Frugal Frump to Fab - 2015

maman

Hope the visit to Nando's was reasonably healthy LL.;)


The Market Place in Ikea is a dangerous place. I was very pleased with myself to only come out with a cushion on Saturday.


Busy with MK still, having a go at the conservatory as it's become something of a dumping ground with the decorating going on and the low sun is showing up just how filthy:o.


Returned the unwanted lampshades and bought the ones that suited. Sitting Room is now completed except for covering the footstool and I have plans for that. DH motivated to move on to dining room next.


Out for a carvery with a few friends later so will do some fabbing. Thursday and Friday I'm looking forward to. Thursday I'm going to a Turner exhibition and lunch with a couple of old friends and then hoping for a walk/lunch at the coast with another on Friday. Real lady of leisure this week.;)

DD265

Hi ladies

Your trip to Ikea sounds great LL, I could happily buy lots of little things for our flat!

I am really focused on the diet front at the moment: that 10% lost card should be mine tomorrow. The smaller portions are definitely filling me up and I'm not craving the things that I shouldn't be having.

I have been working on my legs. Exfoliating with every shower, then epilating and moisturising afterwards. I'm also taking a pair of tweezers to them for any stubborn or really fine hairs that the epilator isn't catching and they are slowly but surely getting smoother.

I am wearing the same two pairs of jeans (and an old big pair just kept for the stables), the same four jumpers from Primark, two new pairs of work trousers. Plus t-shirts/socks/undies. So I can stand to clear the rest right down!

maman

DD265 wrote: »

I am really focused on the diet front at the moment: that 10% lost card should be mine tomorrow. The smaller portions are definitely filling me up and I'm not craving the things that I shouldn't be having.

I have been working on my legs. Exfoliating with every shower, then epilating and moisturising afterwards. I'm also taking a pair of tweezers to them for any stubborn or really fine hairs that the epilator isn't catching and they are slowly but surely getting smoother.

I am wearing the same two pairs of jeans (and an old big pair just kept for the stables), the same four jumpers from Primark, two new pairs of work trousers. Plus t-shirts/socks/undies. So I can stand to clear the rest right down!

Good to see you DD.


Pleased to hear you're doing well on the diet. Are you limiting the clothes until you've lost the weight or doing a capsule wardrobe idea?


I'm pleased with myself that I'm still keeping up with all the body fabbing too. It's so easy to give up on defuzzing and moisturising after every shower when you know that your legs won't see the light of day for months. This week's sunshine is helping.:)


Just more house fabbing planned for today. I've always found decluttering cathartic and MK seems to have given extra focus.

Ellsbel

Afternoon ladies:)
It's really inspiring to see all the weight loss and body fabbing going on:)
Had my hair done yesterday. Unfortunately I couldn't find a groupon deal for the salon I went to so it was a bit expensive, but I'm much happier with the cut and colour:)
I don't want to jinx it but it looks like I MIGHT be starting work on Monday!! I'm terrified! But excited too - I know it sounds mad but I think it will do me so much good - providing all goes well of course!
So I'm trying to get the house organised, sort out some outfits and fit that in with a few appointments and a lunch date tomorrow!

chanie

Well done everyone on the diets - please inspire me!!!!

Yesterday, we had a 'wear jeans to work day' and I was pleased I had some nice clothes in my wardrobe to choose from.

On a slightly separate note, I have decided what I'm going to do for my birthday 'me' day. In the morning, I'm going to visit an English Heritage site - there is one not to far away, which I can pop in. Then, in the afternoon, I'll pop to town for a nice lunch and to run a few errands.

shandyclover

Dear Ladies, I wondered if I might join you - I've lurked long enough!

I'm 47. Up until now been a stay at home mum, part time worker/volunteer. My youngest finished her A'levels this year so I am trying to work up the courage to sort myself out and go back to work. I'm also doing an OU degree. I feel I've lost my way a bit in the last 10 years, but working on losing weight and re vamping my wardrobe etc. Will be somewhat of a challenge as money is tight with hubby starting a new business, and lots of other life changes.

You have all been such an inspiration to me!

Rummer

Welcome Shandyclover always lovely to meet someone new Sounds like exciting times ahead for you and your family.

Ellsbel

Hi shandyclover and welcome:)
I'm in a very similar boat to you, right down to wanting to get into work and study again, and can honestly say that this thread and the lovely ladies who post here are truly helping me to slowly make the changes I want to make:)
The biggest thing for me so far is finding a job - I never really thought I'd be employable again and was too scared to try very hard, but being on here inspired me to go for it; I've now had confirmation that I start on Monday - I'm a bit worried that I may be older than the others I'm working with, or that it might not be exactly what I was after, but I'm very slowly building the confidence to accept the fact that I can't do much about my age:D but I can use this as a stepping stone to where I really want to be if I decide to.
Like you I also want to study at OU and that, along with losing weight, is my next big goal:) So stick around - we can do it!

And - a bit corny - but huge thanks to everyone for the inspiration and encouragement - this thread has proved to be something of a life-saver for me!:)

I'm off for a posh lunch today so need to find something suitable to wear!
Have a good day all x

lessonlearned

good morning lovely ladies.

It's one of those perfect September mornings here so,I intend to spend the day just Hanging out in my garden.......I love this time of year - warm and sunny and less humid than August. -Perfick.

The car has gone in for its service and new tyres - more money.

Had a lovely evening with the new rellies last night. I hosted a little dinner for them. They are absolutely smitten with the UK and all things English to I did the traditional roast beef dinner with all the trimmings, followed by a selection of old fashioned English puds, treacle tArtand blackberry crumble, plus a caramel cheesecake for good measure, followed By the obligatory mint chics with our coffee.

They were in absolute raptures - I have never seen food eaten with such gusto!

It's been a bit disappointing entertainment wise though. We wanted to take them to the jousting at Warwick Castle but that has finsihed for the season, although they do still have all the falconry stuff etc so DS1 is taking them anyway. Also Nottingham no longer does the "proper mediaeval banquets" because the old Robin Hood Experience was closed to make way for a new bloody Tescos :mad:

I hate Tescos with a passion - they just muscle their way into our high streets and city centres. They did not need to put a damn Tescos rigjt in the historic centre of Nottingham, on Maid Marion Way of all places.....

And the new Robin Hood Tours which have supplanted the onsite RH experience are only on alternate Saturday's. What????

I tried to get them into Rolls Royce on a tour but was unsuccessful. The people at The heritage centre didn't even bother to return my calls. DILs parents are engineering professors and were really keen.

The best I could do was direct them to the industrial museum but it has had its hours of opening reduced........at least they will get to see that.

Such a shame - we have all this culture and history on our doorstep but are really struggling to access it. I know there ha e tobe cutbacks but surely the provinces can do better than this.

On the one hand they say they want to promote tourism and yet on the other they close everything down or operate on such restrictive opening times you can't get in.

Rant over .......

One thing did make me feel chuffed though.......When the new rellies walked into our house they gasped.....and said how beautiful it was. I'm vain enough to admit I felt really pleased. I think it looks good but it was nice to know that it takes the breath away when you see it for the first time. DS2 just beamed......a nice reward for all his hard work.

Welcome Shandy ........so glad you've come out of lurkdom, we love it when we have a new face......

Chanie - your birthday treat sounds just the ticket....have a fab time and Happy Birthday.

Ellsbell - :T fantastic news on the new job......Go you. Enjoy your posh lunch today.

Just had a quote from the garage. Not as bad as feared......tyres can be swapped front to rear to even out wear and just a few bits and pieces needed, so only £200. I had thought we were looking at nearly £500. Great news - the money saved can go towards the new sofas.

Right now I know I'm in funds I can go ahead and book a much needed hair appt.....

It's a great day and a great life.......still miss my darling OH though and wish so much that he was still with us. He would have loved last night, playing host and being the life and soul of the party. I did my best and the boys stepped up to the plate. I noticed even my shy DS2 seems to be more relaxed and confident in company these days.

I think my work is nearly done....time for that cottage in Cornwall perhaps.......:rotfl:

Problem is I would miss the boys too much so I think I'll settle for good old Derbyshire.

Right time to start the day......

shandyclover

Thank you for the lovely welcome ladies!

Exciting times are one way to put it Rummer, we've been almost 3 years working to launch a business, right now it is teetering on a knife edge just short some investment and could go either way!

Its very reassuring to know I'm not the only one in this position Ellsbel, congratulations on your job! I know once I get my foot in the door somewhere I will be ok, I am just unsure really what I am qualified to do - I seem to be jack of all trades and master of none!

Lovely to hear your dinner party went well LL. I think as a nation we tend to be a bit self depreciating about our food. My DD's bf is Spanish and when the parents came for a visit one summer we had a very simple ploughman's lunch at home and they thought it was amazing - they also ask DD to bring earl grey tea and shortbread with her when she visits them! LOL I also think you are right about the attractions shutting down. Last year DD3 had a school friend visit from Ireland who is a complete Tolkien fan. Since we are in the midlands I though we would be able to arrange some days out 'Tolkien themed' but after doing some research came up very short - we ended up going to Stratford-upon-Avon for Shakespeare.

I am just coming to the end of my 1st level with my OU degree. 2500 words written just need to proofread and submit today then I will have a free weekend!