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One of them there "sort my life out" threads

304 replies

SteviebunsBottrittrundle · 28/07/2016 08:01

I'm looking for one of the threads for general S&B self-improvement threads, a bit like the princess ones there used to be.

For the record I'm planning to cut out alcohol completely for a while. I have a social thing tomorrow where I'll probably have a glass of wine or two but after that will cut out. Also doing as much yoga as I can to tone up a bit (finding inner leave along the way would be lovely too).

Does anyone know if there are any threads like this running atm?

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SteviebunsBottrittrundle · 02/09/2016 13:07

Hi all! Glad to see people are still posting on here Smile.

need, sorry you've had a rough day! Yes, I'm sure you're right about school and routine making things easier. And the coffee ones? No one knows... Are they the chocolate companies' idea of a joke? Sending you positive vibes also. Top tips from wise frustrated.

I've been ill again! I've had a horrid tummy bug this week, so calorie consumption-wise I have been a star pupil StarHaloWink. I was so ill on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning and didn't eat all day on Wednesday. Couldn't even drink water for part of it actually Confused. Am on the mend now, though still not eating much, but am having lots of fizzy drinks, which I will have to knock on the head when I'm feeling better.

I've decided to do a dry September. Yes, I know, I know; I said I was cutting out alcohol at the start of this thread and didn't, but, in my defence, it was a funny month really with various social things booked and anniversary etc (where's that denial face)? I am convinced alcohol is my most fattening / skin ruining / ageing habit and I don't really miss that much it if I do without it. Also, both times I've been ill lately it's been just after I've had wine at the weekend! I'm sure I remember I used to get ill at uni and things after I'd had lots of big nights out in a short period, (years ago obviously, back when I was young enough for big nights out Grin), so I'm sure there's a link and that I can just handle less of it now I'm older (and wiser).

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FrustratedFrugal · 02/09/2016 17:29

Glad that you are still reporting how your day is going - a less busy thread is cozier and the peer support aspect is fab. I feel I know you already Grin

Stevie a Dry September sounds great. I feel tempted to join - I often drink a glass to destress then spend the rest of the evening in a fog. There are definitely healthier ways to unwind. So, today is my Day #1 wine free!

I spent some idle moments at work drawing a geeky Google chart to track my weekly steps (previously stored online by my activity tracker in a much less user-friendly format). My weekly averages are a bit down and seeing that makes me want to get off the sofa Grin Hoping there are still some sunny days left!

SteviebunsBottrittrundle · 02/09/2016 20:09

That's exactly what I end up doing frustrated. Even a small glass leads to a night on my arse in front of the TV / on MN. Why is that? It stops me from wanting to do anything.

Hope today's been kinder need.

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SteviebunsBottrittrundle · 02/09/2016 20:15

Also I like the sound of your Google chart! I'm a bit old school and love a nerdy excel spreadsheet myself.

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NeedACostaDetox · 02/09/2016 20:33

Hi

Yes, the support here feels a bit more personal.

I had a healthy breakfast and steadily downhill from there tied in with small child and nearly teenager attitudes combined with attempting a theme park on the last day of the holiday - bad idea!

Off to the shops tomorrow to stock up on eggs, jacket potatoes, salad and fruit and will make time for a run.

I'm sure that next week will help me find my feet. I will be walking 3 miles a day, I am going for a massage for my back and shoulders that are so painfully tight and i will have some time in the day where no one asks anything of me. Dropping some of my hours will really ease some of the pressure and give me a chance to focus on myself a bit (and have a chat to a few friends in peace).

Have been researching my birthday cake (will bake myself and let smalls decorate it) and we're planning a weekend away for it, so that'll be nice.

Here we go for drooling purposes:

www.bakers-corner.com.au/recipes/cakes/chocolate/vanillia-and-chocolate-checkerboard-cake/

Sorry to hear you've been poorly Stevie hope the no drinking does the trick. I don't really drink anyway, but I need to stop sneaking fat coke into the house again...

MumboNumber5 · 02/09/2016 21:23

Is it too late to join this thread? September always feels like a fresh start, and although I started to get healthier over the summer, an injury means no more running for now. My fitbit tells me my daily step count is pitiful.

Need to lay off the Cake, but am allowing myself Wine at the weekend.

Have just bought too many some autumn clothes, and am on the prowl for some (probably not v S&B) knitted dresses. Had nails done, which always makes me feel more me, and need to book a haircut.

SteviebunsBottrittrundle · 02/09/2016 21:35

Not at all Mumbo! You're v welcome Smile. There is also a new 'official' princessing thread running now too. frustrated posted a link to it above somewhere. I am posting on both.

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NeedACostaDetox · 03/09/2016 06:14

Hi Mumbo welcome!

Up at 6am on a weekend morning - no wonder I turn to sugar to get through the days. I wish I was a coffee drinker.

Check in later x

FrustratedFrugal · 03/09/2016 07:15

Mumbo it's great to have you! I post on both threads but this one feels like home.

I have creaky knees too (runs in the family) and have had to accept that running can never be a long-term thing for me. But walking is great too. DH is training for a half marathon and on many days when he has not been able to practice (because bad weather/head cold/injury) I've been able to quietly clock my daily 7-10km. And my knees are pain-free now!

My goal is to build up enough stamina to be able to do 20 km per day on many consecutive days. A distant goal might be Camino de Santiago but I am planning on having shorter walking holidays much sooner. Planning them is great fun, my local library has a lot of walking guides.

Costa hang on in there. The theme park experience sounds hellish and early starts on weekends are pretty tough too! Can you have a quick nap post lunch?

Stevie it's great to have company - so a dry Sept it is! Grin I also want to spend less time on my iPad.

I have to run errands with DD1 this morning and stay home in the evening because DH is going out. Trying to fit in a long walk sometime inbetween. Plus my mother gave me more apples, I should cook them at some point. And my toenails and fingernails look ghastly - need to sort them out!

SteviebunsBottrittrundle · 03/09/2016 07:59

Brilliant frustrated! I'd be very glad of the company. I have a birthday drinks and meal to go to in London this evening - not sure when I'm allowed back into polite society, busy trains and things after a tummy bug... Will have a Google. If I'm not contagious l'll be going and not drinking alcohol (and will therefore probably spend the whole evening telling people I'm not pregnant - I am definitely not).

Yes, the early starts just seem endless with young DC need Flowers. Hope you can get a nap in today or at least some down time to rest up.

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NeedACostaDetox · 03/09/2016 16:29

Been for a jog and sorted some bits in the house and watched a movie with DS so not too bad. Might just need an early night.

SteviebunsBottrittrundle · 03/09/2016 17:34

Well done on the jog need! I've decided against going out so probably a movie and an early night here too. Probably need it.

Hope everyone's having a lovely weekend! Smile

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FrustratedFrugal · 03/09/2016 18:49

Glad that everyone is doing pretty well.
It's going to be an early night for me as well.

Todays total steps 22.2k. Had a super hard time getting started but ended up walking 10-12km in the rain. I got soaked to the bone - I learned the difference between water resistant and waterproof the hard way - my coat was fine but the trousers leaked after an hour... I was planning on a much shorter walk but when I was about to finish and catch a tram home, I hit that strange euphoric state where walking is automatic, my feet felt featherlight, and my mind was absolutely still and clear. So walked all the way home.

Not going to do my nails tonight - way too tired.

SteviebunsBottrittrundle · 03/09/2016 20:27

Very well done on that walk frustrated! Amazing!

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NeedACostaDetox · 03/09/2016 20:40

Yikes, well done!

FrustratedFrugal · 04/09/2016 07:36

Costa well done going jogging! And hope that you and Stevie were able to catch up on sleep! Everything feels so much better when you are not dog tired.

Sleep is an issue for me. I'm trying to wean myself off sleeping pills. I've used them on and off for the past 10+ years, originally because I travelled a lot and was often jetlagged, then because of PND and a thyroid condition. Both are under control now and these days I think the major issue affecting my sleep is work stress. I am trying to find a balance and trying to taper them off. During the summer, I was able to sleep unmedicated for some weeks, and my sleep was deeper and more satisfying. But the work started again and stress levels surged... Last night I fell asleep and stayed asleep unmedicated. Felt great! So my goal is to do more things that help me fall asleep naturally. Going to bed early, cutting down screen time and being physically active usually help.

NeedACostaDetox · 04/09/2016 14:59

Well done Frustrated no better here and the weather hasn't really been great.

Feeling anxious at the thought of sending my baby off to school (He's very excited and I'm sure it will be fine), my big one also going to a new school and a whole change in our daily routine, no friendly faces that I know etc.

DH suffers insomnia hence I never feel like I should have a lie in but he doesn't do anything to try and aid good sleep like you've listed so patience running thin after 4+ years of all the early mornings.

Check in with you all tomorrow, hoping to have a good solid 3 meals at least tomorrow and go from there.

FrustratedFrugal · 05/09/2016 16:40

Just a quick update - I've been active and it's day #4 wine free. Have slept better too, unmedicated for the past two nights. Work is super busy atm and next week there is the added challenge that I am travelling for work. So it's going to be a bit rocky but I'll do my best.

FrustratedFrugal · 05/09/2016 16:42

Costa hope your day was good - transitions often require extra energy but hope you'll have an easier time soon!

NeedACostaDetox · 05/09/2016 19:14

Well the day was fine. DS a bit perturbed that he's expected to go back and do it all again tomorrow Grin - he only did 2 half days at nursery so this is going to be a big shock to the system.

DD loved it phew

I walked 4miles today - all with double bugy and bags etc. and will be doing the same again tomorrow...yikes!

I've had 3 meals today, lots of water, 1 hot choc (not at Costa lol) and nothing else. Bit light on fruit and veggies so will snack on some fruit and nuts this evening. Pleased with that!

FrustratedFrugal · 06/09/2016 16:24

Costa brilliant!!! Double buggy boot camp Wink Your meals sound fab too.

I've had a stressful day, people rushing in and out and deadlines looming. Walking to and from work is actually something I look forward to, I need those peaceful moments. 12k steps today. A third consecutive night sans sleeping pills. I woke up really early but can deal with that.

NeedACostaDetox · 07/09/2016 10:24

Sounds like you're doing great Frustrated. I've had a super stressful hour just now on an empty stomach - not a good combo!

Had a muffin with bacon in and 2 biscuits tut tut and feeling better now helps that I've both both grumpy boys in bed

I will have walked between 15-20 miles by 3:30 on Friday - not as much as you seem to be doing, but it's all got to be good!

I cannot wait for 10 tomorrow when I'm having a full body massage - I'm so tired and achy! I fully expect to snore myself awake (I did last time I was on her table for a Japanese face massage) Blush

Hope everyone else is OK...a bit quiet here? Stevie Green ???

FrustratedFrugal · 07/09/2016 20:14

Costa you are doing great - thats a really good amount of exercise and you can be proud! The massage sounds heavenly, enjoy!

I haven't had a great day. Needed a sleeping pill last night but still woke up at 5.30. I had a fairly taxing morning (public speaking). People coming and going at work, and just when I was finally focusing and productive, I realized I have to be at home in less than 30 mins. No time for walking, had to catch the bus. We had gone out to a restaurant that is a bit further out so I got my regular 12000+ steps. But I missed being able to mentally unwind during the walk home. The only really positive thing is that I am now -4kg (half a stone) lighter than I was in the end of July! And still wine free.

NeedACostaDetox · 07/09/2016 21:23

Ah, you win some you lose some. That is a fabulous weight loss!

Hope tomorrow is calmer for you.

I'm so excited, I can't wait!

SteviebunsBottrittrundle · 08/09/2016 07:53

Hello all! Sorry I've been a bit quiet.

All going ok with me though I stupidly decided to bake with DD for something to do. The resulting gingerbread was actually delicious and a bit irresistible so I've eaten about 300 pieces since we made it Blush. I'm on the sugar and carb wagon today though. It's DD's day at nursery so I might go swimming later. School has started up again here this week so I am hoping the pool will be blissfully empty!

Well done on the walking need! That's really great.

Sorry to hear you haven't slept well frustrated. I am not all that wonderful with public speaking either but feel much better once I get into the subject I'm speaking about. Hope it goes well for you!

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