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

Rummer

I have a number of crafty hobbies and I tend to knit/crochet shawls, scarves and cowls with some toys thrown in for the children. Sewing I am reasonably new to however I have made magazine bags, makeup bags, makeup brush rolls and a selection of other things. I am more of a process than a product crafter however I usually keep and enjoy the things I make.

Ellsbel

I'm not very good with my hands, sadly, so I don't craft. If I was more gifted artistically though, I would like to learn to sew, or to make jewellery or cards:)

lollyfin

I can knit and cross stitch and this year I'm determined to learn to crochet and sew. I'm working my way through a big list of items for my 2 DGKs that my daughters have asked for and have to knit a hat with a fur Pom Pom for my youngest DD before the end of winter. I made one for DGD and DD loved it, she would have stolen it from her niece but it was pink and a bit small,I'm very flattered as she's 17 so not at the age of wanting me to make her things.

sugarbaby125

I love reading what all my fellow fabbers are up to. I continue to make inroads on my list. I am slowly losing weight, I am eating more healthily. My feet are responding really well to all of the extra pampering and so are my hands. I make far more effort with my clothes every day and I paint my nails when I am going out to Karaoke. My 23 year old daughter remarked that I was 'very dressed up' when I was going to Karaoke on Sunday. I was wearing M & S Autograph black velour vest top with huge black beading on the neckline with the matching black velour skirt. I wore gold jewellery and black patent leather shoes. I felt confident, even though I was wearing all over black as the material is so sumptuous and is so flattering. I had a really great night out at Karaoke and was told by a male admirer that I am 'beautiful'. I was not wearing any make up, as I was not in the mood for my very simple make up routine. It is far more gratifying to be told I am beautiful when I am without make up.

I am really enjoying my job as a cleaner in a Sixth Form College. I am very meticulous and I find it very satisfying to see the difference I am making.

Ellsbel

The hat sounds great, *lolly*:)
*sugar* what a lovely, positive post:) I'm so glad you're feeling good about yourself and enjoying your work - keep on doing what you're doing!
Off to work in a bit - this late shift takes its toll on me a bit, but at least it's the last time I'll do it. I've accessorised with some costume jewellery today, which I often forget to do, and I'm wearing a brighter than usual lipstick, and feeling better for it!
My hair will need colouring again soon, so now is my chance to start adding lighter highlights to the dark brown that was put on before Christmas - I'm actually starting to get used to this colour though! It's brown with sort of burnt toffee streaks - my nearest and dearest prefer me blonde though, so I need to decide whether to please them or me:rotfl:
Hope you're all well and your day is a good one x

lessonlearned

Good afternoon lovely ladies.

I am loving your posts, so much going on, so much positivity and fabbing. I love hearing what you are all wearing. Me - I'm in my cosy red fleecy dressing gown having a thoroughly lazy day.........I will get dressed soon, I promise. I had a nice long lie in this morning.

Hope you've caught up on the washing Greenbee.

It's a lovely bright sunny day here but with bitterly cold winds again. Still at least it's light and bright with nice blue skies. The light really does make me feel better.

My dermologica has arrived so I'm going to make a start today, going to have a nice long pamper session in a bit, eyebrows, face mask, nails the works......

Health wise it's 50/50. The bowel cancer test was negative:T and my tummy does feel a little better. I have made some slight dietry changes and I think they are helping - reducing dairy and eggs, switching to lacto free milk and trying to introduce more alkaline foods to rebalance and reduce acid reflux. So far so good, I feel a lot more comfortable.

Unfortunately DS2 has come home with a lurgy.......I have had a nasty headache since yesterday. Hey ho........

Flat purchase seems ok. Solicitors just doing their thing so not much for me to do at the moment.

Travel plans? Nothing decided yet, but I think it will be Europe rather than long haul. I have never visited Paris properly - only ever "passed through" and I would like to spend some time in Italy.

So far I have been toying with the idea of Eurostar to Paris for a few days, then on to Rome and attend a language school for a couple of weeks then take it from there - possibly some sort of circular tour taking in Florence and ending up at the lakes and then back home by train through the Alps. Perhaps two or three months.

Anyway that's just a very rough idea. I've got this year first. Barcelona in May and then hopefully visiting various friends who are dotted round the UK, the odd few days here and there.

Need to make use of that rail card....... :rotfl:

I really ought to go to Belguim this year. I have had several invites and my aunt (mums sister) isn't getting any younger. My cousin lives in Ghent so I could perhaps visit Bruges at the same time. Again Eurostar to Brussels is easy enough.

It would have been our wedding anniversary tomorrow so I will buy myself some really nice flowers, get all dolled up and go out for a nice push lunch.....

coppers

Hi everyone, I've just found this thread & to be honest I really need to join,
I've been pulling myself together, I joined slimming world & I'm losing weight, I keep thinking I'll quit & save the money but Ive already spent so much money & if I keep going & I reach my target weight I'll be able to go for free.
I'm pulling out my never used make up bag, I'm going to moisturise, do my eyes & lips & squirting on some perfume.
Thank you Fabbers for the inspiration ��

maman

Good to see you coppers.:)


I do SW too and glad to say I'm at target and don't need to pay:D. There's an excellent thread on here if you're interested.


Thanks all for the ideas on crafts. I made progress with my cushion cover yesterday. Needless to say the mitred corners weren't as simple s the youtube video suggested but that was mainly because I didn't want to cut my piece of needlepoint. Anyway, the top is now done to my satisfaction. I called into The Range (very strange shop, full of tat mixed with some gems) and got a cushion pad so now ready to put the back on.


Thanks for the Jo Malone recommendation ellsbel. I'm going to buy perfume from there next time I'm in city centre but may wait a while before splashing out on moisturiser too:eek:. I quite like the idea of Nivea for every day too.


I'd compromise with the hair. I don't like too many blonde highlights so I have them mixed with the caramel ones.


So pleased you've settled into your job sugarbaby. I agree with you about rich textures. That's why I love my velvet skirts and coats.


Good news about the tests LL and pleased you have a plan for tomorrow:). Your travel ideas sound great. I believe Ghent is very beautiful and I know Bruges is lovely too. That with Brussels is on my list for a trip. I've travelled a fair bit in Italy and particularly liked Verona and all the places you can easily get to from there on public transport (like Lake Garda and Vicenza and Venice).


It's been a glorious day here. I had a meeting this morning in a converted country house so the drive there was really lovely. Much the same outfit as last week: black pencil skirt, black jacket with a purple shell top underneath, opaques and black heels. Then I topped it for outdoors with my enormous Dr Who style scarf in pinks with black stripes.


ETA: My new shoes arrived!!:j

Floss

LL have you thought about visiting Portugal? Lisbon & Porto are lovely, both have excellent tram systems to get around and along to the coast, both have good air links and the trains are fab between the two cities.

lessonlearned

I "called in" at Lisbon on the cruise. It was very foggy but we did a bus trip round the city - I loved it, it reminded me a bit of Seville. I think you can get down to Estoril on the coast by train for about 10 euros.

We also called in at Madeira, which is Portuguese. I thought that was wonderful and would love a winter visit, it is warm as The Canaries and not long a flight. I think about 3.5 hours.

I only know one Portuguese word:D...but I did manage to get the gist of road signs etc.

I have "smatterings" of French, Spanish, Italian and Dutch so with a bit of cramming I think I would be fairly confident wandering around Europe on my own, and although I don't like driving in the cities I'm ok on quieter country roads, but yes in all probability it would be mainly public transport. I love train journeys.

Currently working on the Spanish.

One thing that is on the cards........

DILs parents want to buy a European bolt hole, probably Madrid where they have family. DS1 and DIL will probably go halves with them so it would be a nice "base" for family use. Madrid temperatures can be a bit extreme - it's the highest city in Europe - so cold in winter and baking in high summer but probably lovely in spring and autumn.

DS1 and DIL are currently in Barcelona, I think it's warmer there than here.:rotfl:

Maman - Ghent is lovely, my cousin says it's far superior to Bruges...but he would say that wouldn't he.;)n My sister stayed with him last year - apparently he lives in a nice part of the city.

Anyway I'm thinking maybe September for Belguim, August is too hot for me.

Welcome Coppers - well done on the weight loss. It feels great doesn't it when you see yourself making good progress.

I tried my new dermologica, just the moisturiser and the eye cream - skin feels lovely. Will just stick with those for a few days to make sure they suit and then try the serums etc.

Right time to get the dinner on.....