Frump to Fab - Summer Solstice Sizzler

lessonlearned

My main constraint this year will be financial - which is why some goals will have to be longer term. So my top priority will be to try and get some financial stability.

All short term goals are for this year - no pressure then:rotfl:

Money Making

Short Term

Try and find some paid work
Start a couple of little sideline businesses - beauty therapy & bric-a-brac dealing

Long Term

Set up some proper savings accounts for the things I want/need to do but won't be able to afford this year.

Fabbing

Short Term

Get down to a size 14 at least, size 12 preferred
Strengthen my back

Long Term

Deal with Varicose Veins - see a consultant and find out what can be done and how much it will cost. In the meantime look at cosmetic solutions - creams and potions to at least minimise the appearance of the small spider veins. The large veins need either lasers or surgery.

BTW - Carmen - how are you getting on with yours now - are you happy with the result of your surgery.

Cosmetic/Remedial Dentistry - Ouch - Going to be expensive - see a consultant and see what's what. Possibly 2013 for this one when my Endowment Policies mature.

House Fabbing

Long Term

New Kitchen & Change Downstairs Layout- 2013

Short Term

New Garage Door - essential I'm afraid
A complete redecoration and/or touch up from top to bottom - This will be a cheap and cheerful makeover, mainly emulsion and gloss paint, a few new rugs and accessories.
Convert OH's old bedroom back to a proper study/craft/sewing room
Convert DS1's old bedroom to a guest room/beauty therapy room
Lick my garden into shape

I am really looking forward to this project. A room a month.

Fun & Learning

For me these two go together, especially that I will now to all intents and purposes be a singleton.

Holidays on your own are fine but I think you need to be sure to chose the right one, a cultural tour or cruise is right for me. Going to a pub by myself or eating in a restaurant alone can be a bit bleak so a lot of my activities will be learning based - i.e. courses etc.

Short term

Possibly a cruise (better start making some money - pronto)
DIY for women - I've sourced a couple of courses - just 20 mins from me, so will be doing this asap
Try gliding - have found somewhere in the Peak District so will book a taster day - May or June - have put this in the diary for May
Learn Italian - buy a book/dvd etc, look online for tutorials
Sewing refresher course - need to learn how to do zips properly
Change car to Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle for outings with OH
Regular lunches etc with friends
Join National Trust
Buy Senior Rail Card for regular city days away - galleries etc
Volunteering at nursing home
Volunteering back at Scope - have really missed this

I think that will do for starters ............

Lots more ideas buzzing around.

The major difference is - no disrespect to OH - it was all he had - but no more time wasting watching junk TV. I will be far more selective in my viewing habits.

I figure I have 10 good years left, 20 if I'm really lucky. There will be time enough for sitting slumped in front of the TV when I'm stuck in a nursing home.

Don't get me wrong TV can be fantastic - it's a window on the world. However, I want to be part of that world, to engage with it and live in it for real - not just sit there watching it all and living it all second hand.

Right off to prepare the evening meal - new recipe. Today is Goulash Day. Brunch with DS2, get all Fabbed up and then visit OH. DS2 is coming with me so we'll hang some paintings in his room.

I'm going to put 2011 firmly behind me - Goodbye and Good Riddance.

All Together Now - Let's Make 2012 Fab-u-lous[/B]

lessonlearned

Rummer wrote: »

I have just hauled out my favourite exercise DVDs and put them right next to the TV. If only watching them was all you had to do to shrink in size :rotfl:

Sorry - doesn't work that way

Bitsy_Beans

MarilynMonroe wrote: »

Good luck everyone, I wont be joining afterall, have had enough of the people who spoil this site these days. Take care and happ new year.

look MSE is VERY large place and there are places i avoid in order to stay happy (dt board for one ) so stick to the friendly boards like here and OS or failing that just stay on this thread. Sadly as in life there are always twerps, the key is letting them slide off you like you are teflon coated

LL don't stop chattering, i love reading your ponderings, like all the lovely ladies.

no sore head this morning, didn't drink enough for a hangover but am tired, a week of interrupted sleep from one child or another is catching up when coupled with later night last night. Need to go have a shower and make myself look human :rotfl:

time to get cracking on the mindful eating as of today.

Bagpuss741

Anyone mind if you get another newbie:D I'm 37 and tiny so don't look my age and completely fed up of looking like a scruffy student (It doesn't help that i'm always in jeans and tops rather than all the lovely monsoon dresses I own.) Because of this I have no confidence and often walk my dog while looking at my feet:o I would love to be more confident and looking fab by the summer (ok so I may not suddenly look my age but I will look fab and be able to cope with all the "are you really that old, you look 24)

Today I have:

1. Cleansed, toned, oiled, moisturised skin
2. Cuticle oil and hand cream
3. Downloaded free exercise app to ipod touch and completed the arm workout (ouch!!)

Today I will:

1. Bath, lotion, defuzz
2. Paint toenails
3. Buff fingernails
4. Drink 1.5 litres of water

Sorry for the long post:rotfl:

lessonlearned

Bitsy_Beans wrote: »

look MSE is VERY large place and there are places i avoid in order to stay happy (dt board for one ) so stick to the friendly boards like here and OS or failing that just stay on this thread. Sadly as in life there are always twerps, the key is letting them slide off you like you are teflon coated

.

I agree with Bitsy - you will not find any unpleasantness here.

Marilyn trust us , we all very kind and supportive here. You won't be judged or laughed at.

Yes there are some right idiots on some of the threads but you won't find them here.

We'd soon boot them off.:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

lizzie157

Hi everyone,
Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!xxx
I haven't finalised my list yet but have lots of ideas- probably too many (as those of you who know me from previous thread may remember I can be a little impatient) :eek: but the one thing I am going to strive for is to be more positive.
The counselling seems to be helping even though I come out thinking it just seems like chatting.:)
I also want to get out more like a few more of us on here and have decided that if neccesary will have to push myself to go and do stuff on my own and enjoy my own company.
Made a small start yesterday by taking kids( and dog):) to pub for a quick new year drink yesterday- not strictly on my own I know but a big step for me.
What I have realised both by going to counselling and reading on here is that actually I have achieved quite a lot already so I'm going to list those first. Maybe others might like to do this -I think listing both what you have done can be quite a boost.

• sought help with low mood
• undertaken an OU course
• started zumba class
• looked after my skin better
• tidied most of clutter from living room

• taken loads of lovely walks with my dog.

There is a bit of a nagging worry at the moment as I found a lump on my dog over the hols but am trying to be positive and hope its not serious.
Anyway off for a quiet lazy day before things start to return to "normal" whatever that is :rotfl:xx

Willow92

Well I've done it! Shame that there was only about 3 things to donate and about 20 to throw away!

lizzie157

just a quick question
LL-Start a couple of little sideline businesses - beauty therapy & bric-a-brac dealing
As you know I 'm wanting to start a business but I've got so many questions - not least about how it affects benefits, just wondered if you know where I can get advise on this stuff. It may not be possible yet but it is one of my longer term aims -really don't want to be on benefits for ever. x

maman

Nancy888 wrote: »

For those wanting to know what suits them clothes wise I can't recommend the Personal Shopper Service at Debenhams that I went to.

There was no pressure to buy anything but she brought clothes that I would have walked by without giving them a second glance - and I now have a better idea of what to look for when I am shopping

I wouldn't mind doing that nancy. Do you just ring up? Do you have to have an occasion in mind or just say 'find out what suits me'?

I can thoroughly recommend the 'giving up/cutting down alcohol' thread on here for having AF days.

I'm loving reading everyone's lists. Can't stop now as promised DH we'd take a walk together. His idea!!!

P.S. Marilyn, you just have to be choosy on the threads you subscribe to. I post regularly on 3 lovely ones and just pop in to others that take my fancy. I'm amazed at the way some people are so rude, pick fights etc but you don't have to join in. I just think what a pr*t and move on but it's suprising how they disappear PDQ.

Rummer

:j I have taken a huge step towards fabulousness :j

Just booked myself into two dance classes - ballet and tap. I may be more Dawn French :rotfl: than Darcey Bussell atm (Vicar of Dibley) but I love dancing and I am so excited!

Thank you ladies without this thread I would never have taken that step!