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4 weeks to transform myself. Help!!

29 replies

Batwomanrisesagain · 03/04/2017 15:37

So in 4 weeks I go abroad on a trip with friends I have not seen for many years. Face book tells me they have aged incredibly well, think slim, blonde, wrinkle free and stylish. We are all in our 40s.
My planned year of hard work to lose weight and transform myself has not happened and now I'm in a panic. I have money to throw at this and need help!!!
I'm going to book in for a hair cut/highlight. Also nails, what so I ask for? Haven't ever had my nails done. Am considering Botox (seriously) but not sure where to start.
And clothes, need stylish clothes for aweeoend in the sun! I'm size 14-16, but thinking may be able to starve off half a stone before I go!!
Any tips, clothes recommendations or miracles appreciated!!!!

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burnishedsilver · 03/04/2017 16:08

Firstly, don't believe a thing you see on Facebook.

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longtermsinglemummy · 03/04/2017 16:15

4 weeks on the Scarsdale Diet/Low Carb should get rid of a stone.

Botox is brilliant but takes 10 days/2 weeks to really show. Plus make sure you research where you go.

Clothes...well cut, nice jeans, skirts and not shorts! Check out Boden. Nice glam flip flops, Dune have some sparkly ones I get every year.

And have gel nails on your hands and your feet.

But I agree with burnishedsilver, don't believe Facebook, it's not real life.

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Ineverpromisedyouarosegarden · 03/04/2017 16:16

Drink lots of water so you have clear skin, white eyes and shiny hair. Use a treatment on hair and have a really good facial (at least a week before you go) Looking classy is about looking good as much as clothes etc

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BMacklin · 03/04/2017 16:19

Not really my area of expertise (im a mess) but just to say friend had botox at local private hospital. Just phone them and the people who answer the phones can direct you. Sometimes it can bruise so get it done sooner rather than later so it has time to settle.

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Cherrypie32 · 03/04/2017 16:19

I dropped 1/2 stone in a month before a girls holiday doing 30 day shred at home and 1000 cals a day using MFP. It was very noticeable the difference it made in my shape and confidence.

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ButtonBoo · 03/04/2017 16:24

In terms of weight, get on Michael Mosley's Blood Sugar Diet. I lost a stone in 10 days and 2-3lb a week since.

A hair cut and colour will work wonders. Maybe a spray tan before you go. But go to a salon for that so you can avoid potential disaster with streaks!

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TitaniasCloset · 03/04/2017 16:25

Go for a nice spray tan in a good salon and get your fanjo waxed while you are at it.

Nails- if you aren't used to long fake nails maybe just keep them short, or get short to medium acrylics.

The most important thing is your hair, throw the money at that.

What about a teeth whitening treatment? They do laser whitening in some salons.

Simply be clothes are good for curves plus their pick up and return policy is good and you can get next day delivery for an extra pound so if you don't like them there's no faffing about.
Their swim wear at the moment is boring and horrible though.
Go for shoes that feel comfy, better to have only a few pairs of nice ones than a bag full that all give you blisters.

But 14-16 is a nice sexy curvy size, go and enjoy yourself!!!!

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Softkitty2 · 03/04/2017 16:30

Balayage your hair instead of highlights, get gel nails in a nice neutral colour, get your eyebrows done and maybe tinted to define your face.. LVL your lashes maybe 1-2 weeks before you got but obviously make sure you get a patch test.

A subtle spray tan, drink plenty and eat healthily

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TitaniasCloset · 03/04/2017 16:52

I second the balayage idea.

Get the nails done in a classic colour, toes and nails don't have to match, nude or classic red maybe. Mine are pinky nude now and I'm loving them.

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longtermsinglemummy · 03/04/2017 17:21

I third balayage! And definitely eyebrows shaped and tinted and a light fake tan before you go.

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Batwomanrisesagain · 03/04/2017 18:30

Wow thanks for the replies. I don't even know what balayage is but I'm so doing it!!
Off to google the diets now, feeling positive Thankyou all!

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DianaT1969 · 03/04/2017 18:48

Do get some Nip+Fab skincare - usually on offer in Superdrug.
Nip+fab pads once or twice a week to exfoliate. Nip+fab Dragon's Blood serum to plum up the skin's moisture. I apply to damp skin in the morning with moisturiser/sunblock added later.

Anthelios facial Sunscreen by La Roche Posay Is a big favourite on MN for avoiding that reflective white-out look and pore blockages.

Try on lots of sunglasses somewhere like TKMaxx and take selfies to check they suit before buying.
Can you pull off a straw hat? I can't but always like them on others.
Bra sized underwired swimwear!
Have funSmile

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DianaT1969 · 03/04/2017 18:52

Forgot to say that I vote for the blood sugar diet too (basically low carb. My body shape changed in 10 days and I made friends with a waist again. After 2 weeks I didn't ever imagine eating in my old way again. Sadly prosecco crept in and I lost my way a bit. Good to know it works and is enjoyable though.

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KatyS36 · 03/04/2017 20:34

Hello. I'm a size 14. Yes absolutely to hair, pedicure and fake tan. If you want to loose weight go for it.
I find what makes the most difference on me, especially in photos and how I feel are fabulous beautifully fitting clothes, and especially a great swimsuit and lovely cover up.
I would suggest booking in with a personal shopper to help guide you? Loads of threads on here.
Great sunglasses, great bag and great shoes don't depend on your weight. Other pieces can be altered if you loose weight in the future so don't let this stop you buying things you love now.
Money to throw at this problem absolutely works, just make sure you do it wisely.
And have a fabulous time. My true friends haven't cared what size I am.
Katy

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ladyratterley · 04/04/2017 11:17

I echo what a previous poster said about the 30 day shred! I've been doing it for the past month and haven't really changed my diet much, just tried to make healthier choices and eat less chocolate. I've not done it religiously every day, but it's not hard to find 20 minutes most days with about a day off per week. I've also cycled or walked to work when I can too.
It's made a real difference. I can feel that my general fitness level has improved, my legs and arms are much more toned, I've lost a bit of belly flab and my cellulite has improved SO much! I'm genuinely surprised.

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cRiNKlyCoCkapoo · 04/04/2017 11:23

Re getting your nails done, avoid acrylics. Ask for Shellac/ Gel nails - this is nail polish that goes on your own nails but is cured under a lamp so it sets immediately and will last for two weeks or so without chipping.

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CoolCarrie · 04/04/2017 11:32

Sorry to hijack , but what is the 30 day shred? And the blood sugar diet?

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ladyratterley · 04/04/2017 11:45

Ah, sorry I should have explained!
The 30 day shred is this workout DVD. It's fucking hard! But it's totally worth it. My fitness has improved so much.
It's an oldie but a goodie. Jillian Michaels has got loads of DVDS so I'm going to try a couple more. I find her style quite motivational.

<a class="break-all" href="//www.amazon.co.uk/Jillian-Michaels-Day-Shred-DVD/dp/B002RNOS2Y?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">//www.amazon.co.uk/Jillian-Michaels-Day-Shred-DVD/dp/B002RNOS2Y?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

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CoolCarrie · 04/04/2017 12:36

Thank you ladyratterly!

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Pollypickypocket · 04/04/2017 13:42

Agree low carb and lots of water
Hair have done a week before you go - see how highlights settle - useful to take a blue/violet toner shampoo with you as they can yellow in sun
Skin scrub every other day for next 2 weeks then have a good spray tan - scrub again and 2nd tan as close to departure as possible - take a gradual face tan (Clarins is good) to keep face glowy.

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TheWalkingTiger · 04/04/2017 15:39

Eyelash extensions.

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Batwomanrisesagain · 04/04/2017 16:22

So I've bookedin for Botox, hair and tan. I'm away at the moment in the sun so choosing low carb and lots of veg (not doing so well avoiding the free fizz) and checking out what the classy ladies are wearing round the pool.

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TitaniasCloset · 05/04/2017 17:10

Lovely!!! tiger recommended eyelash extensions, the trouble with them is they are akin to crack in addictiveness. Marian Keyes wrote a lovely piece about them. But eyelashes and eyebrows done will give you a made up put together look even when you are in the pool. Good luck and have fun.

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Batwomanrisesagain · 07/04/2017 14:28

Thanks for all the replies. Very tragically one of the party has suddenly passed away in the most awful circumstances so the trip is cancelled, puts everything into perspective. It doesn't bloody matter what you look like.
So sorry for the sad end to a lighthearted thread.

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CoolCarrie · 07/04/2017 16:03

I am so sorry to read your sad news. It does really give us all pause for thought.

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