Frump to Fab - 2025

helensbiggestfan

Hello my lovely ladies.  

Well my 90 day challenge is going well. Not lost any weight yet but I have managed to exercise a bit more, using my treadmill and doing some basic pilates stretches.  Not nearly enough but at least it's a start.  Managing a bit of gardening now and then, although I sometimes feel like I seize up afterwards and it takes me a couple of days to recuperate.  Still, I'm not giving in.  

Have been taking the pain meds for 2 weeks now.  Can't say I've noticed any significant improvement but apparently it can take around 6 weeks before they really kick in so I shall just have to be patient.  

Sadly patience isnt one of my virtues....lol 

Have also been paying more attention to skin care, giving myself a weekly very mild skin peel.  I am still working my way through a substantial stack of toiletries, cleaning materials etc I should be good for at least 6 months - should save me a bit of money as well as good decluttering.  

Bought some underwear, warm socks and a couple of sweaters and a lovely satin evening jacket.  

Decluttering going well.  Just waiting for my handyman to decorate my lounge.  Aiming to get it done in time for Christmas.  I used to do all my own decorating, sadly not any more.  

This aging milarky ain't much fun but I guess it beats the alternative.  😂🤣

Wednesday2000

helensbiggestfan said:

I have managed to exercise a bit more, using my treadmill and doing some basic pilates stretches.  

I keep meaning to look on YouTube and find a beginners pilates workout. I might do it this weekend if I don't feel too ropey from the flu jab I had today.

I've started taking a lions mane supplement that a woman in my book group told me about. I haven't noticed much at all, but it has only been a few days. I suppose it can't hurt me.

sukeyboo

My challenge is not going so well - have managed to up my exercise a little bit but not as much as I would like. For some reason my head is not in the right place to get going with it. Eating has been a bit better and I have cut down on the alcohol but again, I could do better - as they used to say in the school reports ‘must try harder’.

Skin care for my face has always been a top priority for me so not much work needed there but I tend to neglect the rest of my body - not much use having a young looking face when the rest of my skin looks all saggy and wrinkly 😱. I need to get i to the habit of using body lotion every day and not just once in a blue moon.

I have also been looking at some beginners Pilates videos on YouTube - does anyone have any recommendations for ones that are suitable for a complete novice. I’m not the most flexible of people (never been able to touch my toes even when I was young) and have struggled when I tried yoga in the past.

helensbiggestfan

Good morning lovely ladies. 

It doesn't get much better than this........sitting in bed, drinking coffee whilst watching the most glorious sunrise. The sky looks wonderful. 

Sorry to hear you are struggling Sukeyboo.  Me too I'm afraid.  Decided to discontinue the pain meds.  Amitryptaline.  They made me feel awful. Unfortunately you have to taper off slowly which I'm doing but the withdrawal is hard.  I felt very wary of taking them in the first place but agreed to give them a try on advice from my GP.  Never again.  😱.  Not only did they not help with pain but the side effects were pretty grim. I just can't seem to take meds of any description, so I'll need to try and sort myself out without resorting to popping pills.  Exercise when I can, difficult when you're in pain though.  I probably  need to try chiro and massage again.  I am eating well, avoiding  processed foods as much as I can.  Hey ho.  The joys of aging.......

I am toying with trying an infra red sauna blanket.  Have any of you lovely ladies any ideas or suggestions.  Heat does seem to ease my aches and pains. Yesterdays brutal cold wind really exacerbated my pain levels so infrared treatments sound reasonable. 

Anyway enough of all that.

Lounge decorated this week.  Looks much better - brighter, lighter and larger.  And yesterday I had the drains cleared of all the leaves.  The young couple who previously owned the house were lovely, very clean and everything was spotless. However they did neglect some basic maintenance such as clearing gutters and drains, so now most of the local trees have finished shedding their leaves I'm getting these little jobs done.  Noticed some of the spring bulbs I planted are peeking through already and the three new eucalyptus saplings seem ok.  

The good news is I've lost a couple of lbs.  Not much but every little helps.  Still can't fit into half my wardrobe though.  I will keep trying. 

Getting my hair cut today.   💃.  It will give me a much needed boost. Lol. 

Hope you are all keeping well. 

2Scratters

Re your pain @helensbiggestfan we - I mean "I" have made an absolute faux pas by throwing out 2 grounding sheets. They were the type that had the silver thread running through them. For some reason we had decided they were no longer working, turns out they were, so I need to start all over again.  we wont be making that mistake again. 

2 Scratters xx

helensbiggestfan

Scratters........I've heard about grounding sheets but don't really know anything about them.  Can you recommend any specific makes or types.  

2Scratters

They are generally seen on face ache. We only ever had the ones with the silver through them.  They work under your bottom sheet and connect to only the earth socket hole (it does look like a normal plug) there is no current incoming from the plug. I'll be on it after I return from my holiday next week. Off to get my suitcase from the loft.

2 Scratters xx

helensbiggestfan

Thanks. 2Scratters.  I think I might give it a try.  I have just bought an infra red knee brace (not tried it yet). My chiro lady has retired so I am now back to trying to sort myself out until I find a replacement.  I'll put that on the to do list for early next year.  

Still slowly reducing the amitryptaline, can't wait to come off the damn things and get them out of my system.   They just don't suit me at all.  And detoxing off them is truly horrible, the nausea and GERD is just plain nasty.   Thankfully I should be clear soon.  Oh well, I will just chalk that one up to experience and in future I will trust my instincts. My GP obviously meant well and suggested them in good faith but my body just says a big NO.  

Pleased with my haircut. And I have started taking skin care more seriously, giving myself regular at home facials.  I do find that the combination of cold winds and central heating work to really dry out my skin, so lots of TLC required.  

Treated myself to a bright red sweater dress. Cosy and cheerful to brighten up the December gloom.  😁. 

helensbiggestfan

Hello Lovely Ladies. 

Well today is at home salon day.  Facial, pedicure, manicure.  Chiro tomorrow.  Turns out she hasn't retired after all, just moved premises and they had forgotten to let me know their new location.  Looking forward (if that's the right phrase - it's actually quite brutal) to my treatment tomorrow.  Haven't seen her for a while and I definitely need "straightening out". The orangutang look is not flattering......lol. 

I think I have now finally managed to come off the amitryptaline.  Never again.  I'd rather suffer chronic pain than feel like a zombie.  Anyway I am managing a few simple stretches each day, and a few minutes on the treadmill.  Now that the nausea and GERD has eased off I'm back on intermittent fasting and healthy eating.  Hopefully after my chiro tomorrow I can up the ante and increase the exercise.  

Are we looking forward to Christmas.

  It's a busy time but I am "quietly excited". My son is hosting. I did offer but he says he is more than happy to take over.  I must confess I am very happy to pass on that particular baton.  I don't miss all that planning, prepping, shopping, cooking and clearing up.  At 74 I think I've done my bit.  I worked out I had "done" Christmas for over 40 years so I am quite content to just be granny in the corner. Saves me a small fortune too. Win-win.  😁.  Means I can be extra generous when buying presents.  I love spoiling them.  My sons and their wives work hard and deserve a bit of pampering and of course I love the magic of seeing my grand children's faces light up.  

Soon be the Solstice. Of course that signals winter proper but at least the days start to lengthen again. And then before you know it, spring will be just round the corner.  I wonder what 2026 will have in store.  I always look forward to new year, fresh challenges and new beginnings........

Can't believe how quickly 2025 has drawn to a close.  Tempus Fugit and all that.  Lol 

helensbiggestfan

🌲Merry Christmas lovely ladies 🌲