Frugal Frump to Fab - 2015

parsniphead

Evening everyone.

A very busy day with no fabbing yet. I think a nice bath later is calling.

I weighed myself this morning and was shocked to be a quarterof a pound under 12st again. I had got down to 11st3 lbs by Easter this year and feel annoyed with myself. I'm only 5' 2" so this needs to go. I would like to get down to 9 St as this is in the within my height to weight range without being really skinny. I found it easy early this year as I just cut out cheese (my downfall), most bread and tea at work. We are only supplied with full fat milk, as its part of the ethos of the company to have as natural as possible food, but its very fatty. I think I will go back to following this again as I lost a stone in three months.

I have been drinking lots of water which is good but I'm going very spotty. Perhaps is washing out all the impurities. I wish they would go away though.

Cadburys world tomorrow then back to being good.

maman

parsniphead wrote: »

Cadburys world tomorrow then back to being good.

Do you mean a real visit to Cadbury World or just stuffing yourself with chocolate? :rotfl:


I'm another that's been browsing in Sainsbury's today chanie. The do have some nice stuff and I fancied a wine coloured cardi and a black/wine jacquard pencil skirt. But I didn't need them so the stayed where they were.


'Give me joy' is a good yardstick and very MK but I do remember sparkles who used to post on this thread doing something similar in the name of being mse. Basically it can be the same thing. Unless you really love something don't buy it.


Cheese really can be the food of the devil parsniphead. I think we've all been brought up to think because it's dairy and calcium rich it's healthy but it's also very fatty and yummy so we tend to eat far too much. Good luck on cutting back to the weight you want to be. I know that of all the fabbing things I've achieved, weightloss has to be up there with the best!!


Completely agree about scarves and pashminas maddie. They're great in all sorts of ways whether a bit of practical warmth, colour near the face, tying an outfit together or just a splash of colour for an all neutral/black outfit they work brilliantly.


Glad your DH noticed the henna chanie. My DH noticed that I'd done Fab Friday. I think it was because my orange jumper tied in with my favoured coral lipstick and gave me a bit of colour but whatever, it worked:D.

greenbee

I need to find a lipstick to go with orange Maman - any pointers? (I'm going through duty free tomorrow, and could do with something to do...).

I've just packed my suitcase, and think I've got everything I need for this trip - I always take too much as I need spares in case something gets spilt/damaged; I also take gym kit and stuff to wear when not working, plus separate things for travelling.

I had my hair coloured on Tuesday, and have avoided washing my hair (helps the red tones to take, and anyway the really vibrant colour only lasts about 3 washes) so it's at it's most dramatic for work starting on Sunday. However, it is now very dirty, and won't be pleasant on the plane. I've discovered that headwraps suit me (which is good news) but only have a couple of suitable scarves, none the right colour for tomorrow's travelling outfit. However, I'll have to make do, and make a note to buy a couple more for similar situations in future!

Exercise hasn't been great recently, neither has diet, so I'm hoping to be disciplined on this work trip. Although if my colleagues notice I'm not drinking alcohol or coffee I expect they'll manage to leap to the wrong conclusion

maman

Cheapo lipstick 'Coral in Gold' from Rimmel is a favourite greenbee so try it when you get back.


I'm the same with hair colour and put off washing as long as possible. Why does a wash/colour/blowdry always last longer when professionals do it?:mad:


Have a good trip.:)

greenbee

Thanks Maman! I have a LOT of orange in my work wardrobe at the moment (in fact it's mostly black and orange, which is possibly a little rash this close to halloween!) and I currently have either a deep red or an almost brown lipstick (the pinks and nudes have been banished...). I may go round the makeup counters and see what they suggest if i'm bored tomorrow

When I see my regular hairdresser (on maternity leave, but due back for a KIT day soon) I'm going to talk to her about whether a permanent red/pink/orange would be a better option than the semi-permanent colour for the bottom half of my hair (although this will mean bleaching when I change colour). Or possibly adding colour to my shampoo. I know the professionals have tricks that they use on their own hair, so it's time she shared some tips! Now I know I can get away with some fairly eccentric colours (I think it works because I have a very stylish, business-like cut), I want to make the most of them - no point having a reputation for having fabulous hair if the colour fades after a week.

I guess I'd better stop worrying about whether I need to take a pair of jeans out of my suitcase, and get some sleep. I still have a certain amount to do (mostly housework) in the morning before my taxi arrives!

parsniphead

Do you mean a real visit to Cadbury World or just stuffing yourself with chocolate?

:rotfl: I did mean a real visit to cadburys world.:j I'm looking forward to the cup of melted chocolate though. I will be good later though, promise.;)

indiepanda

maman wrote: »

Good to have you back rowan and glad you found time to post too indie.


Lots of positives coming from the new job indie, not least the more settled workplace and the gym access. It is a challenge eating well at work but with a bit of planning (like you're doing with the snacks) it can be done. I'm a big fan of meal planning, always have been. When I worked 60+ hours a week I found that a short time writing a plan and sorting the shopping to match saved me masses of time rather than wandering round the supermarket or dithering about what we could eat day on day.


My DH quite likes Woolover jumpers too and I've seen some nice bits on their site. Thanks for sharing the Kettlewell info. What a lovely range of colours and prices are similar to Boden so if quality's there then that's fine.

Hope everyone has something good planned for the weekend even if it's just a rest:).

Wow 60+ hours a week working is brutal, I am amazed you found time to plan meals, though I can totally see the logic of it. When I have worked that hard, which has one been for the odd month here only I usually hoover up junk food and emerge at the end feeling fat and knackered. A few periods like that without shedding the weight after and I ended up as I have been for the last 12 years - which is just into the obese category on the BMI scale (though if I ever describe myself that way to friends they are appalled.)

When I saw one of the girls at the gym to discuss a program last night she pointed out how much of my fat is round the middle by getting me to look at myself in the mirror on the treadmill. The control panel hid my mid section so you could see me from chest up and hips down, and she was absolutely right. Ok, I could loose some weight all over, but my legs are actually reasonable toned from all the hiking and workouts in the park doing squats etc. I look much slimmer when you can't see my tummy. My underlying shape when I was fit was pear - I have narrower shoulders than hips, but I am undeniably apple shaped now - which of course makes me far more at risk of heart trouble, diabetes etc. Oh well, I managed to go to the gym to do something every day this week so I can't ask more than that. Just got to keep it up and sort out diet and sleep as well. The gym instructor said insufficient sleep and stress can really contribute to putting on fat around the middle, which makes total sense given my lifestyle over the last twenty years.

Anyway - Kettlewell, quality is fantastic. I have had some jersey tops from Boden and I have generally been much more pleased with my Kettlewell ones, choice of colour is much better too. They haven't been around that long as a company - they were quite new when I first had my colours done, and the range of colours and style is increasing each year. They moved production to a new factory in Turkey 9 years ago and the quality has been very good since and I like the fact it seems to be a very ethical company - treat their staff well. I especially love the lace trimmed camisoles and layer them under any dresses which are a bit low for my liking or Kettlewell's ruched crossover, twist or faux wrap tops.

Good to hear a recommendation for Woolovers. I just found them googling cashmere so was taking a bit of a gamble.

Hello Chanie, hope you are well. Isn't it frustrating when you lose everything you type!

Right, must quit typing, I am off to Brighton today to meet up with some of the girls I met in Turkey on my juicing holiday in May. Trying to plan a nice outfit that is smart but also lightweight enough with comfortable footwear to go for a walk along the prom in the afternoon - forecast is sunny. Think I will wear my Tommy jeans as they are smart but very comfortable. Will have to pick a colour scheme as I shower....

lessonlearned

Good afternoon lovely ladies.

Ive just got back from a little walk - it's glorious, so warm.

Well just one week to go, this time next week I shall be boarding the Magellan, off to start my adventure.....Anchors away at 3 pm.:D

Our first port of call is Amsterdam. I have booked the excursion trip which is a bus tour of the city followed by a mini cruise along the Canals, followed by some free time for a little wander. Should be fun.

I haven't booked any other excursions yet - im just going to play it by ear........apart from a few British Naval dockyards and government house tyoe things then I dont think there is much "historical or cultural stuff" I want to see. I think - could be wrong - thAt the Caribbean is more about beaches, water sports and scenery.

I'm not a strong swimmer so not sure I will be doing much in the way of water sports. We'll see. I think this holiday will be more about soaking up the sun, a bit of sightseeing and shipboard activities.

I know there are shows, cinema, a casino. 2 pools, various talks, dancing classes, a gym, yoga, tai chi etc. I don't think I shall get bored.

This morning I had a bit of a trying on session and have started putting things into nice neat piles ready for packing. I'm not sure I have enough of the right kind of clothes to wear a different outfit every day for 33 days but Im going to make do. I really don't want to buy Much more because I will want to lose more weight next year. I did find a couple of cotton sweaters in the. Charity shops yesterday which might come in handy for cooler evenings which are smart enougn for smart casual dining. I'm wondering how cool it will be in the resraura ts, I find a lot of places have the air con on so high that you need a cover up or wrap so I thought a couple of lightweight sweaters might be useful for dress down nights.

Apparently you don't need to wear formal evening dress at all if you don't want to - you can Just opt for a buffet meal if you don't want to join in with the special gala nights. I think most people do tend to join in though.

I will have one last ljttle mooch round the charity shops next week to see if I can pick up a few glitzy pieces - if not I might just nip back to ASDA and buy a couple of cheap and cheerful tops or a couple of short cocktail type dresses.

Anyhoo Im going Out for a nice meal tomorrow and then to see James Bond, so that will help get me in the mood.

Have booked my hair for Wednesday, going to go for another pixie cut a la Judi Dench.

Re carrying weight round the middle. You are right this quite a problem and is often stress related. Apparently when under stress our bodies produce cortisol, a stress hormone, part of the fight or flight mechanism.

If the cortisol is not used it settles as fat around our waistlines. As you say this can lead to health issues such as diabets etc.

I have always been fairly lucky in that I have an hour glass shape I did notice that when I was under that stress when my OH wqs ill I was beginning to develop an apple shape.

I have found that since gojng Paleo my waist is beginning to look a lot trimmer, and my tummy a bit flatter. Ive lost 4 inches off my waist which has taken me out of,th danger zone, and losing 11 lbs has moved me out of the obese catagory and into being now "overweight"

I need to lose 2 stone to get me I to the healthy weight zone, ideally I would like to lose 3 stones so that I sit in the middle of the healtny zone.

4 stones would be needed to get me back to my wedding weight but I think that would be too low, even though technically it would still be classed as a healthy weight.

At least I'm no longer obese so hopefully I have taken myself out of the danger zone. I am well aware of my genetic Inheritence andam determined to cheat it I can. Ive seen what diabetes can do.....I don't want to go there.

My stye feels a little better today.

However, I have noticed a couple of tiny pin !!!!! lesions on my forehead which won't heal (that's how my last Cancer started) and there is a little patch of what I think is psoriasis on my tummy which isn't responding to any of my potions so I have decided I will book an appt with a dermatologist in the new year. I am overdue a mole check anyway.

If they are cancerous then they are probably only basal cell carcinomas like the last one, but better safe than sorry. I shall be extra careful on my holiday.

I have in fact bought myself a special sun parasol with high UV protection. It's very pretty but that's not the reason I bought it. I know I sound a bit paranoid but I do have to be extra cautious now with the sun.

Time for some yoga, then a cuppa.

parsniphead

Lessonslearned, what a lovely holiday to look forward too. It's strange how you get an image of people in your head from seeing what they write online. I always imagined you would have blond, curly big hair. Judi Dench always looks lovely. I'm having to forget that image now.

I hope you have a lovely time. I'm not jealous, honest.

maman

Hope you had a good time in Brighton indie. It's not too far from me so you should have had brilliant weather. I stayed there last Easter and my hotel room looked right out on the pier and beach. It was great. I think that was the last time I had proper take away fish and chips so I'm long overdue some more:drool:.


LL is absolutely right about getting slimmer round the waist for health reasons aside from the feel good factor. Hopefully now you've had the personal consultation you'll know what to do. I'm still convinced that it's food that'll make the biggest difference though. I'm not knocking exercise for toning and strength though.


I'm sure you'll enjoy your trip round Amsterdam LL. I found the canal boat trip very relaxing and was fascinated by the different varieties of gable on the canal houses. While you may not fancy watersports, I found the sea very warm and relaxing so not necessary to do anything too strenuous. You are right about what's on offer in the Caribbean but I did enjoy going the historical side of Antigua and seeing little fishing villages and markets on St Lucia. As most are/were colonies it's interesting to look for remnants of the past on all the islands.


I managed to have a mooch around Matalan today. They do have some nice things but while I looked I didn't buy. They had some nice Christmas and Home bits too but I managed to resist. I'd certainly recommend a browse if you have a bit of spare time. I tried on a black, evening jumpsuit.
http://www.matalan.co.uk/womens/collections/partywear/s2613010/wide-leg-jumpsuit


It did look nice on but I felt it was a bit short in the body for me. I'm going to carry on looking but I don't want to pay too much as I'm not likely to wear it that often. If I don't see anything then my purple lace dress will be fine.