Frump to Fab - A Whole New World.

helensbiggestfan

Good Morning lovely ladies. 

Interesting post there Pixie, which raises lots of ideas and thoughts about your future. If there is one thing to come out of this God awful pandemic It's that it has given many of us time to stop and to reflect on our lives and to ask ourselves some really important questions. For many of us this time has brought a realisation that maybe we do need to make some changes and that, ultimately, when the chips are down, family and friends are our lifelines.  For you it's just such a time.  I would say it sounds like you have reached a crossroads and  that you realise it's time to make some serious decisions.  And yes, some  lifestyle changes. 

I don't think you are being selfish at all.  I think what you are proposing is eminently practical, your preferred location will meet both your immediate and long term needs, and not just your needs, but also your husbands too.  I hate to be a Negative Nellie but has he asked himself what would happen if you got  sick ......who would support you both and help oversee his care.  You most definitely do need to get closer to your family, that is crystal clear, you cannot afford to be so isolated.  I'm sure your children worry about you both and I've no doubt they will be very supportive of your decision to move closer to them.  It will make their lives easier too so again this reinforces that you are not being selfish.  In fact such a move will benefit you all. 

Well I'm shattered today.....no idea why because I had a lovely relaxing afternoon yesterday with DS1 and family.  My house is a veritable tip and I have zero enthusiasm for housework today. 😂.  DS2 and his girl are coming tomorrow and although they are coming to see me and not do a house  inspection I suppose I had better make a bit of an effort. 😂🤣. Lockdown really saps the motivation doesn't it.  I did drag myself round Aldi's this morning. I didn't need much so took the opportunity to do some more stocking up for winter/possible future lockdowns.  Stocks are looking pretty good now.  I think at some point I'll do a proper inventory so I know exactly what I have and where I've put it, 😂

Wednesday2000

The idea of a winter lockdown is extremely depressing. My mood always slips down after the clocks go back anyway. I am buying a SAD light box and I'm going to take 5-htp as that supplement did make me feel better last winter. I actually marked it on the calendar so I can start using the box and taking the tablets a week before the clocks go back.

I was thinking of creating a hobby box with things I can do if there is another lockdown this year. I was thinking of those adult colouring books, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles...

I got my George delivery today and I swapped my wardrobe with my husband as his wardrobe is bigger and put all my clothes in there instead. I really want to get back to chazzer shopping. I have to go and pick up the altered skirts and dresses next week. They were ridiculously long. Even the man in the launderette commented on it.

helensbiggestfan

Still can't get motivated.........I keep losing my mojo. 😂. I'm just having a coffee and then I really must get cracking.  

I so agree, the thought of a winter lockdown isn't a very attractive proposition.  I don't mind hunkering down when the weather is bad, I do that anyway quite cheerfully but It usually doesn't last long and you can at least break the monotony with a trip to the cinema or a nice lunch somewhere or even just a coffee and a mooch round the shops.  The thought of solitary confinement for weeks on end holds little appeal.  Maybe I should find myself a live in lover before winter sets in. 😱😂🤣.  Only kidding. 

Your idea of a hobby box  sounds great.  I shall pinch that.  I am aiming to buy some diy materials and arty crafty bits in the next couple of weeks for practical projects such as reupholstering and painting furniture but I think I will look at trying some "fun" stuff too. I was thinking of having a go at painting.  I think I could manage to slosh some paint around ala Jackson Pollock.  😂🤣.  My big problem is I can't draw freehand So I might see if I can find some books or kits to try and learn.  I have bought some soap making and candle making supplies.  I used to do embroidery when I sat with my husband when he was sick in hospital or the nursing home..I found it very soothing, It was a way of practising mindfulness. I've never been able to mediate (just too impatient) but if I can find something to do with my hands then I can practice a form of flow and relax. 

I'm not one for puzzles (Again just too impatient) but I am going to start looking in chazzers for books to stockpile.  

I have one of those light Boxes but often forget to start using it.  I'll copy your idea of making a note in my diary. I'm also going to restart taking vitamin D in good time this year. I bought some the other day.  The chiro also gave me a list of supplements, some of which I already take, but he did suggest tumeric tablets so I'll order those as well.  I've tried "golden milk" And although it's a pleasant and soothing drink You get a much higher concentration if you take tumeric in tablet form.  

I haven't browsed a chazzer in what seems like aeons......i don't need any clothes right now but I might start searching for some winter bits and pieces, especially clothes I can lounge around in at home.  My current at home wear seems to be leggings and tops and I'm sick of the look quite frankly. 😞

savingfortomorrow

It feels like we have to plan for the worst and hope for the best. 
I am going to try and buy about 20 euro worth of dried goods per week to keep a shelf stable stock pile in that is healthy  and  low fat. At the start of the pandemic plan took hold with limited planning. That being said I must be very logical as I instinctively bought all the  correct items. I intend getting loads of dried pulses and spices. I have space for the new stuff, I'm thinking of rice, pulses, milk powder,  pickles and nuts. I prefer reduced sugar items so it's better to be organized  in buying. 

I've decided to try and save as much as possible. I need very few new clothes as Ebay and charity shop purchases were brilliant here to replace larger clothes that I donated. I'm going to cut back as much as possible. 

I still want to get the kitchen upgraded but right now it functions  perfectly  and  locking too much money down scares me a bit. I fear that with the flu season and the large reservoir of infection in USA things are not going to be sorted soon. Unfortunately, things like pandemics and climate change require international  cooperation  which is  out of vogue at the moment. The nature of life is everything  is interconnected with import/ export. I fear that the calmness we are experiencing  at the moment will foreshadow  some serious economic issues and terrible  humanitarian  consequences.  

On a positive  note got a stunning dress in the charity shop. 

helensbiggestfan

0oh well done on the stunning dress. 👍

I think you're right. This might well be the lull before the storm, so I am being like the wise little pig from the children's stories, building my metaphorical house from brick and not straw then when the big bad wolf comes knocking I will be safe. 😂

I told DS1 and DIL yesterday that I was making preparations for possible further lockdowns. In the past my boys have laughed at me indulgently for my forward planning. Not any more.  DILand DS exchanged a look, nodded sagely and said that they thought it was a very good idea and that they are going to follow my lead.  Perhaps mums really do know best sometimes. 🤣. 

Anyway, I've just sorted out my stockpile and made a note of what I need. I reckon about another £50 or so should do it. I'm also Reorganising my freezer and making sure I don't waste space on low value foodstuffs, restocking with mainly meat and fish. I only have a smallish freezer so no point in wasting space on things like bread etc.  

I will also now be trying to save as much as possible so I am going to try and raise some extra money from my decluttering activities.  I know it sounds mean but I'm going to try and sell unwanted stuff first before I resort to donating or giving it away.  It might take a bit longer that way but I'm in no real hurry.  

Anyway, despite feeling lethargic I am happy with today's progress.  Time to cook something nice.  😁

chanie

Lots of interesting discussions about a winter lockdown.  wednesday your hobby box idea sound great. My suggestions would be painting by numbers, a couple of books and some recipes.  

Food prepping hasn’t worked for me as my children know where I keep my stash and so the food gets eaten quickly.  I am focussing on non-perishable stuff for now like cleaning products and laundry detergent.  We didn’t really struggle with food shortages during lockdown we have lots of small corner shops locally which had what we needed.   As we head towards autumn, I will ensure the cupboards are well stocked.

One thing I have done is to get my paperwork in order, so I’ve switched providers, filed and shredded various bits of paper.
When I’m not fabbing, I can be found on the Christmas threads.  I shop throughout the year, so even in the event of a lockdown,  Christmas will be manageable.  I’m also preparing for the children going back to school in September so I’ve started to buy their uniforms etc, nice and early.
The focus for me, is to get the house in order, while I’m looking for work.  We have spent about £250 and for this, have done lots of decorating and home furnishing for this.  It is definitely time and money we’ll spent.  Today, I painted the living room and me and OH made a start on the outside of the house.  Once this is done, we are finished (well, there is always something that needs doing, but you know what I mean).  

Then, I’ll be helping my sister with her decorating.... so watch this space.

thepurplepixie

Chanie you have been productive. I was looking at various walls yesterday and thinking a coat of emulsion wouldn't go amiss.  Not sure I can face it.  Maybe you could start a business helping the likes of me with decorating?

I know just what you mean about food prepping, my kids are grown up but the teenage GC can put an amazing amount away, I'm sure their mum sends them round so they don't bankrupt her.

Really miserable here, I do feel sorry for the people who have been in lockdown for months and have been arriving in droves over the last few days for longed for holidays and it isn't really holiday weather.  This year they haven't even got the indoor attractions to fill the days.  The supermarkets will be full today as there isn't much else to do so lots of buying stuff to distract the children, books and magazines for the adults and of course lots of treats to eat.   BBC weatherman just telling us it is sunny in the south west, he should have a look out of my window!  I'm glad I'm comfortable at home to be honest.

thepurplepixie

Just wanted to say I've just been looking at Princess Beatrice's wedding photos.  What a beautiful bride, such a happy couple and granny and granddad looking so proud and happy.  Lovely to see something positive at the moment.

helensbiggestfan

Good Morning lovely ladies......

Hate to rub it in Pixie, but it's a glorious day here today.  Yesterday was grim so perhaps it's our turn to bask in the sun today, whatever....I shall make the most of it,  DS2 and girl coming for lunch today.  Salmon Wellington on the menu.  Yum yum.  

Had a brilliant night sleep and woke up actually feeling refreshed for once, less pain and stiffness too.  Seems like the first treatment was definitely beneficial. Start treatments properly tomorrow, 2 a week for 18 weeks. A long course because my condition is chronic. I have been struggling for years so I can't expect overnight miracles.  

The scans have revealed that my head has a forward tilt of 15 degrees and a left tilt of 3 degrees.  As you can imagine this puts an enormous strain on my neck and shoulders. Apparently it equates to an additional 51.4 lb load on my neck and an extra 25% energy expenditure simply to hold my head up.  No wonder I'm constantly shattered. 

Then of course there's the little matter of my hips and pelvis being out of alignment.😱😂

Hopefully  this will all be corrected and I will be a new woman.  I do hope so......I so miss the old vibrant energetic me.  

Good news - mortgage overpayments Have gone through.  I thought it would bring me down to just under £42k.  It's actually £41,834. Wahoo. (Maths never was my strong  point) 

So aiming for £41k by The mortgage anniversary in  October and sub £40k to start the New Year.  Mortgage free in 5 years whether I move or not,  Well I do like a challenge. 😉. 

fabwise......just had a lovely bath and facial.....

chanie......some great progress there with your House Fabbing.  It's lovely when you have nice fresh paint and decoration.  DS will be assembling  some of my new furniture today.  A new coffee table and a console table for the hall. The new bookcase should arrive on Wednesday, then furniture wise that's it for now, except I need to make a decision about a kitchen island.  Can't decide between mid grey or white. 🤔😁

have a great day y'all. Keeeeep fabbing.  

chanie

I woke up to rain this morning, so I haven’t done any decorating, as it’s only the outside left to complete.   I have been working solidly since Monday, so I deserve a day of rest.

we have a few exciting plans;

day trip to France - booked for after the summer, when prices drop. We will probably do a bit of shopping in the morning and then beach in the afternoon.

we are getting a kitten!!!  DD really wants a pet so we are going to surprise her.  We know of someone who needs to re home  some kittens and it makes sense to get one while I’m at home.  I’m very excited.