Champagne Lifestyle on a Lemonade Budget.

sugarbaby125

My Champagne moments yesterday were going to Pizza Express Herne Hill and the wine bar for Karaoke in Herne Hill in the evening.:D

I had a Tesco Clubcard Pizza Express voucher for £9 that had almost expired so I decided to treat myself to a classic American pizza and a small bottle of sparkling water on my way to Karaoke in Herne Hill. I only had to pay the £5.15 difference on my bill.

I went to Karaoke last night, but they had turned it into a dance night which suited me just fine. I could not spend a lot of time on my feet dancing but I did lots of dancing sitting on my chair.:D Some man told the barmaid to ask me if I wanted a drink, so I accepted a bottle of water. I did not bother to ask the barmaid which man wanted to buy me a drink :rotfl:

sugarbaby125

My Champagne moment yesterday was going to the Black Ballad & NARS beauty event in Spitalfields in the evening. One of the make up artists for NARS, chose a young black girl to do a make up demonstration on, and it was fascinating. Even though I mostly do not wear make up, I still found all of the make up techniques that were being shown to us really interesting. There was so much make up in an array of attractive colours available, but I did not allow myself to be tempted into buying make up that I do not need.

I really enjoyed the event, but unfortunately they did not have any chairs for me to sit on, so once my Arthritis pain got really bad, I had to leave the event more than an hour early, which was a real regret for me.

There were glasses of champagne, or sparkling flavoured water on offer and mini cakes for us to nibble on as we browsed what was on offer in the store, spoke to one of the make up artists or each other.

lessonlearned

Good morning everyone.

Very busy week here, some lovely champagne moments.

First - my lounge now finished. It looks fab. I've chosen a deep denim blue for the gesture wall and a soft stone pebble colour for the rest. It's bold and dramatic but at the same time restful, especially in the evenings. Very pleased with it.

Had a nice lunch tea out with my sister and a friend in one of my favourite bars. It was so cold and miserable I started with mulled wine......one of the perks of winter. :rotfl:

Sorry to hear about your arthritis, SUgarbaby. I think the weather doesn't help much. Never mind it will soon be Christmas and new year, then before we know it spring will be just round tbe corner.

mrs_slapshot

Hello everyone - it feels like ages since I have been here! It's been a busy few weeks with one thing and another. It was my birthday just over a week ago and I had some lovely presents, and a fabulous weekend celebrating. My son has just started playing a new sport, and he had his first match last week, so I went to support him - I was so proud!

I also put up my Christmas decorations last week - I have upgraded this year, and bought a few well-made, classy items which make my home look gorgeous. I have a lot more Christmas stuff to do - wrapping and writing cards - but at least my presents are all bought!

One of my best friends who lives in Scotland was rushed into hospital which was a huge shock, but thankfully she has had the all-clear. She has been visiting this weekend, we had a lovely afternoon and evening yesterday (which I have spent most of today recovering from...). December has turned back into party month for me!

I have been quite frugal with my grocery shopping for the last few weeks, mainly shopping at Aldi which has made a big difference to my budget!

One thing which has happened completely out of the blue is being contacted by an old work colleague on Facebook - he worked closely with my (now ex - for the last 8 years) husband - my husband and I worked at the same company. It was a kind of open secret that he (the colleague) fancied me, and he was very flirty in his messaging! He lives about an hour and a half away from me, and suggested meeting for coffee when he was next in the area. He then contacted me last weekend, and the upshot was that he drove up to see me one night last week and we went for a meal. It was good to catch up on old times, and very flattering that he made that effort to see me - it has made me think very hard about opening myself up to opportunities to meet someone special. I have concentrated on my job, and on my son, since splitting from my ex, but now that work feels more stable (fingers crossed) and my son is 18, I think it's time to open up to love. So that is my mindset for 2020. I may meet up with my old work colleague again (he mentioned about meeting up in the New Year when he's back from holiday), but even if I don't, this has shown me how enjoyable it can be spending time with the opposite sex!

I have also started HRT this week - I am well and truly menopausal, with lots of symptoms, so I am hoping this helps. I have high hopes as I have felt more energetic and positive this week (which could also be down to the excitement of a 'date'!).

LL - I love the sound of your colour scheme. I have been thinking that I will have a dark blue bedroom when I next decorate, or move house next year.

Sugarbaby - how interesting that you went to a NARS event. I have always loved makeup, and over the last couple of weeks I've watched some Lisa Eldridge YouTube videos. She is fabulous.

I have come down with a cold, so spent most of today in bed watching YouTube! At least now my work is flexible I can work from home tomorrow instead of having to get dressed up and commute to the office.

Hope you all have a fabulous champagne week!

lessonlearned

Good morning everyone.....

Lovely weekend, lots of quiet champagne moments of the domestic variety, films, music, pampering, nice food. Have put up the decorations. Like you Mrs S I have been steadily upgrading mine.

My late husband loved Christmas tat and would go totally overboard with decorating the house.....it looked like Santa's Grotto at Woolworths. I didn't mind really, it was just one of his little quirks but now I'm alone I am free to indulge in something a little more tasteful.

Every cloud has a silver lining.......

Mrs S - get you being, wined, dined and courted. As for your plans of looking for someone special next year......you go for it girl.

Whilst I am not actually on a man hunt I remain "cautiously optimistic" that one day I might meet someone nice..........although "nice" is a bit wishy washy for me......I must confess I do have a fondness for (slightly) "bad boys" :rotfl:

That sounds awful I know. But, seeing as I'm not husband hunting or looking for a father for my children then I am free to follow my preferences. I want a man that is fun .......and who makes my heart skip a beat. Ha ha.

Actually one of the Johns did invite me to join him on a Christmas cruise and although he is a good, kind and decent man he just doesn't rock my world. He is actually very wealthy and I know I would never need to worry about money again but he just doesn't cut the mustard. He's not for me. I don't need money to be happy. I'd rather spend time with an interesting poor guy than a rich dull one. Not that John is dull, he's actually quite witty but unfortunately although I know he's keen I just don't feel that spark.

Maybe I'm being unrealistic and maybe I'm asking too much but I know that I need a man who is charismatic and fun with just an edge of bad boy and devil may care about him. Otherwise I would be bored to tears in no time.

My late husband was such a man, an absolute charmer - charismatic, intelligent, witty and huge fun, and, although he was an exemplary and devoted husband and father, he had just enough naughtiness and devil my care and joire de vie to ensure I never got bored or disenchanted with him.

He was quite poor when we met. All he had was an old clapped out Ford Escort and the clothes on his back. But I didn't care. I could see he had potential.......a real diamond in the rough. :rotfl:

I am sure there's someone out there for me. I just need to find him.;)

Mrs S. we will have to go for it next year.......I might even try a dating website again. Two of my friends have found nice men that way. They keep egging me on to try.

Anyway I have lots of plans for next year, trying new things, getting out and about more, maybe I might just stumble upon Mr Wonderful whilst I'm at it. I can but hope. As you say, we just need to keep an open mind and open heart and who knows what amazing things might happen.

I have been reviewing this past year and thinking about the future, what I want to achieve next year.

Busy making plans and hatching schemes.

Hope you all have a great week.

sugarbaby125

Mrs S and LL I hope you both find the right man for you in 2020. You both deserve such happiness

lessonlearned

Thanks SUgarbaby.

Que Sera and all that. :cool:

Just got back from buying paint for the hall ready for the decorator tomorrow. It will be a sort of sage/grey green and white. Hopefully a lot brighter and lighter than it is now. I did think of doing it all in a sort of pale creamy off white but when I tried the tester I felt it looked bland, cold and stark. The sagey green looks warmer without being overpowering. With a big mirror to bounce light around and some bright artwork it should look more cheerful than it does at the moment,

It's currently a yukky yellowy beige and red......so dark. :rotfl: they even wallpapered the ceiling in a sort of red/beige sponge effect......so 80s Dahhhlings. And so dark and depressing, :eek:

I also bought a few last minute gifts for my lot. That's me done now, just one last final food shop and then that's it. All set for the big day.

As I mentioned yesterday my husband was "Mr Christmas". He really went to town. It's not the same without him but oddly enough I feel better about Christmas this year than I have done in a long while.

Nothing lasts forever, even grief fades eventually.

The heart mends. . All in good time.

Just enjoyed my once in a blue moon treat of some artisan bread and cheese for a late lunch whilst watching a lovely sunset. Probably means another cold night.

Well it is December. :rotfl:

lessonlearned

Shielavw

Just wanted to send you hugs and healing vibes. I know it's your first Christmas without your darling......hope it's ok. Surround yourself with your loved ones, be gentle with yourself.

You can do it. :grouphug:

sheilavw

Thank you so much. I am quite dreading it but I have my eldest Daughter , son in law and Grandson friday til the 30th, my younger daughter who lives local will be around and staying some nights too. I have booked us girls a spa day on the 29th. On th 3/1 me my Sister and Brother are going on all inclus weekend to Blackpool. I had my therapy yesterday at the hospital, reflexogy and the lovely lady made me up another lavender mist which aids sleep. She said think of it as just another day. Mick loved Christmas, I still feel so lost without him.

I dont know if I mentioned it but the conservatory is all finished, new proper roof with spot lights so its now like an extension , a 3 seater and 2 seater charcoal sofas, new Laura Ashley throw, rug, small unit. I had a decorator in, white ceiling grey walls, new accesories. It looks so nice and cosy. Re-used the tv cabinet and tall lamp which fit nicely. I will get there x

ska_lover

I feel like a a roller coaster, but I want to ramble and I hope no one minds This might seem like a ramble...and it is...but background needed

As some of you may know...my 'little un' (in his late 20s) he has had some major health issues and moved out early this year to gain some Independence - their own choice. Initially i still needed to play a major part in keeping little un on an even keel, almost daily visits (luckily the little flat is only 2 miles away and on my way home from work)

Well, other than the odd hiccup little un has had a fantastic year. found a job that would support health issues and has managed to maintain this job for far longer than any other - and still going strong

Then he met a new lovely new partner (first ever serious) and the partner is very supportive and loving

All this in a year, it truly is a remarkable turn around from where littley was at this time last year.

Over the year I have lessoned my visits and involvement as it is not neccesary, other agencies are involved and now a partner is on the scene it isnt appropriate...Little un is an adult after all

Anyway, FINALLY getting to the point...
Last night 'little un' told me they would not be coming home for Xmas this year, wanted to spend it with new partner alone

So I smiled and said 'OK Darling, your plans sound great'

But in the car on the way home, floods of tears, it will be the first time little un has not been home for christmas

In some ways I am anchoring after christmases past when little un really was little......but in other ways, tears of absolute joy.

Little un is getting on with their own life. and I feel overjoyed by this. So overjoyed. This lifestyle little un is having, is far more than I dared dream of for them

So a lonely christmas, with a grinchy (yet lovely) husband) but tears of joy.

It has been a long long road, this. and tears for me and Hubby. Maybe, just maybe we can have a weekend away in the new year.

Disclaimer, I dont call 'little un' that name anywhere else - id get a telling off if i tried!, I just do it to , well yknow protect privacy on here