Anyone fancy a bit of an overhaul before Christmas thread?

[Helgathehairy]

Please don’t throw me in the stocks for mentioning Christmas!!

During Covid everything has gone to pot a bit - I’ve put on weight, none of my clothes fit right, hair (and eyebrows) desperately need doing and I’m still a bit hesitant to go somewhere to do something so non-essential. Kids have been home constantly and Self-care & housework has become sporadic (at best!). I have elderly family members who are high risk that I’m helping and I’m wondering about exposure and contact and sometimes my mental health takes a bit of a battering due to demands from them. DH is working and we cut back spending well at the start (mostly due to me not going to the shops)but I’ve stated doing a bit more impulse shopping as shops opened and DHs job is connected to the travel industry and isn’t secure so I really need to stop. Next week my kids are back in school and I really want to get things more organised. I like a deadline to keep me on track.

Here’s my thinking - on Sunday it’s 100 days to 1st December. I really want to arrive at the start of December feeling more organised and less sluggish, calmer and just feeling more ME.

Previously Princessing threads have run on the Style & Beauty board but as this is more of a comprehensive overhaul I thought chat might be a better fit??

This is a previous PrIncessing thread for an idea, there have been lots more, including a pandemic one, but this one was started by me. www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/2458842-Countdown-to-Christmas-princessing

So anyone interested?

(I’m on my phone, which isn’t great for long threads so apologies if it’s a bit disjointed, I just wanted to just get it down.)

east I have a similar reality check moment, not the best feeling in the world wrestling on a skirt that used to hang loose, and wondering if I could even breathe all day! much less sit on an actual chair and still expect it to hold out

I’m sorry for falling off the wagon. I’m still reading along.

I think one of my problems is I tend to jump into things head-first and then “fail” so I quit.

So I want to focus on small improvements. Instead of a 7 days a week exercise programme I’m going to walk the dog daily, do weighs 3 times a week and start yoga.

Instead of logging every bite in my fitness pal I’m going to do 5:2 and focus on clean eating and cutting out sugar.

Instead of saying I’m going to declutter the whole house in a weekend I’m going to focus on portions of rooms. Desk area in our bedroom first, then bookcase in living room, then kids bookcase, then toy boxes, then kitchen cupboards.

Cleaned the fridge shelves today and wiped down all (3) windowsills. I now recognise the filth I was living with am pleased when I look at them. It's also made me think that this mystical idea of cleaning skirting boards may actually be worthwhile, taking into account the windowsill transformation!

Also eaten three proper meals today. Which depressingly is better than most of the last week! I've finally hit my wall of getting sick of cooking every flipping meal for one, after 6 months.

lovely to see you back Helga! Sounds like you have a plan.

Flipper - am the opposite; we have a kitchen after 9 months of not having one, so the novelty of being able to cook is still new.

friends - looked at clothes again today, ones that did fit and I liked (at one time) will stay. The others - the aspirational/what was I thinking off - will be gone.

Enjoy your evening.

Somewhat behind in recording this! It’s been a rough week with some major stress at DD1’s school so self care hasn’t been much of a priority.

day 81 lots of planning and prep for DS’ learning, and sort of decluttering (deciding things to sell)

day 80 I spent so much time lazing in front of YouTube - I guess my overhaul action was to recognise when I needed time out

day 79 got more organised by getting the DCs to write equipment lists for their clubs, sorted meds for the week

day 78 lots of life admin

day 77 walked to nursery, did a yoga class, then unexpectedly had to pick toddler up instead of DH as well, so a lot of walking, and finally wrote a blog post that I had procrastinated over for months, and I had my second phone call with my work advisor

day 76 had some nice time out as I met my parents in London for a lovely lunch, and I walked home from the station (uphill)

day 75 played piano and actually enjoyed it for the first time in months, also did some drawing, and cut and filed my nails - might paint them now

I’m excited about tomorrow as I am going to aqua fit class with a friend - it is a right laugh and I’ve really missed it!

Welcome back helga Your small chunks approach sounds like a good plan. I found I could only manage two or three a day and those things had to be small and achievable. Life is busy, we don't have the capacity to fit in full house declutters and hours of exercise. It is a mathematical impossibility, not a personal failing.

Feel more motivated now at the prospect of another lockdown strangely enough - feeling like I need to get my house and life sorted out now before the dc are home again. So it has added an element of now trying to actually complete the things that are important.

So yesterday went well - note to all - do not stock on the halloween treats unless you have cast iron willpower! So munched through the kids treats, not good, and then had a final BBQ and drank wine. At that point thinking there is little point in deprivation as say goodbye to the summer.

So today is a brand new day: and having sacrificed my Friday evening wine last night I shall be back on the lemonade this evening.

I have purchased boxes and boxes of indoor plants and ivy, if I am going to be stuck in, then the house needs to feel and look lovely. Candles, logs and food are now stocked up.

Walking dogs in sunshine, and doing some stretches and exercises today.

Salad already sitting in fridge for this evening

Day 75

Goal Number One A pound a week until 15 January. Weigh day Sunday so will see for this week. Out for dinner tonight - organised a while ago as lockdown started to ease, but now looks like we will be one of the next areas to go into a local lockdown.

Goal Number Two 6 x exercise sessions per week. 5 done. Bike ride yesterday, just off for another one now over lunch.

Goal Number Three Sort out clothes. Tops yesterday, trousers/jeans today. I've lived in leggings and t-shirts for months now as wfh, I really want to change that.

Day 75 - organisation of house is in full swing. Got new hangers for wardrobe so everything looks great. Being ruthless about getting rid of items I don't wear. Same with old kids toys. Feels so therapeutic to get rid!

Had a big walk today so have hit my steps. Going to splash around pool this afternoon with kids.

I love reading what everyone else is up to. We're doing well I feel! 25% done ladies!

Day 74
Did aqua fit! So fun and lovely to be back. Now I’ve seen the new pool/changing room layout with my glasses on I feel happier about going back to actually swim too.
I was also brave and asked DS’ autism support worker about how she ended up in her career and she gave me loads of useful info and ideas so I have a bit more confidence now

Glass of wine for Friday night

Starting to have a clear out, listed an old Playmobil set and it has been snapped up, so that's going tomorrow. Our house is bursting at the seams and we have a birthday, Christmas, birthday so an avalanche of stuff coming our way very soon.

DH is having a better week, he's started meditating and it is helping, so this is encouraging me to do it too.

I'm also working on keeping on top of the kitchen, it very quickly becomes chaotic - I'm not entirely sure how!

Happy weekend everyone!

I do feel I have definitely cracked my lockdown gin habit, so feeling much happier.

House is definitely feel very together now. Christmas shopping is almost done and now the focus is on fitness 100%.

Nails and eyebrow were done yesterday, feet look great after pedicure, hair appointment today. It has taken a few weeks to catch up with all my apps but I am there now. Autumn and winter wardrobe now in place.

House is decluttered, need to run shoes to shoe bank last job

Upstairs cupboard is the last one to tidy (today) It is also seen its fair share of use over the lockdown as it stores tents and camping equipment

Next week I have booked the carpets to be washed, final spring clean after declutter

Now I have the space and time to get really fit. Not just the odd hour here or there, but I proper scheduled fitness programme. So I am putting that together today and I have longed for this moment!

I am going out tonight so wine will be in order, but tomorrow I start a week's full detox - so will make the most of my evening out!

I'm now on the last week of my online course, and have also done more learning via audio podcasts.

Decluttering has happened but house still a tip from general living.

Unfortunately the healthy eating, less wine drinking hasn't really happened yet, need to focus on that now.

Well done all those of you who are sticking to your goals!

Day 74 - swam 920m this afternoon but then undid it all with indulgent food.

Absolutely shattered today as up really early. Tomorrow is a new week so ideally need to make a list of jobs to tackle through the week to stay on track.

Sounds like everyone else is doing great!

I’ve been thinking along these lines, both DDs going to Uni so once they are both settled I’ll make a start.

I already have Christmas presents because I saw some super bargains at the beginning of lockdown. That’s all I’ve done though.

Day 74

Goal Number One A pound a week until 15 January. Weigh day tomorrow so will see. Dinner out last night was a bit sad (not sure if that is the right word). Was at a restaurant that I am sure in 'normal' times would have been busy, but it was very quiet. We should have left at 21:30, but they left us to chat until 22:00 and we were the last ones in. Am back out tomorrow for Sunday lunch, will see how that goes for a final hurrah before our regional lockdown.

Goal Number Two 6 x exercise sessions per week. All done; 12 mile bike ride today. We were cycling along the Sustrans route - spoilt a little bit by the plethora of electric bikes being used on the route.

Goal Number Three Sort out clothes. I've realised I prefer wearing dresses. Jeans etc sorted out yesterday.

Have enjoyed reading everyone's updates.

day 73
Walked to town and back and managed taking the toddler to two different parks and the supermarket. Really lost confidence in my coping abilities/parenting this time round so it was a good boost to manage it, as well as lots of walking for exercise.

Fallen off the wagon a bit with the decluttering challenges, but I have taken four bags of textiles to the recycling bin over the last few days, which has cleared a bit of space. I am also two pounds down in weight so the 16:8 is having an effect and is fairly easy to stick to.

Not really tackling the running at the moment unfortunately, it should be three times a week but it’s more like 1.5 . I find it easier when it’s cooler and the temperature is meant to drop next week so really must make the effort.

Had a hygienist appointment on Friday so teeth are nice and clean and have a dental check up booked in December. DD2’s preschool booster jab is out of the way and DS has his MMR one next week, plus flu vaccines scheduled at school in November, so more life admin ticked off.

Plans for the rest of the day; quick tidy of the living room, bit of ironing for school uniforms and change the sheets on my bed. That’ll do!

Sat in the sunshine all day, ate way too much all weekend, had way too much wine with friends and it is have been bloody amazing!!

I do need to stop now and jump back on our christmas wagon!!

But Tomorrow not today...because the last few days of summer I can spend in the cupboard sorting out the sodding mess!!

can't!!!!!

Day 72 absolutely shattered today thanks to busy Saturday and period pain 🙄 but I had a lie in, and stayed in bed for ages but doing a few productive things too (sorting meds, helping with homework and replying to some important emails). Later did some laundry.

Day 72

Goal Number One A pound a week until 15 January. Weigh day yesterday and a pound ON, but will persever; but how annoying. Have meal planned through till Friday. Went out yesterday for Sunday lunch - as a last chance to see the niece before extended lockdown in the NW.

Goal Number Two 6 x exercise sessions per week. Will go for a bit of a run tonight to break up the cycling/swimming as the weather is so nice. Who knows how long it will last.

Goal Number Three Clothes all sorted out, just a pile of ironing to do and a trip to somewhere to recycle. Have started a pile of books to recycle; although I am loathe to get rid of ANY of them.....

Day 73 - had to take the kids for their jabs today so bit of a slow one. Went for ice cream after to cheer toddler up. Basically ate lots of shit. Not a great day. But progress made on decluttering so not all bad I suppose.

Day 72 - a better day today. Went for a big walk and burned over 500 cals and then ate well so kept intake low. The last few days of eating shit have caught up on me as was 3lbs on this morning (assume mostly water but still annoying). Organized all kids books this afternoon and sorted legos. Following the rainbow theme from The Home Edit and I just love how it all looks.

day 71
Looked after my mental health. Stress/anxiety building up a lot but I eventually forced myself upstairs, put music on and did some drawing.

Aww @SingToTheSky I love that! What did you draw? My lockdown hobby was watercolours. I just found it so therapeutic to take 30 mins and create something that didn't involve any screen time. Not done it in ages now as trying to fit exercise in instead. It's just impossible trying to do everything isn't it!! Well it is if you want to sleep.

Managed to shift that extra water weight. But still need to shift the 2lbs I've been promising myself I'd drop last week. Going to avoid carbs as far as possible until they're gone.

Day 71 - going for another big walk today and will be good on the food front. Ordered some nice clear storage boxes for DDs legos last night (I've separated colours but want the nice boxes for the unit so she cAn see them all) and some nice labels to organize kitchen cupboards once my Ikea canisters arrive.

Stipples did you buy the home edit book? Or do you just watch them on Netflix?