Frugal Frump to Fab - 2015

maman

Ellsbel wrote: »

Just popped on quickly again and this really made me laugh - definitely brought me joy reading it, maman


Think I'm ready to be a bit more open minded about Kondoing than I was before - I'll have another go at reading the book soon.
Sorry for the rushed posts - hectic couple of days - will post properly later - hugs to all x

I do think she talks a lot of waffle in parts but reading the book (quite easy reading BTW) has definitely helped become less attached to some stuff. I've printed this off the MK thread too. It does help to give a sense of what to work through.


http://jershaanddup.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/konmari-checklist1.pdf


I haven't tried the get everything out method, I'd find that too unmanageable. At the moment I'm working through various areas and making sure there's no accumulated 'stuff' that can go to CS or the bin then making sure everything is put away in it's correct current home and in a category. As space is cleared then some items are finding new homes. My current target is to get everything stored inside fitted cupboards or 'joyful' chests of drawers etc so no additional 'storage' units like today's baskets.


I hope that makes sense. I've cleared two baskets today from under chairs so the only paperwork that's not in the study is insurance policies. I'm working on that.;)


I've made a start on culling my recipe files. I have a loose leaf folder for 'tried and tested' and a box of bits cut out or printed that 'might fancy one day'. I've culled them and taken out all the duplicates (printed off because I lost the original) and the unhealthy ones that wouldn't fit in with the way I eat now. So I have a small pile of 'recipes' to try and the others are all known favourites.:)


I'm going to cut and paste this into the MK thread as that's where it should be. Sorry to hijack the thread with my current passion.:D

lessonlearned

No I don't do the "soppy stuff" either. I just take a pick and mix approach from her advice. I can, however, understand why she suggests starting with clothes etc first and leaving sentimental items and memorabilia until last.

One thing I took from the "does it give me joy" approach was, rather than fretting about what to get rid of is that maybe it's easier to think in terms of what would I like to keep.

Ive done this with both my husbands and my mums things and it definitely made dealing with their possessions much easier.

Ive taken the decision that if I cant wear it - ie mums jewellery, use it, or look at it - my husbands favourite paintings or objet d'art then I won't bother keeping it. In addition, I have a small memory box for each of them, cards, letters, photos, small objects etc., mostly just silly sentimental things that have meaning or tell a story.

In my old house I had fitted furniture in most rooms, wardrobes, cup boards etc which really gave me loads of storage so that everywhere did always look neat and tidy even though I did actually have loads of "stuff".

Downsizing meant I had to be ruthless but it's more than that for me. I think I was moving more to "simplicity" anyway but losing two people I loved really taught me that ultimately it's just "stuff". Clinging on to it won't bring them back.

Anyway another car load gone from the cottage today. Tomorrow I can start cleaning. Legal completion is set For next Monday.

Dad is really struggling, the grief at losing mum is really starting to bite now but also letting go of their home is really hitting hard. I know
he's a cantankerous old devil at times but I can't help but feel sorry for him.

On a fabbing note, ive tracked down a SW meeting so aiming to go on Friday.

Rummer

Great news about SW LL the group I went to was incredibly supportive and the diet will suit your style of eating.

Today I took great care in my appearance, styling my hair and applying makeup before putting on an outfit I had planned in advance. The manicure added that little extra bit and I got a couple of compliments today which was lovely

I have really fallen for the Naked Basics 2 palette, the colour and finish are ideal for me and having watched some application video clips I have started to improve my eyeshadow application technique. Worth having a look at Urban Decays range if you are looking for a natural range of colours.

maman

Compliments are always welcome rummer. Well done for making an effort, it paid off!:)

lessonlearned wrote: »

On a fabbing note, ive tracked down a SW meeting so aiming to go on Friday.

I found it difficult to get used to the 'happy clappy' aspect and the format can be very samey every week but the groups can be very supportive. Whatever happens, you'll get the introductory talk and a set of books on Friday which would be enough to get you started on your own if necessary. The sample 7 day menu on the website ifs good too. There's a great, friendly thread on here as well where you'd be very welcome.

chanie

LL good luck with SW. I tried it, but I prefer WW.

Rumer I really struggle with doing my eyes, so I'll definitely look at the palettes and tutorials.

Maman I keep my recipes on my computer - I normally bookmark them. I have a couple of recipes books, but I'll eventually get rid of them.

I've totally fallen off the wagon with the 30 day shred. On my third day, I had a problem getting the DVD to play, so its kind of fallen by the wayside.

On a more positive note, I have been wearing my lovely summer clothes. I told Mr C that I wanted to wear them as much as could whilst the weather was nice -although its now changed.

I have a salad for lunch today - lettuce, plum tomatoes, beetroot, crayfish tails, left over plain pasta and a little bit of dressing.

lessonlearned

One last final day at the cottage, waiting for chazza shop to pick up some unwanted furniture so whilst I'm waiting I Will give it a clean and one final go with the bin liners, collecting up any bits and bobs.

Then a trip on Sunday to read the meters, will take dad then and let him say his final goodbyes.

My sister wants to scatter mums ashes this week on a little piece of land that we have, that is actually separate from the house but after Weve scatteredthe ashes she too wants to go and say goodbye to the house.

Just a few more days and then hopefully my life will be my own again.......:o

Had a restless night and am really tired today and really don't feel like doing much. Hey ho....nearly there.

Re SW. I too hate the happy clappy stuff and I'm biit unsure I want the hassle of attending classes every week, I really have better things to do with my time. But.......I'll keep an open mind and give it a go.

Need to get back on the Kondo - ive bought a lad of papers from mum and dads house, most of it can probably go but imdo,need to,go,through it properly first - just in case.

Still haven't found mums ruby and diamond ring though......ive found everything else that went awol but not that.

Right better get the day started. I think I will cook the meatballs and sauce for tonight's pasta dish before I go, because I will probably be too tired when I get back.

Have a good day, it's boiling here already.

Ps. If the skies are clear, then look to the north east from 11 pm tonight. You might be in luck and see a meteor shower. I caught it last night but apparently tonight is the best night.

I shall be there with my new zero gravity deckchair, set to the lean position so I can lie back and watch the skies, with a blanket and a glass of something.......

maman

lessonlearned wrote: »

Re SW. I too hate the happy clappy stuff and I'm biit unsure I want the hassle of attending classes every week, I really have better things to do with my time. But.......I'll keep an open mind and give it a go.

If it's not too far from home, you don't have to stay if you're busy. I sometimes 'weigh and go' but paying £5 just to be weighed is a bit OTT. I don't pay any more because I'm at target so just call in every three or four weeks as it means I get access to the website for all the syn values.


chanie, there's something about my recipe folder and box that 'sparks joy'. Some are handwritten from friends and family others are recipes my DDs had when they were at school but I'm definitely going to get more sensible when it comes to new ones on line. One plus is that I looked through the 'will try one day' pile and decided on a new (to me) recipe for next week. DH loves pulled pork and I've been lazy and used one from Tesco but they've changed the recipe (extra oil or sugar or something) so I'm trying a healthier option.


Had thoughts about the bathroom Kondoing for today. It makes more sense to have to go to the cupboard and take out what I need before a shower as it helps me plan my pampering session. We've all been in the position that we're in the shower and realise something isn't to hand. So by lining up (and replacing afterwards) my shampoo, conditioner, face wash, shower gel, hair mousse, deodorant, body lotion, moisturiser, eye cream, foot file and foot cream:eek: I can sort myself out from head to toe. Oh and I forgot perfume!!!!:rotfl:


DH has now remembered that it's our wedding anniversary tomorrow and suggested we do something special. So we're off to London for the day. I'll decide what we'll do exactly later but some culture, some walking, some eating and drinking is what I'd like.:)


Car went in yesterday for 'deer damage' to be repaired. we have a courtesy car which is a Fiat 500!! DH said he felt like Noddy driving it home. Then ensued a rather risqu! conversation about how men who drive big cars are often compensating for small er....appendages so the Fiat 500 was just a way of showing off!!:D


Bright and sunny here but boiling would definitely be an exaggeration:(.

chanie

Maman if it sparks joy, it should be kept. I had a recipe folder which didn't spark joy and I rarely used it, so I got rid of it!!!

Ellsbel

Have a lovely anniversary maman - sounds like my perfect kind of day:)
Went to coast today with my parents, my youngest and the Dog! Had a nice long walk and then Fish and Chips, which was naughty and about as far removed from SW as you can get! But I won't eat anything else today.
Feeling really tired now, so sorry it's another quick post - I'm still reading everyone's posts with interest:)
Some ironing to do in a bit, then dinner for OH and kids before watching ' Bake Off and an early night!

ETA: although the idea of sitting under the stars and looking for the meteorite sounds tempting ll - especially with a glass of something!!:)

Rummer

chanie wrote: »

Rumer I really struggle with doing my eyes, so I'll definitely look at the palettes and tutorials.

I was skeptical about the costs however I am delighted with the eyeshadow and I think it will become one of my beauty staples. There are usually Urban Decay counters in Debenhams so you could go in and ask for a demo to try it out.

Again today I made a real effort with clothes, hair and makeup although my eating choices were not the best I was surrounded by people eating cake and biscuits and I threw myself into joining them with great enthusiasm .

Tonight I went out for my first solo cycle and I made it up the massive hill in th either local park for the first time today :j It is such a sense of achievement seeing how I am improving week on week. Don't get me wrong, I am very slow moving but my goodness am I determined. Definitely more tortoise than hare :rotfl:

Another wee pamper session planned for tonight and a dress looked out for tomorrow. My healthy breakfast and lunch are prepared so I am not tempted by sugary treats.

Keep fabbing