Frump to Fab - A Whole New World.

Wednesday2000

I'm okay, thanks. I just have a slight cough but the nausea has gone today.

We finally managed to order a home test to be delivered for me and also one for my husband. I think he said you could order tests for 2-4 people from your household. I was trying to order it from my laptop and it wasn't working (that sometimes happens as I can't do certain things on it as it is a Chromebook) but it worked from his PC. We tried at exactly 8 am today.

I think it won't say if I've had it just if I have it now and I read that you are supposed to do it within 3 days for it to be accurate and if I was ill from last Thursday it will probably be too late. Oh well, It's ordered now and it is supposed to be here in 48 hours.

Today I'm wearing my grey maxi dress and a red Dotty P top I bought from a charity shop just before this happened. I can't imagine what life will be like after this as I was thinking about going out shopping and how close you have to be to other people in shops. I can't imagine doing the things I liked to do like going to concerts or even to restaurants. Maybe the cinema would work as you could sit further apart. I was just reading something on the BBC about what the "New Normal" might be like and it is just so bizarre that this is happening in our lifetime!

I'm feeling a bit depressed today and I would like to go outside for a walk but I can't until Saturday. I am going to have some fresh fruit and sit outside in the sun and maybe try a meditation.

Hope everyone is alright.xxx

maman

Good to know you're picking up a bit Wednesday. Glad to hear that the home testing kits are available again. If you do test negative then at least you'll know and your DH can go back to work.  

I've no idea how things are going to be in the 'new normal'. We're already seeing some tension between the draft plans and what workers need.  I also think that whatever Boris announces on Sunday it doesn't mean that people will take advantage of any easing up. PPE will be a big issue as if it's recommended in other settings then we just don't have sufficient. I anticipate that many parents won't want t send their children back to school or use many hospitality/retail outlets even when they become available. Sadly, some people are so desperate for money that they'll return to work before it's safe. 

It's bright here. DH and I might walk to the post office later and have a short stroll while we're out. I really hope that some of the things that we've learned from lockdown like taking more exercise, home cooking, personal hygiene, not spending on unnecessary items and generally realising what and who we value in society is upside down. 

I enjoyed my knitting yesterday. It was good to do something productive. I'm sure keeping busy is better than too much thinking.

maddiemay

Wednesday I hope the test kit arrives soon, I love Grey and Red together.
Maman sunny here, so I might attempt a little walk before OH goes off cycling.  I know that I am supposed to stay at home, but I live in a very quiet place and as long as I don't daydream while walking I can easily cross the roads to avoid being less than 2m from anyone.
Some serums that I had ordered from Beauty Pie have just arrived, will probably quarantine them for 3 days, all packed in cardboard box and tissue paper, then disinfect the items individually.

helensbiggestfan

Damnnnn.   Just did a long chatty post and lost it.  I give up.😁

so I'll just send Wednesday a hug.....keeping my fingers crossed for you.  Keep your pecker up. Look after yourself and your husband and just ride it out.  Think about your future plans - which are brilliant - let them sustain you and give you hope and strength. 

Maman. I think you are right, best to try and keep busy and productive.  Take our mind of things. I know I say this so often that I sound like an old worn out record but I truly believe there is no point worrying about the what ifs and maybes.  We change what we can and we accept what we can't. Then we adapt.  

Life is going to be different, no doubt about it.  However, I really do believe that if we and our loved ones survive with our lives and our health intact then that's what really matters.  Which is not so say I don't have concerns.......

I do appreciate that many people are desperately worried about finances and that once furlough comes to an end there are probably going to be tens of thousands thrown out of work through no fault of their own.  I don't think there are many industries that are going to be entirely safe. It won't be a recession, more likely a real depression similar to the 30s. 

 My kids might be in industries that would appear to be safe - nursing and engineering but if the economy contracts rapidly then who knows.  They could easily get laid off, just like anyone else.  Projects get mothballed, non urgent medical treatments might get shelved - no one knows for sure. I am by no means complacent or blasé. 

There is no doubt that these are worrying times and everyone is going to need to be both resilient and resourceful. But for the time being I am just happy that, so far, everyone I know and care about is alive and well, and that finally the death toll is starting to fall.  

Stay well my friends and try not to worry.  

Wednesday2000

Thanks guys. I will probably feel better Saturday as then I can go out for walks again.

At least I have a garden. It's the most I've ever been out there since I've lived here these past weeks!

My husband had his work just call up and he said he might be back next week if he tests negative. His manager said they are getting more staff back at work now as they will increase the Underground service. I'm still not sure I will feel comfortable going back on public transport.

I am going to give a donation to an animal charity that just sent me a letter, they must be struggling at the moment. I've given quite a few donations during this time.

Oh yes, I said on here that I ordered from a local Coop on the Deliveroo app and the guy on the bike arrived at my house 25 minutes after I placed the order on my phone! I'm in London so it might be better here but I thought that was impressive. Half the food was missing but still it is a good option if you can't get a supermarket slot.

savingfortomorrow

I rearranged all the wardrobes, winter out and summer in. I removed all the black and have loads of color and brightness. It's easier to find lighter items and vary it up. 
It's great to change things and see what it new and exciting in your own wardrobe. 
I did a massive declutter last year, I'm not going to buy a lot more. I've been trying to stay away from fast fashion. I've been watching a few videos on YouTube for style and capsule wardrobes. I would never be able to manage the logistics of the washing and drying for a capsule wardrobe but I'm getting great ideas. One or two belts and some nice sandles and I'm sorted.

It is so cold here. It's like winter. It helps keep people in at least. 
I have lost all motivation to get active. I've a conference call with a fitness coach planned to hopefully get a bit of motivation. It comes with the health insurance and I might as well avail of the service. 

maman

Those videos sound interesting sft. I like the idea of a capsule wardrobe but it's hard to get rid of things I like even though I probably have too much.

I can't see me buying much, if anything, this summer. I've got plenty of summer dresses and skirts for when the weather gets warmer. At the moment I'm just wearing leggings and a top. This week I'm back to long sleeves but I have lots of tee shirts with short sleeves and sleeveless. 

You may not be feeling very active but you've certainly been industrious. 😁

We had a walk today (just over 8 000 steps), in our local area but a new route to us. 🙂

maman

Food shopping day today. The highlight of my week!  

It's sunny and warm so it won't be any hardship queuing outside the supermarket. I've always done one weekly shop but have moved it to Thursdays, hoping it's quieter than weekends. It's also the one day of the week when I've made an effort to wear make up.

I did a bit of an eyebrow tidy yesterday. They look OK but nothing like as professional as the usual wax and tint that I've been used to. I'll be using eyebrow powder to get some definition.

I'm trying to look after my feet too but will soon need to do a DIY pedicure. I haven't done that for years as I've been alternating between podiatrist in the winter months and pedicure at the nail shop in summer. Even on the hottest days I haven't been wearing sandals as although I have comfortable Fitflops, they aren't as good for a daily walk as Skechers or similar. 

Feeling much brighter this week. Just something as simple as a bit of knitting has made me feel I'm using my time better. I've never been good at frittering time away. Television is getting worse and worse. I read that there's a programme on later called 'Monster Carp: the best episodes'. My first reaction was that someone had a sense of humour and was doing the ultimate in trash TV. Then I realised it was about fishing!

Take care all.  

helensbiggestfan

Hello Lovely Ladies

Yes, I noticed there are a lot of "best ofs" on the TV. Compilations of tired old tat.  You know they are scraping the barrel when it's best of fishing. 😂🤣.  I stick to recording stuff and then Plex or Netflix...so far I've managed to resist binging on box sets though, mainly films and documentaries at the moment.  I'm also Reading a lot more.  Not managed to do anything arty/crafty yet although I'm am aiming to start on some furniture renovations and reupholstery projects soon.  

Lovely day here again so making the most of it. Pottering in the garden. Had to go to the bank in a local suburban high street, (not the city centre) this morning. Dont ask, long story - let's just say the switching wasn't as straight forward as they said it would be. 😂. I went at 9.30 because I knew there would be queues due to reduced opening hours and all I can say is that I think people are jumping the gun re easing of lockdown restrictions. Traffic levels much higher and even though not all the shops were open there were a lot of people around.  It looks like folk are deciding they have had enough.......

I wore a mask and gloves and although I'm not normally of a nervous disposition I actually felt a bit threatened and panicky. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.  I'm sure I was perfectly safe but it wasn't a nice feeling.  

I don't think I will be buying much once the shops do reopen....I'll just stick to food, maybe some bits and pieces for the house and garden but I really don't think I need any clothes for now and I certainly don't fancy trawling round clothes shops.  

One thing is for sure, once this is over I am resolved to shop locally much more and to use local tradespeople.  And I certainly won't be rushing back to crowded places of entertainment and the city centre. Much as I love cafe culture, shopping, cinema and restaurants I am gong to give them a wide berth for  while.  

savingfortomorrow

LL I agree with you about being hesitate to go in to restaurants. I would be fearful touching surfaces, sliverware,  cups everything. Have the staff kept it clean. I will be honest no I'm staying away. 
I have been reluctant to do more shopping this week as I spent a lot last week. I have to pull it back. 
If we can wait a little bit it will be ok. People will go mad at the first opportunity. It will be better to wait until there is a system in place. 

It is getting busier, the urge to stay in has reduced but people are venturing out. I can't judge but I'm not sure this has gone away.