Frump to Fab 2021

chanie

Having spent so long wearing joggers and t shirts, I put on a casual dress today.  I must admit, it felt good to wear something a bit smarter, even though I’m happy with my one mile wear.  

Floss

LL, I've worked out what your 'ping' was - apparently it's a test of the bluetooth signal and not an actual COVID contact ping. My DDiL got one while we were on a video call yesterday. The message said "no action needs to be taken" and she checked it out with her GP sisters last night who told her what it is. 

savingfortomorrow

I wore a bright scarlet dress today- it was nice to step away from the dreary black and grey clothes. I have given up on makeup it seems as most of my face is covered with a mask and a shield, there is no need to really contour. the brighter colours made me feel much better and feel like spring is around the corner. 

I am looking forward to buying new shoes - just a nice pair of wedges or something smart but comfortable. Buying shoes online is difficult if your feet are shaped like shoe boxes. Someone said that here and it really is true for me and at least I can explain the difficulties now in shoe shopping. 
This shopping detox has been good. I am more willing to pay more for quality and stuff that really fits me well not something that will do. 

helensbiggestfan

Thanks Floss.  I had another two today.  Saying more or less the same as last time.  

Good evening lovely ladies.  

SFT. You are so right about colour.  It's so funny you mention it today because this Morning I looked at my One Mile clothes and realised the reason I hate them so much is that the sweaters and tops are such wishy washy colours.  So .....I promptly ordered some new brightly coloured ones.  😂. Two from eBay and 1 from Etsy.  Never bought anything from Etsy before but thought I'd give it a whirl.  

Both DIL, who is the nurse, and my sister who works at B**ts, have had their jabs.  I feel quite relieved,  they are both in risky professions, especially as my sister also has asthma. 

Can't believe that We are half way through January.......you're right SFT - spring is just round the corner.  

Wednesday2000

Candygirl - my dogs do sometimes eat raw carrots and apples but other times they turn their noses up at them!

I have ordered some grey fabric storage boxes that are arriving today. Two are like storage boxes for the size of paperwork and three are bigger for my hand bags and all of them have lids. I will have to rearrange everything today or tomorrow depending on what time it arrives.

I was thinking my mood has dipped as well as I am not sticking to a routine. When my husband is off work (because he had to as he was in contact with someone with Covid) I don't do all the things I usually do like read everyday and journal. I had completely forgotten to do bicep curls too. I don't know why I'm having trouble sticking to this as I have all the time in the world to structure my day!

I am back on the healthy habits today. I am going to journal, then have a bath, get dressed and have a green smoothie for breakfast. Then I will go for a walk, do my bicep curls when I get in and read some of my book. I'm going to make a batch of chickpea, potato and veg curry with brown rice to have for lunches.

helensbiggestfan

Good Mornjng Lovely Ladies.

for Wednesday and anyone else who is struggling with low mood and lack of motivation during these dark times I recommend .........

"If you want to change the world, make your bed". A speech by William McRaven, US Naval Admiral addressing students at the University of Texas. 

Sorry can't do links bits it's easy to find on Google. 

I never in my wildest imaginings thought I would be recommending a speech by the US military (the old hippy in me would be appalled) 😂🤣 but if you are struggling then I urge you to listen.  It's all about the power of daily habits, building confidence, staying motivated and the importance of just keeping going.   And yes, good old fashioned discipline.😉. 

If you enjoy motivational speeches there are loads out there......some of my favourites include Denzel Washington and of course good old Arnie. (His best riposte when someone heckled him and said he needed more sleep than Arnie did was to say "Sleep faster" 😂). Priceless.  

One of my absolute favourites is Matthew McConaughey. A remarkable man.  

Wednesday......keep journalling....it does help.  I was advised to keep a journal after my husband died to help me work through my grief.  Although  I no longer "need" to journal I have kept up the habit.  I find it really helps to clear my head and clarify my thoughts.  

I'm wearing my olive green sweater today, love the colour it seems to suit me, I will be buying more items in this colour in future.  

Have a great day y'all.  

Wednesday2000

LL - that speech sounded familiar and I looked at it on YouTube and realised I have his book on my kindle. I can't remember it that well so I put it back on my to-read list.   I'm still on the secret service woman book at the moment as I hardly read all week.

I fancied soup when I got in from my walk (it must have been the carrot talk) so I made soup instead of curry. It was lovely. The new Matalan thermal top is very warm. I wish I had ordered more than two of them. I thought they said it might snow here but it was just rain.

There is a live YouTube thing on today that I might watch.

We started watching a show called Unsolved Mysteries on Netflix the past two nights. I didn't realise it was a reboot of the eighties show with Raymond Burr if anyone remembers that. It was good.

maman

Definitely agree about daily habits LL, now more than ever. It gives a sense of control and achievement. Although ironically it's the spontaneity that we don't have that I miss. 

I did a defuzz along with my shower this morning. I'm still using up the Veet cream but I won't buy it again. It still smells revolting and although the effect lasts a long time it's messy to use. 

There was a section in my paper this morning from a beauty journalist about various skin and hair prodcuts. I quite liked the look of these:
Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream 40g for Dry, Sensitive Skin - Boots
This is quite a bit cheaper than my  usual moisturiser so I'll give it a try. 
Rohto Hadalabo Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion 170mL: Amazon.co.uk: Beauty
This is recommended for use under your usual moisturiser, like a serum. Reviews are good too.
Me+ Polyglutamic Acid Booster 30ml | Skin | Superdrug
This is a bit cheaper and easily available from Superdrug as is this
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser For Normal to Dry Skin 236ml | Superdrug
I'd want to compare it for price with my Clinique favourite face wash but worth considering. 

MrsPorridge

The comments about wearing greys and blacks made me smile.  I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror last night as I was about to get undressed, I was in grey and black.  Today I made an effort and put on a lovely flowery top nice and bright and I did feel better for it.

chanie

Helen I started reading up on motivational quotes. My favourite is Arnie ‘if I listened to the naysayers I would still be in the Austrian Alps yodeling’.  It’s not so much the quote, but I have images of Arnie frolicking in the Alps, wearing Sound of Music-esque curtain play clothes.  It has been tickling me all day.

wednesday i used to watch Unsolved Mysteries when I was a teen and loved it.  Although, this was the time when the x-files tv show and aliens were a big thing and I loved the super natural.

maman I feel much more inclined to use a product that I am invested in.  It’s not so much about the price, but I wouldn’t switch product unless I was really sure.

Today, I changed the dates of our trip to Jamaica.  We were due to go at Easter, but I moved it back to June, as I’m hoping the travel restrictions would have eased as we approach the summer.  It’s also cheaper, so we have saved money by moving the dates.