La Dolce Vita 2026

joedenise

My view is always "if it ain't broke don't fix it!".  We plan on running our car into the ground - hoping we won't actually need to replace it as we're both mid 70s - the car is 10 years old but has passed MOTs every year without problems.

Wednesday2000

I went to see The Housemaid at the cinema as I did enjoy the books. I would recommend. 8/10. It was a cheap day out as the tickets were only £6. I’m not sure how much longer it will be shown at the cinema.

helensbiggestfan

Good Morning my lovely friends.    Another lovely day, snow still on the ground, blue skies, sunshine, very pretty,  a bit icy underfoot so I won't risk going out today.   At 74 I'm careful with my old bones.  

Well it's been a productive week.  The decluttering is going well.  Wardrobes decluttered, otc meds and toiletries sorted, anything out of date disposed of.  I reckon I've got enough toiletries to keep me going at least six months.  Today I am going to tackle my shoes and then make a start on the kitchen.  I am being ruthless!!  

I did hesitate over a faux leopard skin coat that I bought last year.  I bought it online and then when it arrived I decided it wasn't really me after all.  It's beautiful, really high quality but tbh it feels a bit "Bet Lynch". 😂🤣.  Not really me.  I was going to donate it and then had a brainwave.  I am going to cannibalise it and turn it into a sofa throw.  

This Morning had a bit of a disaster.  I have two windows in my bedroom,  both have Roman blinds which I inherited from the previous owners.  I have never really liked  them (yes they are grey) but I haven't rushed to replace them.  Well they have now both broken so that has spurred me on to make a decision about my bedroom. Was going to postpone decorating it but I have decided to get cracking and create my "dream boudoir".   🤪. It will take some time so I will will need to move into a spare bedroom for a while. But first I need to clear that room  because it's currently a storage/junk room.   

Nothing is ever straight forward is it....lol 

Wednesday2000

That is so funny. I’m just walking to my class and walked past a woman with a coat like that and I thought would it look too Bet Lynch on me?!

helensbiggestfan

I once read a book where the female character inherits her mothers real mink coat.  She's doesn't want it but accepts it because she doesn't want to upset her mum by refusing it.  She says when she wears it she feels like Blanche Dubois, the female character in "A Streetcar Named Desire".  I know exactly what she means. I also have a "Streetcar"  fur, not real of course but even so it's lovely and warm.  

I find it so hard to part with coats.  I have far too many.   I know its psychological, a hangover from my childhood where I never had a decent warm coat but I really do need to weed them out.  

I swear they procreate in the wardrobe......🤣

4 pairs of shoes, 2 pairs of boots and 2 tote bags, two storage tins ready to go......

Floss

What are your plans for your boudoir Helen?

Mine is almost finished - just need to decide on blinds & refinish / re-veneer my antique furniture, it's a really deep green with the wallpaper from 2020 still up (has a deep green background).

I am about to start yet another wardrobe sort... well, I will next week after a couple of days of invigilating work.

mrs_motivated

I’m inspired by all the wardrobe sorting, it is something I really need to do, the problem is my clothes are broadly sorted into formal, special occasion type clothes, work clothes and casual chilling clothes so there is a lot to sort.

I’m looking forward to retiring in a couple of years and then at least I can cull the work / office clothes.  I try to buy good quality so they last, however, that’s brings another problem in that they do actually last and so I am reluctant to let them go! I really need to change my mindset and perhaps adopt the one in, one out rule going forward.

Humdinger1

@mrs_motivated I feel your pain! I still wear things that I bought 15 years ago.  Good quality and not out of fashion because they were never really in fashion.   All your decluttering sounds fab @helensbiggestfan.  Onwards and upwards love Humdinger xx 

helensbiggestfan

Not sure yet about my bedroom  colours.  Smokey blue maybe.  Some William Morris flourishes for blinds/cushions. Maybe one feature wall paper. Will add my large oriental rug, currently in the lounge but I might swap it out.  I've got a nice vintage style blue/cream one that could go in the lounge, would go nicely with the new cream walls. Blue and cream is a nice summer look.   Sort of coastal granny chic, like the house in "Somethings Gotta Give".  One of my favourite movie houses,  I'm a long way from the coast but if you can't live your fantasy when you're retired,  when can you,  

Yesterday I made a start on the kitchen cupboards.  Will continue this week.  So many unused, unwanted gadgets, extra glassware, crockery

Re older clothes.  Even 10 yers ago, the clothing was much better quality than it is now.  So I guess if you like dressing in a "classic" style then keep your good quality items.  They wont go out of style.  I have some beautiful wool coats that are 40 years old. It would cost me hundreds £££ to buy the same quality today.  They will see me out. 😁

helensbiggestfan

Hello my lovely friends. How are we all.

Not much to report. I have been concentrating on decluttering, sorting out the house, and also finally addressing some minor health niggles. Knee injection, chiro treatments etc. making some progress.

I have also recently turned my attention to my outstanding paperwork, 😱😂🤣. Time for some proper Swedish Death Cleaning. Lol. My will and my power of attorney etc were done years ago. They are fine, don't need to make any changes but I do have a small mountain of books, personal papers, memorabilia, photos etc to go through. I also want to finesse my finances again. I am being clobbered for tax at the moment but I am hoping that come April I will be issued a new tax code. Then I can lick my finances into shape.

Like most of the U.K. I am getting a bit fed up with all this rain. Hey ho, at least the days are getting longer again. Spring is on its way.

Time for a cuppa…….