Mummy looks like a man

[shesleavinghome]

This from my DS3! And he's not the first to say so - (have had these comments for 20 years), but I felt so choked when he said it.

I'd like to move on from jeans, t-shirts, boots, wearing no make-up and being overweight (have put on loads recently and feel really crap) but it's hard when you have so little time for yourself and I often looked stressed and grumpy which doesn't help!

Any ideas or wise words out there?

oh bless . Everyone needs a boost at times don't they.

Have you tried an exercise DVD / video? You might find one in a charity shop.

Drag the dc's out on healthy walks at weekends.

Would your family help you out with vouchers for new clothes for Xmas? My family ask what I want for Xmas and birthdays so I always get some vouchers.

Quick drying top coat means I can wear nail polish these days.

I'm not at all shallow but I do try and make an effort or else I'd be a whimpering mess in my bed.

As another poster said, walks at weekends and progress to bike rides when you feel comfortable! Eat healthily where possible and you would be amazed in the difference that makes in your mood!

Could you organize a pamper night once a week after DCs have gone to bed? Face masks, bubble bath, moisturizer, take the time to do your hair, pluck eyebrows, paint nails etc?

Get myfitnesspal on your phone or just log online. It's fantastic. Plenty of inspiration on there if you need it. Work out how slowly or quickly you want to lose weight, input your details, it will work out how many calories. Then you log everything you eat or drink (is easy on the phone) as you go along and it's really really easy to do. It also incentivises you to be active. Really supportive forum too- please sign up - it's free and you will be amazed at what you can achieve.

I didnt have a whole lot to lose (1.5 stone), but have done so easily over the course of the summer and feel amazing. Take a little time for you.
good luck!

I would say for me it is down to feeling content with myself (then there's no uncontrolled overeating).

I am trying to lolse weight slowly (over a stone in the last 6 months), and my mantra is - I don't want to put nay weight on.
This way I am less stressed about how much disapeares and still control portion sizes.

What size are you now? It would be easier to suggest something if we know that.

I would recomend a new haircut first and then a visit for makeup consultation in Boots or some department store.

I'm size 16 at the moment but at just over 5 foot tall, it's hard to carry it well!

I have completely neglected myself this past eighteen months and taken no exercise or care of myself really.

I've had to deal with relationship break-up and it's fall-out, being lone parent, bullying at work eventually leading to me resigning, father with early signs of dementia, moving into his home (with ds) to care for him, father being diagnosed with cancer and passing away three months later, clearing/sorting (large and very cluttered) family home, selling house and now (next week) moving again to stay with friend for 2 weeks with ds until exchange and completion on new house. (everything crossed).

I so want to leave this year behind and begin 2012 like a new person!!! I must make myself go to the hairdresser - it's a good place to start - thanks for the nudge happyAvocado.

I second the haircut, cut and coloured. The hairdresser will be able to tell you what suits you best, everything else will follow as and when you are ready.

Ah, shesleavinghome, you poor love . Have you got any spare cash for some new clothes, etc? Sorry to ask such a personal question.

Yes, get a haircut and what about getting your eyebrows done? I nearly fell over the first time I did that. It was like having a face lift.

Try and chuck on a necklace or a scarf or something. It makes a big difference to 'an outfit' as they say.

yes, do your eyebrows on the same day as the haircut, painful but worth it

I am also 5'3'', recently got myself a pair of skinny jeans from Sainsbury's - at £15 it was worth every penny, I wear it with a pair of boots, add to it a nice scarf - that is not manly look at all :)

cutting my hair short taken at least 5 years off my face too :)

have look at tops in Tkmaxx, they are around £16.99, not very cheap, but unique

if you want to wear simple skirts - look for patterned tights - lots of those in M&S, make it purple or plum colour (black only if skirt isn't black) - again inexpensive way to jazz up your outfit

let us know how are you getting along :)

You could always cheer yourself up and thank your lucky stars you dont look like Fatima Whitbread...

you haven't seen me molepom