Frugal frump to Fab - Astonishing Autum Exquinox to Wondrous Winter Solstice

Skymist

podperson wrote: »

Well, I have some news - just heard back on the fast track submission I did to a big publisher last month, and they said they really liked it and want to see a full manuscript!! :j

:T:T:T........that's BRILLIANT PP!!! WELL DONE you!!! All your hard work is starting to pay off!!! :j:j:j

S

Everhopeful09

Hi All,

Not much to report from me, overloading on carbs at moment just hungry a lot.

Got really dry itchy skin at moment and itchy sore eyes not sure if an allergy or because heating on but its annoying? Any recommendations for cream or something? (I take antihistamines)

Caught up with mate last night went to a mexican restaurant for tea and then a stroll round bay for some fresh air. Then Brownies tonight, going to be a noisy one as practising for their Enterainers badge!

Best get back to the day job an afternoon of writing up electrical reports oh the joys!

Have a nice day everyone and hope its not too wet for you! EH xx

lessonlearned

podperson wrote: »

phasing you back in.


Well, I have some news - just heard back on the fast track submission I did to a big publisher last month, and they said they really liked it and want to see a full manuscript!! :jAm so excited -

:T:T:T:T So exciting and you really do deserve your success, you've worked long and hard.

Sparkles - well done on working on the credit cards. I really need to do a money sort out. Buying and selling houses costs an arm and a leg and everyone wants their cut - fees for this, extras for that, seems like a licence to print money.:rotfl:

Lizzie - what can I say - you are having a rough time. It all seems so unfair - I just think that if you can somehow get yourself of benefits you will then start to make progress.

We're still in that position with my husband, every time his pension is increased they reduce his ESA so over the years his income remains the same. Needless to say our outgoings keep increasing so you just get squeezed - to quote one politician :mad:"until the pips squeak". At least I'm out of it now and I get stand on my own two feet. I can sink or swim by my own efforts and don't have DWP to sabotage my efforts.

Sorry to hear your DS3 is still struggling to find work. When my DS2 finishes Part 1 of his course he will need to try and find a training placement. He will probably have to work for free with me helping fund him and even then it's going to be difficult to find somewhere. I have already started putting out feelers with all my builder contacts.

Right off to do some yoga, come on Pam - time to get started.;);)

maman

:wave: not a great deal to report but had to post to congratulate pod. That's brilliant:TI'm so pleased for you.:D

lizzie, I think you must be too good at decorating to be so much in demand! Sometimes it doesn't pay to show your talents.

Yesterday we booked a sunshine holiday for next June so that's something to look forward to. I needed to get cracking to make sure we can stay in the hotel of choice.

Off out with DD2 on Friday to treat her to something for her birthday next week. We generally get her clothes of some description but I'm not sure what she has in mind this year.

I popped into the city centre on Monday and it was surprisingly busy with Christmas shoppers. I think I'm turning into a bit of a Scrooge. I really CBA about Christmas. I don't mind meeting up with friends for meals (although meals out can be very mediocre at this time of the year) but I'm really not looking forward to the whole shopping and cards and decorating thing. On the day I'll make a nice meal but that's enough for me. I just loathe the whole buying for buying's sake thing. We've cut back hugely but it still happens to an extent. DD1 and DGD1 will be with us on the day but DD2 stopped coming a few years ago so it's taken the edge off a family occasion. I'm starting to envy friends without family commitments who can go off on holiday but I'd feel I was letting DD1 down. I know I'll push myself nearer the time to decorate the house and put a face on but...

Oh dear! Sorry to bring the mood down but for some reason it's really bothering me today. I think it's because when we see DD2 on Friday she'll give us a list of carp that DGD2 allegedly wants for Christmas (DH asked for it).

Hopefully everyone else has a really good time planned so ignore me. Compared to many I have a good life. Maybe some counting of blessings is needed.:o

Will come back when I can be a bit more positive and cheery.

Bitsy_Beans

I am kinda in shock. Besides a few tweaks and carpet being fitted on Friday project house revamp is finished. It's been a hard slog these last few weeks but I kinda can't believe it's finally here I have 3 different estate agents coming next week to value the house. It's the beginning of the end. Feels weird, exciting but weird. It's finally all coming into place.

so with that in mind LL I need all your hints and tips for getting this place sold. I know I am biased but it's a lovely home, fab location considering its the 'burbs (and in lots of ways I shall be gutted to leave) but it's not a sellers market and I can't afford not to get this sold ASAP.

Pod fantastic news well done you :T:T:T

Lizzie have a hug for you and for your DD too xxxx I haven't got any advice it just seems the wrong people always get penalised and those that play the system carry on

Maman have a hug. I love Christmas but accept that it ain't for everybody. Re your DGD can you not buy one carp item off list (small) and get something else instead?

podperson

Aww, thanks all :blushing:am telling myself it's a long way of a contract or anything like that, but it will hopefully give me an extra push to get it finished now - and it's nice to know that my writing style at least is in the kind of thing they're looking for

Bitsy - I nearly always need kicks so feel free :rotfl:I'm trying not to be too strict on the eating/exercise this month as I have so much stuff on, but then sometimes I think that's just giving myself an excuse not to bother with it!

Lizzie - I completely agree with you, the new benefit system is a complete joke (not that the old one was amazing to start with) and I really don't know how a lot of people will manage. I'm pretty sure my tax credits will disappear when it changes to 'universal' ones and then we'll be seriously struggling to get by as well. I'm really hoping that some of the extra things I'm working on now will be bringing a bit in by the time that happens - and I hope you get some things like the self-employment up and running too so you don't have to try and rely on them and be constantly let down (maybe a new sideline in interior design could be on the cards )

maman - sorry you're not feeling very xmassy this year. I'm not feeling it all that much but hoping will come nearer the time I'm trying to keep it fairly simple anyway, don't think am going to bother with a lot of cards, have tried to keep pressies to immediate family. How old are your DGDs? If you are feeling 'can't be bothered-ish' (it's a word lol) about decorating maybe get them round to lend a hand, they're bound to be enthusiastic and it might rub off a bit Saying that I have no clue what to get anyone this year, so may be back ranting with you in a few weeks :rotfl:

Bitsy - go you on the house revamp :j you've got that done so quickly! Fingers crossed you get some quick interest in it too x How's your OH getting on with the new job/city? (apart from missing you of course!)

WelshWoofer

Skymist wrote: »

A while back I did an internet search for remedies for paper-like cuts on fingers accompanied by very dry skin, during the winter, which I've experienced for the last few years. Some of the solutions included zinc oxide, lanolin and glycerin. I found all of them in Johns*n's baby nappy cream....and it healed my hands a treat and has kept them in great condition since!!!

When I caught a cold a couple of weeks ago, like you, I wanted to prevent that sore-from-blowing-your-nose problem, I thought I'd give this same cream a shot....and it worked!!! It's a lot less messy than vaseline and rubs right in, leaving no greasiness!

I think probably any nappy cream containing zinc oxide would work, as that is the skin healer.

S

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: I completely forgot about nappy cream - my mum swears by Sudocreme for absolutely everything - and of course she's right!

Maman - I am another Xmas gremlin - can't stand it!:mad: I'll be pasting on a begrudging smile and grinning and bearing it. Going to family this year so am toying with not bothering with a tree.... bah humbug!:rotfl:

Congrats POD!! Fabbo!

Well, you won't believe this but last night a 3mm long wooden splinter came out of my eye! No wonder it flipping hurt! Was still swollen this morning but is now almost back to normal;)No longer winking! The cold symptoms have gone too - must have been all related. Back to full strength again now:)

fedupandskint

WelshWoofer wrote: »

Maman - I am another Xmas gremlin - can't stand it!:mad: I'll be pasting on a begrudging smile and grinning and bearing it. Going to family this year so am toying with not bothering with a tree.... bah humbug!:rotfl:

Same here! I didn't bother with a tree last year and this year I'm not bothering either. It's just a day afterall.

Hope your eye is better too after that nightmare splinter - yukky!

Bitsy_Beans

podperson wrote: »

Bitsy - go you on the house revamp :j you've got that done so quickly! Fingers crossed you get some quick interest in it too x How's your OH getting on with the new job/city? (apart from missing you of course!)

I have had help in the form of my mum so it's not all been my efforts. Likewise my dad has been doing stuff too.

My H is frankly exhausted in the last month he's driven 3K miles :eek: he's not slept well, coming down with lurgy that I had last week so he could do with a break. Or us moving really really quick :eek: however in terms of his job he's doing really well, a "fantastic job" according to his boss :D

Oooh I'd miss my christmas tree......but I do have a thing for twinkly lights

WW splinter?!! :eek: sounds painful and dangerous! Glad it's out now x

lessonlearned

WW - that splinter sounds seriously scary - thank goodness it didn't do any long term damage.

Bitsy - if you want to post your Rightmove ad I could give it the once over if you like. If you prefer not to go public just PM me.

Lizzie - it does sound like your decorating skills are in great demand. Do you fancy setting yourself up as a decorator. Being a woman could be your USP - Unique Selling Point. There are plenty of people who would feel much more comfortable with a "Lady Decorator". Female tradespeople are making great strides at the moment - there is a real niche market ripe for exploitation. Are there any courses you could take. However, if you can do a good job then professional qualifications aren't a must.

There are plenty of people, the elderly and the busy who are more than happy to pay someone even just to emulsion walls or hang wallpaper. My sister and her husband won't even slap a bit of emulsion on the wall, they always insist on employing someone.

I am intending to take a couple of courses once the house move is done and dusted. One is a short ladies only DIY course at a local college. This will consist of how to use power tools, trowel trades - ie simple bricklaying, plastering and tiling. The other is a residential course in beginner's joinery/carpentry.

The short course is £199, the residential course is about £500. I don't qualify for any help with fees because I am post retirement age but you might find you could get some help.

Back in a mo......