Frump to Fab - Onwards and Upwards

maman

Hello all, have been reading but haven't posted when the forum was temperamental.


Sending big hugs to all of those with health and family problems. Like rose says, good health is so valuable. I'm fortunate that I have/have had very few ailments.


I took prudent's advice and bought the hot cloth cleanser and also they eye cream from Superdrug as they were on offer. I needed both so thought I'd give them a go. Used the cloth today and while it's too soon for any alleged 'brightening' effect it was a good experience and left me feeling clean. I did notice an overnight peel in the range too LL.


My hair's marginally better today. I used a John Frieda conditioner. For the last few weeks I've been trying a L'Oreal Sulphate Free thing. I though it was a good idea but my hair's been a real mess so I'll steer clear for a while at least until after I've been to hairdresser.


LL, I love hearing how the house is getting on. My friend got me hooked on 'Homes under the Hammer'. I'm not so decadent that I watch TV at 10 in the morning:eek: but I record it to watch when I feel like it. There are often houses for sale in your neck of the woods, you seem to have such a good range of housing stock of all ages, sizes and conditions. We're still procrastinating over plans to redecorate. We got as far as buying some kitchen paint last weekend but that was an easy choice (white!:rotfl:). I just feel I want something light and bright in the rest of the house but I'm stuck for ideas. Where do other look for inspiration?

sweetcheeks33

LL I have recently finished a wrinkle reducing cream by Olay that was lovely to use and last ages as you only needed a little. My skin was well hydrated & moisturised and smoothed out

Olay regenerist wrinkle relaxing complex- but boots seem to be out of stock online so I wonder if it is discontinued.

I am currently using kiehls powerful strength line reducing concentrate which is also good and gives a little heat on skin on application. Lovely to use on skin. Like silk infact, hopefully will last a while as only using one pump. ( I got it to test I didn't but it as it's £49.99 eek!!

One I have tried that I really like an have used on off is Est!e Lauder advanced night repair. It does what it says on the tin and every now and then I return to it.

I find a microdermabrasion once or twice a year is also great for helping with fine lines and skin brightening.

Although I'm sure all this is info you have LL, I love reading your tips and I'm sure you can ( and do) learn us a thing or too about skin care etc. I bet your skin is gorgeous x

Hope your getting on well with the plans you have and the plastering is going acording to plan.

We are changing estate agents for flat selling to one more local ( long story) so fingers crossed we can get it sold quickly... I'm feeling good vibes ...

sweetcheeks33

Maman.. I moved into my house 7 years ago and it's still magnolia!! I'm terrified to add colour. My friend have just done her flat and every room is pale grey with various colour adds with accessories.. It's truly gorgeous!

Hopefully once flat sells I can think about doing some bits and pieces to our home.. It can do with it to brighten it up and feel more like home

Bitsy_Beans

Maman Pinterest has loads of ideas for just about everything under the sun and I know they have lots of interior decorating ideas to browse.

LL seems like so much added stress for you, your mum, your dad, your SIL and your FIL hugs for your all xxx

Katiecat welcome to the thread. No advice but keep hanging around here and we will help you any way we can xx

My skin is getting back to normal now I am back using regular shampoo. It was a shame my no poo didn't work out but considering I've lived all my life with regular breakouts of spots (clearly I am so youthful, reliving my teenage years :rotfl:) I wasn't prepared to have awful skin for the sake of my hair
Given myself a nice facial massage with jojoba oil and am about to have a session of facial exercises after I've finished posting.
Watched a documentary called Happy today. About what makes humans happy. I do love these documentaries on Netflix, some interesting ones on there.

Sorry I haven't replied individually to many posts, there were too many to comment on. Hugs and high fives all round xx

lessonlearned

I don't know about my skin being gorgeous:rotfl: it's soft and supple but unfortunately I have noticed some nasty little surface lines recently.

I have been blessed with good genes, both my mother and my grandmother had wonderful skin. My mum has some crows feet but her face is remarkably free of fine surface lines and she is 89.

Up until I was around 55 I did look pretty reasonable, however, I really do think that the years of stress and worry have taken their toll. I do feel that my skin has aged a lot in the last few years. I am hoping that eventually I will be able to reverse some of the damage.

One of my favourite treatments used to be CACI - it was my little indulgence. However since my brush with cancer I am very wary of using any kind of electrical stimulus on my face just in case it leads to overproduction of skin cells which could become cancerous. Perhaps I'm being over cautious.

Anyway skin care science really has come on leaps and bounds so I'm sure I will find some good products. Anyway thanks for your input, I've heard good things about Este Lauder. I'm currently using Olay, not the regenerist range, I've not tried that, I'll have a look but I seem to recall that it was retinol based and unfortunately I've had bad reactions to retinol in the past.

I do like making my own potions so I might experiment a bit. I have made up some body oil which I have been using to treat my legs because my shins have been really drY with patches of excema. The oil is definitely helping.

Just spoke to SIL and she is much better this evening. Apparently FIL seems happy enough and is settling in. It was actually his decision to go into care. He knows he has dementia and has reached the point where he felt a care home was more appropriate.

He has been absolutely remarkable in the way that he has lived with his dementia, he was meticulous about writing things down, keeping records and diaries and using aide memoirs, however, he is now well aware that he needs constant supervision and a secure environment. I do admire him for the way he has faced up to this.

Apparently he has already charmed the carers and nurses, they all think he is wonderful. SIL and I had quite a laugh about it because it's definitely a case of like father, like son. They really were like two peas in a pod, sweet gentle souls who could charm the birds off the trees. I have no doubt that he will be happy there because, just like my OH, he will have everyone eating out of his hand. He will be fine and thankfully SIL can relax a little knowing that he is settling in so well.

I am really pushed for,time this next couple of weeks be ause I have builders and workmen booked in, however I'm hoping to go to Scotland before Christmas. I have to confess that I don't really relish the prospect of a trip north of the border in the depths of winter.....

Maman - I agree with BITSY. Have a good mooch round Pinterest and some of the design and decorating websites. You will find lots of inspiration and ideas.

As for white - I love it. It is my decorating staple. There are so many wonderful shades of white, creamy whites for cold North facing rooms, cooler whites for bright sunny south facing rooms. Then there are all the "hint of colour" type whites, then of course there are all the lovely pastels. I agree there are some lovely greys around at the moment.

I tend to have something of a template when it comes to decorating. I love colour but I only use it as accents, just using "pops" of colour.

I find it's much cheaper this way and of course it's much easier to ring the changes when you get bored.

I tend to have all the large surface areas in neutral. So the walls will either a shade of white or a very pale pastel, always emulsion, never any wallpaper. It's just so practical and easy to maintain, scuffs can be touched up, and when it needs redoing it only takes one coat to bring it back to life.

The floorings will either be wood or neutral carpet. Curtains are usually the same shade as the walls or I will choose wooden blinds or shutters. Sofas are fairly neutral, and furniture is either natural wood if it is nice or hand painted if the wood is too damaged.

I find that by keeping the large areas and the expensive items neutral I can then go to town on the accessories. I add colour with artwork on the walls, throws, rugs, ornaments, flowers, plants and quirky bits and pieces like unusual glassware or pottery.

So because we are painting on new plaster the first stage of this house will be cream walls downstairs uand white walls upstairs. The carpets will be a tweedy oatmeal coloured Berber type.

I like to ring the changes regularly and work with the seasons. My winter colours this year will be plums and heathery colours, with shots of lime green here and there to give it a bit of punch.

I tend to go for deep rich colours in the winter to make everywhere feel warm and cosy and then soft pastels and creamy whites in the summer to make everywhere feel light and airy.

It sounds extravagant to make regular changes but I really don't spend much. I think if you stick to neutrals for the large surface areas and the big ticket items then with just a few accessories you can easily achieve a whole fresh new look. Accessories such as posters or canvas prints, throws and a couple of new ornaments or pieces of pottery don't break the bank. Cushions can be a bit pricey for what they are but are a doddle to make and flowers and plants can be really cheap or even free if you are a bit green fingered.

I really love decorating and "fluffing" houses. I used to love working on site and pottering about in the show houses, tweaking things, arranging flowers, looking after the plants and just making everything look perfect. I even got paid to do it.:rotfl:

lessonlearned

Ps. Good luck with the sale of the flat.....

pirateyqueen

I'm sending my best wishes to those of you who are going through tough times at the moment. I hope everything settles down for you.

LL, have you tried a vitamin C serum? That is also supposed to be very good for anti-aging. I swear by mine! If you like making potions, there are some easy DIY recipes for it if you search online. I do it, and I've got my mum doing it too!

System

Big <<<<HUGS>>>> so all that need them, LL look after yourself and katiecat hang on in there, it will get better in time though it's raw now.

VJsmum love that dress, I bet you'll look amazing in it

Not much fabbing here lately, have had family staying which has been brilliant but hectic! I'm 54 and have never tried anti-wrinkle cream - I was given some as a pressy when I was in my thirties :rotfl: but didn't use it! Maybe I should start as I definitely have some wrinkles now.

VJsmum

rosyq wrote: »

Big <<<<HUGS>>>> so all that need them, LL look after yourself and katiecat hang on in there, it will get better in time though it's raw now.

VJsmum love that dress, I bet you'll look amazing in it

Not much fabbing here lately, have had family staying which has been brilliant but hectic! I'm 54 and have never tried anti-wrinkle cream - I was given some as a pressy when I was in my thirties :rotfl: but didn't use it! Maybe I should start as I definitely have some wrinkles now.

it's arrived....

It's Uh may zing ! :D

Now i just need somewhere to wear it. :rotfl:

sweaty_betty

Hello all
I've been reading but not posting.
Health still isn't great, had a medical appt today and need to go back in 10 days. BUT have been making an effort with my skin

Each night I take off my make up, then cleanse my face with Nivea cleanser and a warm flannel, in the morning I use the flannel with my face wash. That as well as hydrating serum and a new moisturiser has my skin looking and feel great! I'm still getting spots but think they're more hormone-based unfortunately.
I've also splashed out on some bare minerals make up - I've heard loads of good things about them so went and spent half an hour with the counter assistant. She convinced me to give it a go! (Won't be buying the mascara though as it's halfway down my face already...)

I really fancy chocolate right now, but am cutting out carbs for a while. Lemon water doesn't really have the same effect