La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life) - on a tiny budget.

helensbiggestfan

As the title suggests.......how to live a sweet life on a budget.....

Travel, going out, fashion, food, home decor and just having fun times and getting the most out of each day......living our best lives ever.  

All tips and hacks gratefully received.  😂🤣

So a bit of background.  I am 71 and feeling somewhat worse for wear.  My goal this year is to finally grapple with some minor but irritating health problems that I have been neglecting..........weight, teeth, musco-skeletal issues.  Have just started seeing a chiropractor and am scheduled to begin dental treatment imminently.  

A widow of 8 years standing who has finally turned the corner on grief and bereavement and is ready to start living again.  After near bankruptcy I have rebuilt my finances, and although by no means wealthy, I am determined to live a rich and rewarding life.  

Have just sold my last house which I bought as a wreck and spent three years renovating making a nice healthy profit (which will pay for said dental work😂🤣). Currently renting whilst I look for my forever home.  I will probably take on another project.  (Glutton for punishment). 

But first......a few months sabbatical whilst I get stronger, fitter and healthier. 

The end game is to raise a glass or three 🥂on my 90th birthday and say "well done darling on living a fabulous life". 

The new year got off to a slow start, settling into my temporary home, sorting out a few hiccups (2 plumbing disasters, saturated carpets, great fun!!!). All sorted now.   

February is almost upon us and spring is just round the corner. 

Ready to Carpe the living daylights out of that Diem before age and decrepitude catch up with me. 😱😂.

 Tempus Fugit and all that.  

shabbychic12

I’ve lurked on your previous thread and will probably do the same here. Looking forward to reading your mussing xx

Debsnewbudget

I am in. 

Last year I had to get fit to tackle 2 weeks in Disney with the family and a trip to Ecuador and The Galapagos.  I had a mission to not be the gran who they left sat on a bench in Disney when they went off and did fun things. I succeeded, but am now sliding backwards. So lets get going……..

carolbee

Great stuff, subscribed 😀

maddiemay

Ooooh  a lovely fresh new thread, love the title too. I have lurked mostly, joined in with you from time to time for years and it is lovely to see you at the beginning of this stage.

I am almost 74, how did those years slip by so quickly, have a whole handful of health conditions, some are pesky and painful and others result in fatigue, but have great treatment from the NHS and to date none are life threatening. R Arthritis limits me badly dexterity wise, but have a great sous chef/opener of difficult bottles/wielder of vacuum cleaner in my OH so we eat well and enjoy getting out and about.  I love finding treasure in charity shops and shopping around for a bargain when I need anything.

Joining you in getting stronger and fitter and being more consistent in looking good, onward and forward then.
MM

OpalGirl

So pleased that you have started a new thread and I will continue to follow your journey.

Booked in for a trial at a gym next week - I am determined to get fitter this year. New year, new beginnings!

Fizz2015

So glad you have started a new thread. Perfect opportunity for a fresh start.

 I have followed quietly in the background for many years (different username now) and delurking to say I thoroughly enjoy your posts.

And yes 100% agree we should live our best life now as life is too short, no saving things for best. Your best is for now.

Me I'm early 40's with OH, 2 teenage Stepchildren and DD. I to need to look after teeth (history of gum disease) and regular chiropractor visits to keep back issue manageable and back at Slimming world to try to declutter some weight.

Look forward to your posts @h@helensbiggestfan.

Fizz x

srn

Great, a lovely new thread, will follow with pleasure and hope to contribute a bit more, but if I don't, I'll still be here.

Suffolksue

Will follow and no doubt post intermittently 
My husband died from a progressive neuro degenerative disease 20 months ago ,so I feel an affinity with you 

cbsexec

Love the name of the new thread 

helensbiggestfan

Hello my lovely friends. 

How nice to "see" you all over here.  If you don't feel like posting that's ok.  But there's no need to be shy, just drop in anytime.  

Suffolksue.  Sorry to hear about your husband. Yes it does sort of make us sisters under the skin doesn't it,  Progressive neuro degenerative diseases are just awful. They take away the person bit by bit whilst we stand by and watch helplessly. My husbands prolonged illness and steady decline was the absolute worst period of my life, it took an awful toll on my health, as well as nearly bankrupting us.  Take care my dear, allow yourself to grieve and heal.  

Opalgirl.....good luck with your gym trial. Let us know how you get on. 

My chiro has advised me not to join a gym or take any classes just yet.  She said she will set me some home exercises in a few weeks to supplement the treatments but for now I have to be careful. I can walk, in fact she wants me to do so as much as possible.  But tbh I'm still in quite a lot of pain and walking has little appeal but I will make it a priority from next week. Start small and build up gradually. 

I did think she was being over fussy at first but I understand the need for caution now.  The adjustments can be painful at the time but it's the next couple of days when I really struggle.  I find I need to sleep for a couple of hours in the afternoon and I do feel very sore and tender.  Just need to work through it.  Six weeks of twice weekly adjustments and then a review, x rays etc to monitor my progress. Maybe I can then add something like tai chi to my regime. 

Fizz.....you are so right, no more saving stuff "for best". We should wear our nice clothes, use our nice linens and dinnerware, light that nice scented candle - and not let our nice things die in storage.   

Gave myself a facial today (before my nap lol). Then I watched a great film called "We'll Take Manhattan". About the early days of the collaboration and romantic relationship between David Bailey and Jean Shrimpton.  For the younger ones among us who may not be so familiar with the 60s "The Shrimp" was probably the first supermodel whilst Bailey went on to become one of the most innovative and influential fashion photographers of all time.  

Shrimpton often showcased Mary Quants designs, some of her clothes are shown in the film. Simple, elegant and classy, beautifully cut and tailored. The look I try to aim for😉  although alas I no longer have the legs for mini skirts.  😱😂.   

Good night all, sleep well. ❤️