Frugal Frump to Fabulous Winter Solstice to Spring Equinox

heebie-jeebies

Good morning all,

LL - So great to see you posting your fab steps like the original threads. I think you've come such a long way since you started our fab school and are an inspiration to all of us.

Teacher and Bitsy - I know what you mean about routine, I'm missing mine as well. I am actually working but as my team are so spread out I'm working from home and I find it very distracting but did get a lot done yesterday.

maddiemay wrote: »

There is no legitimate reason that I have not planted those bulbs, made an appointment at the hearing clinic, e-mailed two friends or started that huge great of paper work that just needs filing, or painted my toe nails.

Right then Maddie, how're you getting on with your list? Call the hearing clinic and email those friends today. Your health (assuming the appointment is for you here) is the most important thing and I think friendships are important to keep you happy.

I've just done the mirror test and I'm reasonably happy. However that is only because of following this thread in the past. My posture has always been good, I was in a marching band as a teenager so I had to stand tall :rotfl:. My clothes are not tatty and worn out (well maybe some socks!) and this was a starting point for me a couple of years ago - I was constantly going to work in old baggy black trousers even though I had some lovely dresses. So I would recommend this as a starting point, if you recognise clothes as being tatty or that don't fit well then do something with it - I'm not saying throw them out yet but look in your wardrobe for what you could wear instead or consider replacing the old ones with new if your budget allows. For any Mums out there, would you send your children to school in tatty cardigans or tights with holes in?

Teacher2b

WW- happy dog walking! Amazing what a good sleep can do for you.


Good luck with the list Maddie! Take action!


Morning ladies. LL love the mirror trick. I did this as soon as I got up today and as a result have showered, washed, conditioned and blow dried hair, moisturised, applied make up and put jewelellery on and a new little floral day dress I got in the sale at DP, just going to have a cuppa and paint nails and put perfume then on with the day.

I've been thinking about my word and I want it to be self-sufficient. Having spent 2013 both single and coupled up I have realised actually being self-sufficient even when in a realtionship is so much better and takes the pressure off your other half. I can tend to have very high expectations of other people which can lead me to feel let down. OH is going away travelling for a few months so I'm planning me time which looks after my own needs!

heebie-jeebies

That's a good choice Teacher2b. I think it's very easy to lose your own identity when in a relationship, and somehow feel that people (particularly women) who maintain their friendships and independence are more desirable if that makes sense.

maman

heebie-jeebies wrote: »

That's a good choice Teacher2b. I think it's very easy to lose your own identity when in a relationship, and somehow feel that people (particularly women) who maintain their friendships and independence are more desirable if that makes sense.

Totally agree with that hj. I think it's essential for self-worth to be a person in your own right rather than 'just' a mum or a partner. I'm not saying there isn't fulfilment and happiness in either/both those routes but IMO it's not enough in itself.

I've decided my word is going to be THINK.

Like hj, I'm reasonably happy with my fabbing routines ( thanks to this thread) but there's always room for maintenance and improvement. I also need exercise, not just for keeping fit but for the beneficial effects of fresh air in clearing the mind.

What bothers me is that I don't use my mind enough and I think that could lead to becoming boring in terms of conversation. I've never managed to break the habit of only reading on holiday. I do read a newspaper every day but that's often the sum total. I'm going to start by reading through all the lightweight novels I've accumulated (mainly passed on from friends and family) and then move on to something a bit more challenging. It's a start.

I'd welcome any thoughts.:)

P.S. Very simple question: when you're doing make up/beauty routines, do you put your hair back and, if so, with what? My hair is rather thin and flyaway and my fringe can get totally messed up by moisturisers. Any good stretchy hairbands out there?

lessonlearned

Maman - get one of those towelling bands that you fasten with velcro that the salons use. There is a name for them but it escapes me at the moment,:o - Boots, Superdrug.

I agree that maintaining your identity is essential to self respect and well being. It is so easy to become so engrossed with looking after everyone else that we subsume ourselves in their lives and then we lose our way in the process. You definitely have to hang on to "you".

Maman - re the mind streeeetching. If you read a "quality" newspaper, they often have book reviews. Then you should be able to order them from the library. I guess it depends on your interests really.

I do read fiction, but I also love something a bit more worthy sometimes - when I'm in the mood. History, economics, philosophy etc. I love biographies about people who interest and inspire me or who have led interesting lives or done something special. I'm also a sucker for self help and motivational books.

I do not pretend for one moment that my motivational thoughts or quotes are my own. I do borrow shamelessly from other people.

I also enjoy what I would call "compilations" from heavy weight journalists, often taken from articles in newspapers, especially if they are written by "wits". People like Alan Coren, Bill Bryson, Jeremy Paxman etc.

Have you considered joining the University of the Third Age. I have just recently discovered we now have a local branch and I have pencilled it in my diary to contact them.

Good to see that some of you enjoyed the mirror exercise.

Here's a little exercise that is an extension of that one. I point you to this one not to be nasty or judgemental about other people but to help you understand just how easy it is to fall into bad habits and how just a few simple tweaks can make all the difference.

Next time you stand in a supermarket queue take a good look at everyone around you. What do other people look like. Are they well groomed, i.e. clean, neat and tidy or do they look like slobs. What is their posture like.

When you are in a supermarket queue you are trapped with nothing to do. Use the time wisely. Think about your posture and straighten up, tuck your tummy in, do a bit of deep breathing. And here is a great one - whilst you are standing doing nothing do those pelvic floor exercises. :rotfl:

(Try not to pull faces or grunt and groan though - or the men in white coats will come and get you).

I'm bathed and fragrant, time for a spot of brunch and then off to hit ASDA. Need some kitchen bits for DS2's house for when we are working in it.

Hope you all have a lovely New Year's Eve.

heebie-jeebies

Hi Maman,

No I don't use anything to tie my hair back when moisturising etc but I don't have a fringe. Would an Alice band do the job? Otherwise what about a headband like those used by runners to keep all of the hair off your face?

For using your brain, what do you normally read? I'm sure we can find book suggestions for you if you like. How about learning a new skill - speaking French, baking bread, knitting, photography or playing the piano?

Rummer

I love reading and make it a part of every single day, for me a chapter or two at bedtime is essential and most of what I read is non-fiction, often biographies of strong women through history and a scattering of the classics. Recently finished The Picture of Dorian Grey and am most of the way through Catch 22

Bitsy_Beans

ÔK it didn't intentionally try and think of a word but it kinda came to me over last few days. My word for this year is Gratitude
I have much in my life to be grateful for, my family, my health, my home, my friends.

LL good idea about the words I will add them to the first post

I am really enjoying using my oatmeal and milk cleanser. Skin feels lovely and soft.
I use a head band to keep my hair away from my face when I am using lotions and potions. One is one that came with a Clarins set many years ago but I have others which are just like giant hair bands, can buy these in supermarkets, chemists and probably Claire's accessories.

Can anyone recommend a nice waterproof jacket that ISNT the sort you'd buy from Millets or something. I have one like that which I use for dog walking but hate wearing it any other time because I feel scruffy. It isn't scruffy but I associate it with dog walking clothes :rotfl: I don't want an old fashioned mac but something smart and waterproof......

Sadly no exciting plans for NYE tonight. I have already started on the Disoranno (a taste test, honest!).

Whatever you're doing Tonight I hope you have a marvellous evening and look and feel totally fab-u-lous :T_party__party__party_

heebie-jeebies

Lovely post Bitsy, you're so right. We have so much to be thankful for. I think I'll even borrow this one from you and try to take some time to remember this.

I don't have any exciting plans for tonight either. Just me and DH at home probably watching other people's fireworks at 12! I hate going out for new year though so it suits me. We'll have a nice dinner and a few drinks. You're right though - just because I'm staying in doesn't mean I can't be fab so I'll make a bit more effort!

I'm also "blessed" with an early January birthday so will be keeping up with my routines ahead of going out for a meal or something next week.

Whatever you are all doing to bring in 2014, I hope you all have a good night and I look forward to sharing your FAB journey in 2014. Health and happiness to all of you and your loved ones. :beer:

TOOMUCHWORRY

Hello and good afternoon lovely ladies.

Well I got up at 10 this morning, showered,moisterised ( use an inshower one which is both quick and non sticky after) light make up and dash of perfume, hair quickly brushed as will be washing it later and styling into a 1940's hair do for fancy dress party later. Just have to finish last minute alterations to dress for tonight then do nails which are looking really good at the moment but need just a tiny touch up.
I'm brimming with positivity and its all thanks to finding this thread and giving myself a kick up the bum to stop procrastinating and take action!

I don't know how to use the quote thingy so will try that a bit later but was thinking about time to get up and go's comment on long hair. Is your hair cut into a style or is it just long with no particular cut?