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Frump to Fab 2024
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@helensbiggestfan well done on persevering with kicking caffeine.
@Wednesday2000 hope you get your tooth sorted quickly.
i had the day off work, as i had an appointment, so i took the opportunity to go for a swim, which i really enjoyed. OH said he’d look at my bicycle for me this weekend so i can start riding it again. We have a couple of parks locally that i can ride in.
on a less positive front, i’ve had to have quite a lot of work done on car recently, which has been really expensive. i knew it needed some work, but it developed an unexpected problem so i had to pay out much more than i planned, but i needed to get done.4 -
Such progress on all fronts especially @helensbiggestfan.Just popped in before I go to work.Thank you, the paperwork is progressing a little more slowly than I’d like, but I’m determined to get it done and more house sorting. It’s what these dark months before spring are good for. x4
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Good Morning Lovely Ladies.Day 6 without the dreaded caffeine and the improvements are coming thick and fast now. Slept for 7 hrs plus, and that was after having an hour long nap after dinner last evening. I haven't slept like this in years. The most I could manage prior to going caffeine free was about 5 hours and that was often broken and disturbed.Did a big Aldi shop yesterday, bought a recipe book called Eat Like A Champion with recipes inspired by top athletes. £4.99. All the recipes are supposed to be healthy and affordable. Some of the profits go to the Teenage Cancer Trust. which is even better. Of late I have found my cooking has become a bit boring and dull and, as you know, I want to add a bit more pizazz into my life so I thought this recipe book would give me a few fresh ideas to upscale my diet,
Chanie......ouch to the car repairs. There's always something isn't there. I'm not sure I could still ride a bicycle......last time I ride one is when we had our apartment in Spain, about 15 years ago. And then some horrible person stole our bikes and we didn't replace them. I have been tempted to buy an electric bike, although what I would really like is a stylish Lambretta scooter. They are such fun, and I love the Italian vibe they give off. Brings back memories of my misspent youth as a Mod in the 60s. I was very picky, I would only date guys with scooters. 😂.Artisteslifestyle. You're doing great with the paperwork. Keep going. Just think how good it will feel when you've done it all. You are right, the cold dark winter months are a good opportunity to catch up with the indoor tasks. I intended to make January a real blitz and declutter month. I haven't been able to complete all my tasks because stepping down my caffeine intake and then finally quitting really took it out of me, more than I had anticipated if I'm honest. I knew it would be hard so I deliberately kept my diary free thinking I could get down to some serious spring cleaning but that just didn't happen. I seem to have "lost" most of January. Never mind there's time yet before spring proper arrives. I have really neglected my social life too, haven't seen some of my friends and a couple of family members for several weeks. I've got some serious catching up to do.Another nice day today, bright and sunny. I love these bright days, even if they aren't particularly warm. Everything seems better in sunlight. 🌞4 -
@chanie you have reminded me how much I enjoy swimming but unfortunately there is nowhere nearby here with a decent pool - the council run leisure centre is about 10 miles away and is used for school swimming a lot of the week and the only ‘adult exclusive’ swim time is between 7-8 in the mornings or very late evening which just doesn’t fit in with me.
@helensbiggestfan sounds like you have finally conquered the caffeine demons - well done 👏
Not feeling overly ‘fab’ at the moment as I have a head cold but I think I am over the worst of it. Going to have a nice long soak in a hot bath later - the steam definitely helps with the blocked nose.
Have a great weekend everyone 😀4 -
Hope you feel better soon @sukeyboo
Tidied up ready for cleaner. This is my luxury - someone cleans my house while I am at work, it makes such a difference to my mental health. I've been working on decluttering and it was so quick to do the bathrooms and the main bedroom this morning. First time I have really noticed how fast it can be to tidy a decluttered space.
Everywhere else still a major challenge but pleased with three rooms. Yesterday cut all nails really short as so many were ;broken and chipped and filed them and those look so much better, still at the tie hair up, clean teeth and face and clean underwear for myself but still here!Made it to mortgage free but what a muddle that became
In the event the proverbial hits the fan then co-habitees are better stashing their cash than being mortgage free !!4 -
Good morning.Looks like I have lost a post......it's disappeared, perhaps I accidentally deleted it. .Watty.......You ARE doing well. I agree about the clutter, it's much easier to keep on top of things when there's no clutter. It's interesting you say that a cleaner helps your mental health. Anything that takes the pressure off is a good thing isn't it. Nothing worse than feeling overwhelmed.I was thinking that when I move I will probably start to buy in help rather than try to soldier on and do everything myself. My husband used to have a saying. "Why have a dog and bark yourself". In other words you dont have to do everything yourself. There's no glory in overloading yourself and making yourself tired and ill. It's perfectly ok to delegate especially if you are either pushed for time or if you are finding things getting on top of you.I have always been a bit too proud and independent for my own good. My mum always used to tell me off for trying to be superwoman. I really should have paid attention and took her advice. I wouldn't have got so low and I wouldn't have had such a fight to get well and healthy again if I had listened to her.Sometimes...... Mums Really Do Know Best. 😂
I've now reached a stage where certain tasks are becoming more difficult, eg I can no longer pull out appliances to clean behind them, that sort of thing. I shall have no qualms about getting in a cleaning company, even if initially it's just two or three times a year to tackle the big heavy jobs that I am beginning to find difficult.I would really like to get a little sideline business up and running so I could have a regular cleaner and gardener. I think that would need to be after I've moved. Just need to get through the final stages of the dental work (hopefully end of February) and then I shall start viewing properties. It would be nice if I could wrap up a purchase and be moved in before next winter.5 -
Anyway a quick recap on the post that disappeared.Nothing exciting except to say that it is Day 9 since I quit caffeine and I am really starting to reap the benefits now. The most noticeable is my improved sleep, 7 to 8 hours. I haven't slept like that in decades, it's got to be doing some good,
Sukey.......Hope you are feeling better.Nothing special planned today, just about to give myself a facial.Today sees me start my weight loss challenge. My initial target is 10lbs by Easter. Should be achievable. 🤞.Had a lovely weekend but did overindulge a bit on the carbs on Saturday, ate far too much wheat and ended up feeling pretty grim. That will teach me.......😂5 -
How did I manage to go 9 weeks without getting my hair cut. I have short hair, it went through a couple of what the hell is that style saying. I treated myself to have it cut at the onsite hairdressers(before I went on holiday) where my parents live. Don't get me wrong she did a great job, its just that hairdressers charges are not in my budget and I get it cut locally at a barbers shop. (clearly not as often as I should as I can afford it.) So now I look like someone owns me.
Have enjoyed the clothes purchases I have made in the last couple of years that I call future proofing. There have been some very good choices of ensuring I have kept warm but still looking like I can just step outside and nip somewhere. I have done this quite successfully - proud of myself.
I have kept my nails polished and looking tidy generally. Just need to step up and use hand cream more, I have plenty of that too so no excuses.
Have a good week
2 Scratters xx
Anything is better than nothing-check back and see
On the declutter journey since 2023 with Mrs SD. Tilly Tidy since 2023.3 -
Hi - sorry I don’t know how to quote your user name! Can someone tell me how?
I lurked a little on your previous threads and was so glad to see you have started a 2024 thread.
Like you, I have put on some weight (about a stone) and feel awful as my clothes are not fitting me comfortably (and I have some nice pieces that, although are years old, are still classic.) I really need to buckle under and just DO it! I got down to my ideal weight (just over 9 stone - I am not particularly tall) about a year and a half ago when I broke my wrist and had a lot going on getting my mum into a care home at the same time, so food wasn’t my priority. However, since I recovered from surgery and got my mum settled it has just crept up slowly. You know, oh, it’s only a few pounds, it’s not that bad, and then a few more creep on and before you know it - I’ve put on a stone. Got to try and get it off before I gain another stone!) My mojo’s definitely gone, not just with the diet but my general lethargy- i.e. not cleaning as much and taking care of the house, just doing the basics. I feel so much better when I’m on top of things.
Good luck with your implants. I have six implants (with a bridge) but last year I had a lot of pain and an ex- ray confirmed that two of my crowns which supported a bridge had to be removed. My dentist didn’t recommend replacement crowns so I decided to go for two more implants which will hopefully support the Bridge. Having implants before, I knew it was a long process and I go mid-March to see the consultant to see if the implants are ready to be exposed and I can have the implant crowns (teeth!). Like you say, it’s an expensive process but I think teeth are very important - not just for cosmetic purposes but for quality of life. Like you, I could have dipped into my savings but decided to take out a 0% credit card which gives me 0% until June next year, so I can keep my savings and get a little interest. I know I’m lucky to afford it, but I never go on holiday (not really interested) and since I retired I lead a fairly simple existence. I had former work colleagues who told me they couldn’t afford dental work, although they seemed to be able to afford one or two expensive holidays a year! Horses for courses I suppose. (Sorry to hijack your thread!!!)
Good luck with the caffeine withdrawal. I don’t drink coffee or tea but drink too much wine! So that’s something I’m going to cut down on, which should help with the weight loss. I do feel frumpy at the moment so I just need to stop being lazy and DO more. I’m going to tackle the kitchen today, behind the cooker and fridge and mop the floor - so one step at a time!You mentioned you were house hunting - good luck. Are you downsizing into a smaller place? I live with my partner in a small bungalow (we had a loft conversion when I retired at 62) to give us both a bit more individual space. As my partner is a bit older than me, if anything happened in the future, I would probably move into a retirement apartment complex, although I like the bungalow we’re in as it’s very quiet and the neighbours are lovely. I’m in the north-west so house prices are not too high and a 1-bed apartment would be cheaper. However, hopefully that’s in the long and distant future! As long as I’m still able to drive I’m happy where we are and I can enjoy the small back garden in the summer.4 -
Scratters.....my hair looks dreadful. I am trying to grown it a bit, its at that awful in between stage, rats tails my mum would say......😂.Freeto. I too have some nice things in my wardrobe that I can't fit into. So frustrating. I'm determined not to spend any money though to replace them, it would be admitting defeat, I just don't want to be this size, I don't feel right and I know I would have more energy if I wasn't lugging an extra couple of stones around.Re house move. The problem is I don't know what I want or even where I want to live. I don't think I have ever been this indecisive about a house move. I suppose it's because I want it to be my "last move" so there's more pressure to get it right. I know I should be out there viewing but I just can't face it at the moment.I get what you say about travelling and holidays. There are a couple of bucket list trips I fancy but again I just can't face them at the moment. I would need to be on top form to enjoy them and get the most out of them so again I'm waiting until I've lost weight and feel fitter. Maybe next year. Get the house move out of the way first.
I think you're right about holidays v - implants. If I had to choose between my teeth and holidays, the teeth would win. I haven't actually had a foreign holiday since 2018 (partly covid, partly house moves, partly finances) and I can't say that I've missed them. A lot of my favourite destinations such Barcelona and Venice are so crowded now. perhaps I need to go off the beaten track a bit. I am aiming to go to Belguim to see family this year with my sister.
tbh I sometimes look at all the options and then decide I can't be bothered. To make matters worse I now detest flying. Used to enjoy it but now it's just a hassle. I never used to be this lethargic and dilatory, definitely need to find my mojo again. 😂5
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