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

his_missus

Morning all,

The sun is shining and I'm wearing flip flops, oh my fee are glad to be out of boots (even if it's just for today knowing our weather)

Should probably have painted my toenails first though, hee hee!

lessonlearned

Good Afternoon Everyone

Well my feet haven't touched the ground and my head is all in a whirl.

OH's Consultant really means business now - I think he has been throwing his weight around. An "urgent" MRI scan tomorrow. OH so weak he will have to be moved by stretcher. Early ambulance call so a big day for him tomorrow. Wish us luck......

I finally managed to track down his long lost boyhood friend and he is coming up from London on Thursday.

I decided to google Cerebellar Ataxia and related brain tumors last night. A few months ago finding out about CA was very difficult - I had to be a real Sherlock Holmes - now the internet has pages of website info.

Obviously there has been an upsurge in research. The Ataxia Society has a full on mission to "find a cure" by 2020.

I googled OH's Consultant again. There's loads of stuff about him too - not only is he the head honcho at Nottingham Queens Med - a premier teaching hospital, it transpires he is also a big cheese at the University of Pennsylvania.

It's very reassuring to know that we've got the best there is fighting OH's corner and that the good Professor is pulling out the big guns. I was beginning to fear that he had hit a brick wall and given up . Obviously not.

It's obviously an intellectual and academic challenge for him - however, I'm not complaining. If he get's a knighthood and makes a fortune then good for him.

Now - I'm of course desperately trying not to build my hopes too much and trying very hard to stay on an even keel but blimey talk about emotional roller coaster:rotfl:.

Anyway to take my mind off things I have today done a major shop at ALDI. I have stocked up with new wonder anti aging products to experiment with. I'll do some testing and let you know.......

Still not been clothes shopping yet.

Am managing to stick to around 1500 cals per day - we'll see how we go. Might need to go lower and I do want to have another go at the 5:2 fasting - perhaps next week.

Pod - you seem to be right back on track with the money making. Well done. See what you can do when you put your mind to it:D

The sky is not the limit - not when there are whole universes out there........

Definitely make your workspace attractive and comfortable - don't forget to introduce house plants to improve air quality - especially important near computers. Apparently spider plants and peace lillies are the best - they help combat the radiation from electrical equipment (don't panic radiation levels are perfectly safe:rotfl:).

It's just that we know that excessive computer use can give us headaches and make us feel lethargic. Plants do help a bit.

Also lots of storage and shelving to reduce the clutter from files and paperwork etc. You don't need to spend a lot - just repurpose what you have. Baskets and those cardboard storage boxes are great. TK Maxx have some really pretty storage boxes in, cheap as chips.

I would be more than happy to pay you a commission to do some matched betting ........No different from paying a broker, accountant or financial advisor. I'm a firm believer in paying for the best brains.

I've had a quick look through but I still need to get my head round it.

Seriously if you think you can offer me a service in this please PM me, I would be delighted to pick your brains and recompense you for your trouble.

Let's get rich together:rotfl::rotfl:

I've spotted a bungalow I fancy. Viewed it from the outside. It's a few streets away from where I used to live - I would be quite happy to return to my old stomping ground. I will try and arrange a viewing.

Right must dash - get the dinner ready.

Bitsy - how is the house going......

Lizzie - good luck with the marketing - keep going - you will get there.

Hugs to everyone - sorry not mentioned you all, but I do love reading what you are all up to.

Hewie - keep getting stronger each day.

As Bitsy once said - Let's Keep Kicking A**:D

Bitsy_Beans

Wow LL I really hope OH does ok at MRI scan today, great to know he's good a good man on his side. House sale well it's still not sold and we've just dropped it another £5K. Ho hum it's only money in your pocket if you can get someone to pay for it. I do think we were ill advised with original pricing but nowt we can do about it now. There's a lot of competition on the market so I guess we are having to bide our time. It's hard going, massive strain on me and H and kids with all the hours he's travelling, tiredness etc and I am getting twitchy about DS. He's in last year at infants school and given his ASD I didn't really want him to be moving to the local junior school here for a while before we have to move him again. Moving over summer would be best but we are at the mercy of other people.

Anyway enough of my waffle. Did my yoga for hamstrings twice yesterday, will do it today when I get back from school run.
No other major fabbing apart from the usual which are now second nature

Sorry got to dash, try and check back later xxx

floss2

Bitsy_Beans wrote: »

.... It's hard going, massive strain on me and H and kids with all the hours he's travelling, tiredness etc and I am getting twitchy about DS. He's in last year at infants school and given his ASD I didn't really want him to be moving to the local junior school here for a while before we have to move him again. Moving over summer would be best but we are at the mercy of other people....

Bitsy, are H's company amenable to supporting a house move for the family? Would they be able to pay something in relocation costs for you to rent somewhere from August until your home is sold, bearing in mind DS's school needs?

lessonlearned

Good Morning All

A beautiful sunny day here today - just like yesterday. Is this it - is it summer now. Yesterday was a full on hospital day so didn't get chance to enjoy the sun, today OH's friend is hopefully coming up from London so again not sure how much chance I'll get to sun myself.

Hopefully the weather will hold for a few days and I will get the chance to catch a few rays then.

Ladies get out there and get the sun on your bones - grab some of that Vit D - it's good for us. :rotfl:

Bitsy - sorry to hear that the house sale is still on hold.

I know full well both from my own personal experience and from my days working on site just how difficult these relocations can be.

I agree with Floss is there any chance that your husband's employers can help.

One choice would be - if they can help out with removal costs you could reduce your house price enough for a quick sale.

Or, you could consider becoming an "Accidental Landlord" - letting out your current property, then either buying or renting at your new location.

Another option is to consider part ex with a new build.

When I worked on site I often helped clients do this. I appreciate your preferred choice might not be for a new build but you need to weigh up your personal preferences against what is best for the family.

I did this for several clients and they were all really pleased with the deals we gave, and were just so happy to have the family back together again.

It can be terribly stressful when families are apart for months on end. It's exhausting and it can also be very lonely for the one who is away from home. Living in hotels and doing long commutes for long periods is no way to live.

The one who is left behind - you - struggles to carry a heavy burden all alone. The children suffer, especially if they have health or emotional difficulties.

My eldest boy had very severe asthma as a youngster. Having a baby and a poorly toddler was a nightmare when my husband was working away. I just thanked my lucky stars I had such lovely neighbours - they were like surrogate grandparents to my boys.

Hope things improve for you soon.

Right time to get fabbed up and get cracking.

Bitsy_Beans

Thanks floss and LL for your concern. I did broach the subject of renting somewhere while this sells but H is adamant he doesn't want to keep shifting the kids from one property to another (esp DS) so won't look at renting. However if this drags on over the summer......might be time for me to push the subject a little. Have no idea if work would help out. Technically he wasnt head hunted and since we are relocating by our own choice they might tell us we have to paddle our own canoe. I guess I could get H to broach that subject if we look at renting although his boss is finance director so getting him to hand over money might require a miracle :rotfl:
I don't want to rent this place. Eventually we will have to sell it and I'd rather not go through the hassle of having to tart it up again long distance in order to sell it after having had tenants (of course not all tenants trash houses but stuff gets knocked about by my own family so would assume it would happen with others too). I would rather sell rather than part ex as we have a lot of equity in this house which we would end up losing a chunk of to exchange.
H is generally commuting so coming home each evening but he has such a small window of time then to fit everything in, it's just a bit of a strain at the moment. We are planning a holiday so hope that will recharge batteries and give us some much needed time together.

Sorry I've rambled on and it's not fabbing related, feel free to skip past :rotfl:

I am fasting today, done my morning yoga so it's time to face the housework.

Laters peeps!

WelshWoofer

Evening gang!
Its been another bonkers week and I haven't had time to think let alone get on here. Friday tomorrow though and its a long weekend so the end is in sight.
There's been rumours of a possible promotion/payrise too (may find out tomorrow) so I'm plodding on and looking willing

LL - what are the wonder creams from Aldi? I need all the help I can get at the moment!

Bitsy - will you be able to enjoy a long weekend with your OH? Perhaps a little breathing space?

On the fabbing front - I had my eyebrows done earlier in the week by a friend's beautician that goes to her house - £8 for a tint and good shaping, they look loads better now.
Other than that it just been the usual defuzzing, moisturiser, every day sort of up keep. My roots are starting to show through so they'll need sorting this weekend. Food has been less than perfect this week so the weekend will be a good opportunity to get some proper shopping done and a bit of meal planning. I need to exercise too - just been walking the dog this week as I've had so much on with work. Perhaps I'll try to get to the swimming pool on the way home tomorrow if I can get away at a reasonable time.

Right, going to watch a bit of mindless telly and try to have an early night.:A

podperson

Morning all,

Just a quick one today but Bitsy sending you *hugs* hope it gets sorted out soon, can't be easy and LL hope OH managed to get through all the scans etc ok and enjoyed his friend's visit. I have everything crossed for you that this treatment can provide some decent results x

Anyways, pretty much no fabbing done I've been manic this week. Went to the corporate photo job last night - it was ok, run by doctors so I guess I should have expected it to be disorganised! But I'd arranged to go early to set up and then was left in a room for about half an hour, the woman I was supposed to be meeting then came in with one of the subjects I was supposed to be photographing, saying how late they were running and could I be quick :eek: *sigh* So ended up not having lights or anything set up and was a wee bit frustrated with them. Still, I suppose if I get paid it's up to them if they don't allocate enough time for the best job to be done.

Have a wedding tomorrow so was going to have a quiet night tonight but now it seems we're going out. Some musicians that we knew through the choir have a studio and they had spoken to us months ago about filming their first anniversary party. Saw some posts on facebook this week saying it was this Friday, we haven't heard anything from them since all the drama with the stupid choir woman so were a bit worried that she's been saying stuff to them. Anyway I dropped them a message saying did they still want it covering etc. They eventually replied this morning saying they weren't bothered about the filming now but we could still come along to the do if we wanted. Tbh I think it's because they're in a band with the partner of the choir woman and I have a feeling she doesn't want us filming her. Spoke to OH though and thinking we should still go along to keep communication open with the musician guys as we've done work with them before and they are really useful people to know in terms of the film/music things we're looking at at the moment. Plus we used to get on really well with them so would be a shame for that to slide because of all the other cack that's gone on Still there goes my quiet night in!
Hope everyone is having a good day x

aggypanthus

Hello everyone, I havent had time to read all the posts yet, but i will catch up soon.
Anyone in late 40.s or 50 ish? Dressing for my age and shape is a big puzzle for me. I am at a complete loss now. I prefer trousers/ jeans but am I too old for jeans now? I hate wearing layers or long tops over trousers as I am slim hipped and have to keep hitchin them up, even with a belt. I am a 14 but with a podgy tummy . 16 on top. Last summer I wore M nd S chino styles which were comfy, but I just buy boring baggy Ts on top! Help!

lessonlearned

Hi Everyone

Pod - sorry to hear you are not filming tonight after all but yes definitely go along - you need to keep networking. Anyway you might even enjoy it.... Let your hair down and have some fun.....

Hi Aggy - of course you are not too old for jeans!!!

Just don't go for the head to toe denim look - a bit too cowgirl/country and western imo.

I don't consider myself an expert or a "Fashion Guru" but I am 61 and wear jeans with a nice top or sweater. For a smarter look I go for a tailored jacket or blazer which looks great, especially if you are a bit "top heavy". The tailoring slims you down.

Tailored jackets and jeans/chinos teamed with a nice simple top, t shirt or fine gauge sweater look unfussy and quite elegant. Tres Euro Chic!!!!

For a great casual look I go for jeans and a leather or suede jacket. Looks fab.

A denim jacket can look really nice with a dress rather than with denim jeans. Too much denim can look a bit "aging hippy or biker"

If you google some of the "50 best dressed women lists" and the "Glamourous Women over 50 or over 40 lists" you will get loads of ideas.

Speaking of clothes don't forget it's Fab Friday.

I look like a tramp at the moment but then I'm about to do some gardening so that is allowed.

Quick update on OH.

The hospital day was exhausting, we were both shattered. His friend came up from London yesterday which cheered OH up no end.

Have just had a call about the drug trial and have signed and emailed the consent forms. They will then issue the drugs asap.

They are not hanging about.........:rotfl:

WW - I have started using some of the "Aldi Wonder Creams":D No adverse reactions so far so will trial them for a few days and then report back in more detail.

Anyone got anything special planned for the bank holiday.

I'm house viewing tomorrow. Other than that just a nice potter for me. I could do with a mooch round the shops but they will probably be heaving so I'll pass till next week.

Have a great day everyone.