Roll up, Roll up, It's the annual Countdown to Christmas "look after yourself" thread

[Helgathehairy]

It's 120 days to Christmas Eve!

Now that I've got your attention.

Call it what you will - Princessing, amazoning, Operation Renovation - the ideas behind the threads are the same. We want to look good for all those Christmas parties, get togethers and critical family members and we want to start building small habits into our days NOW so we're not trying to find something to wear when we should have left 5 minutes ago.

This will be the third Christmas thread but I can't take too much credit. I basically took most of the ideas from this thread.

The idea, in a nutshell, you make a list, it can be as long or as short as you like of small habits that will help make you feel better, look better, feel more in control, more prepared for Christmas.

The original princess thread had one list that everyone worked off of. I think it's better to personalise your own list but I'll post that list here for inspirtation.

1. 8 glasses of water a day
   
2. Exfoliating
   
3. Using some kind of teeth whitener
   
4. Using some kind of regenerative face cream
   
5. Intensive nail care (feet and hands)
   
6. Some kind of eyelash growth serum
   
7. The Shred / other intensive exercise
   
8. At least 2 extra fruit & veg
   
9. Healthy breakfast daily.
   

10. Hair oil (moroccan hair oil for eg, or kerastase etc)
11. No alcohol during the week
12. Daily vitamins
13. Body brushing
14. At least 2 servings of salmon or other fatty fish per week.
15. One early night once a week. Suggest 9PM.
16. Regular hair removal
17. Give up one naughty favourite item e.g. chocolate/crisps
18. No more fizzy drinks
19. DAILY body moisturising.
20. Warm water with lemon first thing in the a.m.

This is the shout out I did to see if anyone was interested the first year and there are a lot of list ideas in there.

As I said before (I think, this is getting long now) not everything on your list has to be style and beauty related. Other incarnations of this thread have included things like sorting clothes and decluttering in general. On my list I have an item to meal plan and make sure 2 days a week I'm prepared for the 5:2 diet. I'm also going to try and follow Organized Christmas so I'm not flapping at the last minute (although I have it easy, very small house and we go to the PIL for Christmas Day)

I'm going to include a few links now that are helpful. I'll get my list up soon, at the moment I just have it written in a notebook, and the notebook is in the same room as a sleeping baby so I'm not risking going in there!

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/1771443-Fuck-I-look-like-a-middle-aged-frump
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/1406737-How-to-be-groomed

I thought I had more links than that but can't seem to find them right now! Not a bad start though. Will be back later with my list.

[VamonosPest]

Please can I join! Am 30 weeks pregnant and feeling pretty rubbish about myself at the moment. So of course I take solace in the biscuit tin. If I don't curb it I'm going to have stones and stones to lose after the baby comes!

My list so far:

1. Drink 2l water a day
   
2. Only have a small treat (eg biscuit) every other day if desperate! - will wean myself off slowly and cut down unless cold turkey better?! God, listen to myself, it's only a biscuit/chocolate bar!
   
3. Cleanse, tone and moisturise every night - I do this in morning but am always too tired at bedtime
   
4. One early bedtime per week (9pm)
   
5. Go for a walk with my toddler everyday, whatever the weather. Exercise and fresh air!
   
6. Squats to tone up bottom and thighs
   
7. Paint nails and redo as soon as they start to chip
   
8. Start fly lady 15 minute thing while toddler naps. I know not strictly 'renovation' but I always feel better in a clean and tidy house
   
9. Do something about my incessant worrying - need to flesh this one out a bit!
   

Sure there will be more!

[Helgathehairy]

Hello to everyone!!!

I'm taking the opportunity to get my list typed out while the baby sleeps. I've got 18 items at the moment and I'd like to get it to 20, so it might change a bit.

1. Drink a mug of detox tea first thing (hot water and lemon was a big thing on the original princessing list but I have Detox tea by Twinnings)
   
2. Follow Organized Christmas cleaning/organising planning for Christmas
   
3. Meal plan weekly/monthly (I'm really bad for this, I have lots of cookbooks but never cook that much. I use Pinterest a lot as well. I've pretty much pinned 30 meals for September so will actually sit down on a Thursday and sort what we're eating for the week ahead)
   
4. 5:2 diet. (I was doing this just before I got pregnant and loved it, it worked really well for me, I lost a stone in 12 weeks. I've half started again once or twice but lack of planning has stopped me. But am recommitting properly now)
   
5. 1.5l of water a day
   
6. 10 minutes of mindfulness a day
   
7. Shred at least 4 times a week (this one will be hard, DD doesn't really sleep during the day - she's 12 months and every sleep time is a battle, then once DH comes home it's dinner and bath and bedtime so I really need to just take 30 minutes and hand her over when he comes in the door and then dinner etc can happen)
   
8. Body brush and moisturise at least 4 times per week
   
9. Micro-pedi (I've got a micro-pedi and find it really good for my feet, I just have to actually use it!)
   

10. Cut down on sugar (bit vague this one!)
11. Try to introduce Sunday night as a pamper night. Bath, face mask, hair mask, nails etc
12. Find a decent supplement and actually take it! (Just went through the drawer where we keep all this stuff and threw out a lot of out of date supplements so want to find a good general purpose one)
13. Stop drinking Coke. DH is slightly addicted to Coke Zero and I have a glass every now and again as it's in the house but I'm going to stop. Wish I could persuade him to.
14. Get and use eye cream. I think my dark circles are some genetic thing, I had them even before I was exhausted by DD but I'm lucky enough to not really have any wrinkles so I want to keep it that way!
15. Try and go for an early night once a week.
16. Regular hair removal
17. Floss!!! Big one. I keep forgetting. My dentist always gives out.
18. Budget, budget, budget. We're in a position for me to be a SAHM but will have a big drop in income next year and a big tax bill this year. We can cover it but I need to stop buying crap!
19. Keep on top of wardrobe organisation. I had a sort out lately and I've started vertically folding everything in my chest of drawers which is really helping so just want to stay on top of that.

Right, that's it for now. So for anyone who skipped to the bottom (I don't blame you) I'm looking for eye cream and supplement recommendations!

[kaykayblue]

I am getting married early next year, so it will be great to have got my shit together by Christmas!

I actually already started some small changes at the end of last week, so I'll probably just keep going with those and add in the others, rather than stopping and waiting until 1st Sept.

So on my list there is:

1. Do a minimum of 30 minutes exercise at least 6 days a week
   So far I've been doing level 2 of 30 day shred, and some of the other longer Jillian Michael's videos (no more trouble zones and burn fat boost metabolism). My weight is fine, but I am hugely unfit and would like to get much fitter, get my overall body fat percentage down and tone up a bit. Plus it's the recommended minimum for health :)
   
   
2. Only drink wine three days a week
   This one is hard!! But I want to cut down on empty calories
   
   
3. Start using body cream
   My skin is so dry, but my partner hates body cream, which he insists makes my skin sticky - even HOURS after I've put it on.
   
   
4. Stop biting my nails
   I got this under control for a good few months, but it's gone to hell again. Hell, I'm biting them right now.
   
   
5. Eat more nutritious food
   I don't eat too much (I am pretty sure) but it's generally stuff like bread and cheese during the day, then a proper meal for dinner. I know this isn't healthy (although I always take a multi vitamin every morning...)
   
   
6. Take good care of my hair and stop obsessing about it
   I'm sure my hair will grow much faster if I'm not constantly fixating on it! I got a boar bristle brush so will use that, try not to comb it when wet (though never understood how that works...) and will use oil treatments throughout the week.
   
   
7. Do more stretching
   I am terrible at stretching and am super inflexible as a result. With all the exercise, I want to also do a dedicated stretching session at least three times a week to prevent getting too tight/injured.
   
   
8. Leave my skin alone
   If I have a spot, just to leave it alone!!! I thought I had got better at this, but in recent months I've started up again. It never ends well!
   
   
9. Try and find some money to buy some new underwear and a couple of basic bits of clothes
   Not fancy underwear, just nice basic stuff as mine is looking scruffy. I am low on money at the moment, but need a couple of wardrobe basics so I can re-use my clothes through winter. E.g. A nice warm knitted jumper in a neutral colour. At the moment I really struggle to look half decent.
   
   
10. Relax and enjoy my hobbies more
    I know this doesn't exactly fall under the rennovation thing, but I would like to be genuinely happier with myself, and I think making more effort with my hobbies would help in that, and make the rest of the list easier as a result.

[kaykayblue]

Helga - the best eye cream I have ever used is Clinique laser focus eye cream. It is the absolute shizz.

I had a small pot of it and used it every morning and night for a few weeks - it's not something I really pay much attention to, but by the end of it even I could see a difference. Too bad I can't afford to buy another one!

For the vitamins, go to a Holland and Barrett store. They have a huge selection, there are often deals on, and they are good quality. I use one of their one a day multi vitamin supplements. It was two for one for two big pots.

[BiddyPop]

I used Estee Lauder night renewal serum stuff, on average 3 nights a week. And La Roche Posay anti allergy moisturizer (due to buying when my face swelled up earlier this year and that helped it go down - old makeup and allergic reaction to something in it seemed to be the problem!) most mornings.

I used a facial wash about twice a week - I have a few old ones I am using up, and DH bought be a Clearasil version a few weeks back when my face broke out again. But generally my skin is good.

Body skin is ok too, but could do with getting abck to the gym more often, as that is where I am most likely to remember the body lotion after showers. I used a sanctuary one, although I have been using up a Nivea body butter and a Soap and Glory body butter over the summer.

My hair goes frizzy. I need to do more regular deep conditioning. And get a better cut to take out the weight (it's very heavy). But I don't colour it as I like the grey showing through.

I need to get my eyebrows trimmed again - to get the shape back on them. But I can control them once that's done. And the chin too (I get it waxed relatively frequently but pluck in between times).

The real things I need to work on are weight, shape, fitness, and my hands.

I WILL be a Fab40 for the birthday and for Christmas!!

[MrsGSR]

Can I join please?
I'm also breastfeeding, which has made my sweet tooth even worse than before! I also have about 3 stone to lose and would like half of it gone by Christmas. I've already given up sweet snacks but it's tough so hopefully this will keep me motivated!

1. Swim once a week, cycle at least 10 miles on the exercise bike twice a week
2. Moisturise my hands and do my nails more regularly
3. Stick to eating healthier

Will think of more later!

[mumofmy5]

Can I join in please? Need a general overhaul with regards to diet, exercise, skincare etc. Work full time and have five kids so have neglected myself for a long time.
Will compile a more comprehensive list this evening.

[Stillstarving]

I've thought of 2 more - I want to be up and ready before the kids every morning and I'm copying the 10 mins mindfulness one too. I don't know how to describe this properly but I spend a lot of time working or looking after the children or older relatives. Lots of people do this I'm no novelty but I think I've developed a bit of a martyr mindset and it's no good. I've lost the ability to do nothing and not feel guilty or to do something like wander round the shops when I've nothing in particular to buy. It's strange how it creeps up on you. I don't think I want to set aside an hour a week or whatever I think I just want to be generally a bit more self-serving! That sounds terrible and sorry for the ramble, I'm trying to make sense of it for myself. I just want to get into the habit of thinking about what I want every day even if I then decide to prioritise something else

[caramelwaffle]

I'm in.

Hello everyone.

[SteveBrucesNose]

Right. My list. Try not to judge me too harshly

1. 3l of water per day
   
2. Cook at least 4 times a week
   
3. Take lunch to work daily
   
4. Actually remember to do my skin are routine. I have expensive stuff that helps but most mornings sometimes is rather that've the extra 20 mins in bed
   
5. Mani pedi weekly
   
6. Pay day pamper - facial, eyebrows, paraffin feet and hands, body exfoliation
   
7. Walk the dogs daily (husband does it twice a day for an
   

Hour at a time so they're not neglected, but I rarely do it midweek)

1. Zumba! One class a week min
   
2. Daily hand cream
   

10. Get my hair done and maintain it
11. No midweek drinking
12. Find time to enjoy golfing, not just going because I feel I have to to justify my membership
13. Daily vitamins
14. Body moisturiser
15. Shower every morning

[TeaAddict235]

ok, so today I decided to use a hair mask and file my nails while DS napped. I would have preferred napping wuth him but if I don't start now, I'll never get going. Tonight once he's gone to bed I'll paint them in a neutral colour (even though the glittery purple colour is calling me ).

what are you ladies starting with?

[BiddyPop]

DH asked me to lunch today (he got home from overseas yest, and had a meeting finsh near my office at lunchtime) - I said not a sambo as I had DD's leftover salad with me so just something small with coffee. He bought me a mahOOOsive caramel slice! I gave him 2/3 of it, ate 1/3 and came back to eat my salad afterwards (carrot sticks, sugar snaps and hummus!!). Thing is, he knows, and supports, me trying to lose weight!

Oh well, off across the corridor to get something from a colleague, and will get a glass of water from the fountain in their room while there!!

[LizardBreath]

This is great! Thanks helga!

Mine is:-

1-stop procrastinating.

2- moisturise all over at least every other day

3-sort / maintain toenails (currently have about 100 polish layers on, yuk!)

4-purchase new 'capsule' work wardrobe. I start a new job in Sept where I'll be a lot more client facing so need to make more effort.

5-make more effort with week day day time appearance. Currently work from home and not seeing anyone in the day means I have become a slob!

6- stop lugging so much crap in handbag

7-lose 5lbs I have recently gained due to being horribly greedy.

8- budget better and stop mid week supermarket trips that turn into treat buying overload.

9-be more assertive.

10-get fitter. I've pretty much halved my fitness routine of late and can definitely feel it.

11-invest in some good eye and night cream. Not getting any younger

12-Learn to use blusher.

Really enjoying reading everyone else's, going to write these down and pin above my desk now.

[MrsMinton]

I went away and thought about my list and decided on these:

1. 8 glasses of water a day
   
2. Exfoliating
   
3. Keep eyebrows tamed!
   
4. Use some kind of face cream.
   
5. Intensive skin and nail care (poor dry hands and hooves!)
   
6. Walk every day (30mins)
   
7. At least 2 extra fruit & veg
   
8. Healthy breakfast daily.
   

10. Hair treatment (weekly/monthly?)
11. Daily vitamins
12. Body brushing
14. Bed by ten and read to unwind
15. Give up crisps
16. No more fizzy drinks
17. DAILY body moisturising.
18. Warm water with lemon first thing in the a.m.
19. Toning exercises (however many times a week I should be doing them)
20. Relaxation/mediation time once a week.

I wish to be a more groomed me as I'm tired of feeling meh and a bit ashamed

[waitingforgodot]

ooh I'm up for this!
I need to lose a stone.

1. Will drink 8 glasses of water a day
   
2. Less caffeine-max 3 coffees a day
   
3. More fruit and veg
   
4. No more snacking after dinner
   
5. Start exercising again
   
6. No midweek wine
   
7. 10 mins meditation every night when I'm putting DS to bed
   
8. Moisturise every night
   
9. Paint my nails as it stops me biting them
   

10. Sort out dry skin on my feet

[petalsandstars]

I'm in - doing better than originally but not enough.

1- drink lots of water
2- exfoliating
3- body moisturising
4- hand cream after washing
5- no sugar
6- up the fruit and veg intake
7- diy mani/pedi
8- shred in the evening
9- no fizzy pop
10- stop picking at cuticles
11- budget better
12- start flylady again
13- organise wardrobe
14- some sort of Christmas organisation
15- major kids toys declutter

Bath time now so will have to think of more later. Tempted to get a new pretty notebook

[EdithDickie]

Loving this thread!

My list....

1. 2 litres of water every day
2. No mid week alcohol (yikes!)
3. No more crisps, once I start I can't stop!
4. Reduce caffeine intake
5. Stop biting nails and cuticles, apply hand cream instead when the urge to bite happens
6. Lose 9lbs - aim is 10 st 7 lbs
7. Body lotion every day
8. Run 3 times per week, complete 10k in November in 80 minutes or less
9. Do press ups every day and have toned arms for Christmas

10. Keep an eye on food demons at times of stress (former bulimic who defaults to terrible body image and food struggles at times of stress - I need to keep recognising it)

[chloe0408]

Great lists! Very inspiring.

So far this eve I have done eyebrow maintenance, full body moisturise with body shop strawberry body butter and prepped toenails for painting tomorrow :-)

Can anyone recommend a good quick drying topcoat for nails? I can never paint my nails this late in the eve cos they are never COMPLETELY dry by bedtime and end up with duvet indents on them by morning :-(

[MatronLloyd]

I'm in please!
This is my list:

1. Drink more water
2. Do a weekly hair mask (already have coconut oil, so might use this)
3. Continue meal planning
4. Prepare healthy snacks (carrot/cucumber/courgette sticks etc) that I can grab quickly
5. Use hand cream after washing hands and before bed
6. Two exercise classes a week
7. 30 min walk on non exercise class days
8. Start 'one in one out' policy on buying clothes so that I only buy genuine replacements.
9. No crisps

10. Finish the washing up before bed every night

[MatronLloyd]

Ooh and...
11. Look after leather boots by using boot trees and polishing when necessary
12. Keep handbags in good condition by emptying and cleaning them frequently

[Smilesandpiles]

Can I join?

Talk to me about hair oil, I've never used it. I do have however, coconut oil and an olive oil mask for hair, can I use that instead?

[Iconfuseus]

I would like to join in too!

I have decided that my changes are going to be

• Not eating chocolate until Christmas
  
• Eat more green vegetables
  
• Stop eating when I'm full
  
• Serve myself smaller portions
  
• Take my vitamins/fibre supplements daily
  
• Take better care of my hair
  
• Keep my nails nicely buffed
  

Wishing everyone success with their own list.

[TeaAddict235]

hey Smilesandpiles, great name btw. sure you can join.

i'm interested in hair oils and masks too. how often do you apply yours and for how long are the results visible? I used an aussie moist mask for the first time today. I left mine on for about 5mins then washed it out with cool water and styled my hair. Would you do the same with an oil?

[Smilesandpiles]

The last time I used an oil was the VO5 Hot oil stuff - that was brilliant for my long hair but I'm short now so I think it will be too much.

I have the Aussie 3 minute miracle conditioner which seems to be ok, but the olive oil mask has to be the best so far. It's a bit of a faff but it did make my hair lovely the last time I used it.

I've got no idea what you do with an oil. I used coconut oil like a shampoo once - BIG mistake. I think you are only supposed to use it on the ends.

I get my hair cut and coloured once every 7-8 weeks or so, well over due for the next one so I'll ask the hairdresser what she thinks as well.

[Smilesandpiles]

Oh arse - I've lost the list I was making which reminds me...

13) STOP SWEARING!