Frump to Fab 2017 - A Whole New World

indiepanda

Good morning all.

On the question of summer clothes, I don't have that many that I would only wear in summer and don't tend to go on summer holidays where it's really hot - more inclined to go away in September than July/August. Got plenty of hiking gear for my travels - although a lot of that is too large for me now - trousers that only stay up if really belted in and so forth. And though I have sleeveless dresses, they still get worn with cardigans the rest of the year or for nights out dancing where I will get hot in anything more substantial. I suppose I have the odd vest top that is a bit too lightweight for the rest of the year and cropped trousers that I wouldn't wear the rest of the year. But the only shorts I own are really hiking ones that come down to the knee. Maybe if I knuckle back to the diet I might be more inclined to flash my pins this summer.

I am off Ashford outlet centre in Kent today with one of my friends - on a mission to get:-
- a dress for a wedding i am going to in two weekends
- some new hiking kit for my trip next weekend
- some cardigans
- trainers - but only if they have the particular model I wear in the asics shop or I can get online

Need to try to avoid buying jeans and tops as I've bought enough of both. Smart trousers would be handy if I see any nice ones as would dresses suitable for the office.

Went to a new Ceroc class this week in Shoreditch. When the lesson first started there was a distinct lack of men to go round and some of the experienced women were having to dance as men, but it got better as the evening went on. Also did a dance class yesterday - was based on some Gershwin songs from the musical American in Paris. The teacher does dance based aerobics classes and I ended up on her mailing list years ago after doing one Zumba class which at the time I felt ridiculous doing (my ability to get embarrassed has reduced over time). Anyway, was good fun and I may well check out some of her classes now.

Dating wise, Wednesday's first date was a perfectly nice chap and we had a good chat, but I don't think I felt any spark with him. I think I can be a bit serious and need someone a bit playful to bring out my fun side. I was a bit non-committal afterwards, implied I didn't have any nights free before I went on holiday but perhaps could meet up after I got back. Truth is I was trying to keep some flexibility in my diary to have the option of arranging a fourth date with the other chap. Anyway, third date with the other chap was last night, had dinner in a wine bar and then went for a walk along southbank and down to where the Underbelly festival outdoor bar is near Westminster and sat outside drinking till quite late - was quite romantic with the trees lit up. Plus he'd been a typical northerner and come out without a coat and it wasn't that warm, so it gave us an excuse to snuggle up. Ended up kissing at the bus stop like a pair of teenagers and missing my bus. Anyway, planning to fit in one more date before I go away.

Am off on my travels on Friday - down to Plymouth hiking, visiting friends in Devon, Wiltshire, Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Bristol and then off to a conference in Wales, away for a day short of two weeks all told. Packing is going to be a bit of a challenge - but at least the conference is smart casual and that includes wearing smart jeans (I checked!) so I don't really need to dress that differently for that to the rest of the week.Going to end up with a full boot - take a spare bag to separate out clothes for washing from the ones that are unworn or lightly worn so will do another day. Need to sort out all my toiletries too - some sample sizes won't quite stretch for a fortnight so will need to pack extra ones or chuck in some full sizes.

Have to admit I can't wait to get away, I've only had one day of annual leave since last October and I can really feel I am getting a bit jaded and ready for a break from the office, especially as I am having to do too many things now that are a bit too junior for me because the girl who works for me has been out sick since late January.

Right, must get moving or I won't have time for breakfast before I go out, enjoy the rest of the weekend all. xx

sugarbaby125

Indie,

It sounds like you should give the other man a miss because if there is no spark on your side, then he is unlikely to be right for you.

I am so glad that your 3rd date went so well. I can remember the joy and fun of snogging Wayne at bus stops and letting buses go by.

You have a very packed itinerary for your 2 weeks, but it sounds as if you will be having a good time. Enjoy your time away and enjoy the company of your friends.

I wanted to learn Swing dance, but although there are plenty of classes in London, they clash with my working hours. You have such a good time at your Ceroc classes that I feel quite envious. I need to get off my bottom and try and find some type of dance class that I can take part in at weekends, if weekdays are not doable for me.

indiepanda

sugarbaby125 wrote: »

Indie,

It sounds like you should give the other man a miss because if there is no spark on your side, then he is unlikely to be right for you.

I am so glad that your 3rd date went so well. I can remember the joy and fun of snogging Wayne at bus stops and letting buses go by.

You have a very packed itinerary for your 2 weeks, but it sounds as if you will be having a good time. Enjoy your time away and enjoy the company of your friends.

I wanted to learn Swing dance, but although there are plenty of classes in London, they clash with my working hours. You have such a good time at your Ceroc classes that I feel quite envious. I need to get off my bottom and try and find some type of dance class that I can take part in at weekends, if weekdays are not doable for me.

Thanks, Sugarbaby looking forward to seeing Mr Third Date again - next date is Wednesday

Ceroc is so much fun but yes, the classes are pretty much all evenings starting at 7:30, so if you work evenings that's no good. They do have weekend workshops and social nights, but I think you need the classes for practice.

One place I can think of that does do weekend dance lessons is Bar Salsa on Charing Cross road.
http://www.bar-salsa.com/whats-on/

Ah, and Swing Patrol do Sunday classes in central London
http://www.swingpatrol.co.uk/class/exmouth-market

Their classes look great fun, I was meaning to go to the Thursday one in Peckham but I fell in love with Ceroc and I think that's a bit easier to be honest. Might still give it a try though.

I had a very successful shopping trip - 4 new dresses
https://www.romanoriginals.co.uk/side-pleat-scuba-dr-24000nav
https://www.romanoriginals.co.uk/contrast-floral-dr-24035lim
https://www.romanoriginals.co.uk/floral-watercolour-pleat-detail-dress-24063ivo
https://www.romanoriginals.co.uk/cotton-shift-dress-24078amb

Any of them would work for a wedding, but it's the last one with the full skirt that I plan to wear, with a little white cropped cardigan I got there:
https://www.romanoriginals.co.uk/bow-detail-back-shrug-10009whi

Just got to have a look through my shoe collection and work out what to wear with it. I have a ivory slightly 1950's style handbag that will go well so definitely don't need a bag. I have some ivory low heeled t bar Hotter shoes that would look nice with it, but the last time I wore them they rubbed holes in my heels (unusual for Hotter as they are usually very comfortable) so I am not sure I want to risk those. If it was definitely going to be warm enough to do sandals and bare legs I have enough smart ones, but I think if it's going to be tights and closed toe shoe weather I might need to invest....

The other dresses I can wear for work as well as outside the office - not being customer facing I don't need to be that soberly dressed, and actually dress codes are less severe now than when I was first at work where it was all about the suits, so a print is fine, especially if paired with a smart jacket or fitted cardigan. Might wear one for my next date

Also got some cheap hiking gear for my trip away, some new trainers (mine are past their best) and some cropped leggings and a t shirt in Nike for workouts. My poor friend wasn't nearly so successful and only came away with two t shirts. But we had a nice catch up and went to the seaside at Hythe and had fish and chips in the sun after before coming back to London and joining friends for a pub quiz. A good day all round.

maman

:)Thanks for sharing your shopping successes indie . They are really lovely dresses and, as you said, very versatile.

sugarbaby125

Indie,

All 4 of the dresses are gorgeous and thanks for the heads up about the Swing Patrol classes on Sunday. I need to definitely give them a try and see how I get on.

maman

Glad you're planning to look out dancing classes sugar. I'm really pleased that I've joined a new class. It's far more active than my old one and I've started going to a few more social dances (all dancing, no teaching) as well. Last week I managed about 8 hours in total of good exercise. I find it exhilarating.


This morning I've done a little fabbing. As well as my usual shower, slather and blow dry I've done a mini face pack (nose and chin) and done the facial exercises. I'd somehow let them lapse and thought I'd go back to them. I'm not sure how 'anti-ageing' they are but I find they wake me up so can't be doing any harm.


I'm going to go and get my nails done today. I think I'll just have them cut and shellac removed and give them a couple of weeks break and some serious moisturising before having them done again for my holiday. On Thursday I've booked a facial.


I enjoy all these treatments and with Groupon or my cheapy Vietnamese nail place or even free in the case of youtube videos they're quite mse too.:money:


It's warm and dry here although not much sun yet. I've put a cap sleeved top on with my jeans although I'll probably take a cardigan when I go out. Have a good day all.:)

indiepanda

It's a beautiful day here, sat in the park with a coffee after my workout. Probably shouldn't have added an almond croissant, but I've walked the long way back round the park, up through Dulwich woods (it's a very small wood, but nice nonetheless) and back via the Horniman gardens, taking a few snaps as I went - there are some adorable goslings in Dulwich Park and also the last of the rhododendrons are in bloom, glad to catch now as they will be done by the time I get back from my travels. Need to get a bit sorted for my travels today so I can make an early start on Friday, but dying to finish my novel so it might need to wait a bit later...

The new trainers were definitely a worthwhile investment, could feel the benefit of the extra cushioning and it was nice to wear my new Nike workout gear. For years I couldn't fit in their largest size and here I am now wearing their second largest - which doesn't sound that exciting I suppose but feels like a result to me.

Even my cheap hiking gear was in a smaller size - bought cropped trousers and shorts that three years ago I would have been buying in size 18 and am now in 14s.

So I will forgive myself the croissant and look forward to an active holiday with just the odd treat.

Should do a bit of fabbing today too - feet could do with a pedicure ready for the trip - might finally be sandal weather... very exciting!

Ellsbel

Lovely to read such bright, positive posts:) I hope you thoroughly enjoyed the croissant Indie, and have a lovely holiday.
Maman, I'm having a rest from shellac too but as I was going out on Friday evening I decided to paint my nails myself and used a base and top coat for a better finish - they've held up quite well; no chips yet!
Hope LL is enjoying her trip - I can't remember how long it was going to be, but hopefully she's seeing and doing lots of interesting things.
I've had two walks today - one with the dog, and one to the shops; it's very hot here but later this evening when it's a bit cooler I'll take myself off for a brisker walk to top up the exercise and add to my daily steps.

lessonlearned

Hello. Ladies......

I'm back......:rotfl: had a lovely time, weather was a bit mixed but no matter. I expected that.

However, first day a filling dropped out. I did not expect to have to visit a dentist in Germany. But it went well and better than suffering from toothache in the middle of the Baltic.
Am feeling very tired now after the journey home on Saturday, catching up with the laundry etc.

Today is gorgeous so just going to nip out and do a few errands and then sit out in the garden with a book. Ds2 is dining out tonight so shall just cook myself a light bite for dinner.

He has painted my bedroom, a sort of duck egg blue which goes well with the white bed linens and mirrored furniture. Nice and light during the day but yet cosy at night. Need to sort out new curtains and a few new accessories.

Only put 2 lbs on over the holiday so happy with that.

Will need to read the thread and catch up with all of your news.

Bye for now.......:D

3forholidays

Great to read that you enjoyed the cruise LL. Hope that the visit to the dentist in Germany wasn't too expensive. I've just had a wisdom tooth extracted this morning (first experience of dental injections and extraction) and it wasn't that bad. Not too painful so far.