High Maintenance on a low budget, Anyone going to join me?

[starbear]

I'm fed up of being out of shape, scruffy Mummy. From this week I'm going to watch less Telly get more exercise in and start looking groomed. Any scruffy bugger want to join me. I plan to be a Diva by summer.
I'm sitting here in a Fleece, green 'Tu' Sainsbury's old t-shirt, men's Gap jeans and brown flat trainer type thing, eyebrows need doing and hair needs cutting. Time to change. Anyone want to join a support group?

I totally agree & understand. For some strange reason I love to see ordinary straight men dresses in pencil skirt, blouse and heels to a vicar & tarts party it really makes me giggle. I think we are going for two looks here one comfortable, co-ordinated and stylish for pushing buggy, coffee with kids & friends, playing on floor. The other night out with the man or girls. Have to go now to play with Ds he is nagging me!

oh before I GO. I LIKE THWE NEXT BOW SHOES.
VVDS HELPING6TO TYPE!!!Q

I've been drinking more water too And I bought a new handbag today. OK, it was 2nd hand from a charity shop, but I've decided my normal one looks a bit shabby. Hands are a bit of a state though. They are chewed to bits by teething DD Seemed like such a good idea not to give her a dummy at the time

SHould have said, not keen on shoes B, but shoes A are fab.

rarebreed yes I do. Lots of money spent on one off dresses for events that don't get used, things are too special to wear. Only left with dogy t-shirts & jeans. This is about to change.
Jammy charity bag good means you have more money in your pocket. I'm just not a good shopper that I would find stuff in a charity shop or any shop for that matter. I can't figure out good stuff at TK Mxx.
Sit -up done 5p
Water drunk 5p

Okay today. Went to kids party and tried to make an effort. Couldn't find a top to go under the dress I thought last min I would wear. Then didn't have a clue where bits of make-up were. I think being groomed takes a little more planning. No good having to iron a top before you walk out the door.
Did get a complement from a yummy mummy actual a well groomed lovely mummy. She has always been nice but noticed today I made an effort.
Hot water & lemon 5p
Not eating cake at the party 5p
not eating sausages & chicken nuggets 5p
How are you doing?

Well done starbear!!

Oooh, thought of something tonight as I was moving the shoe rack and all the shoes to its new location: I need to clean them! I think some of my shoes are letting me down by looking dirty and scruffy and I ought to try to take better care of them. Too tired to do so tonight however, but something to think about.

Jammy So true, in that vain I got DH to clean Ds's boots and mine while he was at it. I do so much for him, it's only a small thing in comparison to feeding him, clean clothes etc.. I think when Ds gets older, it might be his job!
Had a lovely roast dinner last night so no pennies in the jar & two biscuits this morning.
No sit-up either, too cold in our front room.
Hoping making snow men and walking to gymnastic will make up for it!
I will not be looking groomed today!
Enjoy the snow if you can everyone

Due to adverse weather conditions plans halted!
Hot choclate bit of cake. Toast with jam & porride No sit-ups or Nell's DVD

Well I was especially well turned out today, dressing for warmth not style, but I did walk the 1.25 miles from my work to DD's nursery, so that must be worth something as it'll help trim me up

Well done, Jammy. I must try better tomorrow but I'm going to try and get into work. DH has already been told he's off

yes last week i walked home in the sunshine, todaay i didnt even bother to walk to the bus stop and attempt music group, will reeedouble my effort when snow has melted

currently drinking water

Well tomorrow nigth I will be in a hotel room all by myself, with no DH or DD to fuss after. So I'm planning a long hot shower and have packed a load of stuff to give myself a DIY facial, a DIY manicure and loads of foot lotion to slather on before bed

Jammy, How err! Jammy!

jammy, i thik i may have to show dh your post and see if i can scam a night like that sounds like pure bliss, have a nice night!

Lots of great tips on here, but for those of us with problem nails, thin and weak, ridges etc or that want their nails to look great without nail varnish on, then can I recommend these

www.boots.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10052&productId=12364&callingViewName =&langId=-1&catalogId=10551

Many other places do them, Asda do a smart price one for about 80p, some may be normal nail file shape, but have 3-4 different surfaces on them.

These are great, they smooth and condition your nails and add a great shine, and encourage growth too.

I have them everywhere, bathroom, bedroom, handbag, so if I get a spare minute I give them a buff.

But the best thing is the price- it's alot cheaper than a manicure!

use it with a orange stick to neaten your cuticles and handcream and voila a manicure without the hassle and expense.

Hi can I join here, think I could do with a kick up the backside, been off work for 3 weeks and now need to get back into routines of sorting myself out. Did get a haircut today in preparation to go back to work tomorrow.

lumpsdumps Welcome. It's like a Goodhousekeeping Fly thread for the body.
Plan various grooming chores/pampering items and see if you've done all you said you would by the end of the day or week.
Sadly, I've been blown off course this week.
I keep checking the weather so I can get back into the routine. Not sure if I have take the day off tomorow for DS. Then I will not be able to go to the gym in the evening for various reasons.

Have been totally knocked from my good intentions by the snow but back on track tomorrow, have a waxing appointment at leisure centre with kids in creche

welcome lumpsandbumps, haircut is a great start!

Okay! No sit-ups or exercise but had the time to cover myself in cream and buy a new pair of jeans! Not sure about the jeans yet! Might do some more shopping around.
Start again on Friday as I have a gym re programme and a massage. Might go shopping tomorrow and look for a weekend outfit to go with the jeans.
lumpsdumps How was the haircut?
littleducks The snow has knocked us all. I think we all need alot of hand cream to prevent rough hands at least! Can I say enjoy the wax I don't think so Enjoy the results

Hi Starbear, haircut was a success, work really like it. Its very cropped at the back and I have a long fringe. Have bought new clothes yesterday and that's about it for yesterday.

Where has everybody gone? today have bought new make up and lots of nice smellies for the shower and afterwards. Am in new uniform for work next week so need to sort out the make up and nails for then. Sometimes it's a real bore working where I do, as it means I have to look spot on all the time.

Hello! I'm back from my work trip. I had a fab time at the hotel - gave myself a DIY facial, a scalp massage, a body scrub, then a long hot shower, followed by plenty of body lotion, a DIY manicure (using one of the multisectioned emery board/nail buffer things mentioned before) and plenty of foot lotion too before bed. It's a good job the computers in the hotel lobby for free internet use were out of order, as I would have been unable to resist coming out in my PJs to tell you all about it! (Which would have totally ruined the stylish look I am aiming for!)

Sorry, lumpsdumps have been hunting for jeans and trying to book flights to visit my aunt.
Jammy your going to be way ahead of us!
lumpsdumps I think it's great working for a place that wants you to wear make up and be groomed. Mine doesn't and it allows me to get to the state I'm in now!
Okay, I will be back on track tomorrow if the weather doesn't wreak my plans.
DS off to nursery I'm off to gym for a reprogramme and a massage.
I have two pairs of well fitted jeans one M&S recommend by MNeter's and the other from Principles. Both have elastane. That took me two days! Going to hunt out stuff to wear with my jeans now for Sat& Sun