Follow the Yellow Brick Road 2023

SandyShores

Hoover and mopped the kitchen/hall/loo floor, then wiped all the surfaces.  Downstairs loo is done, and made a start on the shower room, but would like to clean the main bathroom - at least the floor this weekend.  The house feels so much fresher already.  I started to have some ideas earlier including a basket by the back door for our garden shoes.  Does anyone else do this?

Reserved a pick up order from Mr A*da for Monday, but realised I need to pop in tomorrow as I'm out of bird food.  Also need some squash, fizzy drinks and jelly - as all out.  I'm not sure where all this food goes!!

No projects started but gym-ing, shopping and lots of walking around meant I have completed around 14,000 steps today - no wonder my feet are sore.  I stopped in a charity shop and bought a lovely M&S linen mix blazer, really comfortable and looks almost new - couldn't resist for a fiver.  My wardrobe is definitely in need of a declutter though.  There are lots of things I could probably sell, it just seems to nice to be sat inside on the computer when there are things to do outside.

savingholmes

Blazer sounds a bargain.

I think the basket for garden shoes is a great idea. I've seen others do this. By my front door I have a short narrow bookshelf shoes go on.

SandyShores

It was savingholmes.  But then I went on a shopping spree and bought 2 pairs of shoes and another jacket in the sales.  I have one of those wardrobes full of stuff I don't ever wear so I need to have a good clear out, and I am trying to buy things that I will wear (hopefully).

SandyShores

Just on my wardrobe situation - I had a marketing email through this morning from a well known company and it had a slogan 'just add jeans'.  It made me think, as I spend probably 80% of my waking time in jeans or jeggings and the other 20% in exercise gear.  So if it doesn't go with jeans it needs to go - luckily the two jackets and pairs of shoes I bought over the weekend are perfect for jeans and for other things.  So I probably need to go through my wardrobe and get rid of anything that doesn't fit with jeans, unless it's a dress or is actually jeans .  I'll then have a good rethink about work clothes and special occasion clothes and whether they don't go on vinted.

savingholmes

I think you know what you wear in practice. For me it has to be soft and stretchy and comfortable. I look at people like they've grown two heads when they tell me they are wearing uncomfortable clothes or shoes - I just think why? I also need things that hide spillages as I have more than my fair share of those... 

I got rid of my suit stuff that didn't fit me anyway - as I thought even if I managed to shrink into them they are unlikely to be comfortable enough to wear and I don't have enough occasions that demand them. It was nice recently to pass on some particularly pretty outfits to DD that hadn't fitted me for over a decade...

SandyShores

The feel of a fabric is very important to me to savingholmes.  When I'm shopping I usually touch the fabrics first and can generally tell if I'll like an item before I put it on.  About 4 years ago I bought some of those magic stretch jeans from m&s but they need to be moved on because they tend to stay on the hanger.  They are very heavy thick dark denim and although they do the job of holding you in they feel very restricted.  I prefer a softer faded denim.  It's probably a bit Marie Kondo when you hold something and it brings you joy - I'm the same with fabric.  Same with shoes too, I prefer soft leather and I can't bear my toes to be squeezed in - I'm not sure how I used to run around in those high heels when I was younger - mind on other things obviously

Edit, just thinking of things I need to do.  Today I need to do is pick up some milk but also sort out some stuff with the work we are having done in the garden.  Then this weekend and next I need to think about the pre-work in the garden and also sorting/selling clothes.  I'd also like to have a rearrange of the bedroom furniture and then an office tidy up.  Just keep going ....

savingholmes

Hi Sandy - I did wear uncomfortable shoes when I was younger but yeah - rarely do so now. I wore smart trousers and a pretty new top to work today - and matching gel cushioned trainers... I could have worn boots but the trainers were comfier... Got away with it. 

SandyShores

They say that if your feet are in pain it shows on your face, so only comfy shoes for me now savingholmes.  All the youngsters seem to wear trainers with skirts and dresses, it seems to be the done thing.  They are always smart trainers, but so much more sensible than running around in heels.

I've done a little towards the garden work.  I'd also like to make a bigger bed in the middle of the lawn so was watching a video on fb showing how to cover with cardboard to make it easier.  Have yet to sort the clothes, rearrange the bedroom furniture and tidy the office but its slowly but surely

savingholmes

Well done on the garden. I found the cardboard works well as long as its thick enough.

SandyShores

Thanks savingholmes, yes they said either thick cardboard or 3 layers of newspaper and to make sure you overlap the edges so no light can get in.  They also said to add top soil if you can and to water it in.  It's worth giving it a try rather than digging it out first.  A lot of work but will be worth it.  I'm also mulling over the raised garden ideas for next spring.  I've a little square of garden at the back of a building - on a slight slope so I won't be building the big wooden ones, will be smaller ones - I've seen various that should do the trick and I look forward to planning it over the winter.  Some of the area is in shade but I've noted the sunny spots for the tomatoes etc. and according to an article there are veg that will grow in a lot of shade.  Once we have this other work done that will be all the main jobs done outside and so after spring it should be maintenance mainly and adding or replacing the odd plant here and there.