My new years resolution this year is to make more effort with my appearance. Who wants to join me?

[TrampyPants]

I've never really worn make up, styled my hair or bothered with how I look. That was fine when I was young and fresh. Now I'm 34 (nearly 35) and I want to look good. I have just tried to curl my hair (and failed) and sorted out my make up, throwing out stuff that doesn't suit me.

Thanks everyone, I do feel rather fab today but regarding the scarf thing, I'm not really sure I pull it off very well as I feel a bit bunched up around the neck, but chic people seem to wear scarves so I thought I'd give it a whirl! I looked at a couple of tutorials on YouTube about how to tie a scarf so I've got a twisty loopy thing going on. I'm sure I'll spill my lunch down it soon and have to take it off again!

Ooh! And as part of the new me, I've signed up for an adult gymnastics class! I took DS to a trial kids class at the weekend and saw a flyer about adult classes so I decided to grab the bull by the horns and give it a whirl. I start next Thursday. I did explain to the coach that whilst I did a bit of gymnastics as a child, that was a LONG time ago and I'm beyond rusty, but he didn't seem to think that was an issue. Wish me luck!

And FWIW, I also love loose cardigans. Lovely and snuggly

I'm sure you look gorgeous, gymnastics? thats brilliant. I am v jealous.

Wow, gymnastics? That is very impressive (and so scary for me, with my total lack of coordination).
Today started with a run which hopefully will help to even out the damage from Saturday night's festivities .
Instead of putting on body cream in the cold winter, I use some oil (any, even olive will do) in the shower, then just pat dry with the towel, and bingo, the body is all moisturised without faffing about in the cold.
Am working from home but in the spirit of this thread, I actually got dressed in clothes (cords, cardi, stripey top and scarf) instead of pyjama-esque things. Thanks for the inspiration.

Ooh, ambassador, thanks for the tip. I tend to have a bath in the evening (helps my bones) but I love using oil. Outfit sounds a lot likr mine. I looked longingly at my baggy jeans and jumper but resisted and am in skinny burgundy cords, vest with long-sleeved top layered over and slouchy stripey cardigan. Make up (inc lipstick) and jewellery

Hairt is a bit meh though, I can't wait to get it sorted.

OMG! I'm very jealous of gymnastics!

who was looking for nice basic tops? found these from Hobbs that are pretty bargainous

in fact Hobbs has some lovely stuff

Ah you lot are nice to me

Ambassador I admire you for going out running today! I made myself go out on the 1st but I cant stand going out in the dark when its early or teatime, and during the day when kids are at school I feel self conscious! I like it in the spring when its already light by 5am and I can go out and be back by 7!

I hate these leggings though, theyre from bhs and the mil got me a couple of pairs for xmas. So gutted theyre not quite right though - theyre a 10 but couldve done with sizing down with these ones cos Ive been hoiking them up half the day, and the waistband is close to my norks I figured theyd do for bumming around the house but theyve really wound me up today

Ooh - Id like a nice and cheap body oil to do what youve suggested on here. Any recommendations?

guy, my favourite leggings are from primark. they are sucky inners and sort of really thick tights. they have a slight sheen so look quite smart these are the ones only £4 too.

ooh, and I have just booked the hairdressers cut, dye and blowdry for the 17th.

Trampy - ah yes I think Ive seen them in there. I'll have to check them out

Ooh hope you enjoy the hairdressers! I love having my hair washed by someone else, feels so nice! Ive recently made friends with a hairdresser....

they really are brilliant. they last forever too, no bagging etc. I am always a bit funny about hairdressers. I had a butcher a few years back who instead of trimming my lovely louise brookes bob cut my fringe on a slant and hacked at the sides. it looked like I had a helmet on. I ended up with a crop to sort it out.

now my hair is long, and its staying that way!

You all sound like you're doing so well! I bet you're all looking fabulous

First day back in work for me and it has buggered my back so I'm feeling very sorry for myself. I've taken straight to bed to give it a rest, but I'll get up to go supermarket shopping for five with a friend. I've taken my lenses out so I'm already feeling scruffy because I'm wearing my glasses, and I'm wearing black tights (had black ballet flats on earlier) black cardigan with a hole in and a blue tunicy smocky type dress.

I have, on the other hand, just restocked my knicker drawer from the drying rack. All folded neatly and I love the tip about the perfume, I smile every time I open it now!

In terms of housework I am trying hard to keep on top of it, button favourite thing at the moment is to try and make sure that the cushions are straight on the sofa every night before I go to bed. It's just a tiny thing but it means if I glance in the living room it appears tidy

oh no, sympathies on your back. does a bath help? IKWYM about glasses. I have a "smart" pair that I have lost so end up wearing my plastic comfy ones. I darent try lenses.

Everyone sounds like they're doing so well! :)

Oh I've name changed - I was whenisitmysleepytime up thread.

I've been doing pretty well, wearing my 'good stuff', keeping up dental hygiene, taking more care of skin. I've also signed up to a Pilates class to start week after next.

What do you wear to Pilates? I have jogging bottoms but they are huge and will probably fall down if I bend/ stretch too much!

Great tips on the Primark leggings, I will take a look at them.

mother I guess if jogging bottoms will be too flappy you'll need some leggings for pilates. If you have issues with your top becoming separated from your bottoms leaving lots of gaping midriff when you're stretching, try a Haramaki. I have a pack of 3 from Nukunuku and they're cosy and add another layer in that area.

As for me, I've eaten healthily (so far) today and I'm going to try not to raid DS's snack box in the kitchen before my dinner tonight....

well done mother, Im considering pilates, need to discuss it with my gp though. I agree with alaska, leggings and a longline top should do the trick.

Alaska, well done. I love those leggings. I bought mine 3y ago and they are still perfect. might get another pair, they are so flattering on the legs.

I posted the Hobbs Simone tops on another thread - I really rate them.

Back to work today and doing lots of unpacking and moving stuff around, so now feel dusty and a bit blurgh. I was tidy this morning though! Have also broken three finger nails - grrr.

No work to do tonight, other than dinner, so I will re-do my nails etc.

Clothes too boring to post today but I did wear my nice new scarf.

Loving the tips - bought myself a very nice make up bag for beside the bed today. Nearly bought extra creams etc but as I know I have a bathroom full of them I've decided to come home and find them and fill my bedtime bag!

I ordered a Davina exercise dvd that arrived today but as the DCs are not back at school until tomorrow I will leave trying it until then. Pedicure for me tonight - nice deep purple colour or deep red not sure! Might even do a manicure too but I find I chip it so easily

Hello All,

I'm so happy to see us all doing so well. This morning I jogged/ran for 20mins then I had some scrambled eggs for breakfast and then chicken soup for lunch. Just had some crisps :( oh well can't be all good!

Today I wore Blue Primark skinnies, White Primark vest, White Zara Linen T, Long brown boots and a Jigsaw cream jacket and animal print scarf, looked ok :)

I've been a bit of a busy bee for us today - let me know your thoughts :) I'll go through everyone posts eventually and include in all our ideas :)

Here's for today's "More Effort Task"...

Today is Monday - Weekly I love myself hour.

This week we our focus is our face.

Our new resolution for January is to have a lovely lingerie drawer.

*Morning Routine

One portion of fruit for breakfast
30min exercise

*Evening Routine

Moisturise lips, eye lashes and cuticles/hands.

Very clever! I don't know who Taylor thingie is though - do I want to?

Is that your blog Karbea? it's amazing!

I'll probably move the "I love myself" hour to Sunday, if you don't mind? I sometimes treat myself to a bath on a Sunday anyway, to set me up for the week.

I will definitely focus on my face this week. I'm got dark hair and olive skin and Bangladeshi heritage as well as PCOS. My eyebrows are often a mess and I don't keep on top of moustache and I often mess beard hairs... Don't I sound attractive.

I think I will keep the exercising until the evening as well - sorry to mess with your hard work!

You can replace Taylor thingy with any hot man/woman you like ;)
Taylor is the werewolf in Twilight.

twil yes, I've only re-started it today, I had some really similar stuff uploaded before, but I'm going to really concentrate on this format now as I'm a big believer in making one small change and habit/routines. Glad it's helpful ;)