Frump to Fab - Onwards and Upwards

lessonlearned

Good evening ladies

Well I've been busy or more to the point DS2 has worked his not so little socks off. I've done what I can to help but physically I really am wiped out. I have no energy and just get sooooo tired. I guess it's to be expected.

I've done a bit of painting but he has done the bulk of it all, first coat of emulsion on the hall, stairs and landing, plus lounge and dining room. It's just a temporary freshen up for now in neutral colours so that we can get straight and get the carpets down before the weather gets really cold.

He also cleaned out all the rubble and rubbish from the cellar. I've got a dehumidifier down there so hopefully it should dry out a bit then we can get the joiner in to put in an extra air vent, repair and replace any floor joists and then we can insulate the downstairs floors.

We did take a day off and had a nice trip to IKEA. We bought lots of nice kitchen bits and some storage boxes etc. so next weeks task is to finish unpacking my clothes and sort out my winter wardrobe.

We also did a trawl round some car dealerships - test drive tomorrow. So bit by bit we are getting organised.

I've still got lots of legal and financial stuff to tackle, I've made a start but there is still an awful lot to do. Never mind it will all get done by and by.

Sounds like there's lots of fabbing going on out there. Loving the positive vibes.

Rummer

Good to hear from you LL It sounds as if the house will be fresh and homely for the festive season. Hard work with such good results is so satisfying.

I started the mass declutter today and the car is filled ready for a trip to the dump tomorrow. There is no doubt that I need to shift a lot of stuff out of the house to help me feel more organised and to allow me space and time to enjoy the good things

Day four of being vegan is done and dusted and I am so enjoying all the new things that I am eating My sandwich combinations have been packed with nutrition and delicious and I am loving focussing on keeping my body and mind calm, healthy and full of energy. Giving up caffeine has been tough but the headaches have passed :j

My skincare regime is going well too and my skin is staring to have a healthier glow! Lets just hope I can keep it all going :rotfl:

ScarlettMcCain

Well done LL on being so organised - and having the energy to do so much on the house! We are now on year 3 of having no proper kitchen since OH ripped it out to make way for the extension 'next year'. Sigh…..

Rummer, I'm vege but would really struggle being vegan, perhaps improving my meal planning would help! Sounds like you are feeling better for it :T

A big congratulations to everyone else as well on the fabbing. It isn't easy keeping it up! I've lapsed over the last few days, combination of wrong time of the month and OH being in an accident at work; he'll be fine now but just to get the phone call saying he was in hospital was incredibly stressful. All his own fault and he'll have the scar to prove it, but it knocked me off course with the fabbing till today.

However, today I've sorted out my roots, slapped on the fake tan (otherwise I am unattractively pasty) and sorted out lots of housework that I've meant to do for ages! Also had a look through my underwear collection and worked out that it really wasn't helping my self image/ slimming attempts to wear horrible (but comfy) old underwear. Currently searching for affordable new alternatives - M&S was uninspiring and Primark didn't have anything decent…..

tru

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Morning :hello:[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Pru[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] and [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]lizzie[/FONT] Hope you're both OK xx[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]My nails are so brittle at the moment, my usual hand and foot cream routine obviously isn't enough anymore. I filed them right down a couple of days ago and have noticed just how often I use my fingernails as 'tools', now that I can't So that could be why they're breaking so easily, but it doesn't explain the toenails. lol[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]I've cut down on fruit a bit and have massively increased the amount of spinach leaves and tomatoes (I know, it's really a fruit!) I'm eating. My skin looks a bit clearer already. We're still getting a few tomatoes from the greenhouse but they're nearly over now. So I won't be eating fresh for much longer but I've frozen lots of them. I'm going to make a lot of pasta sauce with just tomatoes, onions, mixed herbs and a bit of basil. I've bought different pastas – I get bored with the same shape each time, I need variety [/FONT]

lessonlearned

Good morning all

I'm having a little lie in, stray cat crept in and has plonked herself on my bed. Little madam....I seem to be less sensitive now perhaps as well because she is determined .......

We've had her chipped, vaccinated and de-flead and wormed etc. she has put on weight and is doing well.

Rummer - sounds like you are going great guns with the decluttering. I definitely need to up my efforts too. I had to clear my husbands room quickly and just shoved everything in boxes. I need to tackle those. DS2 has decided to keep his dad's fish tank and fish so they are currently in his bedroom:rotfl: and I need to dispose of some disability equipment.

Then of course there are old business accounts, tax records, medical records etc. it's hard to know what I have to keep. Ds2 is going to help me scan what we think we might need and then I can finally dispose of that little lot. There are boxes of the stuff.

I'm going to get a nice box to house some special treasures and keepsakes.

Ive been reading a lot about simple living and minimalism - this is very much the way forward for me I think. My sister and I have still not made much headway with my parents house. It's a daunting task and not one either of us are looking forward to.

I know it might appear to be morbid but I have decided I will keep my husbands ashes at home.

When I get my own little house I will set up a little memorial corner in my garden. My friend did this and it is lovely. The grandchildren planted windmills and fairies on sticks. Whenever they walk past they say "hello grand pops".

Anyway I thought it was much nicer than simply "storing" them at the crematorium. When I die the boys will combine my ashes with my husbands and then scatter them for us.

Hopefully that day is some time in the distant future::rotfl::rotfl:

So this week the decluttering begins.

I also need to get back on track with healthy eating and exercise. I really have slipped off the wagon but given the circumstances I'm not going to beat myself up. However it's time to address a couple of minor health issues and start fabbing in earnest.......;)

VJsmum

Morning All

I read along but then don't get round to posting.

The summer holidays saw me put on a few pounds which are slowly coming off again. whilst i am not putting my all into exercising, I am at least managing to do the minimum I set myself - and a little more. I saw a friend yesterday for the first time in about 7 weeks and got the "You've lost a lot of weight - don't lose any more, it's showing in your face". Hmm - concern, envy or !!!!!iness? I am not sure - she, has put on an amount of weight lately so could be the latter two. I don't think it is showing in my face - I know there is the "face or a$$" conundrum as we get older but i have been keeping an eye on it (pardon the pun ). Anyhow, I ain't stopping yet - I am aiming for 10 st by christmas, - which is about 8lb to lose, so not stupid.

My trouble is that 10st - well that's nearly 9st something isn't it? A weight I haven't been for about 20 years so the temptation would be strong to lose more because 9st 13 is too close to 10st for comfort, best take it down to 9st 10, but that is nearly 9 and a half stone, which is about what i was when i got married. See how it goes? I am not anorexic by the way - never have been, but this weight loss regime seems to work for me (5:2, no wheat no sugar) and I am eating really well and healthily so i shall continue this and just see how it goes. I doubt I will get as low as 10st anyway, so may all be arbitrary.

I am cross with myself as I was in Birmingham last week, intending to go to House of Fraser for a make up "thing" at Bobby Brown's - and just.... forgot I have made my eye make up a little lighter to try and counteract that they have become a bit more "deep set" (an age / genetic thing, rather than a weight loss thing). But will go in next time I have time.

The current fabbing project is shoes - a range of cheaper shoes saw me keep slipping and I seem to have developed a bit of a fear of slipping over (I am 50 not 80, so shouldn't really be feeling like that!). I need to buy a few pairs of shoes which are comfortable, not slippy - but fabulous. Fortunately i don't really go for high heels, I am more a "flat shoes / boots" kind of girl. Any suggestions?

Have a lovely sunday - and LL, take care of you.

maman

tru wrote: »

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif] I'm going to make a lot of pasta sauce with just tomatoes, onions, mixed herbs and a bit of basil. I've bought different pastas – I get bored with the same shape each time, I need variety [/FONT]

Strangely, I tend to almost always eat spaghetti with a few lasagne sheets thrown in. But when I order pasta in restaurants I really enjoy other shapes. I might copy your idea, especially as pasta is such and easy standby but healthy dish.


I'd do anything rather than spoil my nails. I've been having some bad luck with watches lately and trying to prise the 'winder' to fiddle with them was very difficult but probably because I was holding back. I know LL swears by massaging oil into cuticles (and generally keeping pamper stuff for hands close by). Any oil will do I think (well not engine oil;)).


Back soon.

Kiwisaver_2

lessonlearned wrote: »

We've had her chipped, vaccinated and de-flead and wormed etc. she has put on weight and is doing well

So she's no longer a stray cat - she's definitely yours for keeps now. :rotfl: What have you named her?

maman

Just rushed off to unload washing machine and got side tracked.


VJ'smum, you might be surprised (or maybe not) how common that sort of 'jealousy' over weightloss is. I've certainly had it and still get some comments. Someone said to me just last week 'but you've got willpower' as if it was some sort of unattainable lucky quality that I was born with! She meant it as a compliment but it was definitely said with envy. You'll know when you're at a weight you feel comfortable with and meantime just soak up any compliments and ignore anyone else.


One of my SILs has an underactive thyroid and blames her weight (considerable) for that. She even tried to persuade my DD2 that it was a family trait that was unavoidable. Now I knew that DD2's increase was down to pints of lager and eating junk at university and eventually she took herself in hand. Similarly I have another SIL that has the same complaint but is perfectly slim because she watches what she eats. I heard a funny anecdote that people like my SIL may have an underactive thyroid but what they really suffer from is an over active knife and fork!!:D


Keep us posted on the decluttering please. I've still got loads to do and it motivates me. We have a very 80s looking fitted unit above/around our bed. Similar to this but without the side wardrobes.




I'm really fed up with it and it's going just as soon as we get round to redecorating. BUT I have to find homes for all the stuff in the overhead cupboards.:(


Have a good day all. Its sunny and warm here. I'm not doing anything special but it always cheers me up.:)

lessonlearned

Hello again

Had a lovely day but omg I am absolutely shattered. I had no idea that grief or mourning was just so physically taxing. I haven't done much today but I really do feel wiped out.:o

Anyway I've ordered my new (to me) car - a little Corsa - a nice little economical urban run about. My last vehicle was a wheelchair accessible vehicle and it was like driving a tank. Hopefully my new one should be easier to drive and definitely easier to park:rotfl:

It was gloriously warm and sunny so I helped DS1 in his garden, basically just weeding. Problem is my knees are now killing me.

Maman - could you bottle some of that willpower and send me some.....

I have been so naughty with my eating. I've overdosed on wheat and I feel heavy and bloated.

It is just 4 weeks since my husband died and I know I can't rush things but I have decided I will definitely try and overhaul my diet and just generally improve my eating habits. I know I will feel better physically if I make an effort to eat better.

Over the last couple of weeks I have just shopped from my freezer and done top ups from the local corner shop. It is Sainsburys and the produce is ok but it is frighteningly expensive and my food spending has gone through the roof.

All this stops tomorrow. I have a lot of errands to do but I shall also do a proper shop and stock up on healthy stuff. I'm going to go back to the Paleo way of eating because it seems to suit me.

Basically it's just eating clean, no processed food of course and no grains. So that is meat, fish, fruit, veg,nuts and seeds and just a little dairy. True Paleo would eliminate dairy but I find yoghurt and milk seem to sooth my tummy and of course I would feel very deprived if I could never have cheese. I think if I just eat dairy in moderation it should be ok. I also think you do need some dairy for calcium and fat soluable Vit D to protect against osteoporosis.

VJ's Mum I do think some people are jealous of anyone who is successful at losing weight and that they make comments about ,overdoing" things. I'm sure you won't take things too far - you sound as if you are very sensible and yes as you get older you do sometimes have to chose between the face and the body.

I definitely want to tackle my weight now - for health as much as for vanity. diabetes runs through the female line in my family. So far my insulin levels are ok but I have definitely been eating too much "beige" food of late. Back to the colours of the rainbow to ensure a healthy mix of nutrients and vitamins and to keep my insulin levels on an even keel.

So that's my plan and my new goals between now and Christmas.

Lose at least one stone in weight
Sort out my winter wardrobe
Declutter - selling what I can. If it won't sell then I will give it away.

Help DS2 finish his house
Help DS1 on his house

My "helping" will have to be less hands on for a while until I feel a bit stronger but I can advise and help with the planning and of course I can provide the refreshments.

Speaking of which I am aiming to be a bit of a domestic goddess this week. I picked a load of Apple and pear windfalls today so need to get cooking those for the freezer, and theres a load of green tomatoes just crying out to be made into chutney.

Looks like a busy week.