Frump to Fab - A Whole New World.

thepurplepixie

savingfortomorrow, I'm not a gym goer but I have read that opening up the gyms in Germany hasn't caused any problems, no spikes or anything.  I assume they have taken some steps to keep people safe, cleaning regime and reduced numbers but I'm not sure if I read that.  I'm not sure if they have opened pools as well.
I've decided a bit of spending is good for the economy so I have started Christmas shopping, won't make a huge difference but I thought it was something that could help local shops get going again and it is money I would spend before the end of the year anyway.  I also did my self assessment tax return in May, normally leave it till the last minute in January, and paid it straightaway, again I know my few thousand isn't going to bail out the govt but I just thought every little helps as they say.  Of course I haven't been able to see children/grandchildren for months (caught up with most last week) so I have spent alot less on petrol, food out with them and treats for the children so I've also done a bit of distance treats e.g. games to entertain the little ones, some flowers delivered or a cream tea home delivered.  Again I just thought it was spending a bit of what I'd saved but cheered up the family and a little bit extras for shops.
I've found online shopping has saved me alot as no impulse spending, I'm one of those people who pops into the shops for a loaf and bottle of milk and come out with a full trolley but I've forgotten the milk.   I was often in the supermarket several times a week but with careful planning and shopping it has made such a difference, of course there were no grandchildren coming after school and raiding the cupboard before going home for dinner.  How do teenage boys eat so much?  I also went through my statements and discovered I'd spent roughly 10% of my usual petrol spend.  I know I do long drives to see some of the family but it isn't every week so I now realise that I'm using lots of petrol on those too frequent trips to the supermarket.  That is going to stop.  I also saved on hair, I was due a cut and colour in February but didn't fancy it with the worries about Covid so you can imagine how bad it was by July but the good news is I had missed two trips and that comes to about £160.  I've booked my next appointment for 8 weeks instead of 6 so we will see how that goes with the added bonus that a new salon has opened within walking distance so I gave her a try and it was great so no parking charges and no petrol.  So even with my bits of spending I am several hundred pounds up with no tax bill due and some Christmas shopping done.
Well that is my lot for today, hands are improving but I'm not allowed long on the keyboard.  Keep safe everyone.

chanie

I’m having a tea break following a morning of painting. I only needed to paint one small wall, but as there is so much paint left in the tin, I have decided to paint a few other areas which have become a bit grubby looking.  As I’m using the same colour that is currently on the walls, it’s not a difficult job and I’d rather use up the paint than see it go to waste.  Tomorrow and Wednesdays job will be painting the front door and frame.

The problem is that once we start, we then want to do ‘everything’😂.  I’m currently eyeing up the living room as that could do with freshening up and OH is eyeing up the kitchen.    

Break is over so I’d better get back to it.

savingfortomorrow

All the little shops add up so much. I know that failing to meal plan or just look in the cupboards and make something  was costing a lot for me. Honestly  going shopping was a hobby , clothes food or even teapots. 

It is a great idea getting the Christmas  gifts now, stock is in and bargains are to be found. It will be a pressure off you later in the year. 

Regarding running out of milk, I keep oat milk, uht and  powdered milk in. It saves a journey. On the way  home from work I always try and ask do I really  need  it or do am I just wanting to see what is new

I agree we have to spend but locally produced artisan  items that are produced might be a good investment. I always hated fast fashion  but the recent revelations were terrible. I am going to try and keep money locally from getting  items tailored or even purchasing in the charity shop. Unfortunately  my local shops re rather high end. 
I am going to try and reduce a few Bills  and renegotiate  my  electricity  and TV provider.  

helensbiggestfan

Good morning lovely ladies....

I am another one who has had a rethink about my shopping habits.  I Have always abhorred the conditions found in the garment trade, both here In the U.K. as well as further afield.  Unfortunately some of factories here are just as bad As any sweatshop in the Far East.  Not a new phenomena of course, the rag trade has long been synonymous with sweat shops. Victorian seamstresses freezing and going blind in attics And cellars are not just the stuff of gothic novels and penny dreadfuls, they were fact and we are all familiar with tales of the conditions found in the cotton mills during the industrial revolution.  Hopefully the recent revelations of what's been happening In Leicester have been a wake up call and the powers that be start tightening up. 

I too have decided from now on I'm going to avoid the chains As much as possible, not just for clothing but for other things too.  I'm going to try and keep it local and stick with local tradespersons and artisans.  A few years ago I managed to buy all my Christmas gifts from local tradespeople, from craft fairs, farms shops etc.  The quality was good, the designs often very imaginative and the prices were no dearer than the big boys.  I might even try my hand at sewing again....certainly for soft furnishings and simple outfits.  I used to sew a lot when I was younger but my fingers aren't as nimble as they used to be.  I would be more than happy to pay a good tailor or seamstress for special items. I used to use a seamstress for the more complicated sewing but she has now retired.  

Speaking of less than nimble fingers......I have had my assessment and spine scans this morning. I go back on Wednesday for a full debrief And to start my treatments.  However, he did point out a few things today.....some of which I already knew of course.  (Stop sitting with my legs crossed for starters) 😂. One thing he did recommend was switching from an iPad to either a desk top or laptop. (Not to be used on  the lap!!!!). So, like Pixie, for the time being I am going to restrict my typing until I get sorted.  I'll get my tech guy (DS2) on the case. 

The list of problems is actually rather daunting but the good news is it's all fixable.  It will just take time and more than a little effort on my part.  I'm pretty relieved because I was beginning to think there was a serious underlying problem (bone cancer) but he assures me I'm clear.  And that my problems are not age related but rather "life" related.  I was there for ages and he took a very detailed history (in fact I had to fill in a pre visit questionnaire). 

When I saw it all written down it became pretty obvious even  to me that a riding accident, three major car crashes, a nasty fall during a storm at sea as well as 6 years of backbreaking care giving were bound to have some long term side effects.  Not to mention thirty years of largely sedentary office work and a lifetime of stress.  And although I eventually managed to sort out my digestive problems and adrenal fatigue there is still some musco skeletal work to be done.  

 Anyway he reckons he can straighten me out and put everything back in it's proper place. He says my energy levels will improve and that even my hearing loss will improve. 

Let's hope he's right and I really can turn back time.....😉

I'll drink to that.  🥂💃

So for now, until I get sorted with a new gizmo, this is my last long chatty post.  I will still keep in touch of course but will just keep my posts short but sweet.  

On the fabbing front.....I have switched my perfume for a while.  Makes a nice change.  

sugarbaby125

Hello Ladies,

My son decided to go back to his Urbanest accommodation yesterday. I miss him already, but I know that he is capable of looking after himself. I was fortunate that he stayed at home for more than 3 weeks.  He enjoyed being at home, but he likes his independence. 

I was spending so much more money on groceries, as my son is a young man and needs larger portions of food. I will keep home cooking, but now it will last my daughter and I for a lot more meals.  I can go back to sticking to my previous grocery budget and I will not be having to wash up every day anymore, now my son is no longer at home for the rest of his summer break. 

I must admit that I do not have any intention of going to a restaurant or any other social venue in the next few months. There is still far too much risk for me to enjoy any social events or venues. 

thepurplepixie

Sugarbaby I'm sure you will miss him but nice that you have had him home and at least the saving on food is a compensation, I think my ex DIL is sending my two big GC round so that I feed them to give her a break, where do they put it all?

LL if you are having trouble with your hands I can highly recommend compression gloves, I sleep in them and even after the first night I could feel the benefit.  I don't get on with painkillers but I was having to use them or I couldn't sleep but I am managing fine without any pain relief now, still have pain but mild.  My main problem now is my right elbow, it is so stiff and sore, I reckon breaking my left shoulder 30 years ago has meant more pressure on my right arm which probably hasn't helped.  I do live in fear, my GM ended up with her hands totally deformed and unable to perform the simplest task and I so hope that isn't my future, on the other hand GF went stone deaf and I think my hearing isn't what it was, don't know which to worry about. I am planning on having a hearing test when things are a bit safer.  I'm not keen on this getting older lark.

Savingfortomorrow, I am being much more organised with bread and milk now, it is amazing how much we can cope with when we have to.
Oh well that is my lot for keyboard today.  Keep safe everyone, hope you've all got your face coverings, I bought some from a local lady who was making them for £1 each so I am ready.

helensbiggestfan

hello lovely ladies.  

Pixie......Thanks for the reminder about compression gloves. I do have some but rarely wear them because I find them a nuisance.  Didn't realise you could sleep in them.  Will definitely give it a go.  You're probably right about your elbow compensating for the shoulder injury.  Our whole bodies are interconnected  aren't they, damage one part and the Rest of the body has to compensate. And of course you are probably aggravating it because of your caring tasks put a strain on it.,. I absolutely wrecked my body during my caring years and I've still not fully recovered, still paying the price. 

I had quite a chat with the doctor yesterday....it was a private appt and I was there for well over an hour so he had time to explain everything and I was able to ask loads of questions. We discussed family history and it's relevance and he said that although genetics Obviously do have a role to play it doesn't mean that we are necessarily condemned to the same fate as our family.  Medicine has advanced so much and we know so much more that even if we have been dealt a poor hand we can do so much better in either avoiding problems or at least managing them better.  

  He did say that often what we think of as inevitable age related illness is in fact life related and we can undo some of the damage sustained through injuries, bad posture, stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, emotional trauma  and so on. I found that reassuring and I'm going to put my faith in him and see what happens. I'm not expecting miracles and starting running around like a 30 year old. I will Just be happy if I can reduce my pain levels, improve my flexibility, strength and stamina, and improve my mobility.  I am prepared to put in the work and give it a good go.  

I am currently rereading "The Four Pillar Plan" by Dr Rangan Chatterjee and gradually implementing some of his suggestions.  I don't know if it's coincidence but In the past I followed His advice on how to improve sleep and I have to say I now sleep so much better.  Most nights I now get a good 7 hours and it has made such a difference. 

The next book on my list is called "Younger Next Year". I did read it a couple of years ago but if I'm honest I didn't really follow the recommendations properly - it sounded like too much hard work😂. But I'm prepared to give it another go. 

I figure what have I got to lose.  If I can avoid surgery and turn things round through diet, exercise, sleep and a few non invasive treatments then I'm prepared to give it a shot.  

thepurplepixie

I was the same with compression gloves, couldn't be bothered with the faffing even worse with Covid as getting them off and on to wash hands but what about the gloves, no good having clean hands and contaminated gloves.  I found mine and tried it for one day with Covid and decided it wouldn't work so thought I'd sleep in them, thought they wouldn't be as useful but in fact I've found they are giving me better results and a coat of handcream first means I wake up with painfree hands with lovely soft smooth skin.  This morning I can't say I have any pain in my hands, little bit of ache but if I wasn't "tuned in" I probably wouldn't even think about it.
Need to deal with my elbow next.

helensbiggestfan

Good morning lovely ladies.  

Pixie....thanks for that.  That's great news that the gloves are working so well for you.  I have dug mine out so might try tonight.  

Just got back from my first Chiro treatment, definitely feel something is happening.  I feel that something has sort of unlocked.  My right shoulder feels freeer.  Most of the problems are down my right hand side...,,,that took the brunt of the big car crash In 2016. It's never been right since. And then the subsequent fall at sea in 2018 When I landed heavily on my right hand side just added to the problems.   It's also my right knee with the damaged meniscus.  Unfortunately I'm right handed so it's my dominant side anyway and it has had to work very hard to compensate for those injuries.  Anyway after today's first session things definitely feel different, still sore and painful but somehow much easier.  

  I'm fascinated to see how my hearing will improve but when he showed me the scans the areas of most concern were clearly showing red, with the red areas being mainly all down my right hand side but there was a red area just below my left ear......the one that has compromised  hearing.  Improved hearing Is not my main concern,  although of course it would be a nice bonus.  I have never bothered with a hearing aid because it wouldn't really help much...it would just make everything louder,  but that's not the issue, it's lack of clarity that's the problem. Tbh the only time it really affects me is watching television so if it's particularly bad on a given day I just switch on the subtitles. In RL, When face to face with people I'm absolutely fine, even with multiple conversations and background music etc.  So it seems it's a question of unclear signals to the brain rather than no signal.......like when you have to tune a radio.😂

Anyway I will just see how it goes.  I have been advised not to attempt any exercise yet, not even yoga, certainly no heavy work or diy. Just some breathing exercises and gentle walks. Tbh I don't think I could manage yoga anyway.  Apparently I can have a gentle massage but not a deep tissue or Swedish massage so I might see if I can book something. A hot stone massage would be bliss.  

Still undecided about my hair. It's not looking too bad, I think I've got over the worst of the straggly growing out stage and I quite like the longer length so I might just keep going, just a trim to tidy it up and keep it in good condition.  
 

Bit dull and chilly here, bit of drizzle now and then. Hopefully set to start warming up tomorrow.    Just going to potter and tidy up.  Had GS here yesterday yesterday so quite tired today and He's here again tomorrow so I'm happy to have a nice quiet day and a bit of a breather.  Toddlers are such fun but they are a bit full on and fatigue is Another one of my issues at the moment.  Gawd I sound like a wreck.  🤣.  

Did a bit of a stock up again the other day just in case there's any problems with Covid. Hopefully we are far enough from Leicester to avoid any spikes but Derby is a very cosmopolitan city and many of our ethnic communities have links with Leicester so you never know.  

Moll

purple pixie , you sound so like me , lol ,,,,,,,,,,, ive started christmas shopping too , just bits , but avoided going into the supermarket/ shops regularly , but hopefully my small contribution will help the economy locally . 
I have a dilema............ Before the covid,,,,,,i had got back into swimming, and went regularly , Felt so much better , I have a bad heart, and was told this was the best exersize for building my cardio up .   I didnt go to the swimming baths , i went to a local hotel who has a leisure complex, I only used the pool , wasnt bothered about the gym , sauna , etc etc,,,,,,,,,,,, It was minutes away from home , so ideal , i just nipped there whenever id got time ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, I enjoyed it so much i decided to go for a membership there, thinking if i wanted to i could go for half an hour.to an .hour every day if i wanted , it was so convenient , The price was high ,,,over £3oo for the year membership ,, but i figured if i went often it would be worth it , I payed in March  !!!!!!!!! then the virus came and everything got shut down ,so joined at the worst time , but they said WHEN they could re open , any days id lost would be extended ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,well they phoned last week to say they was hoping to open just the pool and gym on the 20th , but still trying to work out the details to make it safe. They said they limit people in at any one time so they could still social distance in the pool  ? not sure how they can ?????????????  its not a huge pool .............. so i dont know what to do , Do i or Dont i ........ive paid a lot of money............. and it was doing my health better,,,,,,,,but is it safe??   He said hed phone again next week to let me know more details