Frugal Frump to Fab - 2015

maman

lessonlearned wrote: »

Sofarbehind - post as much as you like, I think it helps to keep you on track if you write it all down.

Completely agree. Although not intentional, I think there's a sense of accountability about the thread. I know I find if I post that I'm going to do something I feel obliged to at least try. And I think you should post regularly too Ellsbel . At any given time there'll be those feeling up and those feeling down so we can help each other.


Loved your post rowan, sounds like you had an excellent weekend. And very mse wearing CS buys,


Better luck with the next house viewing LL. Now that we're back we need to contact the painter to make a start on our house refurb. I'm afraid it's years since some of the rooms were done so it's looking shabby. Hoping for more decluttering as I work through.


Off to a slow start this morning. I've had a shower, creamed all over with a hint of the self tan. Just letting my hair dry off a bit naturally before styling it. After lunch I'm going to get the Shellac off finger nails. They were about half grown through before my holiday so I'm going to let them grow through completely before any more. I'm planning to have my toenails done in French manicure for a change (not Shellac). I could do it myself but fancy a bit of pampering.

Ellsbel

I think you're right maman about posting more often - I think as well as accountability, for me personally, it helps a little to connect with everyone, and to ramble on about stuff that I don't get to talk about in the "real world"!
No house fabbing done yet as I've not had a chance aside from errands, dropping and collecting and feeding hungry teens and dog!
I have joined the local library though - I've not picked up a book since getting back from holiday a few weeks back, so this is for a bit of frugal mind fabbing and to give me a reason to leave the house every few weeks apart from just for my usual essential quick errands; the Internet is a wonderful thing but it makes it far too easy to stay at home in your shell if you so choose - I need to go out more and have a reason to smarten myself up. I must say though, having not been in a library for years, I was saddened by how sparsely the shelves seemed to be stacked - a sign of the times, I suppose.
Not much body fabbing done, but I've been merrily glugging water today instead of my usual Diet Coke, which I'm trying to give up, so that's something good I've done:)
Right - some brain exercise now watching The Chase, then off to cook a healthy dinner for us all x

Rowan_moon

Ellsbel wrote: »

I have joined the local library though - I've not picked up a book since getting back from holiday a few weeks back, so this is for a bit of frugal mind fabbing and to give me a reason to leave the house every few weeks apart from just for my usual essential quick errands; the Internet is a wonderful thing but it makes it far too easy to stay at home in your shell if you so choose - I need to go out more and have a reason to smarten myself up. I must say though, having not been in a library for years, I was saddened by how sparsely the shelves seemed to be stacked - a sign of the times, I suppose.
x

Ellsbel I love the library and have have used it for years. I know every area might be different, but I'm able to order the latest books delivered to my local library for 50p - much cheaper than buying them. Also, can download ebooks, magazines and talking books for free which saves loads of dosh :j

I'm a bit upset about an encounter with two social services folks when visiting my Mum yesterday so need to be a bit gentle with myself today. I have a day to myself so am going to have another go at my wardrobe and see if anything can be put on Fleabay. I'm keeping up with the foot fabbing and seeing results.

Still trying to do the garden fabbing and have a wooden swing seat to paint but all that rain means it's too wet to sand, so might have to read my Kondo book instead

What fabbing are you doing today? :heart2:

Ellsbel

I'm going to look into the downloads and talking books rowan I like to listen to the "talkies" when I walk the dog so if I can get them to work on my phone it'll save me a few quid!
Sorry about your upsetting encounter *hugs* - hope you get to pamper yourself a bit today to help feel better.
Heading off for a lukewarm shower now (got to get someone in to fix the hot water!) then moisturising and try to find something smart but comfy to wear - another day of chores and running around today so don't need to be too dressed up - just need not to be "slobby"!
Will wash hair, let it dry and then straighten it to smooth out the frizz; ended up disappointed after my hair appointment last week -yet again I allowed myself to be talked out of the colour I wanted and I ended up paying 70 quid for what amounts to a dulled down version of what I already had
Oh well - I'll live with it.
Have a good day everyone x

maman

I'm another with a vote for using the library. In my area, books can be reserved for free but I've had the Kondo book on order for weeks and so far nothing:(. My problem is that I seem to go in fits and starts with reading. A few weeks ago I made myself read my art book daily but life got in the way. On holiday I read four books and started a fifth but haven't looked at it since I got home. I seem unable to get out of the mindset that reading is something I do on holiday or if I'm unwell. The only regular reading I seem to 'allow myself' is the morning paper. Must do better!:)


Sorry you had a frustrating time with Social Services rowan. There does seem to be a huge variation between Local Authority areas. I think the sooner it all gets linked up with the NHS into a national system the better.


I think the fact that you have a dog to walk must be really helpful in getting out and getting exercise ellsbel. I'm sure more 'excursions' would be good for you. Fortunately my local library is in a small local shopping centre with heaps of CSs and also the shop where I get my nails done so a little browse round there is very therapeutic.


I know where you're at with hair. My hairdresser put in too many darker highlights on my last visit but fortunately sun has sorted that out.


I've treated myself to this
http://www.jigsaw-online.com/products/tie-neck-cotton-blend-top-10117
It's due to arrive this week on click and collect so may have a browse round shops when I go to pick it up. It's expensive but I have it in pale pink (at full price:eek:) and I love it. Non iron and a bit smarter than the average tee shirt. I think a navy one will be useful.


Had my nails done yesterday. I just had the Shellac removed from fingernails. They're about 3/4 grown through now so will give them a few more weeks before more polish and meantime keep using oil and cream. I do find keeping manicure items next to my chair in sitting room really helpful. I've had French manicure on my toes and it looks very classy. I'm delighted I persevered with the infection as my toenails look amazing now.


Out to lunch with friends today so probably a day off healthy eating although I've been pretty good since getting back. It's muggy here but not sunny so not sure how summery to dress. I think I might go for a summer skirt and top but take a bright cardigan just in case. Now that I've got brown legs I don't want to hide them under jeans if I can avoid it!;)

indiepanda

Hello, it is possible to join in part way through the year on this?

I really need to look after myself better (diet and exercise wise) and present myself better - rarely wear make up, often tie hair up rather than style it etc. And although I am not massive, I am big enough that it affects the clothing choices I make - I wouldn't go quite as far as frump... but I avoid lots of fashionable shops because they won't stock my size.

I've made a bit of a start in the last couple of months - lost about a stone since the start of May through diet and exercise - but that's been made easier by the fact I am taking a career break over the summer and I did a two week juice detox overseas at the start that shifted at least half of it.

When I return to work I need to keep it up - have lost a stone a number of times before and put it all back when the next stressful project has come along. And I really need to lose another 3 ish stone on top of the 1, and pretty much all my work is stressful...

Mission for the next couple of months is to push hard to get down to the lowest weight I've been since I moved to London (eight years ago), (which would be mean at least another half stone off - very achievable), and get a bit of house fabbing done - need to shed "weight" there too in the form of decluttering of possessions, even getting rid of weeds and cutting back overgrown plans in the garden.

As I am on a budget due to taking unpaid leave, I need to watch my pennies while I do this - e.g. I don't want to spend too much on new clothes - especially not till I get to target weight, so when I get to the point of being too small for my current wardrobe (a few items are too large now, but plenty just fit better) I need to explore discount options and charity shops.

lessonlearned

Feeling a bit fed up today, but your chatty post cheered me up Maman.

I do like this thread, it's like having a coffee and a chat with friends.

It's the 1 year anniversary of my husband's death next month and I can feel it hanging over me, just looming like a big black cloud. Hopefully I'll feel better when it's over, I guess it's just one of those milestones that has to be passed.

Ive not visited my library in ages. I think I will have to make small effort. Ive bought a few design books off Amaz&n recently but ive not read as such for a while.

The t shirt looks nice and yes navy would be useful. Ive just picked up a really good quality white one with a bit of a lace cut out at the neckline from the charity shop. it was new, never worn and at £3 it was expensive for a CS bargain but it really is very good quality and has had a lot of compliments. I think sometimes it's better to pay for quality, they wash better.

We've got a designer outlet village about 10 miles away and I always try and stock up with a couple of nice quality tops when I go there. I'm due another trip.....

Rowan - sorrynto,hear about your upset with Social services. It can be very distressing having to deal with them. Some are very kind and do,all they can but some just seem to be very unsympathetic and have little real understanding of what it's like to be the "end user". I had the misfortune to deal with some right little Hitlers.

And of course the red tape can be mind boggling - just when you are at your most sensitive and vulnerable.

My closest friend is a retired midwife and she and I often joke that some of the people who work for social services must have completed their training at Gestapo HQ. A macabre joke perhaps but we used to say their initials SS were a suitable commentary on how some of their staff treated their clients.

Not all obviously, some were wonderful.

Anyway hope you get all the issues dealt with to your satisfaction. Finding the right help and care for our sick and elderly loved ones is a minefield, it's exhausting and can be soul destroying, so remember to take care of you, you need support too.

My legs are brown now, but it's mainly cheaty self tan......:rotfl:

maddiemay

Big hugs to those who need them, anniversaries are hard LL.

I agree, it is just like having a chat with a bunch of friends when I drop in here:D

This morning OH has just completed booking a 7 day cruise in the Norwegian Fjords, I have 9 weeks to get myself as well as I possibly can, so will be cramming in the iron tablets and eating lots of vegetables, salads and fruit, whilst (like LL) trying to avoid wheat:( and a few other things that don't agree.

I have been pretty good at the fabbing, I like to dress well and enjoy make up, but am quite happy to go out wearing mascara, eyebrow pencil and some lip gloss at times. My nails are growing again at last so have been able to delve into my vast nail polish collection (I am a polishaholic) would love a professional mani and pedi though, must look at the budget to see if there is any wriggle room left for July:D

Indiepanda - while you are off work, might it be worth
investigating some pressure reducing strategies for when you go back, you are obviously great at loosing weight, it would be great if you can find a way of dealing with the tough stuff instead of derailing the weight loss, pilates, yoga, excercise, walking, or something creative?

Rowan - sorry that you had such a bad experience with SS, hope things improve in this respect soon.

Ellsbel

Lovely top maman Yes, my lovely dog gives me a bit of exercise each day - as well as nice cuddles!
Welcome indiepanda and well done on your weight loss so far.
A lot of the ladies on here seem to find some lovely pieces in charity shops to tide them over whilst losing weight; maybe you could have a browse if you have any near you?
lesson learned So sorry you've been feeling low. This must have been such a tough year for you so I hope you get to just take time out to be nice and gentle to yourself when you need to.

Another day when I've not fitted in much house fabbing but I'm not stressing about it; I'm just going to accept that whilst the kids are home I'll have to just do what I can when I can, and the rest can wait till ... September:eek::rotfl:
Used up my face moisturiser this morning - I'm thinking of trying a Lush one next - anyone tried any of theirs? Or maybe I should go for something a bit more frugal!
Have a good evening fabbers x

indiepanda

Ellsbel wrote: »

Welcome indiepanda and well done on your weight loss so far.
A lot of the ladies on here seem to find some lovely pieces in charity shops to tide them over whilst losing weight; maybe you could have a browse if you have any near you?

Hi Ellsbel - that's definitely part of my plan - am figuring if I go to some of the smarter parts of London I should be able to find some things that are in quite decent condition. Only issue is finding things the right kind of colour. It's easy to find lots of black but it make me look like death warmed up.

maddiemay wrote: »

Indiepanda - while you are off work, might it be worth investigating some pressure reducing strategies for when you go back, you are obviously great at loosing weight, it would be great if you can find a way of dealing with the tough stuff instead of derailing the weight loss, pilates, yoga, excercise, walking, or something creative?

Great point - have made a start here but need to do more.

I've started doing a yin yoga class once a week which is great - it's done very slowly so it's almost meditative, and we finish with meditation too. I do need to do more regular meditation / mindfulness - I really like the Headspace app but been struggling to get into a routine with it because I feel pretty chilled out at the moment already. I must try harder at this though, not going to be easier to get into a routine once I am back at work.

I also adore hiking, and I really need to find a local group to go out with for day walks - my social club do weekends away which are fab but not that cheap and mean taking a Friday off work as well as having all the weekend free, so not something to do every month. Anyway, I've identified a ramblers group for the 35-55 age group that I think would work for me so just need to get their calendar and book myself on a walk with them.

I've started running with friends which is good as you get quite an adrenalin buzz afterwards. One of the girls was talking about running into work - which we could do most of the way together - just get as far as Southbank and split to go to our respective offices. I'll need to work out the logistics of getting smartened up for work - but we have showers at the office and maybe I could just leave some suits and shoes there and take underwear / a stretchy top / tights in a backpack.

Anyway, that won't be till the autumn, we run locally at the moment, been prepping for a 10k race this weekend and planning to sign up for another race in the autumn - debating another 10k or half marathon (I am leaning towards the former as I think the latter might be more stress!).

I am also doing a new class called Fitsteps which is a dance based class developed by Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe of Strictly Come Dancing - kind of an alternative to Zumba I guess. I am not very good at it - bit uncoordinated. But its fun, the teacher is incredibly nice and you get a sweat on even when you are going the wrong way.

The creative thing I am planning to do when I have lost some more weight - did some sewing classes a while ago and would like to make some clothes once I need some smaller ones. There's no point at the moment as the wardrobe is overflowing already. Would be good to learn the skills for alterations too - though taking things in might be a bit complicated for a beginner...

Am part way through doing a home mani / pedi. Need to wait till I get back from running to paint my toenails as I haven't enough time to let the polish dry now, but I've spent ages smoothing my hooves off with the micro pedi and cleaned off my polish and picked out the colour to use and will finish when I get back. The fingers I can do now as I'll just do a coat of clear - I don't often put colour on my finger nails as it tends to chip quite quickly.