Frump to Fab 2016 - Lets make it AWESOME!!!

Time_to_Change_2

Hi Ladies

I hope you don't mind me joining so late in the year, I was going to wait till the 2017 thread appeared however my new motto is to "Change".

I have some very big changes required in 2017 as 2016 was a horrible year for me and so it seems for so many people.

I will very shortly be 40 and am 3 stone overweight. I always used to have lovely skin but I now seem sallow and mottley (if thats a word???) generally unwell and feel very old! My health has suffered so I have to change now!

I have read all posts throughout 2016 but never had the confidence to post, so much so that I forgot my username and passwords as it was logged onto an old email and laptop.

So today is a fresh start for me, its now time to take a little time out for me.

Have a lovely evening and I look forward to joining you in 2017.

ScarlettMcCain

chanie, that pochette looks lovely! Maybe I should hint at OH for a late Christmas present?! Ha - only joking, he moaned that I bought reduced food at Sainsbobs today and filled the freezer, I'll count that as my present instead!!

WW has changed the points system quite a lot since I did it, I couldn't get on with the new one at all - but then my friend who I did it with many years ago prefers the new one, swings and roundabouts I guess. I'm vegetarian and there didn't seem to be a lot of help for veggie options, whereas things like chicken and turkey were low point, so she ate loads of those.

Great to hear from you Time - as you know, I'll soon be 40 too :eek: if your skin is a bit tired and dull, have you tried the Body Shop Vitamin C range? It looks expensive but you can usually find codes for at least 30% off, and I really like the skin reviver in particular, makes my skin look and feel much nicer.

I'm waiting to hear from my debt management people about paying off the debt Floss; as I understand it they have to approach creditors individually to ask if they'll take (say) 70% of the total debt as a settlement. They did warn me that nothing will probably happen till after Christmas, at least the money is still in my account for now!

Indie, there's another Gretchen Rubin book on a Kindle special offer today - 99p for 'Happier at Home' - I'm giving it a try

chanie

Time to change Welcome to the thread. The people on here are lovely and even we all have ups and downs with our fabbing, but staying on here does keep me motivated and we all share ideas. A new thread will be starting at some point, so keep an eye out for that.


Ruby I did WW properly about 15 years ago and never really got the new points. My plan is to do a version of WW that incorporates SW, so filling 2/3 of my plate with veggies or 'free foods'.
Sorry that OH is still being mean. Maybe you should send him out to do the shopping and let him see how difficult it is!!!

lessonlearned

Good morning lovely ladies.

Sorry not been posting but I have been reading.

Dad still hanging on.......is it too awful to say I just want it to be over asap. On the plus side he is now much calmer. He has come to terms with what's happening. Whilst I am sorry he has lost his "fighting spirit" I do believe it will make his passing much easier.

He didn't get home for Christmas so we took Christmas to him. I shouldn't complain but the constant to and froing to the hospital is very tiring. Not sure if he will ever make it home again or where we go from here.

One day at a time.

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas. Apart from dad I had a nice quiet gentle time. It's my third Christmas as a widow and yes it does get easier.

I am looking forward to 2017. As TimetoChange so rightly puts it, a fresh start and new beginnings. I think 2016 has been a difficult year in so many ways for so many people but we must look forward with hope.

Btw "Time" nice to meet you, glad to have you aboard.

I have lots of ideas and plans, new goals, although I may have to put them on hold for a little while. I have family matters to deal with first.

I will post up a new thread in a day or so. You might have to start without me but I will still be reading and keeping a watchful eye on you all. :rotfl:

Today I need to try and tidy up a bit before visiting dad this afternoon. The house is a tip. :eek:

Ruby - sorry to hear that your husband is still not fully on board with family life. Would counselling be of any help, preferably going together as a couple.

Right time to get cracking. Looks like the fog is clearing and a weak winter sun is trying to poke through.

Roll on spring.

I watched The Real Marigold Tour last night. WHilst a retirement complex in Florida doesn't float my boat I would love some of that warm sunshine right now.;)

sugarbaby125

Hello Ladies,

I am feeling very bloated and fat because I ditched any semblance of healthy eating since the 23rd December. :eek: I am disappointed in myself for overeating in such a spectacular fashion for a few days, but I have to get back on track from today.:(

I started off having a really good evening with Wayne in the Hotel on the evening of the 23rd, but it ended up being quite a horrible evening when he insisted we go the pub for a while. He then became very selfish and he kept leaving me sitting on a bar stool on my own while he enjoyed himself. I was not dressed for a night out so I felt out of place and could not summon any self confidence. In the end I just thought to myself, you need to be at home for your Tesco grocery delivery for 7am to 8am so what are you sitting here trying not to fall asleep for. The next time Wayne trotted off, I put my coat on, caught a bus to the Hotel, collected my tote bag from the room and checked out, then I went home by bus. I had to wait around in the cold for the 1st bus, but there were a lot of people around. My 2nd bus was only a 2 minute wait. I finally got a text from Wayne just after 2am simply saying 'Okay'. I was just about to get into my bed, so I did not bother to reply. After all the negative times with Wayne in the past, I have taken stock and I know that I have no desire to have him as a partner. I feel the relationship is dead in the water and I need to look to the future now.

I have had a really lovely Christmas with my 17 year old grandson, my daughter and my son. We stayed at home throughout. My eldest son and his 2 daughters came to visit us on Boxing Day and my home was full of Love and laughter.:D My son took me and his 2 daughters to Peckham Plex to see the film Ballerina. :T My 2 granddaughters and I had a really good time at the cinema and found the film delightful. My son fell asleep and was snoring loudly until I told his eldest daughter to wake him up. LOL!!!! My grandson went home yesterday, as his sister who is my eldest granddaughter has arrived for a visit with us until New Year's Eve. I only have the the space, because my younger son gave up his bedroom and is on a put you up bed in my bedroom for the duration.

For Christmas I got lots of lovely pampering gifts, 2 new handbags and as I have £40 for my Christmas present from my 16 year old son, I am treating myself to a new pair of Van Dal shoes and some more pampering products. :j

I want 2017 to be the year that I really look after my body and my personal health and the year I do as much personal 'fabbing' as I can fit in. I never want to be out in public feeling that I could have made more of an effort in 2017.

It is crisply cold here in London and I am glad to be feeling comfortable in my warm home. The temperature has continued to drop but it is to be expected at this time of the year and I am very thankful that it is crisp and dry here in London.

maman

sugarbaby125 wrote: »

I want 2017 to be the year that I really look after my body and my personal health and the year I do as much personal 'fabbing' as I can fit in. I never want to be out in public feeling that I could have made more of an effort in 2017.

That's a very good aim sugarbaby. I know I've been guilty of letting my hair go longer than I should or putting on my Raybans because I can't be bothered with mascara.:o


I despair of Wayne as I'm sure you do. He's not relationship material and I doubt he ever will be. Why arrange to spend the evening with you and then go to the pub???:huh:


Thanks for the link hex. I had a quick look and tried the facial massage just sitting at the PC. It made me feel more awake at least. I'll persevere.:)


I've booked myself a facial and mini-massage for next week. It was a Groupon voucher that was due to expire soon. Now's a good time to use Groupon for beauty treatments as lots of places want to drum up post-Christmas business.

chanie wrote: »

Ruby I did WW properly about 15 years ago and never really got the new points. My plan is to do a version of WW that incorporates SW, so filling 2/3 of my plate with veggies or 'free foods'.

The current SW plan (called Extra Easy) is a third of everything you eat needs to be from a list of fruit and veg. The other thirds can be protein and carb. They also have a fast track version called Extra Easy SpeedProtein which is 50:50 protein and veg/fruit but that's not recommended as a long term way of eating. If you don't want to go to a class look on the SW website at the 7 day sample menu plan. It's good for ideas.


Good to hear from you LL and I'm pleased you managed to enjoy Christmas despite the worries with your father. Looking forward to the new thread.:)


Welcome to the thread Time to Change. What took you so long??;):rotfl:


Bright and crisp here too. DH and I were going to go out for a walk but my calf muscles are still aching from Boxing Day when we did about 7 miles.:eek:

chanie

Maman thanks for the overview of SW. I knew it was something in thirds!!!!


I've just downloaded a couple of vegan receipes to try, including a simple chocolate mousse. A colleague at work is vegan and pointed me in the direction of some simple recipes. I don't want to became vegan, but I'd happily eat more vegan dishes.



LL Im pleased you are looking forward to 2017 and that you have plans and goals. I've really enjoyed thinking about what my 2017 is going to look like. I'll definitely be on the new thread - we'll keep it going for you.



Sugar Sorry to read that Wayne is up to his old tricks. He doesn't learn his lesson, does he? I'm always willing him to get his act together.

sugarbaby125

Hi LL,

I am sorry that you are having such a difficult time with the end of your Father's life. it can feel like cruel and unusual punishment to watch a parent die. Yet, it is good to get the opportunity to say goodbye in a meaningful way to a dying parent.

I look forward to the new fabbing thread in 2017.

In 2016 you and all of the other ladies have given me lots of sound advice, ideas and tips. You have all inspired me in different ways by sharing your thoughts with us all.

I am looking forward to going out on New Year's Eve. I am beginning to get really excited. I am going to make a lot of effort over the next 2 days to get ready for my big night out. I have not been out on New Year's Eve for about 2 decades!!! I am going to go for a glamorous really dressy look, even though I am going to my usual pub.

maman

sugarbaby125 wrote: »

I look forward to the new fabbing thread in 2017.

In 2016 you and all of the other ladies have given me lots of sound advice, ideas and tips. You have all inspired me in different ways by sharing your thoughts with us all.

Totally agree with you.:A


If you're anything like as glamorous as in the long red dress outfit then you'll look amazing sugarbaby.


We've got family coming round tomorrow evening somewhat unexpectedly. DD2 has decided to visit . It's my granddaughter's birthday today so tomorrow will be our chance to do Christmas/birthday/New Year all in one.


So a quiet dinner for 2 of us has turned into dinner for 5 (possibly 7 if DD1 and family come as well). Today I'm going to wear light make up and make myself presentable to do the food shopping!:)


I had a go at the facial massage again this morning hex. I haven't learned it properly yet but I'm doing the dragging/draining down to the clavicle bit. It's a great idea even if it just means focussing on moisturising.


Anyone been to the sales yet? I was thinking just the other evening that I've been to a range of Christmas events and the only new item I wore was a satin top (£5 reduction in New Look) that I only bought because it matched my skirt perfectly. Martin would be proud of me:money:.

indiepanda

Rubyslippers77 wrote: »

Oh indie, I completely understand where you were coming from with your ex. Even though you didn't want him back there's still part of you that's sad, isn't there? (By 'you' I mean I would be in your place too!). Are you sure he wasn't making more of a fuss about having a new girlfriend than he needed to - it seemed a bit unnecessary to drop that reference in? Either way, onwards and upwards, you are an amazing and very interesting person (with cool taste in music as well, of course! :cool:) and sooner or later will meet someone FAR nicer. The emotional eating is one of my habits too, I haven't been brave enough to get on the scales yet since Christmas but think that when I do, I'll be in need of some assistance for my 'fab by 40' plan!!

The Fitter Food website was really interesting, thanks for that too I agree about WW, I found it very tricky to follow unless I bought their treat bars/ meals. Have you joined the #walk1000miles group on Facebook? I have, and I think it would be your sort of thing too - you'd probably get to be a lot more active on it than me, I do walk 5+ miles per day but am sure most of that's just round the house! Also I'd suggest joining a dancing group to meet more men - and even if you don't, it's such a friendly environment! - if you don't fancy ceroc, perhaps try a ceilidh like this one, I've been and it's great fun:

http://www.cecilsharphouse.org/component/content/article/22-csh-site/csh-events/4015-ceilidh-club-06-01-17

Also in case you and chanie haven't seen these, TFL run loads of free cycling courses:

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/cycling-in-london/cycle-skills?intcmp=2386

As for me, nothing new to report other than OH bought me absolutely nothing for Christmas he went on and on and on about how busy he was and how he didn't have time to get anything for me in town (internet? What internet?!) so I told him not to bother. He did offer to go shopping on Christmas Eve and buy me a new fitness watch which I was very tempted by, but by the time he'd had a lie in and then thrown a tantrum because he locked his phone up and took two hours to sort it out, the shops would have been heaving and he'd have been in an even worse mood, so I said no again. To be honest if he'd bought me anything and moaned about it ("I bought you this even though I'm very, very busy and I hate shopping and the shops were really busy" - etc) it would have taken all the joy out of it anyway..... then later he moaned about the cost of baby food, which made me think I'd made the right decision. I didn't want him to add the cost of my present to his list of moans!

Hi Ruby

I don't think the ex was meaning to be hurtful mentioning the new girlfriend, after all I told him about the guy I was seeing after we split and it was much sooner. We split at the start of Nov 15 after nearly two years together and as he didn't mention her when we met in August I assume it is a more recent thing than that. And I understand why he would want to check she was ok with us seeing each other, not everyone is happy with people seeing their ex and he owes her loyalty not me.

I was upset, as you say, it felt a bit like someone taking my place - I split with him not because I didn't love him but because he acted as if he didn't really want to devote that much time to any relationship rather than me in particular.

Anyway, I have reminded myself of all the reasons I didn't want to be with him anymore which makes me feel better (he wasn't a bad person but he was difficult in some ways and he knew it). Not least the fact the only reason he could think of for wanting a girlfriend to live with him was for him to be sick and needing round the clock care.:eek:

To be honest I really doubt he has changed that much as he doesn't believe he can - he even said this when we split - and it's hard enough to change some habits even when you believe you can as all of us dieters know! If you believe you can't change even though you wish you could, chances of success are rather lower.

A new friend who moved to London about a year ago and I are planning to join a salsa class in the new year. We went to a dance show recently and she mentioned she was planning to go to Cuba with one of her friends from before she lived in town and I said I had wanted to go for ages but wanted to learn to salsa first. Turned out she used to do classes years ago and was quite good and would like to start again, and I have dabbled with a few classes, so we will both start at beginners though she might progress quicker than me as it comes back to her.

I have considered Ceroc too though as have heard it is fun and often get more guys there. I did it once about 12 years ago and got invited out on a date on my first lesson, though as I had only ended a relationship a week earlier it was a bit soon for me. I did what they called country dancing when I was a little kid and have been to the odd ceilidh with my social club - good fun and very good exercise. When I have been in Edinburgh the Scottish men take it very seriously - all turn up in their kilts and really know what they are doing. I can't dance every dance - get out of breath!

I think the TFL bike courses are the same company as I am doing my free one with as the description sounds exactly the same. The instructor has said I can have as many free private lessons as I want which I was amazed by. I suppose London is investing a lot of money in cycle routes so they need people to use them and the more of us they can convert the better to reduce pollution. If I get into cycling I doubt I will have time to do as much walking as that facebook group, although I suppose my hiking might drag my daily average up somewhat, we will see.

So sorry to hear your OH is still being such a pain. It seems unfair that you are thoughtful towards him (e.g. not going to a gig you really want to because it's his birthday) when he doesn't seem to want to meet you half way. I hope things improve soon.

Hope you enjoyed the Gretchen Rubin book.