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.)

[Solongtoshort]

Hi all sorry l dipped out l became ill after testing positive and have only just collected my thoughts together, but luckily because off thing l had in place thanks to this thread l got through it and so did my family all down to meal planning. I have lost 2 St and 2lbs and l would really like to say lm going to run today but it’s not happening for at least another week.

Take care all and please please say safe.

[SingToTheSky]

Take care solong covid can really linger in terms of weakness etc. I am fairly sure I had it early on (can’t say for certain though as they weren’t testing much then) and it honestly felt like when I first got ME, it’s horrible, pace yourself 💐

Will catch up with my list in a bit. Busy tidying so at least I have something useful to put on today’s!

[SingToTheSky]

day 40 this was mostly social as we had family round separately.

day 39 toddler’s third birthday so I didn’t do much at all except play with her :) I did make a big decision though that actually will make a difference - I am using some of the money my dad sent me to replace my barely functional piano (much loved - 23 years - but lost its tone, broken keys etc) with a digital and headphones. Will mean I play an awful lot more, I know it’s the right thing for me and if I want to tutor again it will be much better.

day 38 did a bit of house admin - phoned housing association, made a weekly planner and shopping list template to print

day 37 dragged myself to yoga - did something to my foot recently though so it was tricky

day 36 we’ve done loads of tidying in the house today. It’s sadly barely made a dent in what needs doing but still it’s progress.

Generally the last few days I have been trying to build little habits - I got a water tracking app because although I like drinking water I can be really forgetful about it. I’ve also started daily weigh ins instead of weekly and I’m trying to get used to weighing just before a quick shower to wake me up.

[Solongtoshort]

Thank you @SingToTheSky l am feeling good today, l actually ran this evening l didn’t go as fast but l felt like l needed it. Somehow by pure fluke l have done my Christmas shopping but no for my dh, ds and dd. It’s dd birthday soon so will get that out the way first x

[SingToTheSky]

Well done solong!

I want to continue with Christmas shopping. Done some bits (my older two are autistic and pretty predictable with what they enjoy so it’s quite easy to do in advance) but need to crack on and get properly organised not least because my eldest is a k-pop fan so things can take a while to arrive. Going to try and discuss this with DH later once the older are in bed.

Day 35 (not sure if I’ve gone wrong with the numbers somewhere? Ah well!) more tidying and organising - our room looks a lot better. Came up with an idea for changing storage round in DS’ room which will make a huge difference. Just need an Ikea trip!

Day 36 we planned to build our wardrobe today but I had to get my foot checked* and the younger two had flu jabs etc. So I’ve not really done anything today TBH although I did manage to buy another pair of smaller trousers yay! Also watched Eat Well For Less with DD1 and hopefully have her on side for being more adventurous with food. This is the major area of life that needs an overhaul TBH but it’s overwhelming. We spend too much and don’t eat very healthily most of the time.

*Foot is fine, no fracture, but it’s still hurting so I’m a bit limited exercise wise. Need to start some seated stuff really and I think the exercise bike would be ok. Between this and toddler self isolating I’ve not been out much and being off my meds means my appetite has increased. Not a good combo.

So we’ve got just over a month left - I really need some proper aims.
🎯carry on with self care - I’m getting a bit better with this
🎯keep using my fast timer as I lapsed on 16:8. I’m going for just 12h fasts for a bit
🎯get back into exercising at home as I basically stopped once the gym reopened and this was a mistake as it’s not always possible to go
🎯decide house rules including around food so we can get a bit more organised after half term

[Solongtoshort]

So today l joined a virtual run challenge to run 50k through out November l ran 7k. I went the shops and got my husbands Christmas presents so now it’s just the kids we need to get between us.

Hope you all keep safe for the lock down and if you happen to be off work (l won’t be) you can get on top of your goals and won’t suffer too much money wise.

[EastofEdna]

Day 30(?)

Goal Number One 1 pound a week - seem to have stalled so trying to be a bit more strict - have slacked off logging on MFP.
Steps for today:

1. 2l of water down today - goal for the next 30 days is to keep that up
2. Spots nearly gone due to good cleansing routine.
3. Need to sort out eyebrows.... I don't like the pain!

Goal Number Two 6 hrs a week physical exercise/wellbeing.

1. I managed it last week, have done 2 hours this week, but the gyms are closing down...
2. I have been listening to soundscapes on the Headspace app before I go to sleep; I seem to have better quality sleep.
3. I am going to try some free subscriptions to some exercise channels - but I don't want to put in any payments for post the trial period.

Goal Number Three reduce credit card debt by paying off one credit card by 1 December.

1. Spent two hours (!) on chat yesterday to the bank to sort out a savings account attached to my current account that has 50p in it! I am going to move the money for the weeks upcoming bills into it so it doesn't get spent on other stuff.

Onwards.

[Solongtoshort]

Hi all my first gain this week of 1lb since August but it was expected.

I have started weighting daily list’s again as l have fell behind a bit.

Today l am going to be super productive and colour my hair, run, row and 20 min hit dvd. Defrost my freezer, change the beds. Wrap my Christmas present. I have already booked my oven clean for 9th of December, had my hair cut this morning oh and l just want to clean and dust upstairs too. Have a good day all.

[BlueDaysTillChristmas]

Can I join in? I’m very late but never mind.

So. New username, new stuff.

I’m 50, doing a degree, working, life is shite.

Goal 1 : to get to grips with uni website and really know what is where. Go to the library, start to feel comfortable there. Sort out working environment ie desk, computer, pens, paper etc. Know how to print at uni. Change passwords to something easier. Sort out webcam and microphone. Put notes in order, print out some powerpoints.

Goal 2 : lose weight, weigh myself every day and record it, join gym after lockdown, start yoga after lockdown, yoga with Adrienne every day, C25K in sitting room for now, outside when I’m more confident.

Goal 3 : do menus, eat properly, drink lots, record all of this, plan shopping instead of wandering round aimlessly, batch cook and freeze.

Goal 4 : sort out house. This is a massive job as I’m a hoarder. I’ve been quite good in the sense I’ve been incredibly cautious about what comes into the house for a few years but nothing ever leaves. That is going to change. Also, need to paint kitchen, hall, landing, stairs and my room.

Goal 5 : get a haircut. I haven’t had one by a hairdresser for about 10 years and it feels heavenly when they do it. Get rid of blackheads on nose. Floss every day. Try to see dentist (!!!!!).

Goal 6 : sort out paperwork. Get cards working again. Apply for student finance. DD for rent. Gas, electric, phone - change providers. Student bank account.

Basically, I just need to sort my shit and grow up.

[Snipples]

This is so strange but I haven't been getting any notifications when the thread is updated so I've missed loads. Anyway!

Won't bore everyone with a massive catch up as I'm a couple of weeks behind now.

Day 25 (I think) things are going well on the home decluttering - made huge efforts to get wardrobe and clothes sorted and now all looking much better. We had a small Halloween gathering (they're allowed where we are) so that spurred us on to sort downstairs and garden.

Have filled two absolutely huge boxes of stuff to donate so house is much more streamlined.

I am most definitely not streamlined but am working on it!!

Three quarters of the way through now so on the last wee stretch. If it wasn't for this thread I'd be way more of a disorganized mess right now, so thanks for setting it up!

[SydneyCarton]

I've also lapsed behind for a while - I can't believe it's day 25 already!

Goal 1 - run 10K (6.2 miles) by end of November. Ran 4.2 miles on Sunday, 3.2 on Wednesday and am planning to run later today for about 4.6 miles which is about 7.5K. I'm pretty confident I can do it, I just need to go for it!

Goal 2 - 1 charity/recycling bag a week. Dropped a recycling bag of outgrown Halloween costumes on Monday and have another bag on the go - recycling only at the moment obviously.

Goal 3 -15 extra minutes of housework each day. Been doing this in bits and pieces, 5 mins here, 10 mins there etc. Yesterday I spent 5 mins putting away the laundry pile and 10 mins going through a random Kallax box in the children's' bedroom which is supposed to contain play-doh bits and pieces but for some reason is also full of clothes . All sorted out and looking much better.

Goal 4 - 1 bit of self care a day. Managed 30 mins with a cup of tea and a magazine on my day off yesterday while the toddler slept . He's on the verge of dropping a nap so I don't get long these days!

[SingToTheSky]

This week has gone so quickly! I’ll try and update my list tomorrow. I have set myself some more specific targets for lockdown - having a set time of 28 days (I know it could be extended of course) is quite helpful so I feel I’ve one a bit better this week.

[SydneyCarton]

Day 24 & 23

G1: run 10k. I didn’t go for the run on Friday but I did go Saturday morning for 4.5 miles and it was brilliant, felt so energised and powerful . Rest day today.

G2: 1 charity bag a week. Put a couple of outgrown coats into the current bag

G3: 15 extra minutes of housework. I spent a rather satisfying fifteen minutes cleaning the filters and the hood on the extractor in the kitchen. So.Much.Grease. I need to finish the sides of the hood tomorrow.

G4: self care. Today we had a nice long walk and discovered a new park, plus bought Krispy Kreme doughnuts for after lunch. I think the run doubles up as yesterday’s self care, it felt so good 😊

[Allmyfavouritepeople]

Hello all, dipped out of the thread but I have managed to make some new habits which I'm proud of.

I take vitamins almost daily
I've started reading again!
Do more yoga and meditation
Inproved the house and now have a brand new sideboard which I'm in love with!

Well done to everyone and keep going!

[SydneyCarton]

Day 22 and 21 (?)

G1 - run 10K. Ran 3.9 miles on Monday and 3.2 today which I think comes to 6K and 5K. Planning 5 miles on Sunday which is around 8K. Getting there!

G2 - one charity bag a week. Dropped one off yesterday. Need to go through the girls' clothes to put away summer things and donate anything that won't fit them next year

G3 - 15 extra minutes. On Monday I gave the bathroom floor a good cleaning - hoovered and mopped it. Need to think of something for today

G4 - self care. Shaped and painted my nails yesterday during a particularly dull Teams meeting (camera off!). Also had the double whammy of clean sheets and clean PJs last night which was lovely.

[ReallySpicyCurry]

Hi all, I've been lurking a bit on this thread and I'm just popping my head round the door to ask those losing weight if there's any sort of app you can use that plots it on a graph? Like a line graph? Random question I know

[SydneyCarton]

@ReallySpicyCurry My Fitness Pal has a progress section where you can enter your weight each day or week or whatever and it shows the trend on a graph. It’s not hugely detailed but gives you an overall idea of the way things are going

[Solongtoshort]

Arh l have failed l ordered some clothes on line only £68 worth but l planned not to spend any money on clothes, oh well. I have planned my oven clean and my window cleaner to do my side windows after lock down.l can’t wait.

[Wellhellyeah]

Yes. Hello.

[SydneyCarton]

The thread seems to have gone a bit quiet but just popping on to boast say that I did my 10K by the end of the 100 days! Not especially fast, 70 minutes, but it was a whole two minutes faster than when I first ran that far 18 years ago, so I’m feeling pretty chuffed about it

[User56770987]

Just found this thread, it's fab
My goals are basically:

Drink way more water
Lose half a stone (up my exercise and eat better but in a long term sustainable way)
Declutter the house

Will need to break these down to smaller steps

[Solongtoshort]

@SydneyCartonwow that is seriously impressive l just done a 50k challenge for November. I weigh in on Wednesday so it will be 101 days not 100 but hopefully l will have lost 3 stone.

[madmumofteens]

That's my 100 days AF completed £200 hooray I saved £1 a day and DH matched it only thing is no inclination to buy anything for myself right now. Good luck everyone and thanks for inspiring me to give up the booze 😘 definitely changed my mindset x