Frugal Frump to Fab - 2015

Rowan_moon

How strange, both my daughter and I had a £25 premium bond win too this month. I'm going to use mine for some fabbing, not sure what yet.

LL be gentle with yourself. I think grief comes in waves and know when my Dad died after a while I would have good days then something would hit me out of the blue. You have been through so much in a short time and also being in pain can't help. Sending you a big hug and no, definitely not being mardy.

Rose hope you are on the mend.

My Mum is still in hospital and they have now decided she has a fracture in lower leg. She will be in for a while yet but the future feels very uncertain as we aren't sure if she will get back home or will need more support and will have to be looking at other options.

I fabbed for work yesterday, wearing a navy/teal/grey White Stuff skirt with swallows on, a navy t shirt and grey cardi with a blue lace agate necklace. Got a few nice comments and felt very summery. Going to fab today to meet my friend at the Buddhist Centre for lunch, then off to the hospital. Not sure yet what to wear as the weather hasn't decided what it's doing.

lessonlearned

Rose - hope you feel better soon, that sounds really grim.

Rowan - sorrY to hear about your mum. It's a worrying and Stressful time for you. Howver it sounds like they are working to help her.
These thing s are never easy and it takes time to sort everything out.

I had a nice rest on the sofa last evening and a good nights sleep so I feel a lot better today. I took some Nytol' not sure if it's that that made the difference. I also switched my duvet for a summer weight one, so,that might have helped too. Anyway I feel much brighter today.

I'm generally a very positive upbeat person and my down days are thankfully usually feŵ and far between. I do,thank my lucky stars that I was born with a naturally optimistic and sunny nature. I take after my mum and of course my OH was always a very upbeat character, you couldn't keep either of them down for long.

Have any of you been watching the documentaries about Japan, it's a lovely series and I have found it really interesting. One of the things that really interests me about Japan is their culture. Their approach to simple living, their admiration of beauty and of course Their commitment to nature and healthy eating.

Last night it looked at island of Okinawa, where they are famed for their longevity. They had women well into their 90s who still worked the land and who whizzed around on bicycles. They looked so full of life and vitality. When asked the secret of their youth and energy they said things like work, activity, and love. They regularly danced and sang and lived simple but fulfilling lives, tending their gardens, cooking beautiful food, appreciating art and beauty. I found them very inspirational.

Even in the crowded cities they managed to create little havens of peace and tranquility, beautiful gardens the size of postage stamps, tiny little apartments that were simple but comfortable. They seemed to make each day a celebration of life and beauty.

Watching that made me more determined than ever to live a simple and stress free life, to ditch the clutter and materialism.

I will achieve nirvana.......:D or at least I will build a cosy, peaceful haven and retreat, tend my garden, sing and dance, cook and eat delicious foods, make my own lotions and potions, appreciate art and beauty and then occasionally venture forth to travel and have adventures.

.

maman

Hope you feel better today rose. That sounds like a nasty bug, hope the family don't succumb.:)


Sounds like a bit of rest has perked you up LL. That's good to hear.


Strangely enough I wore a White Stuff skirt too yesterday rowan. Mine's this one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/White-Stuff-cotton-summer-A-line-skirt-Size-12-/161735083074?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item25a8298442
so not too summery but at least it got my legs out! Back in jeans today. I'm planning to walk to my dental appointment (about 2 miles) so I want to wear proper shoes and then plan to stroll back over our local common. Determined to get some fresh air!


Strange about your foot problem LL. I think you must establish whether there's a broken bone or not then at least you'll know what you're dealing with. I have my chiropodist appointment on Friday and as I have to go into city centre I've given myself that as a deadline for any shopping for my holiday so really need to have a look at everything beforehand.


I have my eyebrow wax booked for Monday and I'll get my nails done at the same time. I've got used to no polish on my nails in the last few weeks but going to have them done for my holiday. I've been really looking after them with cream, cuticle oil, buffing and filing but they really haven't grown as much as usual. Strange, they'll probably grow like mad once the polish is on and the regrowth shows!!:rotfl:

Rowan_moon

Well my Mum has broken bones in both lower legs and has casts on them both. She is still getting better though and is more upbeat than when she first went in hospital.

I'm a bit exhausted as I'm visiting every other day and it's a two and a half hour round trip each time (3 hours if I don't time it right). But I'm practicing mindfulness - started yesterday by picking 5 beautiful strawberries that I'd grown in the greenhouse, putting them in my yoghurt and having breakfast in bed. Trying to be 'in the moment' more often is helping me not get too ahead of myself with worry.

Off to work now, will be wearing White Stuff blue top with white and orange birds, navy linen trousers and amber necklace and a bit of slap on my face

maman

That journey sounds exhausting rowan, but good that you have a plan for time to yourself even if it's a tiny bit. At least your mother has a diagnosis and is getting the care she needs. Any chance someone could share the visiting with you? Outfit sounds very smart.


I managed half the walking planned yesterday and fortunately the nice part!:) I got a lift to the dentist so just had the lovely stroll through the trees. I stopped and treated myself to a coffee (something I virtually never do) as there's a lovely place in the wildlife centre. Really enjoyed people watching from behind my shades!;) Then walked back through some Victorian streets. I just love looking out the mouldings and Minton tiled paths. Unfortunately so many of the buildings are HMOs and not looked after but still beautiful.


I sorted out most of what I want to pack for my holiday yesterday. Some ironing needed and I need to limit the shoes/sandals but a good start made.


This evening I'm off to a retirement do for a colleague. It's a proper sit down meal in a smart hotel so a bit dressy. What I wear will depend how warm it feels later. So probably a silk dress but might go for evening trousers and a jacket if chilly. The forecast says the weather is good but it doesn't feel that warm.


Sorry this post has been a bit 'me, me, me'. Hope everyone's enjoying their day whatever you're doing.

lessonlearned

Sounds like the holiday prepatations are going well. Holiday shoes are my Waterloo - I always take too many.....

Anyway if I don't get back on here hope you have a lovely holiday.

I had a great journey, sat back and read a book, nice and relaxing. SIL took me to see a chalet she is thinking of buying Last evening and then just a nice quiet dinner.

I'm really tired today and SIL has had to pop into work this morning so I'm just going to have a really slothful self indulgent day, reading, maybe watch a DVD, do some yoga and take a stroll round the village, although the skies look rather daunting. I think rain is on its way - well it is summer in Scotland....:rotfl:

I did consider going into the city today but can't be bothered. I noticed how much Princes Street has changed, and sadly not for the better. All the lovely independent stores are no more, just the usual chains. I'm not going to go into my usual rant about all high streets looking the same, having the same old shops selling exactly the same merchandise .....

I just find it so sad that a once proud and beautiful street should have lost all its own unique identity. I could have been in Derby, Nottingham or anywhere really.

The Royal Mile is of course full of expensive tat aimed at Americans with more money than sense looking to buy kilts and tartan paraphernalia....No self respecting Scot would source their kilt on the Royal Mile.:rotfl:

Hopefully one day city planners will see sense and do something to encourage the indies back into our town and city centres, but I suppose whilst clothing manufacture continues to be outsourced to Asia and Eastern Europe then the big chains will continue to have a stranglehold on the prime retail sites. They are the only ones who can afford the huge rents and business rates.

So I shall not be clothes shopping whilst im here.....

Rowan - that is a lot of travelling for you. No wonder you are tired. Hope her leg legs heal well - at least her medical team have found out what the problem was.

Don't forget fab Friday.......

Rowan_moon

maman wrote: »

That journey sounds exhausting rowan, but good that you have a plan for time to yourself even if it's a tiny bit. At least your mother has a diagnosis and is getting the care she needs. Any chance someone could share the visiting with you?)

Her carer/friend (she is paid, but has been helping my Mum for 10 years) is also visiting and my daughter is getting once a week too. I'm going to cut back to twice a week instead of every other day so going tomorrow (Saturday) then again Wednesday after work, Otherwise I will end up in he bed beside her

Hope you have a wonderful holiday Maman

LL glad your journey was nice an relaxing, just what you needed.

I haven't really done Fab Friday but I fabbed he bathroom. Instead of giving it the usual clean I took everything out, Kondo'd it (have ordered he book today but got he basics of it from the board on here) and gave it the clean of its life :rotfl: Got rid of loads of half used bottles of 'stuff'. Made the decision to use the good stuff (like most of us I have quite a bit of unused toiletries bought when on offer or as gifts). Why on earth am I saving it? Perhaps some beliefs leftover from childhood when anything new had to be saved for a special occasion? Well I'm deciding every day is a special occasion :T

FAB FRIDAY EVERYONE :j

maman

Good idea about sharing the visiting rowan. Between the three of you, your mum will have plenty of visitors.


I know exactly what you mean about saving stuff for best. I'm using up stuff too but (and I don't mean to be uncharitable) I always seem to have smellies bought for me every time I think I'm getting to the end! One day it will be Clarins all the way.;)


Like you I thought the shops were disappointing in Edinburgh LL. We had two things we wanted. My SIL is of Scottish descent and DD asked if we could buy something small for his dad in MacGillivray tartan. All the 'tartan' shops were full of tat so nothing doing there. And because I'm a keen Scottish dancer I thought I'd treat myself to some new dancing shoes. My friend Google tells me there are no shops selling them in the whole of Edinburgh!! Still had a great time though with the sightseeing, eating and drinking!!:rotfl:


I've been to chiropodist today. More expensive than pedicure but I'm really pleased with how she cuts my nails especially, well worth the money. I bought a new, short holiday skirt
http://www.bhs.co.uk/en/bhuk/product/women-1020590/skirts-2810699/casual-skirts-1021105/stone-linen-blend-skirt-3940534?bi=1&ps=20&qbDiscount=20


Much shorter on me than the model. I tried on my usual one but it's a size 14 and much too baggy.:j I'll wear it at the start of my holiday until my legs get brown enough for shorts.


Didn't really do very fab Friday because I didn't wash my hair so always feel a bit of a scruff. We're out all day tomorrow: lunch, matinee at theatre and then onto a birthday party/barbecue which my BIL is sharing with his 1 year old DGD. Probably be fun but very hectic.:)

chanie

Hi everyone.

I'm loving all the talk of holidays, it's getting me into holiday mode for Spain next month. I'M planning a few purchases for the holiday so I should keep up with fanning while I'm away.

I really need to focus on fabbing for work. I have always focussed on fabbing outside of work, so my work wardrobe needs a serious update particularly if I want to be taken seriously as a manager.

I walk 2-4 miles to work, depending upon the day and so I wear crappy shoes as they wear down quickly, but they look cheap. I bought some cheap, leather ballet flats, which I'll change into when I get in. I'm also going to buy some cheap New trousers when I get paid next week. I do begrudge spending money on work clothes, so it's all about the value.

Rose_Wood

Evening All

Good to hear you are having a relaxing day LL and sorry to hear about your Mum, Rowan. I've got over my sickness bug which lasted less than 24 hours thank goodness.

I've just got back from an extra stint at work as we had a particularly busy evening. I fabbed up a bit for Fab Friday and wore a sleeveless fitted shift dress in a dark raspberry colour with button detail at the waist. I teamed it with sheer grey tights and black court shoes, and pinky coral necklace and matching bracelet.

I like the holiday skirt Maman. I never wear skirts as I feel they cut me in half being on the small side. I tend to wear dresses or trousers or these days exercise gear. Today for example I went running, to yoga and played tennis with DS so didn't get out of my sports stuff till I got ready for work this evening. I've been paring down my wardrobe again and taken out another bag full of stuff for the charity shop. I revamped my drawers yesterday and condensed 3 drawers into 2. I now have all my hair bits and bobs, hairdryer, straighteners etc in the top drawer to keep the top of the dressing table tidier. DH is going to drill a hole into the back of the drawer so I can plug things in inside the drawer and just pull it open to use, keeping flexes etc out of sight.

Have a good weekend everyone. Hope you enjoy the theatre trip Maman. What are you going to see? I've got DGD arriving at 9.15 and am going to take her to try out a children's tennis activity and then swimming. I also picked up a lolly mould from the charity shop today so we might try making some frozen smoothie lollies for a healthy treat.

Rose