Frump to Fab 2022 - The Big One

maman

Thanks for the tips @helensbiggestfan. They sound good enough to eat! 🤣 I'm still using the flaxseed oil instead of my usual Clarins serum so I could try adding oatmeal to that for an exfoliator. I tend to use the oil on days like today when I'm not going out in a hurry as it's best given time to soak in as a serum before using moisturiser and eye cream. I love the Clarins but it's so expensive that I try to eke it out. 

I'm fortunate in that we can afford the cost of living rises but more will be spent on essentials rather than luxuries. I photographed the smart meter readings on Thursday evening. I haven't sent them in (maybe I should🤔) as I just wanted proof in case the next bill doesn't show the correct figures. We are trying to minimise car usage in various ways like trying to plan a route to fit in as many errands as possible in one trip or walking or using public transport when convenient. I'm also doing laundry on lower temperatures and the eco program on the dishwasher. It all sound s a bit 'first world problem' when there are people much worse off both in the UK and other countries.☹

It was my birthday a few weeks back and we decided to go away for a few days. We stayed in central London as, because of Covid, we haven't been to the capital much for a couple of years and we could fit in so much more staying over than doing day trips. My favourite thing was visiting Eltham Palace which is an Art Deco dream.  We also fitted in the Courtauld and Tate Britain and went out to the (renamed) Museum of the Home. I'd been there before but it's been extended and at this time of the year it's worth seeing the gardens through the ages as well as the room sets. After Easter, we hope to fit in another little break like that. Pre pandemic we often did European city breaks so it's a toe back in the water. 

It was frosty here first thing too but now glorious sunshine. 😊

chanie

@helensbiggestfan thanks for the beauty treatment tips. My contribution is I use coconut oil as a deep conditioning hair masque.    

@maman I love Eltham Palace as well, particularly the gardens (the pond).  We live about 10 miles away, so it’s an easy trip to take the children, when we want to get out.  

We are also trying to cut down on our energy usage and are wearing our dressing gowns instead of turning the heating on.  I’m also more conscious of our car usage and I’m trying to cut down on our car journeys.  Today, I needed to get a few bits from the local high street, so i walked instead of driving.  I quite like walking, it’s just the lack of time that makes  me drive.

Me and DD picked some wild garlic today, which I’m going to freeze.  I may get some more over the coming weeks, so I can have a good supply.  It will save me pennies, but every little helps.  When I was shopping, I bought a yellow sticker chicken and made fajitas for dinner. I’m going to do a stir fry with the rest tomorrow, so that will cut down on our oven usage.

I’m just about to book our summer holiday.  Just a week in the Med, but very much needed, as we haven’t been abroad since before lockdown 1.0.  

helensbiggestfan

Chanie.....a week in the Med sounds perfect.  

One of the reasons I want to downsize, is to free up both time and money to travel more.......before I'm too old and decrepit.  I have got quite a bucket list.  

Another cold wet miserable day here.  Going to put on my scruffs and crack on with some painting.  Odd job man coming tomorrow to set up the new bed and reorganise the bedroom furniture etc.  then....I'm going to have the mother of all sort outs......😂🤣.  

chanie

@helensbiggestfan I don’t blame you for wanting to downsize.  My Mum is age proofing her home to make cleaning and maintenance easier as she gets older.  

Its also cold and grey here.  DS is on his Easter holidays, so is at home with me, whilst I’m working.  I haven’t turned on the heating yet, as we can manage with a few extra layers.

I’m going to do a bit of decluttering over next few weeks, whilst work is a bit quiet.   I’m noticing the drawers and cupboards are getting file with random junk.  I don’t think it will be much more than 1 bin bag, but I’d like to get sorted in advance of our extension work starting.  Whilst we are on the subject, we’ve found a company we want to go with, just need to sort out a few final bits an pieces before we sign the contracts.  

Wednesday2000

Maman and Chanie - I used to live a few miles from Eltham Palace growing up in south London. I'm sure I must have been there, but I can't really remember.

I think I am going to try that aspirin face mask today LL. Actually, I just did it as I had to go upstairs to hang up some washing anyway. I just mixed a few of them with hot water and then cooled it down and put it on my face.

I have two more donation bags of our clothes ready to go out today. I have to admit a bought myself an Oodie but I saw a (drunk!) woman wearing one in a shop over some leggings and I thought I don't even want to wear something that unflattering inside my house.

I'm very annoyed about having to even think about economising again. We worked very hard to get into the position where we are mortgage and debt free and thinking about retirement. The fact we have to now watch our energy consumption due to external factors is very irritating! I have no idea what other people are going to cope as lots of people I have known have debt and big mortgages/high rents. The good thing about waiting so long to move house is that we have saved up a lot of money as we were going to have a get a £15,000 loan but now we have got more money for our house with the second buyer and been saving on top of that we will have a very healthy bank balance after we move.

I had a dream that we are going to move on Friday the 12th. I looked on the calendar and the 12th on a Friday is in August 2022 so watch this space. It might have been a prophecy, lol.

Wednesday2000

Wednesday2000 said:

I had a dream that we are going to move on Friday the 12th. I looked on the calendar and the 12th on a Friday is in August 2022 so watch this space. It might have been a prophecy, lol.

We got a call today that our completion day is meant to be in less than 3 weeks time!!!

chanie

Wednesday2000 said:

Wednesday2000 said:

I had a dream that we are going to move on Friday the 12th. I looked on the calendar and the 12th on a Friday is in August 2022 so watch this space. It might have been a prophecy, lol.

We got a call today that our completion day is meant to be in less than 3 weeks time!!!

Oh wow.  That’s great news.

Wednesday2000

chanie said:

Wednesday2000 said:

Wednesday2000 said:

I had a dream that we are going to move on Friday the 12th. I looked on the calendar and the 12th on a Friday is in August 2022 so watch this space. It might have been a prophecy, lol.

We got a call today that our completion day is meant to be in less than 3 weeks time!!!

Oh wow.  That’s great news.

Thanks Chanie! Entirely taken aback at this point! 

maman

That's great news @Wednesday2000. It's been a long time coming but now it feels real!! Looking forward to hearing your plans. 😊

helensbiggestfan

Fantastic news Wednesday. Hope all gies well. 🤞