Frump to Fab - A Whole New World.

helensbiggestfan

Good  morning lovely  ladies...

another gorgeous day......I count my blessings.  I'm so grateful to have a garden to enjoy fresh air and exercise.  Yesterday I had my lunch outside, next to the heady perfume of the hyacinths. 

So........the plan is concentrate on the garden whilst the weather holds and then when it turns cold again, probably in a day or so, then start with the spring cleaning.  Tips and charity shops are closed for the duration so any decluttered Items will be bagged up and labelled and put all together in one  room to be disposed of later.   Best I can do for now.  Keeping busy, and remaining positive and focussed.  

I don't have a man either but I do still like to make an effort.....I do it for me.😂.  Always did, I have never dressed up or put on slap to please a man.  If that makes me vain and shallow then so be it.  All I know is I function better. For me it's just about being the best I can be and making the most of whatever life throws at me.  No judgements. Whatever makes us happy, eh?  As John Lennon said ...."Whatever gets You through the night". 

However.......and this is what this thread is really about........

For many of us "Fabbing" ........personal care, healthy eating, exercise, keeping our homes nice, positivity and optimism is about reclaiming "us".

 I started this thread when I was at the lowest ebb of my life and since then I have learned so much about "fabbing", the psychology behind it. Tbh I discovered, purely by accident, that "fabbing" is so much more that mere outward appearances. It goes much deeper than that. The repercussions spill over into our lives, making the everyday just that little bit better. It helped me reclaim the woman I once was but which had been lost through all the trauma I had faced. It helped me regain my physical strength, my health and well being, my sense of purpose and my Joire de vie. 

And now.......amidst all the fear and uncertainty once again "fabbing" is the tool I will be using to keep me engaged, motivated and even sane during these difficult times..  Sadly I have lost my man and I dont want to lose anyone else dear to me. It would be more than I could bear, (although of course I would bear it because you have to) but I don't think about. I paint my face, fix my hair and dress up and show up. Call me frivolous if you like but I'm completely unapologetic about this.

Yes........I know full well a bit of lippy won't keep the demons at bay but it helps me deal with them. 

I know I often quote some of my fabulous aunts, but they taught me so much. They were real matriarchs, strong and capable, wise, kind and generous, and very glamourous - despite being as poor as church mice. They were truly remarkable women, my darling Aunty S in particular.  

Whenever she had to "slay dragons"  ( beg the bank manger to lend her money, sweet talk the butcher to let her have meat "on tick" so she could feed the family - 😂🤣 - ) my darling Aunty S used to put on the gladrags, slap on some war paint and finish off with an amazing hat. She would sashay out, a fur wrap round her shoulders looking like a movie star, ready to charm the birds off the trees. 

I firmly believe that during these difficult days we need "fabbing" more than ever.  We need hope, laughter and joy.   We need wit, style and glamour.  Did you know that glamour comes from an old French word meaning "magic". 

We all need a little magic don't we.....😉. A little fairy dust.  Especially now. 

The good news.........The lesion on my face has calmed down nicely, no bleeding or crusting at the moment so I think I can afford to just adopt and a wait and see policy for now, although obviously it will need to be looked at once the pandemic is under control.  I'm just being very careful, Wearing Factor 50 and a large brimmed sun hat.  

As the Belgian grandparents used to say "All is Good". 

Keep your peckers up.......we've so got this.😁

maman

Definitely dithering going on LL. I'm trying to sort out my ATOL protected holiday that didn't happen (because of Flybe not coronavirus). They could have found me another flight with another carrier (were advertising them at the time) but I was offered a refund or voucher and chose refund. That was coming up to three  weeks ago and it's supposed to be sorted within 15 days. I'd be more than happy to give them time to sort things out but I suspect that they're hoping that there will be retrospective legislation to force people to take vouchers and they're waiting for that to happen. Meanwhile they play a recorded message on their phone line and allow no email/chat on the website. If it comes to it I have travel insurance and Section 75 to fall back on but I really don't want a voucher from a company (lastminute.com) with such poor customer service. 

You did really well to lose a kg sft. Well done! My DD1 has been to the shops today. Now that they've an idea of how many children they have to cater for at school they're organising a rota of staff. She's working this afternoon but then at home until next week so was doing her shopping ready for lockdown. At home she'll be responding to the messages/queries her parents and pupils are leaving online. She reported that there's far more available in the shops than last week even toilet rolls!!  

I don't know if anyone else has watched it but Jamie Oliver has rushed out a programme about helping people to cook from storecupboard items. It's on Channel 4 at 5.30 p.m. I've been recording it and it's quite good. Also, I heard that Jack Munro is on Radio 5 Live this afternoon about 3 p.m. 

It's still glorious here so we'll be off out for our walk later. Keep Safe all.

MoneySeeker1

Helensgreatestfan - PM sent to you.

helensbiggestfan

Hello lovely ladies........just a quick question.  

Does anyone know how i can go back and edit a post I typed earlier.  I have been unable to fathom that out yet.  🤣

Lovely day here.  Went to Aldi's earlier, got everything on my list except washing up liquid.  Not urgent.

candygirl

helensbiggestfan said:

Hello lovely ladies........just a quick question.  

Does anyone know how i can go back and edit a post I typed earlier.  I have been unable to fathom that out yet.  🤣

Lovely day here.  Went to Aldi's earlier, got everything on my list except washing up liquid.  Not urgent.

There's a cog type thing at the top right of Your post.Click on it to edit x
I've just read Your post about Your Aunty, who sounds just like My Nan.She was very attractive, everyone said She looked like Vivien Leigh! She used to always be very glam, n could charm the birds off the trees 😁
She also loved a good flirt , which incensed my poor Grandad 😮

helensbiggestfan

Candy......Thanks for that.......found it.  Easy when you know how,  😂

Your Nan sounds great.....😉.  Vivien Leigh was stunning.  

Had a great day.  Thoroughly enjoying the lovely weather.  

candygirl

While we're asking tech questions, how can I see who's thanked me? I'm a nosy moo 😂😂😂

MoneySeeker1

Like the bit about "slaying dragons" outfit earlier LOL. I tend to do this.

Went for my one exercise activity today - in colour co-ordinated outfit - and walking trainers (as opposed to fashion trainers) to make it plain "It's my allowed walk officers" if need be (ie without a word being spoken). Just as well - as I saw a police car cruising around in the vicinity several times before I was through - but they were obviously looking groups of youngsters to break up and there weren't any around. It was just family groups having their walk and a few solos having our walk. It helped with the morale, as it was a nice day thankfully and I waved/smiled/yelled jokey comments at those I encountered and had a few of them duly burst out laughing. Well we gotta laugh or we'd cry.

Effect somewhat ruined later on today by yet another online person in a Facebook group I'm in coming out with a scary "religious" type viewpoint on this. I'm so fed-up with the Scary View frequently expressed that I've thought of an appropriate way to tell them "what for" in no uncertain terms the next time someone comes up with that personal opinion and quotes it as fact. 

helensbiggestfan

I had to smile .....I drove to Aldi.  It's a pleasant drive through a new science park, built on Rolls Royce land (several of their sites) and a new Science/Engineering complex linked to the university. There is never much traffic and there are some designated cycle paths.  Most of the time it's very quiet, with quite a rural feel, with just the occasional jogger.  

I had to smile - there were more people out today than usual......a few couples taking a stroll in the sunshine, a family out on their bikes and a few extra joggers.  But all being very good, obeying the guidelines and no congregating groups.  I think people are actually starting to exercise more. 😂🤣. 

 Lots more activity, I suppose people who would normally be at work.

Going out to clap the NHS. 

candygirl

People banging pans outside,  for appreciation of the NHS! Bon isn't impressed at the racket 🙄🙄