Frump to Fab 2021

helensbiggestfan

Hello ladies

I always liked Loraine Chase, she always seemed so natural and unaffected.  

Suave lounge lizard - Played by actor Jeremy Clyde I think....with a cheesy pick up line that went "did you truly waft in from paradise". 

Lorraine....."Nah, Luton Airport". 

Brilliant.  

My goodness I had to smile at my namesakes picture.  What in the world.....what's with the eye liner, she looks like a villainess in a Christmas pantomime.  More Ugly Sister than Cinders.....😂. Or maybe shes audiitoning for the role of Cruella.  😂🤣

Tbh I have noticed her hair and I tend to agree it's not her best look and quite apart from the eyeliner fiasco I have thought that of late her make up is getting heavier and heavier.  Not sure such heavy make up is flattering. I always think that as we get older less is more. I now aim for subtlety. I like to think I look "healthy" rather than "made up".  

I think I have mentioned a blog called "Advanced Style". It features a lot of women (and a few men) from New York. (Advanced refers to their age, they are mainly older people). A lot of them wear really heavy make up. I think that their clothing choices make them look like they are wearing fancy dress rather than ordinary clothing.  

I believe in having fun with clothes but I think, if we are not careful, it's easy for older women, in particular,  to slip into Pantomime Dame mode.  I am always very conscious of not being "Mutton dressed as lamb" but these days it seems that many older women run a real danger of looking like a drag Queen.  You sometimes see them on cruises.  Totally overdressed, too much exposed flesh, too much make up, enough bling to sink the ship.😉

And don't get me started on slug eyebrows, trout pouts and fake tans........and of course dresses that look like they are two sizes too small and leave nothing to the  imagination. That's not style that's desperation. Not even remotely sexy or attractive. Wheres the magic, the mystery, the glamour or the sex appeal.  

Joan Collins always says you should always do one final check in the mirror before leaving the house and remove one item.....either a piece jewellery or an accessory otherwise one is in danger of looking like an over decorated Christmas tree.   And even she can be guilty of over egging the pudding at times.  

Sorry but I think Dame H is in danger here...........less style icon and more Panto Dame/Drag Queen.

lol.......what a rant. Ha ha,  

But seriously when did so many become such walking fashion disasters.  So many are getting it so wrong........So many either look like Trollops or scruffs.  It's not about money, the shops are full of nice affordable clothes this season, it's just about taking a bit of care.  

I had a look round Asda the other day, they had some really nice things. The coats and knitwear were especially good and a really good range of styles and cuts in jeans.  I bought some jeans and some nightwear. I don't really need any more knitwear but I'm tempted because I often can't find what I'm looking for and they had just the kind of sweaters I like.  

I am another who enjoys quiet days. I always did but I think lockdown gave me the perfect excuse to scale back and indulge my inner sloth.  Having said that I have had a busy and sociable weekend so I am happy to take it easy today.  I did some gardening earlier but then the weather broke again and it's now raining.  

Time to cook dinner and then settle down and get nice and cosy with a book.  The nights are really drawing in now.  

maman

I think Cruella was just about right @helensbiggestfan. 🤣 

I can't remember if I posted about Donatella Versace last week. There was a picture of her with the most hideous trout pout. These people must be devastated when they decide on surgery and it looks so awful. ☹️

I think you're absolutely right about less is more. I like a bit of make up but I definitely prefer a natural look. I think we do really well and that's without professional makeup artists and daily hairdressers. I wish! 😁

I did a bit of gardening earlier too. Just planting up the pansies I bought last week in Asda. I agree about their knitwear. I'm thinking of getting a sort of oversized Aran style tank top. I'll do a link when I find it. It's cheap enough to have something up to date and another layer for cold weather. 

Funnily enough I listened to Jeremy Clyde playing Raffles on BBC Sounds. I really enjoy some of the audio on there. Last week I listened to the Great Gatsby. I prefer radio as I can get on with other things like cooking or ironing although even with television, it rarely gets my full attention. I watch mostly recorded programmes and frequently have to rewind. 🤣

Wednesday2000

Hmm, yes, not keen on that dark eyeliner at all! She does look very glam for her age, though.

Lorraine Chase - I haven't heard that name in years. I remember who she is.

It was pouring with rain here at the moment. I just had a hot bubble bath. I'm looking forward to my massage tomorrow. I have to see my new friend to give her a card and some cupcakes for her husband too as it is his birthday this week. I think I will wear one of the new dresses tomorrow as one I bought was quite casual enough for daily wear.

My mother-in-law (80+) had her 3rd booster today. She didn't say she had any ill effects.

chanie

I’m going to have to disagree with you all about Helen’s eyeliner.  By itself, it doesnt look good, but she was walking a fashion show and combined with the heels and suit, it really works. 

maman

chanie said:

I’m going to have to disagree with you all about Helen’s eyeliner.  By itself, it doesnt look good, but she was walking a fashion show and combined with the heels and suit, it really works. 

I've looked again at some full length photos and it looks better. Her hair actually has a bun on top which the head and shoulders didn't catch so the look is more balanced. It's good to disagree sometimes. 😊

Wednesday2000

My relaxing morning didn't work out as planned.

I had my massage and it really hurt, especially when he used the massage roller thing at first. It's terrble how my body has declined so much in two weeks since I last had a massage. I did feel a bit better afterwards, though.

My friend asked if I was cold with what I was wearing when I saw her. I did feel very chilly as I only wore a light cardigan and I was wearing sandals and I had stepped in a puddle beforehand! Then it started raining and I didn't have my umbrella. I had to go into a chazzer and buy a warm cardigan to wear. I had to get the bus after the tube as it was still raining.

I felt so fed up that I bought us some chip shop chips for lunch. They were delicious.

I am dyeing some clothes red this afternoon and I also need to deep clean the bathroom.

maman

Oh dear @Wednesday! What a morning!

I put my sandals away last week and started back wearing socks when the weather turned colder. I'm dancing again tonight and just wondering how I can get away with no tights. I just hate wearing tights when I'm dancing, especially fine ones. I'm OK when I'm there as my feet stay warm but as we have to leave doors and windows open for Covid ventilation I need to wrap up fairly well and layers to remove as we warm up. I'm thinking a maxi skirt, long sleeved top and a cardigan should be fine.🤔 I think it's too early for boots so I'll probably wear ballet pumps.

I had a lovely pamper session this morning. Since we had out bathroom refurbished (almost 2 years ago now!) I've given it a good clean after every shower whether it needs it or not! I'm determined to keep it immaculate as it gives us so much pleasure.

The back garden is progressing beautifully. The guys are such hard workers and have managed well despite occasional showers. Fortunately, most of the heavy rain has been at night.  

I'm getting a bit of pain/stiffness in some joints. It's only fleeting but does anyone take supplements and, if so, which ones?🤔

Wednesday2000

I don't know any supplements for stiffness Maman.

The dyeing came out badly yesterday as the clothes all came out patchy and I managed to get red dye stained onto my fingers. One H&M dress came out well but I don't even like the style when I tried it on again. Yesterday was not my day!

One good thing was that I went through my boxed up clothes to get out my jumpers for the autumn. I found two jumpers that I forgot I bought. I think I bought them in the summer and packed them away. A red one and a dark grey one so that was a nice surprise. It's like getting a new wardrobe when the seasons change. I went out today in my green jumper, black skirt and DM boots and tights and of course today it was sunny and warm *rolls eyes*.

I've just been out today to buy cleaning supplies and then had a nice chat with my relative on the phone. 

I want my husband to call the estate agent to see if there has been any progress. 

helensbiggestfan

Wednesday......I succumbed and had chips yesterday.  Triple cooked in proper fat. So naughty but soooo yummy.  Well once in a blue moon won't hurt.  

I took another look at HMs pictures.  I admit the full length ones of her on the runway looked ok, it was just the close up of her face that struck me as not being very flattering,   

Sorry to hear you have developed some joint pain and stiffness Maman.  Most fish oils seem to help with mild to moderate joint problems. I think if you can try and get one containing, glucosomain, chronditin and MSG.  They take a few weeks to work. 

There are various gels too like green lipped mussel which are good. And then there are topical analgesics such as Volterol, Deep Freeze etc.  

The big trick though to combat the stiffness is to keep moving, sitting for too long exacerbates the stiffness.  It can be gentle......you don't have to pound the streets, but regular walking, dancing -  both of which you already do so you're on the right track.  Maybe shorter more regular walks.  Apparently 30 minutes a day is better than a once a week trek.  

You could maybe try yoga, pilates or tai chi. This will help stretch and strengthen the muscles which support the joints and will ease the strain on them.  Let the muscles do the work, not the joints.  

Keep warm.  When aching or in pain, soak in a bath with Epsom salts, maybe add some lavender oil to relax the muscles.  

Difficult sometimes when in pain but movements should flow easily.  When we are cold or in pain we tend to tense up and hold ourselves awkwardly.   (Shoulders reaching our ears kind of thing, rounded back).  This puts extra strain on the joints too, especially the neck and shoulders. So yes once again think about our old friend posture.  😂.  And of course massages can work wonders.  

Although like Wednesday has found sometimes when you are in pain a massage can be quite sore at the time.  Last time I had a massage I had to tell her to ease off and be more gentle but it still hurt and the next day I did feel as if I had been somewhat pummelled and pulled about. It was only the day after that I really felt the benefit.  I think that's because I hadn't had a massage for several weeks so I have decided I need to go more regularly.   

It's a lovely day here.  I was up with the larks, washing on the line and did an Aldi trip.  

Feeling chuffed, managed to save myself £150 on my car insurance. What with that and the £160 plus I saved on my house insurance thats £300 which will hopefully mitigate the dreaded energy price rises this winter, 😱. Luckily I have masses of winter clothes, I don't really need to buy much this year.  

Yesterday I bought a really nice pair of black cord jeans £1, warmer than denim. I also bought some paintings for my new study. 4 for £8. So well pleased with my bargains.  

Right I'm off for a walk and then maybe a bit of weeding in the garden.  

Keeep Fabbing.  

maman

I'd definitely call the estate agent @Wednesday2000. You're paying them after all. I suppose you need to have a plan in mind and decide how long you're prepared to wait for this particular buyer. Then you'll know what you're asking them to do. 🤔

I love chips! 😋 Generally I make my own oven chips at home but when we had a fish supper for my lockdown birthday dinner it was heavenly. But that was 6 months ago so only a blip in my healthy eating. 

Thanks for the tips on joint stiffness. It's very minor and occasional at the moment so I think I will try glucosamine just to feel I'm doing something. I know the 10000 steps came from an advertising campaign but there's been research recently that about 7000 is optimal. 

Glorious day here. The garden project is going well. Turf starts to go down tomorrow. 😁