Frump to Fab - A Whole New World.

savingfortomorrow

maddie and LL I totally get the blah feeling. It is like an apathy feeling and it comes as a phase. I had it about three weeks ago. It will pass. the motivation will return. Do not force yourself to do too much in the apathy phase as it will take 4 times as long and be flustrating. Wait a little while until the motivation returns. 

I have still not returned to reading- which I love. But I have gotten the get up and go back. I deep cleaned with methylated spirits all the stains from the floor. It is brilliant for real stubburn stains and paint splatters. 
I decluttered a bit more today, I hope the charity shop reopens soon as I want to give it away soon. It would be nice to browse but the shops are getting busy here. 

sugar- I hope your daughter is able to get a new job soon. hopefully things will improve soon economically. It is great to read that you are improving. 

chanie

Maman  We must have had a psychic moment  .  Last year, I saw a few fashion bloggers with baskets covered in pom poms.  Although I can’t see myself using one very often, I was going to have a look on holiday, as I always try and get a fabbing souvenir when we go away, like some sandals or some colourful jewellery.  

Maggie and saving more I think many people are feeling the same as you both, particularly about the easing of the restrictions.  You both sound very sensible and pragmatic, which I think is the best way to be.

chanie

These are the tulips we bought from Lidl for £1.79.  I picked yellow ones, but DD insisted we get these ones, instead.  

helensbiggestfan

What a pretty colour.  

maman

Those tulips really are pretty chanie. Good choice from your DD. DH commented today how much he liked the fresh flowers (only been there since Friday ).

When we go away, I like to buy foodie souvenirs although I have got a few nice dresses that I've bought on holiday. So I buy herbs and spices, even if it's just from a supermarket but with the packaging in a different language. They bring back happy memories every time I use them. I'm using paprika from Budapest, peppercorns from Turkey, various Aldi spices from Holland and, my favourite, masala chai spices from India.  

The dresses are perfect holiday wear because they're loose, one size styles so comfortable in hot weather and very forgiving if you eat too much!  

It's bright again here today, we've had no more than a few drops of the promised rain. Thanks for those comments sft. It's comforting to know that I'm not alone in feeling guilty about doing nothing in particular.

chanie

maman I buy edibles when I'm on holiday too.   I also have a sun hat from Zante, a sundress from Gran Canaria, a bag from Majorca and sandals from Rhodes, which use on my holidays.  

helensbiggestfan

Well good morning ladies

i went to Asda today. Wahoo. 😂. Must say it made a very pleasant change.........most of my purchases were non food, did get a few cleaning bits that I can't get at Aldi.  

I picked up some bedding plants at the entrance, then browsed the George section.  Bought a pack of strappy vests, a pair of linen summer trousers and a bikini, (purely for my very private garden 😂).   Picked up some hair slides and a hair comb fastener thing  to experiment with to try and do something with my straggly hair.  I went mad and treated myself to a new mop bucket because the old one had sprung a leak...... 

Who would ever have thought that visiting Asda could be so enjoyable but it made such a nice change from Aldi.   Life's simple pleasures.😂.  

I like to buy foodie souvenirs on holiday too, especially spices.  I loved Grenada in the Caribbean (they call it spice island). So much variety.  I have been there twice now and each time I stocked up for both myself and the boys.  I do love the foreign shopping experience, I think it's lovely to see things we don't get here.  

Although I no longer buy mass produced ornaments as such, I do like to buy handmade craft items and original paintings done by the locals if I can carry them.  I like to buy clothes too and of course leather goods such as bags, belts, etc.  I do love mooching round the markets and local shops, especially the smaller one off type shops that we tend not to have here now.  Shopping on holiday always seems so much more fun than here.  And I always try to buy a Christmas bauble wherever I go.  

I was fascinated by the shops in Scandinavia. The shops in Copenhagen and Helsinki  were fantastic.....all that Scandi design, the knitwear was just beautiful. I lusted after a beautiful mohair bed throw but restrained myself .........I thought 180 Euros was a bit steep. 😂

There was a special Christmas shop in Helsinki.  All it sold was Christmas decorations.  They were stunning and I could have gone mad.....I was very restrained and bought just two items. 

They have pride of place on my Christmas tree, along with my Dublin Angel which is made of crystal with wings of delicate tapis shell.  She cost an arm and a leg but she's a stunner. I wasn't going to buy it because I thought it was too expensive but my husband bought it for me as a gift, so it has a very special place in my heart.   

A bit dull here but definitely warmer.  Going to go for a stroll to a local shop which I noticed has lots of plants outside.  I'll go and take a look at what's available, hopefully some tomato plants. 

maman

 Conversation about souvenirs is bringing back such lovely memories. If we can't travel, at least we can enjoy the memories which is what travel is about IMO.
I remembered a lovely little Christmas ornament I bought in Budapest. I bought them for the DDs too. They're a tiny, Christmas tree ornament of a baby Jesus in a crib made from a walnut shell. I've also got a Father Christmas wall hanging from Turkey using the same technique they use for carpets except the beard has been brushed with a teasel to make it bushy. Then we have an original water colour of Ottoman houses hanging in our bedroom. Oh Happy Days!

I've been hanging around trying to renew our annual travel insurance today. I got through once then the operator went off to ask a question and accidentally cut me off. So, after lunch, I rang again, waited another 50 minutes, but I have to speak to the original operator. Now waiting for a call back. ☹️

Glad you enjoyed your trip to Asda LL. I think shops like that where you can queue just once for a choice of homewares, clothes and food will be a better option going forward especially for basics. 🙂

helensbiggestfan

Just been browsing the travel section of the Daily Mail where an amazing cruise bargain for next year caught my eye. I then went into one of the travel websites I use and sure enough loads of bargains.  I'm still not going to book though, not even for next year.  If I decide to go away I think it will be a last minute thing. Even so  I doubt it will be this year but never say never.  🤣. 

It's such a shame people have had to miss their holidays. I think we could all probably do with getting away for a break, away from all the madness. I think it will be staycations for most this year, ok for those who have a garden but not so much fun for those in flats.  I feel really sorry for people in flats with young children, it must be so difficult.  

Sun is coming out. Wahay.  

helensbiggestfan

Meant to say I didn't have to queue.  I got there around 10 am and just walked straight in.  It did seem to be getting busier as I left but again no queues as such.  I also filled up with petrol on the way out, again no queues.  It seemed like a pretty normal shopping trip, not too busy. Maybe I just timed it right.