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

shandyclover

Hello Fabbers!

I started back at the gym, its been 4 mos so I thought I'd better go gentle to start with. Went for a 'Body Balance' class which is a combination of yoga, pillates and Tai Chi. Harder than I expected, but so needed - I could feel the stress draining away by the end of the class. Was suprised to find my core muscles a bit sore the next day - so obviously needed.

Work and study pressures mean my fabbing has been a bit hit and miss, mostly miss. I've tried to get back on the 5:2 wagon but since I have been so busy hubby has been doing all the evening meals and trying out all these creative, delicious dishes I can't resist! I have an assignment deadline in the next week, this has already been extended once so the pressure is on. Last night after working on it for several hours nothing was making sense anymore so I took a break, caught up on 'Endeavour' on itv player and did my nails. I always watched classic crime series with my granny, and she always tried to get me to take care of my hands so doing both made me smile a little and wonder if she was watching! I will attack assignment anew once I get in from work today.

Just before the funeral I decided to dye my hair. I'm a streaky dark blonde naturally, but a few greys were peeking out. What a disaster. My hair went very brassy, almost orange. I had to book and appointment with the salon to sort it. It took 3 1/2 hours and £100 to sort, but looks lovely now. Dark blonde with some highlights. Its put me off attempting a home job again. I will sacrifice in other areas to be able to afford a salon visit perhaps twice a year.

LL I think what you said about ballerinas is true! My granny had beautiful posture, while mine has not been bad - it could still improve. At the funeral someone took a photo of my brother, myself and my cousins all stood together. We all grew up together but it has been about 10 years since we were all together. They are all 6 foot plus and look very smart in suits and long coats, I am 5.1, 10 kgs overweight and look awful. My oldest DD (another ballerina, and now a ballet teacher) pointed out its because of how I am standing - 'mum, I must each you how to pose and face the camera'. Apparently theres a way.;)

lessonlearned

Just tried to post a link on how to pose for photos but it didn't come up. Sorry I'm useless. Try Stylecaster

However, if you just google how to pose for a photo you will see there are loads of tips on various websites.

Basically never stand "full face" but always slightly sideways on to camera, one leg forward and resting your weight on the back leg. There are variations, eg tilting the head, raising the chin, where to put your hands etc. But the golden rule is never full front facing, it makes you look fatter than you are.

Anyway Good Morning All - nasty day here, rainjng, dark and miserable but at least not quite as artic as it was yesterday. I just couldn't bear to go out yesterday but today I need to go food shopping so will psyche myself up and venture out later.

The good news......lost 1.2 lbs this week. Still struggling a bit with my tummy so haven't been that strict so am quite pleased with that. Have booked a GP appt for next week so hopefully I can get it sorted. I've felt quite poorly this last week or so and haven't done much as a result.

Made some paleo friendly granola yesterday, will try some more paleo friendly pancakes either today or tomorrow. I really want to broaden my repertoire of recipes.

Should hear about the apartment today.......fingers crossed.

maman

I'm going to look out for 'the bag' in a lighter colour chanie. I've been delighted with mine but silver sounds good.


shandy, I think a photo can often be good motivation for tackling weight/dress/hair issues. I'm a great believer in good posture so great that your DD can advise you. I agree that it's worth spending money on a good hair do. I have a John Frieda lightener spray that I use to coax my hair on to the next set of highlights.


I enjoy Endeavour too, even my DH will watch that with me. It's my idea of TV comfort food. We were only saying last week that even if the story line isn't that good, commenting on the social changes is a highlight for us.


Well done on your weightloss LL, even if you came by it the wrong way.:( I'll log on later to see if any news of the apartment.


I'm doing fab Friday as having lunch out with a friend. It'll be smart casual: maybe jeans, boots and my new (to me) Hobbs jumper. Not exactly sure as it's grey and wet here too so will need some weatherproof stuff.

lookingforthebestdeals

i have tried eating all green using a juicer this year and its going well

5 large leaves of kale, ribs discarded, leaves roughly chopped.
1 lemon, zest and pith removed.
1 large apple, roughly chopped.
1 sprig of fresh mint. Push all the ingredients through your juicer.

it taste great as well !

VJsmum

lollyfin wrote: »

Thanks hex I will have to have a look at that.
I got the Deliciously Ella Everyday cookbook yesterday and everything in it looks lovely I really think it's better than her first book as the majority of the recipes look faster to put together and not too much of a faff.
So my plan for February is to have breakfasts and lunches from the book and the same evening meal as everyone else and hopefully I will get rid of some weight and feel a bit more awake.

Her website is quite good too,I think most recipes are on there. Though I find she is a little bit up herself. :rotfl:

Plant based pixie website is good also...

lollyfin

Thanks VJ Plant based pixie has some nice looking recipes too

greenbee

Had a kale smoothie this morning as part of my hotel breakfast. Not very interesting.

sugarbaby125

I made a real effort yesterday, as I had a job interview. I wore mostly black; t-shirt and calf length skirt with a cerise pink kaleidoscope jumper and my black leather boots and long black leather jacket. I accesorised with silver jewellery and my stainless steel Ingersoll diamond watch. I had a job interview and I was delighted to be offered the job on the spot. I accepted the job, so I will be starting work on Monday. The job is only part time, but as it means I can come off JSA, I am really happy.

lollyfin

That's brilliant sugarbaby and your outfit sounds lovely.
Ll any news on the apartment yet
I made cinnamon and date porridge from the book yesterday and it was really nice so that's today's brekkie too and I was very good and didn't overeat all day
This might sound a bit daft to you all but I'm very excited, the new approach my physio is using seems to be working wonders and last night my shoulder popped and I have almost a full range of movement now and it's not pulled forward it's been stuck like that for years so to say I'm pleased is an understatement
I've got DGD this weekend and am hoping the weather stays nice enough I can take her out. Today's outfit is multicoloured red herring dress with black wrap cardi and knee high black boots, it's my favourite outfit just now.

lessonlearned

Good morning lovely ladies. Just having a nice lie in, so indulgent.:rotfl:

Kale - mm - I do eat it but it's not one of my favourites......but it is good for you so I'm a good girl and I clean my plate.......

The date and cinamon porridge sounds wonderful. I can't eat oatmeal but I've been looking at recipes for chia seeds. Apparently they are a bit bland but make a good substitute for oatmeal, so spicing them up sounds the way to go.

I made some paleo friendly granola and added dates, very tasty. I'm getting there, just need to keep experimenting.

Sugarbaby - well done with the job, that's fantastic news. Sounds like you just knocked them dead with your outfit and personality. Great stuff.

Right I don't want anyone to think I'm trying to take credit because I'm not but I just wanted to say how fabbing paves the way for good things.

I call this the virtuous circle.......just as bad stuff is a vicious circle then good stuff is its virtuous cousin. You can change a vicious circle and turn it into virtuous one. And fabbing is a good place to start.

When we start fabbing, we start to see results very quickly, which in turn changes our mindset and we begin to feel lighter, brighter, more optimistic. This shines through, it's like being lit with an inner beacon and this becomes our guiding light - a laser beam of positivity and optimism which becomes life transforming.

Ooh matron - get me on a dark January morning.......:rotfl:

Lolly - wow about the shoulder....you must feel like a new woman!!!
That's fantastic. I love going to my Physio, she has magic in her hands.

Well now the apartment........it's complicated.

My offer has been accepted ........however because it's a mortgage repossession technically the vendor is a financial institution and there are certain niceties to be observed. They have to be seen to try and get the highest price possible. Therefore it has to stay on the market for a certain length of time....most commonly until exchange of contracts, although that is not a legal requirement.

Anyhoo after much negotiating and to ing and fro ing we have agreed a cut off date for next Tuesday. I am ready to go but refuse to incur any costs so we are in a holding pattern.

So fingers crossed no one comes in with a better offer.

As I've pointed out to them, I have offered full asking price and I'm a cash buyer, no dependent sale and no mortgage so my offer is a very good one. I'm quitely confident that unless someone comes in with a substantially higher offer mine will be the best because there are no strings attached. I can give them a 4,week exchange and money in the bank.

If that's not good enough for them then Ke Sara, I'll just keep looking, but I have made it quite clear I won't be offering a penny more.

It's a nice apartment and ticks most of the boxes and it's a good price, however, it's not unique and although I can see its potential it doesn't make my pulse race. I've not "fallen in love" with it, there's no emotional investment so it won't break my heart if I don't get it.....

Does that sound cold and sad........TBH it's not the same now that I'm buying for myself. I think when you buy with your partner it's different, there's more emotion involved hence I'm more sanguine about the whole thing and I'm not stressing. If it's got my name on it then I'll get it...if not then I'm sure I'll find something else.