while the soup is simmering away.
Allie x

Bitsy_Beans

Managed to snag these boots in the M&S sale
http://www.marksandspencer.com/Limited-Collection-Suede-Biker-Boots/dp/B004GSZIHM?_encoding=UTF8&mnSBrand=core&ref=cart_rvi_6

Got 25% off and then found a code for further 10% :money:
That's my Xmas money blown but in my defence they are suede and I am fed up of buying cheap boots that dont last.

Next time I am near a big boots I wil see if I can snag a samplem of the lancome primer, not spending £26 unless it's going to work. I sort of know it might as it's what the lovely girl used on my face on my wedding day but still want to check. Until I get my sample am trying the milk of magnesia trick for primer, I would prefer a silicon one but this will do for now. Am totally addicted to watching Lisa Elderidges videos though she makes putting on make up look so easy

Whatever your plans are for tonight I hope you look fabulous, even if it's just making effort with your hair or nails or make up.

Happy New Year everyone, let's kick @ss in 2012

NorfolkHM

Well I started last night - I had some hand cream & white gloves left over in the present box so dug them out when I went to bed. I remembered my M-in-Law putting cream on then the gloves & reading the newspaper so I snuggled up with Martha Stewart's Craft Encyclopedia in bed. Felt nice to treat myself :-)

Going to ggive myself a manicure tonight when boys have gone to bed. OH working nights so not celebrating new year might have a lovely pamper evening to myself.

WelshWoofer

Morning ladies!
This rain is starting to really get on my nerves - dog walking gets me soaking 3 times a day and I think the dog is a bit depressed because of it - he didn't want to go out the garden this morning. I'm going to take him to the park in a minute to see if that cheers him up a bit - poor pooch:(

On the fabbing front, day 2 of the diet went well, no slip ups at all, hope day 3 (today) is as good - I'm feeling less bloated already.
Not much else to report really, I'm having a day doing the supermarket shop and getting ready for going back to school on Tuesday - lots of lessons to write.

I don't like New Year so am staying in tonight - will have a nice bath, maybe a glass of wine and watch a movie. After the dog walk I will have a shower, slap a bit of face on and do my hair but there won't be much in the way of dressing up to do school work!

lessonlearned

In readiness for the New Year.............

Your First 5 Steps to Fabness

Step 1

Always wear perfume - you should always smell gorgeous.

The Mirror Test - Part 1

Stop what you are doing - go and have a look in the mirror, preferably a full length one. Fully clothed - no need to go naked. I'm not a pevert.:rotfl:

What do you see. Clean shiny hair, clean shoes, clean and shiny bits in between. Do you gleam like a new pin.

Or - hair in lank greasy rat tails, tatty unflattering clothes, pale pasty complexions, scruffy down at heal shoes or slippers.

So when I talk about going Back to Basics this is what I'm getting at - you start with Grooming

Step 2

Each day make sure that you are at least washed, bathed or showered, that you hair is clean, you've brushed your teeth. Body lotions are optional. Often as you get older your skin does become drier and body lotions and oils help a lot.

Your clothes should be clean, and in a good state of repair. No food stains, no broken zips, no ragged hems, no missing buttons etc.

Joggies are fine for around the house, if they are clean and not too shapeless. Out of doors - no - unless you gardening, running or going to the gym.

Sorry if all this sounds patronising in any way, but I do understand that when you are overwhelmed with the demands of looking after everyone else, or when you are feeling ill or depressed it is so easy to forget or to take the time to do these simple routines. Trust me I've been there.

How often do we think - I feel awful, I am so fat, I look dreadful -what's the point, it's just not worth the effort, pass the biscuit tin.

It's a vicious circle. Taking those first few steps will make you feel better - honestly - and will help break the cycle.

If you think this is vanity ask yourself this - would you allow your partner to leave the house looking like a tramp, would you allow your children to run around looking like ragamuffins - of course not.

Then don't do it to yourself. Don't go around looking like a bag lady. This is not vanity.

So those first baby steps are all about grooming, looking clean, neat and tidy. Don't worry - you can add the gloss and glamour later.
Wear make up now if you wish or not. Hair styles and colourings, snappy dressing etc will come in good time. Just get the basics in place first.

There are no rules to Frump to Fab - just go at your own pace, do it your own way.

Step 3

Whilst we're at it, and getting started with the grooming, why not start tweaking your eating habits. Forget diets as such - they don't really work anyway. Just start to eat a bit more healthily, more fruit and veg, fewer cakes and biscuits. Start slowly. For now just try and build up healthy eating habits.

Step 4

Start building in a little bit of exercise, a walk, a bit of yoga, dancing round the kitchen, whatever. Just try and get moving, just a few minutes most days. Start slowly, don't overdo it. Ease yourself in gently.

Step 5

The Mirror Test - Part 2 or How to Lose 1/2 stone in 5 seconds.

Take a look, what's your posture like. Slumped back, rounded shoulders, sticky out tummy.

Now straighten up, head up, shoulders back and down, tummy in, bottom in. Bet you looker taller and slimmer.

So step 5 is all about trying to improve your posture. You'll look better, will radiate confidence (even if you don't feel confident) and people will respond to you. If you walk tall and proud you will be treated with more respect than if you just slouch along. You might even improve your backache too.

So that's it for today. The absolute basics.

You'll notice I've not included skin care routines, or recommended any products. This is because every one is different, you have different lifestyles and your skin is as individual as you are.

A basic skin care routine for me is just to cleanse my face at night, I don't bother with toner, and then moisturise. In the morning just a splash of water and then moisturise again. The occasional face mask - roughly once a week and that's about it.

Get the right routine for you, choose products that suit you - often trial and error I'm afraid and you'll be fine. Keep it easy and simple and do it every day.

Back with more basics next week - time planning, wardrobe maintenance etc.

lessonlearned

New Year Plans that is.

Ladies, tomorrow is the big one, the start of 2012.

So post up your resolutions, plans and goals. I'll do mine tomorrow - right now I'm off for a bath. The backache is back - too much heavy housework yesterday - when will I learn.

One last thing before I go - ignore all the magazines urging you to detox tomorrow. There's no need to punish yourselves.

Detoxing is a complete waste of time. Leave your body alone - it'll take care of itself. You don't need to detox - that's what your liver and kidneys are for.

Have a great day and, if you are celebrating this evening, then have a lovely time.

Bye for now x

the_cat

Can I join please? Posted early on in the last thread and then lurked. It has made a difference but there is still plenty to work on!

Bitsy_Beans

My goals are this:

Learn to eat mindfully

Look after my body more by way of what I eat and how I move

Take time for myself each day, sit in the armchair and just BE. Have a small basket of things to nourish my soul close by for these times.

Spend LESS time online this will be hard as i don't see many people it's also part of my grown up socialising

Re decorate the house, get it looking ship shape and a house to be proud of.

I think that's more than enough for now

But I am actually excited about it though........:j

SAVVYJADE

Hi all!

Mine are as follows...

Actually use the beauty products I have and not let them collect dust!

Aim to eat 3 portions of fruit and veg (I eat very little so will build it up gradually!)

Try to find different ways to style my hair as always wear it the same

These will do to start as if I plan to do too many I'll forget them!

All the best for 2012 everyone and thanks for all the hints and tips!

SJ x