Frump to Fab - A Whole New World.

maddiemay

I am pleased that others who were very down yesterday have been able to bounce back a little today. MrsPorridge I have just read your post out to DH, we both grinned at the thought of you overnighting in it on your driveway. We have a very expensive ornament (caravan) sitting on ours which only got used for 10 nights this year due to Covid and other circumstances.
Wednesday I hope that you enjoy your air fryer, we like the one we got, only small as just the 2 of us and being a bit (lot) older don't eat huge portions, or much fried food, for us good for oven chips, breaded fish, lovely jacket potatoes started off in the microwave, naans, fish fillets, etc.  I too keep finding clothes and shoes that have been forgotten through the summer when not needed.
Maman I made an effort for Fab Friday too, it was very cold earlier, so wearing thick black tights, a short black skirt, under a long slim grey and black striped dress/tunic,with a fine wool roll neck under, sounds funny, but the effect is of having a dress with a wide black hem, wore black lace up ankle boots as walked over 5000 steps.  Black knee length duvet coat and a brightly coloured boa type scarf that I made at a textile workshop.
Chanie pleased that you felt able to speak out re: your current working conditions, hope it changes for the better soon. 
Sukeyboo I hope that you enjoyed your walk, the sun came out after a murky start and it has been quite nice.
Sugarbaby it must have been fun choosing your own Christmas gifts from the family, it is great hunting down what you want and then getting everything at the right price.
Take care all.

Wednesday2000

I told my husband too about the caravan. It reminded me of how my brother and I used to put a tent up in our back garden and sleep out there in the summer.

maman

You've given us all a much needed smile Mrs Porridge. Enjoy your night in the motorhome. 😁

I don't have an air fryer myself but apparently they are a very healthy way to cook, using minimal oil.  When I was working late I got into the habit of using the oven and it's a habit that's stuck. I used to put something in the oven, put a timer on and then it was like 'Beat the Clock' (Remember that?😉) to have a quick bath or other chores until our meal was ready.  The other habit is to spend alternate Saturday afternoons (when my team is playing away) listening t the match on the radio while I do some batch cooking to have homemade ready meals in the freezer. 

Your outfits sound really good maddie and Wednesday. I haven't worn a skirt/dress since the beginning of the current lockdown but I'm determined that we will go out to eat  after Wednesday even if we can't meet up with friends. I'll definitely dress up for that. Today I wore my new black hoodie and did my make up to go to the shops.  The hoodie is really soft and warm.
Fine-knit hooded jumper - Black - Ladies | H&M GB
It proves the point that we made about Black Friday in that I paid £12 for it about a month ago. 😉

I met my DD1 and DGD in the supermarket car park. It was  a complete coincidence but probably illegal as there were 3 of us but I'm sure you won't tell on me!🤣

thepurplepixie

Everyone I've spoken to this week has said they are feeling down, not madly depressed just sort of flat and defeated.  I'm not feeling Christmassy at all but a nearby town is having a Christmas evening next week when shops open, late opening, Christmas music, hot food stalls etc so I am going to that and hoping it might help.
Covid rates are falling like a stone where I am, shot up with the visitors at half term but low now.  We are tier 2 but I think we would probably go into tier 1 in a fortnight, well that's what I am telling myself.
Hope everyone has a nice weekend.

sheilavw

feel the same as all you guys, tier 3 here. Looking forward to gym opening, back to swimming. They aren't opening the steam room or sauna though. Rates are falling a little so hopefully things might change on the 16th.

Looking forward to my new lounge/stair and landing carpet being fitted hopefully friday.

I would love a motorhome or a caravan, but unlikely because I am on my own. Although I suppose that I could manage to drive a small motorhome! like the idea of just taking off and seeing where you end up!

savingfortomorrow

The lockdown is easing next week for me and it's still unclear what is opening up. If restaurants open up I am not going to eat out- I just don't feel confident in eating out. I just know that I'm super cautious and maybe a bit anxious about it.  I am bored with the virus also but it's better to safe and bored but the virus preys on opportunity and boredom increases it. I think what is fueling my caution is a concern for family and working with others who don't have care and knowingly break rules. 

The gym is opening up next week and I am in two minds between going which is great for my health and sleep or staying super safe and not going. I am the one who wears a mask on the machines and avoids everyone nearby.  The virus fear can trap us into doing too little that we can do in an albeit safe manner. 
It is like seize the day -safely. It is a right oxymoron, isn't it. 

wednesday- The airfryer sounds great. It will give you loads of meal options and crispy food that is low fat. 

maman - food shopping was always a highlight for me as seeing new flavours and spices. I love going to farmers markets, Asian and Chinese supermarkets.  The inspiration from seeing stuff in season and new ingredients makes cooking nicer and hopefully better. I miss going to a few different weekend markets. 

sugarbaby125

Hello Ladies,
The creative writing group on Thursdays is an event that I can attend in person. There is an option for me to stay at home and participate via Zoom, but I much prefer to have a pleasurable reason for leaving my home and the chance to interact with other people. The next event is on Thursday 10th December, as our facilitator Will has another professional engagement on Thursday 3rd December. 

Yesterday was my Open Mic poetry Zoom meeting. I performed 2 pieces of my creative writing. a monologue and a poem, which were much appreciated and gave everyone in the group a reason to laugh out loud. 

I have 2 spoken word events on Friday 4th and 11th December. I will be performing some of my work at each event. I am really looking forward to both events as there was a chance they would have to be cancelled, so I was relieved when the dates were confirmed yesterday. 

I am really excited about the prospect of Christmas. I always look forward to Christmas, but this year, I intend to make even more of an effort at home with my children.  

I only had a few hours sleep last night, as I just could not get back to sleep when I woke up at 4.40am. 

MrsPorridge

Bounced (almost) out of bed this morning and put on a twinset I knitted a few years ago.  Its quite big on me - sadly not because I lost weight, but because I am a BIG knitter!  Its great for doing housework as I'm at that age where the sweats can strike at any moment   I can take the cardi off and am left with the short sleeved jumper.  I polished and hoovered in the sitting room and it now looks cosy for retreating there this afternoon.  All my decorations are up now and its looking very festive.
We are extremely lucky where we live and lockdown is easing considerably next week.  Our village cafe is able to have the inside dining option and DH and I will take advantage to go out for lunch.  We always have a kind of Christmas lunch out every year.  Its earlier this year as, of course, things could change at the drop of a hat.  
DS will be coming home for Christmas in a couple of weeks.  I can't wait.  It will be strange though, like the summer, he came home and we didn't hug for a couple of weeks.  But I can live with that - at least I can see him, talk to him and he will be in the same house.
One thing I have realised with this lockdown malarky - I now realise how much I took for granted - just going out for a coffee, hugging a friend, being able to go shopping without a mask and not worry about being close to strangers.  Once its all over I vow to try not to take anything for granted again.

maman

I think it's great that you can go to your classes in person sugarbaby. Is that because they come under education? 🤔 Well done for getting praise for your writing and performance. 😊

I don't think you're alone in putting the decorations up Mrs Porridge. We went out for a walk earlier and I noticed various houses with trees and lights visible. DH said maybe they'd done it for children but I think people just want to cheer themselves up. I think this year we (that's the Royal we😉) will put up some outside lights. Not glowing reindeer or flashing Santas just some strings of coloured lights. It will make people feel better. 

I like knitting too but can't think what to make at the moment. I'd like a project but not clothes. I need something to keep my hands occupied in the evening. I do watch television but I don't find many programmes that take my full attention. 

Hope everyone is having a god weekend. 😊

helensbiggestfan

maman said. 

Hope everyone is having a god weekend. 😊

Well maybe not a "God" weekend but I'm having a good one. Sorry couldn't resist.  😂.  

Well hello my lovely friends.   Just dropping by to remind you that as it's now the end of November you have around 4 weeks to become a "Christmas Cracker". 😁.  So, go for it.  

I am.  I have lost 5 lbs since I spoke to you all last, have upped the skin care routines and am in the middle of a wardrobe rethink.   

Sorry to see that so many of you are succumbing to the Covid Blues......time to remember......this too shall pass.  Nothing lasts forever, neither good nor bad, it's all transient.  Covid, Brexit, Whatever.  Even grief eventually fades and becomes easier.  

The world keeps turning, day follows night, spring will follow winter as it always does.   

Of one thing you can be sure, our futures lie in our own hands, it is up to us to shape our own future  and give it life and meaning. It doesn't matter what life throws at us, it is how we respond that counts.  We can give in to gloom, doom and despair or we can fight back by looking for beauty and joy.  

I have filled my house with flowers and houseplants. Each day I throw open the windows for a few minutes to allow fresh air into my home, then I spray each room with my favourite scented room spray. Each day I'm dressing with care, wearing uplifting colours, styling my hair and wearing perfume......even when I alone indoors with no one to see me. Vanity??  I prefer to think of it as self love, self care.  

Each day I am eating good quality healthy food, going for a walk, listening to music and upbeat podcasts, each evening I light candles And settle down to read or watch a good movie or tv programme. 

Christmas decorations .....a bit early for me yet but yes I'm looking forward to decorating my house and making it festive.  

By Easter this Winter of Discontent will be over and with a bit of luck and a fair wind, by next summer most of us will have been vaccinated, Covid will be conquered and lockdowns will be consigned to the history books.  In the meantime - All you have to do is stay safe and secure, protect yourselves and loved ones - just for a little bit longer.  Have a little patience and faith.  

I'll be back near to Christmas to wish you well and to remind you to think about your word or phrase for next year.   

Yes, I'm relentless.  😂😂

❤️❤️