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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:
Karbea · 23/09/2013 08:27

Vviola well done! What did you have for brekkie?

Right I'm up! Animals have been fed. I'm dressed (tracksuit bots and cr@ppy t shirt), had a decaf coffee and a current bun, teeth cleaned. Operation house muck out about to start. Oh and I've a cold brewing, sore throat, woke up all blocked up, so I've taken a day nurse.

lucysmam · 23/09/2013 09:19

vvv Grin that sounds like my smallest...I'd love to have time for a shower in the morning sometimes but would never get done in time....I stand for ages letting the day wash away!

lucysmam · 23/09/2013 09:27

I'm up but the kids have put a dint in my enthusiasm....both up and down coughing and spluttering through the night and dd1 got up with the alarm this morning to be sick Sad so both are home with me.

So far I've taken vits and cod liver oil and am drinking hot water and lemon. Will go do my face routine when I convince the girls to have some brekky Hmm

Have made a start on dd2's room. Bed is stripped, curtains, net and blackouts down. Will take the feather duster up and do the walls when I go to get dressed. Windows need cleaning, furniture polishing, skirting wiping round and hoovering. As well as clearing out her wardrobe of too small stuff.

There are some pretty frocks in there she's never worn though that I might hang on to because I don't just want to charity shop them (they're overpriced and full of tat in the ones over the road that I can get to)

bigkidsdidit · 23/09/2013 09:41

Lucy I am saving some of the boys' nicest clothes from baby on, I found a lady online who makes old baby clothes into a quilt :) so when littlest is 3 ish I'll post them off. Are you clever at sewing or do you know someone who could do something like that? Then you'd be saving them but get a quilt out of it so it'd be useful!

I had a dreadful night with DS2, he's not really well, not having much milk and groaning all night Confused so loudly I couldn't sleep. And I have to schlep both boys on the bus to the dentist. But at least it's my first driving lesson tonight!!

Ivy done imedeen, hot water and lemon, and face. Baby asleep in sling now but as soon as he's out I'll have a shower and body brush.

I lost 5.5lb last week!

CatAmongThePigeons · 23/09/2013 09:41

I feel amazing today- DS2 slept from 1930-0700, the longest ever in his 19 months of life. After being awake Friday night from 0130-0500 it is great. I hope it lasts!

Well I was up, dressed; plain l/s tshirt, skinnies, leopard print socks, ankle boots, butterfly scarf and grey pleather jacket. I am fairly coordinated which is unusual.

Last night I waxed my upper lip and removed my mono brow Blush painted my nails a deep lilac and moisturised thoroughly.

Hope everyone is having a good Monday!

Karbea · 23/09/2013 09:55

Right! Morning vits taken and I'm drinking a lemon vitamin drink. I've stripped beds, and cleaned, tidied, hoovered our room, ensuite, landing and stairs. I did a major spring clean of upstairs and the lounge last weekend so that wasn't too hard, I'll start slowing down after the lounge :/
Dishwasher on and first load of washing on. I've brought all the washing downstairs so now have a bit of a mountain in the kitchen :/

ControlGeek · 23/09/2013 10:05

lucysmam when you're done, fancy coming round and princessing my house a bit? Pretty please?! It is desperately in need of some attention. As for flossing, I only do the front anyway Blush

karbea Just start fresh tomorrow, we're all allowed a day or two each week to chill down. It's hard work, this beauty lark!

wow bigkids that's impressive! Did you get the cardies too, or are they still running? And karbea - amazing purchase!

cat Peacocks have some belted tunic tops in light jersey if that's the kind of thing you're after? I got a lilac floral one with 3/4 length sleeves and it's really warm!

vvv well done - that sounds like a really productive morning!

Was too tired last night to post my ta-da list - probably from the sheer amount I did yesterday! So here goes:

Hair dyed, dried, straightened, oiled, frizz-away'd;
Anew face wash, night cream and eye cream all used;
Cellulite gel and massager used for 5 minutes on each thigh;
Teeth brushed and whitened;
Nail varnish removed and two fresh layers reapplied, then added a top coat.
Hmm doesn't look that much written down (took me ages though)!

Today:
Dressed in brown pinstripe trousers and a silver, brown and salmon top with salmon cardi;
Makeup done - trying a new style, in keeping with a makeup tutorial I found for warm Autumns (though depending on which test I take I may be warm or I may be soft)
Hair styled and oiled (though it's fighting back)
Earrings to match top - silver and gold entwined in a hoop
Hot lemon water
Fasting day 2 of the week

I found some GHDs for £89 last night and left them up on DP's computer. He didn't take the hint though - just asked 'is it ok to shut this down?'

I'm in a really foul mood this morning, and no idea why. Need to snap out of it before I bite someone's head off Confused

JemimaPuddle · 23/09/2013 10:12

I've done morning skincare, makeup & straightened hair.

Need to book hairdressers from trim & roots so will do that this afternoon.

I did a clear gel manicure on Saturday evening so I can just use my many colours over the top.

Kids are having a snack so I've had banana & orange too. Will be making a big effort with water today.

I'm working tonight so need to get dinner in the slow cooker soon.

vvviola · 23/09/2013 10:13

Karbea - I had porridge. I make a bowl for DD2 anyway, so just made extra for myself. I did eat it standing up in the kitchen while making sandwiches and loading the dishwasher though. Next step is actually sitting down for breakfast!

closetcat · 23/09/2013 10:17

Had tea, muesli and half a banana plus glass of water and probiotic vitamin. I need to get off here and get showered/made-up and dressed in something I've been saving 'for best'...

Today IS best :)

closetcat · 23/09/2013 10:52

Thanks to this thread I'm showered, moisturised, made-up and sporting bootcut indigo jeans, grey polo and navy gilet and black ankle boots.

Thankyou ladies!

lucysmam · 23/09/2013 11:29

Grin closet that's the idea...today is best!

(says she with no make up and ancient jeans on after dd1 was sick on me Sad . She's now snuggled under a blanket on the sofa crying and complaining her tum hurts. I've escaped for five to do dp some dinner before work).

I'm relieved in a weird way that I'm not the only one who can only floss front teeth Grin Confused

Have managed to feather duster dd2's walls, polish furniture and clean window among the mayhem! Will wipe down the window frame and round the skirting next time I head upstairs Smile

Karbea · 23/09/2013 12:05

Ironing away, lounge, hall, little loo and downstairs bathroom done, second wash in, dishwasher unpacked, our bed remade.
Going to attempt the office (it's a dumping ground) :(

CatAmongThePigeons · 23/09/2013 12:25

Ooh Karbea, you're doing well and putting me to shame! I've cleaned both bathrooms and put the slow cooker on.

I'm skiving as DH is cleaning the chimneys and so the main part of the downstairs is out of action. Love he idea of princessing the home too!

closetcat · 23/09/2013 12:43

You're so right lucysmam!

Off to titivate the front porch/doorstep...

lucysmam · 23/09/2013 13:04

curtains, net, bedding and blackouts for dd2's room all on the line drying. Might have to tumble the load of dd1's pj's and knicks that are in the machine now. Am off up to wipe down skirting and round window when dp goes to work. then hoover and make bed up.

The only thing in there I might not get round to is sorting through the wardrobe but we'll be staying in tomorrow now as dd1 has started with diarrhoea Sad so will do it then if not.

bigkids....making them into a quilt sounds a good idea, I'm quite handy with a sewing machine. Have kept loads of bits and bobs from both over the past six years so could do one each! Will have a look for a template of some kind later on. thanks for the idea Smile

Paintyourbox · 23/09/2013 13:07

Hi everyone:

Ta dah list for this morning:

Hot water and lemon first thing
Showered
Cellulite cream applied
Body moisturiser applied
Make up done
Hair blow dried

Today I am wearing grey jeans and a Breton t-shirt and accessorising with a snotty child who will not let me put her down! She is sitting on my knee right now and wiping snot all over me- nice!

Loving the home Princessing! Last Friday I managed to totally clean out the utility room and put loads of old coats and shoes to the charity shop, also sorted all DDs clothes and gave away the ones that don't fit to my friends who have little ones.

Also managed to do a meal plan for a month which should help now I am back at work 5 days per week.

JemimaMuddledUp · 23/09/2013 13:07

Lol Karbea and Lucysmam I thought I'd clicked on the wrong thread and was on FlyLady for a minute! Grin

Karbea · 23/09/2013 13:31

Oooo meal planning I so wish I could do that.

I've cleaned up one pile of papers probably thrown out loads of stuff I should have done still one massive pile to do, but de cobwebbed and washed skirting boards etc. onto dinning room now, shouldn't take too long as we never go in there, but it's dusty!!!!

Took lunch vits.

I wish I'd put on my hair treatment this morning before I started this, but figured damp hair wouldn't help my impending cold... Will do a 20 min one when I eventually have a shower :/

Closetcat what did you do to your step?

closetcat · 23/09/2013 13:47

Karbea I swept it, cleaned the letterbox, washed the little hall window inside and out and shook the mat :) Great job on your p/work!

When I feel like a frenzied clean I like to start at the front and blitz myself through the house.

Off now to sort out the hall closet, dig out the scarves and gloves from the chest in the hall and put away the flipflops :(

lucysmam · 23/09/2013 13:49

Grin Jemima nope, I figured a nice looking house (as nice as it can be anyway but that's a whole 'nother thread Confused to go with a nice looking me couldn't be a bad thing!

Dd2's bedroom is all done, including wardrobe (haven't taken that much out tbh, there are some short sleeved tee shirts that'll not fit come next summer but it's warm again here today so she might get another few uses out of them before winter). Have even put up a picture dd1 stitched for her that's been sitting around up there for months Blush . I have a small to buy list too, however....that includes a proper wardrobe like dd1 has so is quite a pricey list Confused

As far as stuff for me goes, I have drunk 1L of water so far and switched to peppermint tea for the Brew I had with dp before work. that's about it. But I plan to paint my nails tonight so long as the girls settle alright -early night in order for both.

Karbea · 23/09/2013 14:00

Another wash in.

Lucy I'm so glad you suggested this, I always feel really down in the dumps when the house is messy. Feeling much better now. Thank you! Two rooms to go!
I can't believe how many spiders I've found :S

ControlGeek · 23/09/2013 14:07

oooh this thread is so motivating today! now if only I was at home to do some housework...

closet my new motto is now 'Today IS best' - it's so true!

lucysmam sorry to hear about DD1, hope she gets better soon, and you are able to get loads done regardless.

paint I really had to laugh at your accessorising - very commendable, not everyone can carry off that look Grin Also very jealous of your month-long meal plan. I used to do that, but the meals I had picked were very faffy and the weekly shopping ended up costing a fortune.

I popped into Primark this lunchtime to pick up the dress I saw the other day and had another look at the skinnies and jeggings but nothing my size in short again. I might have a look online, on the offchance they may have something there I can order.

Someone mentioned earlier about having co-ordinated undies in case they got hit by a bus. Co-incidentally, when I was putting my undies on this morning I thought 'I really hope I don't get hit by a bus today' - barbie pink bra, navy knicks with a red stripe, and black socks with lime green toes and bright blue leopard print soles Shock

closetcat · 23/09/2013 14:17

Giggling at controlgeek's underwear selection!

I've found some boots to polish - this is SO motivating !

Karbea · 23/09/2013 14:40

I rarely wear matching underwear, it really winds DH up for some reason. I should make more of an effort but when I remember I then get dressed and realise the top I'm going to wear would look bad and out comes faithful nude t shirt bra...

Bleach in utility room sink, I just washed the cat flap ;) bengal very keen on paddling in the bleach water sink!!! She's chilling on the kitchen table now, no hygiene in my house :/

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