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Easter renovators! Come one, come all

711 replies

HelgatheHairy · 29/12/2013 14:11

After the brilliant success of our Christmas Countdown Princessing thread I'm starting a new thread to take us to Easter. From 1st Jan it's 108 days so there will be a countdown to this days.

This idea stems from the original princessing threads but has evolved to accommodate all aspects of beautifying, beauty, clothes, diet, exercise etc.

What we like to do is a list of what your planning on doing and working through it.

Links to follow.

OP posts:
Gnomi · 10/02/2014 20:34

Today has gone ok on the food front until I caved into biscuits about 10 minutes ago. Lots of water, lots of decaff, lots of veg, so can't be too bad. No exercise though.

I've worn my hair curly for years Polly, but have been wearing it straight since December in an effort to look more polished. My curly style was just too hit and miss. So I usually wash in the evenings now and just run the straighteners through in the mornings. I find it actually is much quicker than washing curly hair every day.

Have an interview on Thursday so a good excuse to add to my work wardrobe!

Dilidali · 10/02/2014 21:14

Hello all!

I had a very luxurious bath today:ie: no one was home to pester me or want the loo, or 'I'll just dry my hands on your clean crisp towel' (totally spoils it for me). Had bubbles and salt and a big glass of water with ice and lemon slices and... soap. As in a soap bar. I got one as a present, same range bubble bath, soap and body cream. It's been at least 10 years since I had a soap bar, we use liquid. Feels nice.

Feeling a bit better after the horrible cold I had this weekend.

engels, do you have a biker/denim jacket? I'd wear the new skirt with one :)

polly, new hairdo!!! Fab!!!

I need some spring, people, some sun!! I had enough of rain :(

StyleOverSubstance · 11/02/2014 09:32

67 DAYS TO GO

vvviola · 11/02/2014 09:45

The Bobbi Brown makeover was fab! Got new foundation and under eye corrector and concealer. Cost a fortune but it was my 'dissertation results' present from DH. Eye makeup was a bit darker than I'd usually go for and lipstick was a bit pinker, but looked really good. Just like a better me. Was hugely impressed, to the extent that when/if I get a job I'll be going back to pick up the eye makeup and blusher.

Although - 2 years of barely wearing any makeup and I realise my cleanser just isn't up to it. Took forever to get the eye makeup off, and she hadn't even used the waterproof stuff!

Also - I have muscles in my stomach that I didn't know existed... and they hurt!! Must mean I did something right at Zumba yesterday!

Pollywallywinkles · 11/02/2014 20:39

Gnomi, good luck with the interview on Thursday. I hope it goes well for you.

I've washed my hair tonight as I don't even want to think about having to do it in the morning for the first time. It hardly took anytime to wash and rinse and next to no time to dry and straighten. I suspect that I will be able to get away without blow drying it if push came to shove.

Pleased you enjoyed your BB makeover Vvviola, I got a new vacuum cleaner for my dissertation!

We managed a walk tonight; not the same without pooch, but its getting easier. Now off to plank and gymball.

Gnomi · 11/02/2014 20:44

I bought this dress today! Oasis Dress

So I'm making progress. Did succumb to extra caffeine today after DS decided 5am was an acceptable time to wake up.

About 50% of the interview prep done. Eeek!

I'm sure your hair will be great Polly. When I worked out the time I was actually saving, I was amazed.

Pollywallywinkles · 11/02/2014 21:19

I like the dress.

I was up at stupid hour this morning due to DH snoring! But at least I only had myself to deal with. Keeping fingers crossed you don't have such an early start in the morning!

lucysmam · 11/02/2014 21:33

ooh Gnomi, I really like the dress. Is it for your interview? What job's the interview for?

Polly, glad walking was easier tonight.

lucysmam · 11/02/2014 21:35

vvv is it proper zumba classes you go to? I'm still to get round to buying the disc for the kinect...will I need trainers (when I eventually do)?

lucysmam · 11/02/2014 21:40

I've had one of those days where everything takes three times as long as normal today Confused Only just sat down after my shower so my hair is dried but not straightened. Might get up with dp's alarm and sort it in the morning though if I cba.

Found myself a cheapy mascara to do until we have a bit more spare cash today. No idea how good it'll be, I didn't get home from town until 5pm...normally in and out in an hour ish.

It's probably been one of those days because I put off actually going to town until this afternoon...a footbridge crossing the main road into town was knocked down by a truck with a crane (I think) on it so I held off until after lunch once a diversion was in place. My dad text to say town was nightmareish just after it happened.

Dilidali · 11/02/2014 22:18

Vvviola, I am so glad you found stuff that suits you. Foundation and concealer can transform you! So pleased for you!

Gnomi, I really like the dress!

Lucysmum, hi, I'll be easier tomorrow:)

vvviola · 12/02/2014 03:31

Lucysmam - she calls it Zumba boot camp. Shock So it's mostly Zumba but she throws in some hip hop (she teaches that too) and some hardcore (to me) abs-work. With the great music it's actually quite fun!

The makeup came up just at the right time - I have a meeting with a temp agency on Tuesday. Not exactly high level stuff and nothing guaranteed yet, but it's better than nothing.

Must have a practice run with doing the makeup myself.

StyleOverSubstance · 12/02/2014 10:01

66 DAYS TO GO

Dilidali · 12/02/2014 22:30

Hello all :)

Not much in terms of pampering, still nursing headaches from the cold I had over the weekend.
But, after lunch I made myself a peppermint tea, lit a really nice smelling candle and just drunk the tea and took five while that storm was howling out there.
It was fasting day for me today, but alas, not very frugal financially, bought another me and em dress on sale (I blame DH, he pointed it to me and said I'd look really nice in it, why don't I buy it?).
Off to bed now :), have a great day tomorrow.

lucysmam · 13/02/2014 08:18

Good morning all Smile

Not much rennovating going on here I'm afraid...the impetigo is back in my hair & I have conjunctivitis as well in my left eye Sad Dd2 doesn't want to go to nursery when me and dd1 are off so another day in with them both Confused God only knows what we'll do today, seem to have done a lot of crafty stuff and baking along with dvd/film days.

I had my early night last night - went up just before 9pm. Think I might go early tonight too, feel quite rough today.

I've made an appointment for Friday to see if the Dr's at our new surgery can figure out why my wrists are so painful again. They were fine for a good while but this week I've been kept awake by them & when I get up for the day my hands are useless for the first half hour or so until they get going.

I sound like I'm falling apart don't I!?

Anyway, I'm off to get started on the house...bathroom princessing today. Just a proper deep clean in reality but it hasn't been done since our LL did it before we moved in. My dad has a small roller blind that he thinks might fit the window in there so am going to measure that too & if it'll fit, dp can put it up on Sunday.

Best get dressed first really & brush my hair. I think I'm going to try a mobile hairdresser just for a cut (for the girls too) once my head sorts itself out.

Any recommendations for diy colour brands? It's been a while since I last diy-ed it & there seem to be loads of new ones appeared over those couple of years.

Have a nice day all (at least no-one will blow away today hopefully) Smile

StyleOverSubstance · 13/02/2014 08:25

65 DAYS TO GO
will post later - no time now!!!

ControlGeek · 13/02/2014 10:32

I have shredded for the first time in 29 days. I'd forgotten how rough level 3 was on the old back.

Nails could do with a good sort out, but been getting back into the old exfoliating, body scrubbing, full defuzzing, hair masking routine. Need to up my water a bit, it's hard as I hate drinking cold drinks in cold weather. Been chain drinking decaf coffee Grin

House princessing is going ok, had a good crisis clean last week before a friend arrived and have kept on top of things since. I'm actually cooking every day Blush Hmm - I hasten to add that normally this is DP's department, I'm a high-days and holidays kinda gal. Laundry is sorted, just need to empty the dishwasher, put in another load, do 15-30 minutes of filing because I cannot fit even one more page in the for-filing cubby and do a stock take of the cupboards, fridges and freezers so I can get a meal plan going.

Need to be seriously frugal. I have approx 8 months to save £5k. Got a Waitrose delivery coming tomorrow (mostly paid for with vouchers) and a Morrison's one coming on Tuesday. I'm hoping that apart from veg, milk and cat food we won't need to do a big shop for around 4 weeks.

Sorry for lack of namechecks, I'm very out of practice and don't want to spend too long on the laptop or I'll talk myself out of doing my remaining chores.

Pollywallywinkles · 13/02/2014 17:40

So is the dress nice Dili? I did well with being frugal in January but undid all the hard work when I had a couple of days off work last week. Most definately back to frugal for the rest of the month.

We are currently decorating, so well and truly princessing in the house. I live in hope that when we decorate that we end up keeping rooms tidy.

This weather is not helping with the exercise. When we had our dog, you just got on and took her out every day despite the weather. Not quite the same trying to drag ourselves out for a walk when its raining and blowing a gale.

Seem to be managing my hair ok.

Mission for tonight is to do my nails.

lucysmam · 13/02/2014 18:01

So glad I'm not the only frugal one here! I want some more bits for the house so am allowing myself one trip to town a week, with a list, for everything we need that doesn't come on the online shop.

Today has been productive despite feeling blah...have thoroughly cleaned bathroom from top to bottom (even washed shower curtain and removed limescale from taps Shock )...just waiting on lemons on online shop to do the bit water comes out from.

Fil is popping up to sort out the leaky taps tomorrow (LL's dp seems a bit clueless about diy & they said they'd do odd jobs themselves Confused ).

And, I emptied three boxes from moving!

I plan to file my nails and toenails tonight, might paint them depending on the time. Early one on the cards again.

Polly would somesort of hiking suit you? Like a planned walk instead of a 'dog' walk maybe?

Control nice to see you back on thread Smile

Dilidali...linky to dress.

You lot might shame me into wearing a dress one day with all the nice ones you're linking! Grin

Right, time to bath the girls when I've mopped the kitchen. Have a nice evening ladies Smile

Dilidali · 13/02/2014 22:18

Hellooo!
that's the dress :)
I was actually looking for a skirt and bought... A dress! Oh well!

I do love dresses though, they are so easy to wear, put ot on and off you go!

Lucy, sounds horrendous, but you must must must wash bedding every day, toys, disinfect hair brushes and combs, towels, clothes... Everything!
It is highly infectious and unless you're draconic for a while, it is going to keep coming back. DD had it, but I knew exactly what it was and began treating it straight away.
Same goes for conjuctivitis. Wash your hands obsesively for a while. Good luck :).

So...what's the plan for Valentine? I had a valentine meal from waitrose in mind, but then thought:naaah, we're having the planned menu and we'll treat ourselves with a nice meal next week, we're on holiday. Got some cards ready for the clan though. And I just made a lovely brownie while they were busy watching TV, left the doors shut, none of them smelled it so far to start pestering. There you go, showed some love, with a bit of vanilla icecream next to it, more than enough love there.

Right, off to bed, I am shattered. Talk soon. :)

lucysmam · 13/02/2014 22:30

We're going through wash powder and disinfectant at a rate of knots Dilidali Sad I think half the problem is we're stuck in the house all day so it's just getting passed backwards and forwards between us.

Having said that, disinfecting the hairbrush never occurred to me so I'll put that to soak overnight on my way up to bed. That just might be the source of my problem at least!

The conjunctivitis has me baffled though, I bought some throw away mascara wands with my cheapy mascara so shouldn't be anything in there as I've used a new one each time (and not dunked a second time iyswim).

Your dress is rather lovely too.

We have no plans for tomorrow as such, having a mixed grill when the girls go to bed & I might make some heart decorations with the girls to decorate a bit. Going to get dp's mum to have the girls one night next month so we can go out to my fave restaurant Grin

Am off to disinfect my hairbrush before bed. Sleep well all Smile

StyleOverSubstance · 14/02/2014 12:39

64 DAYS TO GO

StyleOverSubstance · 14/02/2014 13:07

Hello ladies - didn't get chance to post yesterday as it was a busy day and then a busy evening with the valentines disco's at school. Wednesday was just chaos with the storms around and about and wind is getting up again here now, so we could be in for more of the same.

Am currently MNing whilst my hair colour develops - finally had chance to do it (or in reality, my last chance for a week at any rate!). Gone for the darker brown colour - but suspect I may well end up with matching ears as didn't manage to get enough Vaseline on around there, all I need is a matching black nose for a full-on panda look! Have wiped off as much as I can with baby wipes, so fingers crossed I have got the worst of it off. Wouldn't care but I was more careful this time around with using a darker colour than I normally go for, but suspect I have just put too much on as now my hair is shorter, one pack is more than ample whereas when it was longer, I barely had enough to cover all the hair that needed colouring, so tended to concentrate more on the top layers as the underneath was covered.

Anyway, scrolling back as have some catching up to do, so apologise to anyone I forget to name check.

Polly how are you going on with you new hairstyle? Finding it easier to manage or about the same? Hope house decorating and princessing going well.

Gnomi hope interview went well - presume you wont find out if you were successful for a few days yet? Love the dress, if you wore that to interview, you should be given extra points for your style!!

Lucy Poor you - seems to be going on and on with bouts of illness. Hope you are all feeling better soon.

Control lovely to see you back on thread. I have found that drinking hot water works for me in cold weather, like you, don't like drinking cold water in cold weather, but found making what is basically a pot of tea but with no tea-bag worked and I was able to drink required amount each day. Also like herbal teas, so have a separate teapot for those so the taste of the normal tea-bags doesn't taint my more subtle herbal flavoured ones, so have just used that teapot for hot water.

Dili brownie sounds good, my DCs love a baking day, so that is one of the things which will be down on the list of 'things to make and bake' - always good comfort food, especially when it is wet and miserable out.
How is your 333 project going along - meant to ask you what you did with your other clothes that aren't in the current circulation - have you separated out the different items so you aren't tempted to dip into your other clothes?

No-one wanted to go to school today, all tired, so I suspect the holiday break will be a welcome one where they can all just kick back and chill for a day or so as well as getting out and about (weather permitting).
Think we are all feeling a little run down after spending most of January passing bugs around and with the miserable weather at the moment, you don't get that 'lift' from sunnier, warmer longer days, but can sense that Spring is just around the corner!

Easter Eggs already in shops - so imagine that by early evening, all the supermarkets will be packing away their valentines stuff and rolling out the Easter Eggs. I just find it annoying that they keep moving stuff out earlier and earlier, Easter and Christmas and Halloween will happen anyway, but it feels like wishing your life away when they start preparing for everything so much in advance. (although have to confess, love crème eggs and the little mini eggs ........)

Anyway, hope you all have a lovely Valentines day with your families. Bought DH some speciality chocolate choccy hearts, but whether they will survive today long enough for him to eat them without the kids getting at them before he gets home from work is another thing altogether. Good thing he opened them this morning, so he does know what they looked like even if he doesnt get to taste them! Bought the DCs a big lovehearts tube filled with mini-packs and a little teddy bear each, so they were really pleased.

StyleOverSubstance · 14/02/2014 13:08

Sorry for epic post folks - almost a novel going on there!

StyleOverSubstance · 14/02/2014 13:33

OOoooooooh, loving my new colour - had to post as so pleased with how it has come out. Was a little worried it would be too dark and would make me look washed out, but it doesn't, it brings out my eye colour a treat and compliments my skin tone!!

Bet DH wont even notice - not the most observant of men at the best of times, unless it has something to do with some new gadget thingy of course!

Ears are fine, but same cannot be said for bra!! How the hell the spots of colour got on it are beyond me, but I now have a dalmation bra........... Small price to pay though - will deffo use this dark brown again.