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

weenancyinAmerica

@helensbiggestfan - I love the boot sales and church fetes too. Those were my favorite trips to England. We are finding that some of our "thrift shops" aren't thrifty any more. One has been accused of charging more for items that are used then they sell for new. They have also changed from being a charity run store - to being a for-profit store and people are avoiding them. They used to be one of the big two here (Goodwill). I stick with the Salvation Army stores and stores I know are run for charities now.

We are in the same boat on a couple of things - soft food diet and car getting ready to quit. Getting ready to rain again here. Hope everyone is staying warm and dry.

helensbiggestfan

Wonderful Weekend.  

Good morning my lovely friends.  

Well here we are - the weekend already.  It's been quite a week. 

 Online food shop went well, so i have decided that if the car can't be fixed it won't matter too much.  I can definitely manage without.  

Feeling a bit fed up today. No reason. Maybe it's just the weather and the time of year.  The weather isn't actually too bad, a bit of drizzle earlier but now just dull, dark and damp.  Typical November day. I don't think it helps that the house I'm renting is decorated in shades of grey. Grey skies outside and grey indoors too.  No wonder I feel a bit  "flat" today.  Lol.   

Anyhoo......Im not going to sit around sulking, Im going to blitz the kitchen.  Tomorrow I have family visiting and then on Monday I get my stitches removed and my bridge refitted.  I'm sure I'll feel better then.  Having a gap right at the front is not exactly attractive - makes me look like a toothless old hag.  That and the fact that my hair is in desperate need of cutting. I also look pale and washed out........

Oh dear, this post is all a bit "woe is me" isn't it.  I just feel that the frump is back and I need to chase her away.  And I will.  As soon as my mouth is sorted, I will get my hair cut. And maybe even treat myself to some new make up.  

Right time to get off my derrière and do some cleaning.  

Hope you all have a Wonderful Weekend    💕

weenancy.   I get the impression that some charity shops, thrift shops etc (not all) are cashing in on the current vogue for vintage and pre-loved and upping prices.  Or maybe I'm just an old cynic.  Lol. 

PS. Mechanic just sorted my car......no charge.  😁

 

Siebrie

Husband, dds and I are going here tonight: https://lanternamagica.be/en . It's a 2k walk through a castle park, where they have added lights, music and actors. The tickets were bought at a 50% discount through my energy supplier. We will have chips from the local chipshop (a treat, as I normally airfry from frozen. A small portion is large enough for all 4 of us, and a piece of fish or meat each), and maybe a hot choc afterwards, weather permitting. It's raining cats and dogs at the moment, so sturdy boots are a must!

edit: we're back. I'm glad we got the discounted tickets, as it was an okay experience, but not as mindblowing as the walk we did in Antwerp last year. At the end, dd2 had to go to the toilet, but there were only nasty dixis so we skipped the hot choc and went home quickly. We had hot choc at home, but now dd1 is disgruntled!

helensbiggestfan

Hello Siebre.  lovely to hear from you again.  sorry to hear you were disappointed with the lantern show.  It looked good on the website.  A shame it didn't live up to its promise.  I'm never quite sure......Do you live in Holland or Belguim.   

I don't know if you know this but my mother was Belgian and I still have family and friends there.  They live in and around Ghent,  I did intend to visit this year with my sister but we just didn't get round to it,  hopefully next year.  I last visited in 2016 when we took my dad on his last visit for a trip down memory lane, revisiting the places where he met mum and wooed her. Lol.  He was 89 and we knew it was probably his last chance.  So glad we made it because he died just 4 months later.  

Well it's Transformation Tuesday. Not quite sure what I can do today that will be transformative, certainly nothing dramatic.  Lol.  Just continue to take small steps I guess and remember the compound effect.  

Small steps taken consistently over time will yield big results.  

I was never a great mathematician and I never really understood how the compound effect works but I do now.  It's never too late to learn is it.  The thing is the compound effect doesn't just apply to money, eg clearing debts and building wealth, but also to changes such as improving health and well being.  

I initially gave myself a year to make all the lifestyle changes needed to  transform my life. It has and is taking a little longer than I had hoped for......the dental treatments alone will have taken around 16/17months. So it looks like my transformation is going to be ongoing for a while yet.  It doesn't matter though. I am a patient person and I don't mind playing the long game. Miracles take time!!!!  Ha ha.  

Had my stitches removed yesterday, gums healing well but unfortunately couldn't have my bridge put back in just yet. Hopefully next Monday. It's a very prominent front tooth so I do feel a bit self conscious although apparently, as long as I remember to smile with my mouth closed, no one notices unless I show them. Unbelievably it's not noticeable when I speak.  My dentist says I'm one of the lucky ones - something about my bone structure and the size of my dental arch. 🤷‍♀️. 

I have to say that the whole implant process has been much easier than I dared hope for - minimal pain, just a bit of discomfort now and then.   The most painful part was the cost. 😂. But even then it has come in at less than I had expected,  I had asked for a ball park figure a while ago so I could save up and I'm delighted to say the final bill has come in at £5k below my budget.  And even better they have allowed me to spread the cost over 10 months interest free, so I even get a bit of interest on the money whilst it's sat in my savings account.  Win-win all round.  

Not sure about today. It's dry but dull and not very inviting but I will wrap up and head out later.  

Have a lovely Transformative day. 💕

Debsnewbudget

Transformation Tuesday is having my nails done. Its every 3 weeks when I have new gel put on them and its £15.  I love seeing my red nails so for me its worth it, 

helensbiggestfan

Well done Debs.  I love my red toenails, "Chinese Red".  Makes me feel decadent. Lol. 

I've just given myself a mini skin peel.  Not an obvious transformation but my skin feels lovely. 

artistlifestyle

hello all, I’ve been MIA. Good to see a few more posts in here. I hope the mouth and wrist are mending, and the diabetes reversing. I’ve got a follow up cholesterol test next week so being careful in the run up, although my diet is pretty good. Recently had dental check,  all good, phew. 
 A colleague is off work after a serious operation and we’re a small team so I’m doing a lot of extra shifts. Very welcome at this time of year. I’ve also been winding up some self employment, turns out takes far longer to wind down than set up and all that will hopefully be finished off in January. 

Working full time with long hours from next week for three weeks then family arrive to stay before Christmas for 5 nights so my house and all of Christmas needs to be sorted and set up before then. We will have our turkey early.  I could write a book on seeking Granny cots from FB but finally after two scrappers (kindling) I’ve got a good one and the new mattress, bought on a good deal, arrives tomorrow. 

Almost every hour is accounted for before then and I’m thinking I’ll never going to agree to this kind of schedule again, but then the economic reality kicks in. I’m working Boxing Day, the day after and the whole NY weekend, but will already have seen the family. I do still find the quiet holiday season quite challenging after the hectic and busy times we used to have, and working stops me dwelling on my solo situation. Most of the time I’m fine but maybe winter challenges me a bit more. 

I sold some too large bedroom furniture and replaced for the same money with much more suitable items, so am pleased about that, been meaning to do it for a few years. Lots of rearranging to do in the NY once more work stuff is cleared. 

Of course as a creative there’s always new ideas and materials… think magpies! The studio needs a big sort, that’s maybe February’s job. 

I’ve made most of my presents this year, paintings, collage, ceramic decorations, a lot of knitting and crochet ( jumpers, blankets and cloths) started early in the year, plus soap, fudge still to make, and porter cakes already maturing. It’s been fun and cost effective to spread across the year. I like giving little presents and it gives me great pleasure and purpose to make and to give. 

Today is a welcome day off so I’m now off to clear the wet leaves in the garden, the last garden bin day is next week. Always something to do in the house and small garden. 

I’ll catch up again in a while when things are quieter and meantime please take care of yourselves.

helensbiggestfan

Magical Mondays 

Hello my lovely friends.  Well after weeks of feeling a bit in the doldrums and not managing to feel the magic I think I'm finally turning a corner.  Probably helped that today I finished my dental treatment, at least the invasive treatments.  Luckily the front gap has now healed sufficiently for her to replace my bridge...having a missing front tooth wasn't a good look. 😂. Need to wait until mid/end Feb now for my final crowns.  That's only a couple of months, the time will whizz by.  

Tbh it's been ok, not nearly as bad as I had feared but I think it was still a lot all in go (8) and I'm glad it's over. 

Today I rewarded myself for being so brave and stoical. 😂. A fur hat from the chazza £2. and a gorgeous camel cashmere/virgin wool coat from EBay.  It was preloved and £25 so not cheap, but the same coat new would have been well over £200 so I'm well pleased.  

I have also been trying some new skin care products I ordered from The Ordinary.  They are very reasonably priced and more  to the point they seem to really suit me, my skin feels less parched and is "plumping up" nicely. 😂. I've also been buying some books and DVDs as well as signing up for Netflix so plenty to keep am amused through the dark gloomy days of winter.  It's been horrible here today.  Actually I have been following a lady on you tube who lives right up in the artic circle.  They have just started their polar night. It will be 24/7 total darkness for the next two months.  I don't think I could manage that but she seems remarkably sanguine.  I suppose it's a question of what you get used to.  

Had a lovely weekend, especially yesterday.  A visit from my adorable grandsons.  They are enchanting but oh my they wear me out.  A few hours is plenty........lol. I shall be helping them put up their Christmas tree next Saturday and then on Sunday we shall be going to see Father Christmas.  Now that will be magical......seeing Christmas through a child's eyes, sharing the fun and excitement.  

Artisteslifestyle....you have been busy and productive.  You make me dizzy just reading. Lol.  I have been so lazy of late, but I think I have been productive in my own quiet way, lots of reading and you tube lectures, TED talks etc.  - all designed to keep me mentally active even if I haven't been productive in the sense of making and doing.  One thing I do want to do is sort out my photos. I will look for some nice new photo albums and make a start after Christmas.  A nice job for the bad weather.  

Then I really need to get a grip and start house hunting.....

Hope you are all well.  

Transformation Tuesday tomorrow,  finally getting my hair cut,  💃

have a good week. 

Wednesday2000

You reminded me that I need to book our haircuts too. Some nice buys there Helen. It felt very chilly here yesterday and I have been looking for warm clothes in chazzers as well.

I watch a lot of YouTube too. I follow a vegan beauty influencer who told me about the Holland & Barrett advent calendar. It is very good value as you get 25 products for £45 when they are worth £170 if you bought them separately! They were all sold out online and in my local stores, but I found it today in Stratford, London. I am very chuffed.

We are getting the plastering done in our house this week as the water leaks have finally all been located and dried out.

I need to go and get photos done for our passports tomorrow as I want to go away next year.

Foofoopuppy

I think I'm realising that winter self care and summer self care need to look different. In winter I find it much harder to get up early or go out in the evening, so I need to take this into account when making plans.

I have now made a swap from home done gel nails with the uv light to pre made nail wraps. Much easier, much quicker, less mess, less space, easier to take off and better for my nails because I don't have to take the top layer off. There's also much more choice. It is more expensive, being £2 per set, but I think this is a swap I'm happy with even with the extra cost.

I have managed to get a dress second hand, bit more expensive than I usually would, but one that I had my eye on when it first came out but thought it was too expensive. So I'm pleased with that.

Glad to hear you're doing well Helen, February will be here before you know it!