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Operation Renovation - aka The Christmas Countdown

997 replies

HelgatheHairy · 01/09/2013 07:31

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!

OP posts:
petalsandstars · 21/09/2013 19:54

Well donejemima thats a great feeling when you fit a smaller size! A good shopping haul too.

I've got the onset of the cold that DD1 came home from preschool with so indulging in hot chocolate. All set to paint my finger nails but DD2 is due a feed and sods law if I put polish on she'll wake up before its dry, may have to do it tomorrow morning instead. Just toes for now then.

lucysmam · 21/09/2013 19:57

Control....I lurve chilli hot food! Just cooking the lasagne and have piled jalepenos on my salad!

IsThatTrue (I have either got name or capitals wrong in there Blush )....that's really amazing weight loss there! All through diet? Or exercise as well?

I've been done ages here, in fact so long I may cleanse again before bed! Went in the shower at 5 while dp was playing with the kids and defuzzed (Wink ), moisturised, sorted my mop properly, skin oil applied.

Being a bit naughty though, I have a bottle of Wine I intend to drink tonight.....I'll suffer but it's rare these days I drink so much.

Managed 2l water through the day and same is cooling for tomorrow....think I'll need it!

IsThatTrue · 21/09/2013 20:06

lucysmam you got the name perfect :) it's through diet and exercise but tbh I haven't really dieted. I stopped basically inhaling biscuits Blush stopped snacking, reduced my carbs and up my veg, reduced portion sizes, started drinking lots of water. I haven't stopped eating anything just I'm eating 1 biscuit not 2 packs etc. I started 5:2 last week as I want the health benefits but it may help weight loss too.

lucysmam · 21/09/2013 20:42

Grin What sort of exercise do you do? The shred's sort of being ignored here....running is out because of the shitty area I'm in....local baths don't open hours to suit if that makes sense. Need some kind of exercise to do, more for fitness than weight loss....I spend a LOT of time mooching around the house doing not much Confused

JemimaMuddledUp · 21/09/2013 21:58

Well done on the weight loss IsThatTrue! It is a great feeling, isn't it?

I've posted some pics to the FB group of how the way I look has changed over the past 12-18 months.

I have used the Vitamin E oil again in the hope that the massaging will make me wake up looking refreshed and gorgeous and am off to bed with Grazia magazine for inspiration Grin

IsThatTrue · 21/09/2013 22:01

lucysmam I've taken up running. Rubbish that you can't take it up as it really is pretty amazing.

jemima it does feel great fitting into stuff I wouldn't have done months/weeks/days ago. Although there are a few clothes that have only have 1 wear before I've slimmed out of them.

Right DH is watching the boxing, I'm too tired so off for nighttime routine.

HelgatheHairy · 22/09/2013 07:09

94 days to go

OP posts:
Dilidali · 22/09/2013 08:50

Hello ladies, I am back as promised:)

Ok, I took up hot water and lemon. Had it every day with my vitamins, i am really enjoying my little morning ritual now.

I drink plenty of water and this has helped me tremendously. That, combined with the fact I don't put sugar in tea or coffe and don't eat any sweets has made me less sluggish. New lease! I won't stop the hot water and lemon thing any time soon.

I've been eating bananas as snacks, but I am allwoing myself to have one if the water bottle is empty, not before.

I have several long term things to do. Like have an eye examination, I made an appointment and I am going to think hard about eye laser surgery.
Also long term (by that I mean not a daily tadaah) is to have my colours done. I am looking up consultants in my area, I have saved about £100 and set aside for this.

I also booked already two haircuts: one for before half term and one for my work christmas party. I always end up stressed and not having been to the hairdressers before events like this, because of lack of time, prioritising other stuff etc. not this year!

My morning routine is, at the moment:
Shower (and that includes the delightfully put defuzzing and morrocan oil for my hair)
Hot water flannel, eye cream and face cream
moisturising
Get dressed (clothes chosen from the night before)
Discreet make up
Coffee and hot water with lemon, also vitamins
Breakfast (continental)
Brush teeth and go to work

Here I'll say I wear a uniform once I get to work. But I took a long hard look at my earrings (the only jewellery I wear bar my wedding ring) and decided to put some thought into it. I'm looking for some that would match my uniform, for a bit of fun. Also, some days I work with children, so I'll look for some fun childish ones. I think pearl earring really lighten up and open my face, so I'll 'save' those for days when I feel like scowling.

The evening routine is again shower(or bath if I am really lucky),moisturise. I had a hard look at my pyjamas. I earmarked the ones that have to go as soon as my christmas eve brand new pyjamas are coming in via santa lol. It's hard, even if the look dreadful and shrunk etc, you're used to them, aren't you? Who's going to see your pyjamas? My DH and DD. one doesn't 'do' or 'get' pyjamas, the other one looks at you and goes:oh, mummy, you should really get some decent pyjamas, looks like you're wearing mine.
I keep looking for some silk ones, but they must be bargain price.

Exercise...hmmm, blew this one this week, with good reason.
I will start shredding today. Tomorrow I have planned to go swimming (that, I don't class as exercise per se, it's not a keep healthy, I ache if I don't swim and it is the only way I can think about, dismantle and resolve any issue I have. I don't think about what I am doing, I just do it).

Winter wardrobe. I am using what I have till I had my colours done. I have few LBDs in good condition, so for the party season I am ok. I could do with some shoes. I could always do with some shoes. But I tend to go for safe options/colours. I would like a mad party pair. Something with lots of colours, so I can match whatever jewellery, but also somewhat muted, to be picked up by a clutch or something, a wrap ...there's a nice little project.

Things I am grateful for. Rather than churning 3 different ones every day, I have the same 3 ones for a week or so. When I need some time out, I think long and hard about them. Not in a 'thank god' sort of way, but I thought about the journey to get there, the leasons i've learnt, the kicks in the teeth, how it benefits in other areas, whether there's something else I should improve and how I ensure I don't forget what those 'blessings' actually mean and bring.

And that's about it. Sorry for the huge post.

stantonherzlinger · 22/09/2013 09:09

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lucysmam · 22/09/2013 10:14

Morning everyone Smile

Dilidali Grin that rivals my epic posts!!! I get you about the pj's...I have two smartish pairs iyswim, the rest are all oddments I throw together because yes, they're comfy and cosy.

I like your idea of things to be thankful for, might try that out myself! Dd1 is being very testing lately & we're doing a lot of walking away & ignoring (while getting more and more frustrated Confused )...might give me something else to focus on Smile

I've done hot water & lemon, and taken vitamins...just off to do morning cleanse and moisturise, and brush and floss. Will put a little bit of make up on as I'm going up to asda shortly for milk. Plan for this evening is to face mask, cammomile tea bags for eyes, wash off in shower, wash and Aussie my hair (using that before I start on the Elasticizer - Control did you try it out yet? What did you think?). Will exfoliate, defuzz (Dilidali, what's up with defuzz? )and moisturise.

Am going to paint my nails with the last glass of Wine in the bottle....didn't manage it all Confused and don't feel too rough today. Still can't find my orange polish anywhere so will be either deep red or bright pink, not sure which yet (have even tipped out all five cases of jewellery and the box of unsorted school work with no luck!)

Dilidali · 22/09/2013 11:19

Oh, no, I meant exactly that, delightfully put, makes you think of fuzzy little blondish hairs, hahaha, I have nothing of the sort, I'm proper dark latin type, it makes me giggle every time I see it written down, knowing how dark and coarse mine are (sorry TMI).

Dilidali · 22/09/2013 11:22

Oh, nail varnish! Will do mine today.
I'd go for dark red if you plan to be 'grown up' and polished, or for bright pink if you're going to wear fun colourful summery clothes :)

I am in my taupe phase.

lucysmam · 22/09/2013 11:30

hmmmm, I'm planning on wearing a lot of cream and my smart leopard print top this week (bank appointment to discuss mortgages Confused ).

But , but, but....I found my burnt orange polish....where it belongs Hmm (I had already checked)

Decisions.....decisions

ControlGeek · 22/09/2013 11:49

lucysmam yes, I did try the elasticizer, but didn't really know what it was meant to do. I felt that after all my efforts with the hair dryer and straighteners, I might as well not have bothered as my hair was really fluffy and a little bit wavy still but not sure if that was down to the elasticizer or my rubbish technique. Probably won't be using it again until next weekend as it's a bit of a faff. It does say to use sparingly on fine hair though, maybe I overdid it. Oh and thanks for your reassurance on the roots Grin They're most noticeable on top of my head where I part my hair so probably wouldn't show up much in a self-photo.

dili wow, that was a post and a half! I love reading other people's mega posts. I too love your idea of things to be grateful for. Might start trying to do that as I'm in a bit of a funk at the moment.

crikey, I've forgotten everything else again Blush sorry!

Got loads of cross stitching done yesterday - need to start a list now, see how many more cards I need to do. I can't believe I am actually being this organised for Christmas!

Really really need to re-do my nails. The colour's chipped off all the white areas and is looking seriously tatty. Will do that after I've dyed my hair I think.

After my little adventure with the hairdresser yesterday, my hair's shrunk Shock I forgot taking the weight off has this effect - it now just brushes the tops of my shoulders when I swing my head. I actually rather like it, but it looks a bit informal. Need to find a way to make it look stylish and professional for work. I can still do my gibson tuck (just) but it looks more like a topsytail with the tail removed.

closetcat · 22/09/2013 11:56

I hope I'm not too late to join in? My particular problem is having a load of lovely products but hardly ever using them and also a wardrobe of lovely things that I save for best so I look like a bag lady most of the time :(

I need to stick to a skincare routine, shower more often and wear make-up and decent clothes.

Bought a fab pair of Laura Ashley skinny grey jeans but can't allow myself to wear them as they're so nice. What a wally!

Rummikub · 22/09/2013 13:03

Closetcat, that's my problem too! I have put all my make up and beauty things together in a narrow drawer, in little trays ( cutlery tray, small throwaway plastic trays that some biscuits come in)

And organised it all into nails, face, everyday make up. New make up, etc.

When I open my drawer now I feel like I am browsing boots and its making me use what I have rather than buy new.

HelgatheHairy · 22/09/2013 13:15

So remembered to micro-pedi my feet but forgot to body brush. I also used my eve lom rescue mask.

I filed my nails during the week and when doing the washing up I've covered my hands in moisturiser first. The heat helps the moisturiser sink in. I wear gloves obviously.

OP posts:
JemimaPuddle · 22/09/2013 13:26

Helga what's the micro pedi like? I've very dry skin on my feet & struggle to keep in top of it.

lucysmam · 22/09/2013 13:32

closecat I'm guilty of keeping things 'for good' too....and then never using them! I am wearing/using now though! Wear what makes you feel good Smile

Helga I've just mini-mani/pedi'd too....lost my cuticle nippers though Sad . Nails are all ready to paint once the kids go up to bed tonight. Never thought to moisturise hands before washing up - makes sense so will try that next time I wash up ...that'll be soon then Hmm

Am just about to bung the girls in the bath, stitch the missing button back on my coat and tidy round a bit before I start on Sunday tea (naice sausages and mash with onion gravy...yummy)

bigkidsdidit · 22/09/2013 13:41

The photographer has just been, I think she got some lovely shots :) we were all in the Garden and there were some with me holding DS2 and DH tickling DS1 while he really laughed that I think will be brilliant :)

Wore my indigo jeans, a white shirt from cos that has a snakeskin look in the background iyswim, it's very subtle. Bare feet and bright pink toenails! I couldn't wear my hair down, it's not grown enough yet, so just did a little ponytail.

vvviola · 22/09/2013 13:56

Evening all Wink (this time zone thing is a real head wrecker!)

Things are a bit crazy here as DD2's sleep just goes from bad to worse.

But...

Mornings: managing face wash in shower, moisturiser & (minimal) hair styling. Hands which had totally broken down with eczema are now nearly back to normal thanks to putting on my manuka hand cream really frequently.
Hot water & lemon every morning too.

Night routine is pretty much ingrained now which is great. Tried to fall into bed exhausted last night and ended up getting up again to do my face and tidy my eyebrows.

Exercise is a bit touch and go, but I'm expecting that until lectures finish.

I spent the end of a voucher I had and bought a new handbag (for 1/3 of original price) plus some night cream. I have this weird superstition that I just need to find the right handbag and I'll suddenly manage to stay groomed etc. we'll see if this is the right one!

PJs here are dreadful - a combination of various pj bottoms that I've picked up here and there, combined with old maternity or nursing tshirts. I do have some lovely slinky nightdresses which might be nice when the weather warms up a bit, but I need to lose a bit more weight first. Confused

My next big challenge is going through my clothes. I might see if I can find that colours site mentioned and see what that says. It'll be time to dig out the summer stuff here soon, so that seems like a good time to make sure the winter stuff being packed away is worth keeping!

Karbea · 22/09/2013 14:12

I wish I could work out my colours, anyone fancy making a guess?

lucysmam · 22/09/2013 14:15

I can't work mine out either karbea, I think I'm a cool something Confused

Paintyourbox · 22/09/2013 14:44

Hi everyone!

Sorry I've been quiet this weekend, DP working so it's just me and DD (and she's a bit challenging at the moment!)

My plan to have a nice bath yesterday was thwarted when I put DD in the bath first and she decided to poo. Took her out and she had a wee on the floor. By the time I finished scrubbing the bath I didn't feel like getting in it!

Have managed to Shred for 3 days in a row- yay! Determined to keep it up! Also one of the mums I know from NCT has asked if I fancy going to a Zumba close that's starting up so going to give it a go.

Morning routine is going well- actually enjoying the hot water and lemon. If I fancy something a bit more exciting I have a lemon and ginger tea.

Today I've managed to give myself a pedicure while DD had a nap. Feet are looking so much better but I am about to run out of foot cream so need to buy some more.

Will post some more later- off to see my lovely friend for Sunday dinner.

closetcat · 22/09/2013 15:18

Good to know it's not just me Rummikub! Thanks lucysmam, I will try to wear my good stuff daily.

I've just had a mammoth preening session. I did a home mani/pedi - just need to put the lacquer on in a bit after the oils/creams have done their thang and a facial. Double-cleansed, eyebrows tweezed, Decleor gommage, Decleor iris aromessence facial massage and now a face mask slathered on top. I've also epilated my legs while waiting for the gommage to dry.

Thanks for this thread - it was just what I needed. After the mask sinks in I'll have a shower, body scrub and body moisturising session before I paint my nails.