Operation Renovation - aka The Christmas Countdown

[HelgatheHairy]

It's 115 days to Christmas Eve!

You can use this thread exactly like you were using the previous thread to keep track of what you're doing, have lists, ask advice etc. As its about renovation rather than strictly beauty, nothing is off limits so beauty, clothes, exercise, healthy eating.

So here we go!

I have a cold and have been eating crap and not exercising for days. However, I have had hot water and lemon and a healthy breakfast, have not bought any throat-soothing ice cream, have painted my toenails in faux rouge noir, have oiled and straightened my hair. Also, I really like my outfit today: indigo skinnies, brown sheepskin-lined ankle boots, a beige layering vest, mushroom coloured heat-tech and an oatmeal cable-knit, cowl-necked pullover.

Morning all,

Ever so slightly of Jemima going to see Kaiser Chiefs

Did you manage to escape the cold Lucysmam

Apparently my stomach problems are related to some gynae issues I am having so I am working from home today wearing a pair of trackies as they are the only thing I can get into. My stomach is so swollen and sore, I am feeling a bit fed up!

Trying to stick to a healthy diet but haven't really been eating much as it makes my stomach pain worse.

This morning started with a hot water and lemon, going to have a bath soon and see if it helps the pain.

Have we started sorting our winter wardrobes yet? I can't bear to put my summer dresses away yet...surely there will be more sun clutches at straws

I also need to invest in a warm and waterproof jacket...any suggestions anyone?!

Morning!

I've been really bad, but I'm back on it!

I've been to PT and now I'm eating porridge a tiny bit of honey and a decaf coffee. I've acupuncture later.

Paintyourbox, I did indeed escape the cold for a while.....back out in it now though on way for dd2.

My co-ordinated outfit has gone a bit astray with the addition of a dusky pink hat because it's raining and I cba with brollys. Will definately pick up a new one at the weekend with matching gloves(hopefully cream, to go with my new scarf).

1L of water drunk so far today.

I need to google whether my nail polish is likely.to damage my fishes....I have a small spare filter in a big tank atm and they need their water changes a bit more frequently than with the big filter working. If it might then I will stick to neatly manicured natural nails instead of painting/taking off nail polish on my fingers every few days.

How's everyone else doing?

I still need to find something for my pores

Hello, I was here last week, but boots messed up and cancelled my order, a big super drug order arrived today so I'm finally ready.

Today I have bleached facial hair , used hair mask, used face mask, shaved legs, exfoliated and moisturised. I need to drink loads of water and order a couple of exercise DVDs. Can anyone recommend anything? I don't think I'm anywhere near for enough for the shred, and I need to lose weight as well as tone up.

We booked a holiday yesterday for the start of November, so I'm hoping I'll be looking much better by then!

The Kaiser Chiefs are playing at our local Arts Centre in the back of beyond I'm trying to decided what to wear at the moment, I'm thinking maybe my denim skirt with patterned tights and boots, a vest top and a cropped cardi.

jemima that's amazing! I always wondered how people found out when big groups played small venues. The best I get, where I live, is Toyah Flipping Wilcox

seven what a nuisance - glad Superdrug were able to sort you out. I love having big deliveries, I always forget half of what I order, then it's like Christmas when it arrives.

I am going to be working 13 hour shifts tomorrow and Thursday, so tonight is officially Pamper Night. On the cards is:

Sort out makeup/accessories drawer. Shower, exfoliate, intensively condition hair. Full body moisturise. Hair drier and straighteners, hair oil application. Remove chipped nail varnish, re-apply after shower so it doesn't get caught in my hair who says I don't learn from experience

Unfortunately meals tomorrow and Thursday are likely to be rubbish (takeaways so yummy rubbish!) but back on track fasting on Saturday

Can anyone recommend a lipstick that genuinely doesn't wear off with constant drinking? I used to have a substance that painted on after applying lipstick, but it took all the shine off it. Putting gloss over it dissolved it, so that's no good - I need a lipstick that does what it should!

Hi everyone

Have kept up to date with this thread but not posted as I have had such a busy week! Still managed to do fairly well though, here is my list to recap:

Daily
1.8 glasses of filtered water a day
2.(Clean and) floss teeth
3.The Shred
4.Take vitamins
5.Shave in shower daily
6.Eyelash serum every evening
7.Hand cream
8.Think about clothes the night before

Weekly
9.Exfoliate / body brush
10.Do nails and feet
11.Deep conditioning treatment on hair
12.Sort out handbag
13.Clean shoes

Two/three weekly
14.Dye hair

Monthly
15.Eyebrow threading
16.Face pack

Ongoing
17.Fasting 3-4 days per week
18.Sort out wardrobe
19.Eat more fish, fruit and vegetables
20.Alcohol, crisps and chocolate weekends only

The only things I am not managing as well as I would like is to do the Shred every day, I have done it 3 times last week and once so far this week, am walking the dog daily too so not being a total couch potato, but would like to fit it in more.

I have been really good with my eating apart from some lots of chocolate cake over the weekend as it was my DD's birthday and as I had made it, had to have some! Also beer at the weekend (well, did have 7 girls round for a sleepover so much needed!). Have lost 3lbs!

I am not really thinking too much about what I wear the night before either but am doing my eyelash serum, hand cream and flossing in bed every night - and think the serum is working!

Overall though am pretty happy with my progress, it's been quite a stressful week and normally would have turned to the but have resisted! It definitely helps to keep reading this thread and I have my list printed out next to my bed so can keep focused!

Well done everyone, keep it up!

oooh Control, I lurve takeaway rubbish! dp might be picking up a kebab on his way home from work on Friday for me to eat with weekend

I remember that lipcote stuff, no idea if they still make that any more. IIrc though, Max Factor did something similar not that long ago. No idea if it's any good though, sorry, I'm a gloss girl when I actually remember about it.

Evening routine all done here eventually....my 3yo had a very shouty and loud meltdown! Took an hour and a half to calm her down ....my head feels a bit

I found a FOURTH chin hair .....where on earth do they come from then!!! Not impressed at all! Speaking of, must get mini epilator on my top lip tomorrow.

I only managed 1.5L of water today, tend to drink more when dp is here....kettle's always on! I did skip proper tea and drink the mint and spice one this afternoon though.

Stitched the buttons back on my red coat just now, and found an old (easy 10y plus) smart coat I forgot I had earlier. Am going to risk that in the washer on a delicate, cool wash with a short spin and see how it does. If I wreck it, I figure I've lost nothing since it was forgotten in the back of a cupboard anyway.

Feet are nice and soft too....have been pumicing (is that a word?) them every third day & using either a small squirt of dd1's cetraben cream or a stick thing I found in the quid shop that's a bit like vaseline. The tops of my toenails are looking a bit squiff though polish wise....I think with me wearing boot socks/boots maybe

STILL haven't done any exercise. Am currently justifying it to myself because I am away from home for a few weeks. When I get home I will no doubt use the excuse that I don't have time as need to keep 4 month old entertained and run household without any help. I am the queen of procrastination
I am doing pretty rubbish with food too, weigh day today so will find out the truth soon. Start of a new week so really need to focus! On the plus side, I am wearing make up when I leave the house and have also taken it off before bed the last few nights. Little victories eh?!
Does anyone get fed up with people saying 'he/she is alright' 'they are quite happy as they are' in relation to your baby despite the fact you know they are fed up/tired so go to pick them up? Am visiting family and it is really starting to irritate me. Grrrrrr.

Haven't posted for a few days. Feeling guilty 'cos I've done nothing. I have never dieted in my life before and really have had no need to watch what I eat...BUT, seriously have this middle age thing going on. So REALLY need to lose maybe just 1 stone from the 10 that I currently weigh..and tone up...holidays again in January so I have until then. If Helen Mirren can wear a bikini then so can I.
Have been moisturising my whole body each day...also hair & make-up every day, and have painted my fingers & toes...TA DA.
Managed lemon & hot water 3 days last week. That's it.
Dug my trainers & running wear out...it's in a pile in my bedroom.
Haven't been too well for quite a while and I no longer want to use this as an excuse to continue procrastinating.
HELP...need a kick up the backside.

105 days to go

I'm a disgrace. DD started cluster feeding right as I ate dinner last night so I didn't get to shower yesterday. Ladies I have failed.

Another fail here too - took so long sorting out my jewellery (though at least that was a success) that I had to have the quickest showers in the history of showering, completely forgot to moisturise/hair dry/straighten/hair oil/nails. Ended up painting over the chips just to disguise them

I did manage to put in a pair of earrings this morning, but developed a migraine overnight so think they may come out in an hour or so. Currently dosed up with migraleve and not looking forward to the next 13 hours' work!

Oh, have ordered this to help with my earring issue - after ditching a load, I still have almost 50 pairs!

Meant to ask - jemima how were the kaiser chiefs?? Did they do a meet n greet?

Morning all, still doing morning and evening routines full make up, moisturising wearing accessories ect but not really been exercising or drinking enough water.
I've got a fitbit so I've been doing approx 10,000 steps per day but no specific exercise.
lucysmam if you want something for pores try benefit porefessional its really good but its expensive. I got a few small tubes free with glamour magazine a few months ago so maybe go into a department store and ask for a small sample then keep your eyes open for freebies.
I'm another one for procrastinating wish i was different but here I am sitting on the ipad when I should be working!!

Morning

Jemima hope you had a fab evening! still ...

Helga is your dd going through a growth spurt? I didn't manage to bf as long as you so never experienced cluster feeding.

I'm in town now for an appointment at the bank will nip to boots and see if I can get a sample of the Benefit stuff. (Only just read it & can't remember who posted, sorry ).

Morning routine done, think might start getting up 15mins earlier than everyone else though so I can at least get half done in peace. Found my pearly earrings so am wearing those with black skinnies, leopard top and brown riding type boots. Looking good, if I do say so myself

I risked my old black ballet pump shoes in the washer last night & they came out clean so I at least have a choice of footwear now so long as it doesn't pee it down

Took my nail polish off....not convinced it won't harm my fishes! Will stick to neatly manicured hands instead And continue to maintain.my feet properly.

I'm doing ok. Morning and evening routines down pat and twice a week I do a big full body scrub, fce pack, nails painted and Epsom salts bath. I'm on the low carb boot camp that started yesterday and that involves drinking lots of water so that's good.

I've not managed any exercise as I'm shattered from baby + toddler. Instead I'm focussing this week on my posture which has been crap since I had two pregnancies and stomach surgery within three years - my core muscles are shocking! I'm really trying to stand up straight and suck in my core all the time.

Morning all, beauty routines are still going well but not managing to straighten my hair very often.
Can anyone recommend a good heat protection spray for dry hair rather than wet?
No exercise as my running partner can't continue which means I have no childcare while I run.
Early night tonight, aiming for half 8 but we will see.

Jemima I'm pretty sure you can spray it on to wet or dry, no?

Not sure Karbea, when I looked at some a while ago they all said to be sprayed on wet hair before styling.

Total fail here - DD2 was sick overnight so very little sleep had, and then overslept and had to drive DD1 to school instead of walk (thankfully can just drop her at gate & not get out of car!). I am unshowered, wearing yesterday's clothes & have done nothing at all today other than hang out on the couch with an annoyingly chirpy & well DD2.

May manage some redemption at my evening routine, but unlikely as DD2 is coughing again (and I'm pretty sure it was the phlegm that caused the problem last night).

We won't even discuss the healthy eating fail!

Helga - I'm well impressed that you've been doing so much with a baby still at the cluster feeding stage! There were days I barely made it off the couch when DD2 was at that age...

Well....I made the mistake of mooching around boots with dp....his face went a million times over when he saw the price of Benefit make up Think I'll save that for when I'm not with himself

lucysmam sorry, I missed the bit about your fishtank. Nail varnish isn't normally water soluble, so unless you're pouring it in from the bottle, you should be fine.

vvviola oh no, poor you and pooor dd2. I hope tonight goes better for you.

jemima the loreal extraordinary oil says it provides protection from heat, and can be put on dry hair. Might that help? Superdrug are doing a promo on it at the moment too.

OMG ladies, I am going to have to come clean to DP about this thread - he thinks I'm having an affair!!

Control my dp hasn't cottoned on yet....although I do keep getting looks at all the beautifying products I have been buying.

I did google about the nail polish....maybe I'm just being over cautious with my babies fishes . Am having a battle with some black beard algae atm....'tis doing my nut in! Although the pleco seems to be having an absolute whale of a time in there & he's normally a very hidey fish