Frump to Fab 2022 - The Big One

helensbiggestfan

Hello lovely ladies.   

How are we all......hope you are all had a lovely Christmas.  For the first time in 39 years I did not host, I was the guest for a change.  😂🤣. I didnt to cook,  in fact I barely lifted a finger.  My family took over everything.  I was even chauffeured door to door.   My most relaxing Christmas ever.  I think my family must have guessed just how tired I was (after the move and the lurgy). And they just pulled out all the stops to give me a good time and a nice rest.  

One of my DILs often buys me a bag for Christmas and/or birthdays.  This year she bought me a lovely olive green soft squishy leather one.  I had only been thinking I fancy a green bag, she must be psychic.  

I still have the remnants of the lurgy but feeling tons better.  My skin feels parched, very dry and itchy, especially my legs. Time to up the skin care routines, so yesterday I gave myself a facial.  Have been doing some online shopping, (mainly house stuff) , sat on the sofa with cup of coffee (or wine). and a credit card.....the height of decadence. . 😂. I do still love "real" shopping though but I shall wait until after the new year to treat myself to some new clothes and some accessories for the house.  

Anyway a nice peaceful few days now just catching up with myself and pottering about.  I shall be hosting my family on New Year's Day. I think I'll do a nice buffet, with all their favourite treats.  

Are you all ready for next year.......

oh I meant to say..........

We played a game, based on those cracker quizzes.  The question was "which actor would you choose to play you in a story about your life". 

Before I could state my preference they all piped up, no contest,  it would have to Helen Mirren for me. Lol. 

My eldest son would have to be Michael J Fox, my DIL would have to be Penelope Cruz, my youngest son is difficult because he's such a one off,  nearest is probably Tom Hiddleston but with dark hair and my second DIL would be Lily Collins (Emily in Paris)

Who would play you......😉

chanie

@helensbiggestfan a younger Thandie Newton could play me, but with the personality of Emilia Clarke as she is very bubbly, like me.
 
we had a lovely Christmas.  i hosted my family and then we went to the in-laws in the evening.  i enjoyed hosting, as it was the first time we’d had Christmas dinner together since the before the pandemic. i normally prep as much as i can the night before, but i didn’t this time as i was busy doing other things and and so i forgot to make a couple of dishes.    

im normally prepared well before Christmas, but as i’ve had a busy year, christmas took a backseat.  This meant that i was still buying gifts and food shopping on Christmas Eve.

Floss

I was supposed to host 7 on Christmas day but I was ill so just my younger son & his wife came, they cooked a lovely meal for the three of us.

I have been a guest of theirs for Christmas twice in previous years, it is lovely not having to do the shopping & planning!

chanie

@Floss sorry to hear you were unwell, but please you had a nice Christmas.

sugarbaby125

Hello Ladies,

Floss, get well soon. 

I had such a stress free Christmas this year. I pared everything down. I did not buy any Christmas cards, not even for family members, so that saved me a lot of money on stamps. I did not buy Christmas presents for my siblings or my many nieces and nephews that I normally buy for, apart from my brother who lives in Camberwell Green. I made an exception for him, as he really appreciates getting Christmas presents from me and my children. The money I saved went into my Premium Bond savings. 

Because of the continuous rail strikes, I was not able to visit my family in Andover before Christmas.   

I had to post all of the presents to my Great grandchildren, my granddaughters and my grandson. They all arrived well before Christmas eve. 

I gave my oldest son money for his 40th birthday and for his Christmas present, as he is so difficult to buy for and he was really pleased. 

Next year, I will spend even less as I will no longer be giving my older son birthday or Christmas presents. I warned all of my adult children, that my present giving to them ceases on their 40th birthday and their 40th Christmas. So now I only have to find and buy presents for my daughter and son who live with me. 

helensbiggestfan

Good Morning  everyone. 

How are we all.....finished the Baileys yet???  Still working your way through the choccies??  I must admit that, for saying I didn't play hostess with the mostest this year so didn't actually shop much, I still seem to have accumulated lots of treats and goodies.  

Speaking of treats.....I have decided I do like avocado after all.  I think it's the texture that put me off, even when just sliced it always felt a bit slimy to me.  But now I actually like it mashed up on toasted sourdough bread.

 Get me turning into a foodie.  Lol.  Mind I wouldn't  pay cafe/restaurant prices for avocado on toast, not when I can make it myself for a fraction of the price.  Same with pate.  

Speaking of restaurants. My DIL has just informed me that she is taking me out to lunch at my all time favourite restaurant on Friday coming - just the two of us. She wants to thank me for painting their kitchen cupboards last week.  I enjoyed doing it but if she wants to treat me as a thank you then I shall graciously accept. Lol. 

Just ordered a washing machine and tumble dryer, will be delivered next Tuesday so not long to wait,  the laundry is starting to pile up.  

Sounds like you have all had lovely Christmases, strikes notwithstanding. And I agree we don't have to overspend to have a good time,  just being with my loved ones is enough for me,  

chanie.....I like Thandie Newton, she's both beautiful and talented and I adore Emilia Clarke, she is so bouncy and fun.  Newton and Clarke make a truly winning combination.  Go you. 

As usual I am using "twixmas" to reevaluate my life so far and make my plans for  the future.  

I am sooooo looking forward to 2023.  My new home is lovely and I am so happy here,  it will be an excellent launching pad for a new way of living.  Of course it's not permanent,  I shall move again at some point but that's half the fun.......not knowing where I will be this time next year.  Exciting times ahead. 

As Del Boy would say "the world is my lobster".  

maman

I'm a bit late to the party but pleased to hear you've mostly enjoyed Christmas and looking forward to the new year. Sorry to hear you've been unwell @Floss. Sadly illness has scuppered many people's plans one way or another. 

Like you @helensbiggestfan, I've been pondering my plans for 2023. I'm happy with all my beauty routines, products  and treatments. Some of my outfits are getting a bit tired and/or I'm tired of them. I'm not going to buy anything for the sake of it but will be on the lookout for something new. I did buy a dress before Christmas
Somerset by Alice Temperley Black Star Print Maxi Dress, Black/Yellow at John Lewis & Partners
It fits beautifully, especially the collar and neckline but it looks a bit too much like a man's summer dressing gown! It was £70 when I bought it so far too expensive so something I'm not 100% happy with. That will be returned next week and I'll browse further to see if there's anything I fancy. 

Two priorities are to get some things done around the house, like decorating and some new carpets and to plan some holiday trips. I'm still feeling the after effects of lockdowns so finding it very hard to look forward to anything. After our mini break in Bath and Wells the other week,  I realise that it's best to force myself to make a plan and then when I get there I'm fine. 

If I had to choose an actor to play me in a film then it would be Joanna Lumley. She's my sort of height and  build and I've been compared with her many times over the years. It was flattering when she played Purdy and we had almost identical hairdos (apologies to those too young to remember😉) but not so much when she was swilling Bolly in Ab Fab! 🤣

Today is our first day without visitors so am enjoying pleasing myself. It's great! 😁

Floss

Oh Maman, a Purdey was 'the' haircut to have when I was at school!

chanie

@sugarbaby125 what a shame you didn’t get to see some of your family before christmas.  But, at least you managed to get their presents delivered in time.  

@helensbiggestfan you have lots to look forward to in 2023.  what cuisine will you be eating with your DIL?

@maman i’m slightly disappointed that it’s not Joanna Lumley in Ab Fab, she was very funny in that, but i was too young to remember her previous work.

maman

chanie said:

@maman i’m slightly disappointed that it’s not Joanna Lumley in Ab Fab, she was very funny in that, but i was too young to remember her previous work.

There are many comparisons @chanie. I love my bubbly as much as Patsy! 😁 Just not as flattering as she was quite scatty. 🤣