Frugal Frump to Fab-u-lous Spring Equinox to Summer Solstice

sweetcheeks33

I bought some nice heathy fruits n veggies some of which will be used for juicing for some healthy fab-ness today but then not back untill 8pm. So quick bite them in ok'd early night as cramp sleep last night...

Good night & keep fabbing everyone

sweetcheeks33

Rose I love your bathroom... The curtains really give a lift of colour ... I vote for long curtains too

WW that's rubbish about the washing machine... Hope you can get it sorted, washing machines are fairly reasonable these days but still at lot of money if your not planning for it

LL I agree about the accounts... I think I'm going to start doing that to keep account of my money as I NEED to get C/c paid off but money seems to disappear so I'm thinking a little accounting for a period will help I think!

podperson

Morning all,

Well, it didn't go well at work. They've basically told me that I can't do part time, and then were asking me whether that meant I was going to leave - ended up saying that yes, I guess so, so now they want a date from me so they can get someone else in to shadow me and start training beforehand
Am feeling a little panicked now. I know there was never really going to be a good time for this but now I'm worrying I won't be able to find something else and I need part time at least for now.

his_missus

Hugs podperson xxx It is scary leaving a job especially when you haven't got one lined up. Give them the maximum notice possible to allow yourself time to find a new job and get yourself sorted.

I don't know what your line of work is or why you need part time, but is it possible to join any temping agencies? Also is there any seasonal summer work in your area which might tide you over?

Rose_Wood

Good Morning

It's very quiet here. I hope that means everyone is busy enjoying themselves.

I have just got back from playing tennis with my son. I'm not quite sure how much of a game he gets from me - he beat me 6-0, 6-0 in 40 minutes - but I get lots of running around and thoroughly enjoyed myself. We are all going out for lunch later and then I have my DGD for the afternoon whilst he and his wife go to see a film.

Fabbing yesterday for me was 50 minutes of Pilates and then the tennis today. I am going to try to choose sensibly when we go out for lunch too. I have work this evening - covering for someone else - so that should keep me busy and away from snacking. I just need to make sure I don't buy any chocolate!

Rose

fedupandskint

I finally got back to doimg some exercise after work at long last after thar horrible cold lingered on

Went ok and glad I did it and now off to fab the bathroom up in 30mins. Oh the life, eh!

lessonlearned

Good Evening Everyone

Pod - sorry to hear about your work situation. Hope it all gets sorted out to your satisfaction. Do you think they will force your hand and try and make you leave before you are ready. I hope not.

I have had a busy few days - major incidents with mum and dad. They've both had falls again, mum's insulin levels have been all over the place and she has been quite unwell.

So I've swung into action. I've set them up with extra carers, ordered more and better disability equipment, a day centre for mum to visit so Dad gets a few hours break.

Dad is not best pleased and I've had to drag him along kicking and screaming......:( Not pleasant and I've paid the price with 3 major stress attacks in the last 5 days. :eek::eek:

Anyway I've done all I can. I've given them a stern talking to. I've told dad he accepts help or it's a nursing home for mum. Aren't I the bossy boots.

My sister is wonderful with my dad, she has far more patience than I have but even she is at the end of her tether with him. It's starting to make my sister ill and I'm not having that. She's my baby sister!!!!

Give me toddlers or stroppy teenagers any day - a damn sight easier than managing elderly parents......:rotfl:

Today I took a little time out and I explored a little town not far from mum and dad. It's an ex-mining town which went through bad times in the 80's and 90's. I hadn't visited it properly in years. However, I had a little mooch round and it was an eye opener. It's enjoying quite a renaissance and is a lovely little shopping centre, lots of nice little quirky shops.

There were some great little independents, a proper department store, a couple of really good factory shops (fab clothes:D) a couple of antique shops, and the most amazing home-ware shop which sold glorious chandeliers, mirrors and "designer" nik-naks and objet d'art.

I had a chat with the owner and explained that I wasn't buying today but when I'm ready I will be needing several chandeliers and that I would like some discount.!!! Well if you don't ask, you don't get. She said yes of course......

I also found a really nice jewellers that sold some really unusual pieces at very reasonable prices. I have a birthday coming up soon.

My OH also wants to buy me something for our 30th wedding anniversary. I know that it should be pearls but I have seen some really nice "Blue John" so I think a revisit is required:D.

(For anyone who doesn't know about Blue John it is a semi precious stone which is mined in Derbyshire).

Who needs Next, M&S, and all the same old big chains, all selling the same old merchandise. Give me a small independent retailer anyday. Better choice, better prices, better service.

Over the last couple of years I have made a point of spending my birthday money from Mum & Dad on things I can keep as a memento of my parents and then in turn I will pass them onto my children and (hopefully) grandchildren.

I am concentrating on new modern one off pieces by local artists and craftspeople. Alternatively, as in the case of Blue John, then something that has strong links to Derbyshire, limited edition pieces of Crown Derby china that kind of thing.

Hopefully they will have some monetary value one day, if not then at least they will be original and beautiful.

Yesterday a friend gave me a lovely old clock, Edwardian we think. It needs a little bit of TLC but it is a really pretty thing.

She is having to empty her mother's bungalow so we went through it all yesterday. I am going to "rehome" an oak bookcase and a lovely soft squishy sofa and chairs (shabby chic style). A bit too feminine for the boys so I will have those and they can have my leather sofas.

It's all coming together...... I can't wait to get that paintbrush in my hand. Survey being done on Friday. Keeping my fingers crossed there's nothing too nasty.

Fab-wise I treated myself to a little watch today. I have managed to lose two recently. They are in the house somewhere:o Probably with the house keys I can't find......

G'night all X

podperson

Morning all,

Well, had a pretty rubbish day yesterday, got a rejection on my submission and work pushing me hard for a 'leaving date'. Ended up going home and hiding under the covers for a few hours Still have had my wee wallow and now onwards and upwards!

I do think things happen for a reason and quite frankly I'd probably have hung on and hung on here because it was the 'easy' option - so now I'm getting a push and time to get on with things! I've bitten the bullet and given them a date for the end of June, that gives me two and a half months so am sure I should be able to find something in that time. I'll get paid at the end of June which would normally last me a month anyway - so as long as I can get money coming in by towards the end of July then I should be ok. There might even be extra work after that if the new person isn't trained up properly by then and I have mentioned I could come back for a few days for the next quarter end to help her with that.

So, I now need a plan! Job hunting of course, though I need to be aware of when they start - if I get something that starts mid-June etc I'll just leave early but May is probably pushing it. Also I think I need to get back on the 'money-making' sources, matched betting, surveys, shopping, ebay etc. If I can build up a bit of a safety net I'll feel a lot better.
his missus - I'm thinking there might be seasonal work as all the festivals are on over summer so will try and look into them this week to see when they start hiring.

LL - sorry you're having problems with your parents - nowt like the stubborn elderly For what it's worth I think you're quite right to put your foot down, they obviously don't seem to realise the effect it's having on you and your sister as well.
At least your day out sounds nice. I love little independent shops, they seem to be dying out round here or they're the high end very expensive ones. Not had a relaxed day mooching round the shops in ages, always seem to be too busy at weekend - another pro for reduced hours in a few months, I just won't have any money to spend in them :rotfl:

Anyway, sorry to be a bit moany, am impressed with the exercise efforts - must get myself in gear on that front.
Hope everyone is having a good day x

Kiwisaver_2

I have had a similarly crabby week of work as well, so in an effort to show them they're not getting to me I'll be putting my best foot forward with some extra Friday fabness tomorrow.

I have pulled together a new outfit; some near to new treggings I found in the wardrobe which I will wear with a dress I've not worn to work before. I've fabbed up my face tonight and polished my teeth with the electric toothbrush.

I called into the shops on my way home from work, smothered my hands in expensive handcream and age repair serum and had a spritz of Miss Dior - I think its been changed since I last smelled it but still lovely.

lessonlearned

Pod - glad to hear you sounding so positive. Not moany at all. So you have a good two months to get money making. Join me, I'm in money making mode too.

I might need your help at matched betting but I'm going to give it a go. I shall also be car booting soon. Need to fill up the coffers again...... Moving house, legal fees, surveys etc cost serious amounts of dosh.....

Luckily, this last couple of days have "saved" me a fortune. My lovely friend is gifting me her mum's sofas and bookcase. That's a few hundred there..... It's all money in the pot, either saved or earned - it's all good.

Pod - I know what you mean about drifting and playing it safe. My OH only finally took the plunge into self employment after he had been made redundant. It was just the kick up the derriere he needed. Truthfully, we never looked back.

Have courage, you can always find some part time work to give you a safety net but I think someone with your wide range of talents and aptitude for hard work will find a way through.

I have been reading a lot about Simple Living - have a google and read some of the blogs - very inspirational.

You know, we don't need heaps of stuff to live well. I'm the first to admit I like my creature comforts and little luxuries but you can live a simple life and lack for nothing. No doubt you will have a little wobble now and then but I'm sure you will be fine.

Kiwisaver - that's the spirit. Knock 'em dead with Friday Fabness tomorrow:rotfl:

That's the way I always played it at work - the tougher things got the more I fabbed up. My sharp suits, slap, high heels, perfume etc were my armour. They made me invincible!!!

Just like Bruce Willis in his vest in all those "Die Hard" movies.....

Get Fabbed up and sally forth like a Samurai Warrior slaying all those dragons in your path.

Does anyone watch "The Good Wife". It's an American series about a law firm. There are three women lawyers, ranging from late 20's mid 50's who are fab-u-lous.

The clothes are just fantastic. They really show how sensational business dress can look when it's done properly, how clothes can be made to work in our favour. Sexy, sassy and serious, whatever you need to project, your clothes can do the work for you.

There's a hearty healthy casserole in the slow cooker and some wine in the fridge for tonight. Will sit and give myself a manicure. Now it's time for a cuppa.

Happy Fabbing;)