The ribs are starting to feel better, still can't wear a bra or sleep on that side but they are definitely improving, 4.5 weeks in now.......can't believe how long these things take to heal!! And whilst I have been able to get to work the last couple of weeks I haven't managed much else, must, must, must get some some housework done!!
Kick Arse December is not going toooo badly, I have only managed 4 NSD so far, so that's a bit pants but I haven't spent much and am well within my budgets for the month so that's gotta be a good thing! Well except when I went to my friends in Lincoln last weekend, I had a little spend up then in Primark......best work out the damage later: I didn't have a budget for that though so......... I can't go over it, haha.
Saturday tasks list:
Washing + hanging up to dry – DONE
Cat Litter from shed – DONE
Rubbish & Recycling into bin – DONE
Hoover – DONE
Visit Family - DONE
Sunday tasks list:
Washing + hanging up to dry – DONE
Lidl – buy smoked trout fillets for work Christmas buffet – DONE
Make Sakuma another Elizabethan collar – DONE
Get Christmas tree down from loft – DONE
Roast Chicken dinner – DONE
Just over a week till Christmas!!! ARGGGHHHHH
Sunday, 16 December 2012
Sunday, 2 December 2012
Kick Arse December
Thanks to the ribs “These last 2 weeks I have mostly been working from home” …..which has saved me a packet in petrol money!! Other than that I've not really managed to get back into the extra money earning :( Sssooooo........
December I've decided to really kick arse and go for it!
I've cobbled together some ideas from various sources:
20 No Spend Days (NSD)
£270 food budget for the whole month (Joint Account - JA)
£200 for presents/food/social outings (My Account - MA)
Must take packed lunches – no food from cafe's etc
£250 petrol allowance – (JA)
Apart “from fresh food” use up what is in freezer/pantry
Pick one of my piggy banks and fill with change, do not open until the end of 2013, once full pick another piggy to fill.
Make a Christmas decoration per day for my own version of an advent calender from items I have in the house
Yesterday was December 1st and the 1st decoration was made :) I also has a NSD :)
Today I had a MS and have made 2nd Decoration – will show photo later as it's still “cooking”
Dinner's for the last 2 days were venison and pheasant from the freezer with veg.
December I've decided to really kick arse and go for it!
I've cobbled together some ideas from various sources:
20 No Spend Days (NSD)
£270 food budget for the whole month (Joint Account - JA)
£200 for presents/food/social outings (My Account - MA)
Must take packed lunches – no food from cafe's etc
£250 petrol allowance – (JA)
Apart “from fresh food” use up what is in freezer/pantry
Pick one of my piggy banks and fill with change, do not open until the end of 2013, once full pick another piggy to fill.
Make a Christmas decoration per day for my own version of an advent calender from items I have in the house
Yesterday was December 1st and the 1st decoration was made :) I also has a NSD :)
Today I had a MS and have made 2nd Decoration – will show photo later as it's still “cooking”
Dinner's for the last 2 days were venison and pheasant from the freezer with veg.
Sunday, 18 November 2012
I'm back!!
It was truly awesome!! Wet but awesome!
Unfortunately I broke a couple of ribs falling over and landing on my camera but luckily it was on the last day of excursions and the camera survived.
We saw sooooo many animals: Sloth's, Iguana's, birds of all kinds, a tarantula, baby turtles, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, various other spiders and insects, caiman and a crocodile!! We were in a group with a GREAT bunch of people. Basically apart from San Jose the whole of Costa Rica is jungle, it's so lush it's untrue. We did some fab excursions including zip lining in Monteverde, that was so cool!! A little like this video
I'm now straight back on the money saving. I have to pay myself back for the holiday, OP the mortgage if possible and start saving for next years holiday.....we're thinking of Sicily :)
Unfortunately I broke a couple of ribs falling over and landing on my camera but luckily it was on the last day of excursions and the camera survived.
We saw sooooo many animals: Sloth's, Iguana's, birds of all kinds, a tarantula, baby turtles, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, various other spiders and insects, caiman and a crocodile!! We were in a group with a GREAT bunch of people. Basically apart from San Jose the whole of Costa Rica is jungle, it's so lush it's untrue. We did some fab excursions including zip lining in Monteverde, that was so cool!! A little like this video
I'm now straight back on the money saving. I have to pay myself back for the holiday, OP the mortgage if possible and start saving for next years holiday.....we're thinking of Sicily :)
Monday, 5 November 2012
I'm off to Costa Rica tomorrow!!!!!
All the packing is done, an early night tonight and an early morning start tomorrow. It's gonna be AWESOME!!!!
Money saving this week:
Charged phone at work
Free tea at work
Paid my 1p & 2p's into the bank
Free sweets & snacks at work
Lunch from stores
Print off documents at work for Mum & Bro
Submitted my work expenses
Got taken out for lunch :D
Saturday we went to the Littledown Fireworks for my Birthday, they were amazing. My Bro made me an awesome Victoria Sponge.
There was a weird figure sat just in front of the fireworks.......strange....
Sunday we spent a little time with both families for my actual Birthday and said goodbye to Sakuma for 2 weeks (he's staying with the “Grandparents” whilst my Aunt is coming round to feed Zeus)
Money saving this week:
Charged phone at work
Free tea at work
Paid my 1p & 2p's into the bank
Free sweets & snacks at work
Lunch from stores
Print off documents at work for Mum & Bro
Submitted my work expenses
Got taken out for lunch :D
Saturday we went to the Littledown Fireworks for my Birthday, they were amazing. My Bro made me an awesome Victoria Sponge.
There was a weird figure sat just in front of the fireworks.......strange....
Sunday we spent a little time with both families for my actual Birthday and said goodbye to Sakuma for 2 weeks (he's staying with the “Grandparents” whilst my Aunt is coming round to feed Zeus)
Saturday, 27 October 2012
Not long now
Another week nearer to my holiday, can't wait!!! Am feeling shattered this weekend though, probably because the end is in sight.
Various money saving this week has been:
Charging phone at work
Free papers to read on the train and kept for the fire
Lunches from stores most days
Got Wed's lunch from office meeting leftovers....nom
Posted Ebay sale - now at 34% of my clothes challenge amount.
Pear's for snacks from office meeting leftovers.
I finished one of my Jewel Blankets for a friend at work, I'm happy to say she was very pleased with it :D
She particularly liked the story behind it - whilst convalescing from having 2 wisdom teeth removed I saw a blanket in a magazine and had an “I can make that” moment. I had a black bin liner of odd balls of wool from my Nan and so started knitting. It's like a memory blanket for me. I have added to my wool stash from other people's odd balls of wool and charity shops since my first blanket but I still have a lot of my Nan's wool left.
The blanket I knitted for my friend also had buttons from my Nan's vintage button collection to tie the backing to the blanket – her exclamation was – “I have a bit of your Nan on my sofa and I love that” and I LOVE that she loves that!! :)
I also did a little charity shop shopping as I felt I needed a little spend-up, I got all this for £1.50!!!! Bargin or what!
Jobs completed today:
1st load of Washing on & drying indoors - DONE
2 x litter trays cleaned – DONE
Order cat litter – DONE
Zeus to vet – DONE
Washing up - DONE
Various money saving this week has been:
Charging phone at work
Free papers to read on the train and kept for the fire
Lunches from stores most days
Got Wed's lunch from office meeting leftovers....nom
Posted Ebay sale - now at 34% of my clothes challenge amount.
Pear's for snacks from office meeting leftovers.
I finished one of my Jewel Blankets for a friend at work, I'm happy to say she was very pleased with it :D
She particularly liked the story behind it - whilst convalescing from having 2 wisdom teeth removed I saw a blanket in a magazine and had an “I can make that” moment. I had a black bin liner of odd balls of wool from my Nan and so started knitting. It's like a memory blanket for me. I have added to my wool stash from other people's odd balls of wool and charity shops since my first blanket but I still have a lot of my Nan's wool left.
The blanket I knitted for my friend also had buttons from my Nan's vintage button collection to tie the backing to the blanket – her exclamation was – “I have a bit of your Nan on my sofa and I love that” and I LOVE that she loves that!! :)
I also did a little charity shop shopping as I felt I needed a little spend-up, I got all this for £1.50!!!! Bargin or what!
Jobs completed today:
1st load of Washing on & drying indoors - DONE
2 x litter trays cleaned – DONE
Order cat litter – DONE
Zeus to vet – DONE
Washing up - DONE
Saturday, 20 October 2012
Another week done
Wow, where did that week go?? Luckily it all went well with no major drama's.
Various money saving has been:
Charging phone at work
Free papers to read on the train and kept for the fire
Lunches from stores
Got lunch for 2 days from the office meeting leftovers....nom
MS for Friday's dinner – Report now done.
Jobs completed today:
1st load of Washing on – hanging on line - DONE
Washing up – DONE
Clear and clean kitchen worktops – DONE
2nd load of Washing on – hanging in conservatory/airers – DONE
Hoovered and mopped floors – DONE
Wipe kitchen cupboard doors/drawers/kickboards – DONE
Clean extractor filter – DONE
Water plants – DONE
Re-home odd items in lounge – DONE
Register for my AA gold member key fob (free as I have been an AA member for 15 years - DONE
Call Aunt to ask if she can look after Zeus when we go on holiday - DONE - and thankfully she has agreed, hope she doesn't change her mind.
Made this for dinner as I had all ingredients in store. I had quorn escalope instead of sausages, OH had the sausages ;).
I adapted it from a Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall recipe, it was lovely! Pudding was apple and ginger crumble as Mum gave me some apples from their tree last weekend, it was all very tasty even if I do say so myself.
Roasted sausages, parsnips and onions
Serves two
4-6 small parsnips, peeled
2 small onions (red, white or a mixture)
6 salad potaoes
1 tbsp olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
5 sausages
100g unsalted butter
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Heat the oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6. Quarter the parsnips from root to tip. If they have very coarse, woody cores, trim them out. Peel the onions, leaving the root end intact and, depending on size, cut into quarters or eighths from root to tip. Cut potatoes into small wedges. Put the parsnips, potatoes and onions in a roasting tin, trickle with oil and season well. Cover tightly with foil and roast for 30 minutes, or until the onions are tender.
Remove the foil, add the sausages to the tray, dot around the butter and sprinkle over the thyme. Return to the oven and roast for 20 minutes more, until the sausages are cooked and everything is golden and starting to caramelise.
Various money saving has been:
Charging phone at work
Free papers to read on the train and kept for the fire
Lunches from stores
Got lunch for 2 days from the office meeting leftovers....nom
MS for Friday's dinner – Report now done.
Jobs completed today:
1st load of Washing on – hanging on line - DONE
Washing up – DONE
Clear and clean kitchen worktops – DONE
2nd load of Washing on – hanging in conservatory/airers – DONE
Hoovered and mopped floors – DONE
Wipe kitchen cupboard doors/drawers/kickboards – DONE
Clean extractor filter – DONE
Water plants – DONE
Re-home odd items in lounge – DONE
Register for my AA gold member key fob (free as I have been an AA member for 15 years - DONE
Call Aunt to ask if she can look after Zeus when we go on holiday - DONE - and thankfully she has agreed, hope she doesn't change her mind.
Made this for dinner as I had all ingredients in store. I had quorn escalope instead of sausages, OH had the sausages ;).
I adapted it from a Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall recipe, it was lovely! Pudding was apple and ginger crumble as Mum gave me some apples from their tree last weekend, it was all very tasty even if I do say so myself.
Roasted sausages, parsnips and onions
Serves two
4-6 small parsnips, peeled
2 small onions (red, white or a mixture)
6 salad potaoes
1 tbsp olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
5 sausages
100g unsalted butter
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Heat the oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6. Quarter the parsnips from root to tip. If they have very coarse, woody cores, trim them out. Peel the onions, leaving the root end intact and, depending on size, cut into quarters or eighths from root to tip. Cut potatoes into small wedges. Put the parsnips, potatoes and onions in a roasting tin, trickle with oil and season well. Cover tightly with foil and roast for 30 minutes, or until the onions are tender.
Remove the foil, add the sausages to the tray, dot around the butter and sprinkle over the thyme. Return to the oven and roast for 20 minutes more, until the sausages are cooked and everything is golden and starting to caramelise.
Saturday, 13 October 2012
Reunited
I received some sad sad news yesterday, a lovely lady I used to work with and was very close to for a number of years lost her battle with the dreaded big C. I was hoping to be able to get a chance to say my goodbyes but it wasn't to be.....I like to think she's now reunited with her lost love. RIP my friend xxxxx
I have been madly working this week, my counterpart at work is on a well deserved holiday so it's just been me....arghhh. No major drama's so far...another week to go so fingers crossed it stays that way!
Various money saving has been:
Charging phone at work
Free papers to read on the train and kept for the fire
Lunches from stores
Got given a cupcake, choc muffin, pasta salad and prawn sarnie from the office meeting leftovers....nom
Aluminium cans (from parents and work)
Got given a lovely green nail varnish by a work colleague – his wife was throwing it out (she works for Avon) several people have commented on the lovely colour :)
Made a delish Mushroom Risotto for dinner, this was a “use what I have” meal so I don't have an actual recipe but this is what I did:
Ingredients
Spring onions
Butter
Mushrooms (I had oyster and button mushrooms)
Garlic
Risotto Rice
Chicken Stock (home made)
Parmesan
Creme Fraiche
Fried the bunch of spring onions in butter, added the risotto rice and stirred it through until glossy. Added the sliced mushroom, garlic and half the chicken stock, cook for 20-25 minutes stirring occasionally. Towards the end add more stock and stir as needed until rice is cooked. Add grated parmesan and a tablespoon of crème fraiche. Serve :)
I froze the left overs for lunches at work.
Today is supposed to be a housework day but I'm not really in the mood, still lets try!
1st load of Washing on and hanging on airers - DONE
Book haircut - DONE
Washing up – DONE x 2
Clean microwave – DONE
Clear kitchen worktops – DONE
Haircut – DONE (only had to have ½” cut off, not bad after nearly 2 years without a haircut!!)
Clean kitchen worktops – DONE
Wipe hob – DONE
Declutter living room – DONE
Sort T-shirts – DONE
Remove marks from walls/door handles/light switches – DONE
Clean lampshades – DONE
De-web – DONE
Dust – DONE
Wipe dining table – DONE
Right off to OH's for take-away goodness :)
I have been madly working this week, my counterpart at work is on a well deserved holiday so it's just been me....arghhh. No major drama's so far...another week to go so fingers crossed it stays that way!
Various money saving has been:
Charging phone at work
Free papers to read on the train and kept for the fire
Lunches from stores
Got given a cupcake, choc muffin, pasta salad and prawn sarnie from the office meeting leftovers....nom
Aluminium cans (from parents and work)
Got given a lovely green nail varnish by a work colleague – his wife was throwing it out (she works for Avon) several people have commented on the lovely colour :)
Made a delish Mushroom Risotto for dinner, this was a “use what I have” meal so I don't have an actual recipe but this is what I did:
Ingredients
Spring onions
Butter
Mushrooms (I had oyster and button mushrooms)
Garlic
Risotto Rice
Chicken Stock (home made)
Parmesan
Creme Fraiche
Fried the bunch of spring onions in butter, added the risotto rice and stirred it through until glossy. Added the sliced mushroom, garlic and half the chicken stock, cook for 20-25 minutes stirring occasionally. Towards the end add more stock and stir as needed until rice is cooked. Add grated parmesan and a tablespoon of crème fraiche. Serve :)
I froze the left overs for lunches at work.
Today is supposed to be a housework day but I'm not really in the mood, still lets try!
1st load of Washing on and hanging on airers - DONE
Book haircut - DONE
Washing up – DONE x 2
Clean microwave – DONE
Clear kitchen worktops – DONE
Haircut – DONE (only had to have ½” cut off, not bad after nearly 2 years without a haircut!!)
Clean kitchen worktops – DONE
Wipe hob – DONE
Declutter living room – DONE
Sort T-shirts – DONE
Remove marks from walls/door handles/light switches – DONE
Clean lampshades – DONE
De-web – DONE
Dust – DONE
Wipe dining table – DONE
Right off to OH's for take-away goodness :)
Monday, 8 October 2012
It's a cat's life
When I got up this morning I felt full of energy and get up and go even though it was dull, drab and rainy......fast forward the hour commute and I felt tired, disheartened and MEH!!!
mmmm food for thought.....work nearer home or move the home nearer to work?????
Oh to have the life of my kitties!!
mmmm food for thought.....work nearer home or move the home nearer to work?????
Oh to have the life of my kitties!!
Sunday, 7 October 2012
Out in the garden
My Mum and my Bro came to visit today, they helped me to weed-killer and then cover the back garden in black plastic. Hopefully over Winter that will all die down and in the Spring we can rotavate it and then sow with grass seed....that's the plan anyway's....... :)
I made a Lemon, Almond and Yogurt cake to say thanks........there was none left when they went :)
Other jobs done:
Finish de-cluttering living room – DONE
Washing – 1st load on, now hanging on airers - DONE
Washing up – DONE & 2nd lot - DONE
De-clutter hall - DONE
Hoover and mop all floors – HAVE HOOVERED
Empty all bins - DONE
I made a Lemon, Almond and Yogurt cake to say thanks........there was none left when they went :)
Other jobs done:
Finish de-cluttering living room – DONE
Washing – 1st load on, now hanging on airers - DONE
Washing up – DONE & 2nd lot - DONE
De-clutter hall - DONE
Hoover and mop all floors – HAVE HOOVERED
Empty all bins - DONE
Saturday, 6 October 2012
The weekend is here!!
And I will mostly be doing housework :)
Managed a lovely long lie-in until 8.50am followed by a leisurely bath and a cooked breakfast with fresh coffee....yum!
Now onto the list:
Washing – 1st lot in, now hanging outside on the line :) - DONE
Litter trays - DONE
Washing up – DONE & a second lot - DONE
Washing – 2nd lot in (bedding), now drying on airers - DONE
Clean bathroom – DONE
MS - DONE
Clean fridge - DONE
De-clutter living room – MADE A REALLY GOOD START
Still to do
Finish de-cluttering living room
Clear and clean kitchen worktops
Dust
De-clutter hall
Hoover and mop all floors
Managed a lovely long lie-in until 8.50am followed by a leisurely bath and a cooked breakfast with fresh coffee....yum!
Now onto the list:
Washing – 1st lot in, now hanging outside on the line :) - DONE
Litter trays - DONE
Washing up – DONE & a second lot - DONE
Washing – 2nd lot in (bedding), now drying on airers - DONE
Clean bathroom – DONE
MS - DONE
Clean fridge - DONE
De-clutter living room – MADE A REALLY GOOD START
Still to do
Finish de-cluttering living room
Clear and clean kitchen worktops
Dust
De-clutter hall
Hoover and mop all floors
Thursday, 4 October 2012
Over the hump
The car cost another £186...gulp! Let's hope that's it for a while!
Yay, Friday tomorrow :) That's all I can say about this week, lol.
Money saving over the past few days:
Charged phone at work
Aluminium can x 1
Packed lunches for work
Clicks
1 sale cancelled on Ebay :(, but got fee returned :)
Free paper on train (kept for fire)
Yay, Friday tomorrow :) That's all I can say about this week, lol.
Money saving over the past few days:
Charged phone at work
Aluminium can x 1
Packed lunches for work
Clicks
1 sale cancelled on Ebay :(, but got fee returned :)
Free paper on train (kept for fire)
Monday, 1 October 2012
Racing for the weekend
Off for a weekend with friends, we went to Market Rasen Races on Saturday. I've never been to the races before, was good fun but a tad chilly - and I only bet £5 :) Needless to say I didn't win anything :(
Today I took my car in to get the sump replaced, when I went to pick it up it wasn't finished!! Luckily they lent me a courtesy car! Fingers crossed it's not too expensive!!
Other money saving over the last few days:
Charged phone at work
Aluminium can x 3
Packed lunch for work
Yay, £40 tracked for swapping parents utilities :)
Clicks
4 items sold on Ebay
Today I took my car in to get the sump replaced, when I went to pick it up it wasn't finished!! Luckily they lent me a courtesy car! Fingers crossed it's not too expensive!!
Other money saving over the last few days:
Charged phone at work
Aluminium can x 3
Packed lunch for work
Yay, £40 tracked for swapping parents utilities :)
Clicks
4 items sold on Ebay
Thursday, 27 September 2012
Nearly Friday
Busy day at work today, money saving achieved:
MS report submitted
Found 20p
Charged phone at work
Free paper to read on the train each way (and kept for fire)
Aluminium can
Packed lunch for work
Switched parents gas/electric for a better deal for them (not sure if it gets cashback though)
Clicks
MS report submitted
Found 20p
Charged phone at work
Free paper to read on the train each way (and kept for fire)
Aluminium can
Packed lunch for work
Switched parents gas/electric for a better deal for them (not sure if it gets cashback though)
Clicks
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Rain, rain go away....
........ I keep on losing my electric!!
On the plus side Tuesday we had lots of rainbow's as it was sunny and very showery...a lot!
I've been bad with the grocery budget this week, I've spent it all (by getting side tracked by reduced stuff whilst buying things I do need) and not really using what was in the stores...and I've still got lots left.... :( must do better.
New tyre on car to replace the blown one the other week (£57) and new oil sump (£78), they will be fitting it on Monday...hopefully that won't be too expensive :(
Money saving over the last couple of days:
Switched electric off except for fridge/freezers (these on their own don't trip when it rains)
Charged phone at work
Clicks
MS – still need to do report
mmm, need to make more of an effort I think.....
On the plus side Tuesday we had lots of rainbow's as it was sunny and very showery...a lot!
I've been bad with the grocery budget this week, I've spent it all (by getting side tracked by reduced stuff whilst buying things I do need) and not really using what was in the stores...and I've still got lots left.... :( must do better.
New tyre on car to replace the blown one the other week (£57) and new oil sump (£78), they will be fitting it on Monday...hopefully that won't be too expensive :(
Money saving over the last couple of days:
Switched electric off except for fridge/freezers (these on their own don't trip when it rains)
Charged phone at work
Clicks
MS – still need to do report
mmm, need to make more of an effort I think.....
Monday, 24 September 2012
Rainy Monday
I managed to list 23 items on Ebay yesterday, one item has a bid already :)
Back to work today, I love feeling well!! Had to take the car to the garage, she's developed an oil leak, seems I need a new oil sump. :( Went onto Breakeryard.com for some quotes so fingers crossed it's not too expensive....:(
Money saving today:
Charged phone at work
Expenses submitted
Aluminium can
Most food from stores, just reduced turkey mince bought for dinner
Back to work today, I love feeling well!! Had to take the car to the garage, she's developed an oil leak, seems I need a new oil sump. :( Went onto Breakeryard.com for some quotes so fingers crossed it's not too expensive....:(
Money saving today:
Charged phone at work
Expenses submitted
Aluminium can
Most food from stores, just reduced turkey mince bought for dinner
Sunday, 23 September 2012
Finally over the lurgy
I attempted to go to work Tuesday, big mistake :( I lasted until lunchtime and had to come home! Felt awful for the last few days! Only now feeling that “get up and go” coming back.
Still, managed to post some Ebay items, eat all food from stores (plus a little fresh veg/fruit for OH coming over for the weekend) and do some clicks/bingo and knitting :)
I need to get back on to it today as it's an Ebay free listing weekend!
Still, managed to post some Ebay items, eat all food from stores (plus a little fresh veg/fruit for OH coming over for the weekend) and do some clicks/bingo and knitting :)
I need to get back on to it today as it's an Ebay free listing weekend!
Monday, 17 September 2012
Monday Blues
Feeling very sorry for myself today, very coldy and achey so a day off work :(
4 of my items sold last night on Ebay so will package them up ready to post.
Got a load of washing on as sunny again today....all hung outside :) Second load in....and now hanging in the conservatory to dry overnight. Clicks and surveys done. Breakfast and lunch from stores and dinner was last night's duplicate curry order :s
The deposit for Costa Rica has been paid :)))
4 of my items sold last night on Ebay so will package them up ready to post.
Got a load of washing on as sunny again today....all hung outside :) Second load in....and now hanging in the conservatory to dry overnight. Clicks and surveys done. Breakfast and lunch from stores and dinner was last night's duplicate curry order :s
The deposit for Costa Rica has been paid :)))
MIL 60th
Not so “up and at em” this weekend, feel a bit snuffly and coldy :(
Still, have put first load of washing on and eaten breakfast from stores...now to try and make myself do something else rather than sit and watch The BFG on the telly :)
Washing outside on the line, another gorgeous sunny day! Second load in. MS done. Going to make a 60th birthday card now.
Second load hanging to dry in the conservatory and I'm off to OH's for his Mum's 60th get together.
____________________________
Well that turned out to be an expensive weekend :)
A lovely Thai meal and 5 pubs later we all staggered back to OH's flat and stayed up chatting until 3.30am.
The next day was a hangover/v tired day and so not much was done. Breakfast out followed by a pub lunch to get us moving, then off to visit my parents. Came back with a bag of home grown courgettes, runner beans and cucumber so that was my money saving attempt ;)
When we got back to mine we decided on Indian take-away to round off the day. The one we normally use wasn't open so we ordered another one online. Then when I looked at the flyer they seemed to be shut on Sunday so in a panic we ordered from a different place over the phone.
Cue the doorbell ringing and when I opened the bag it was from the first place..........opps!! Half an hour later the second takeaway was delivered......oh well dinner for tomorrow is sorted :)
Still, have put first load of washing on and eaten breakfast from stores...now to try and make myself do something else rather than sit and watch The BFG on the telly :)
Washing outside on the line, another gorgeous sunny day! Second load in. MS done. Going to make a 60th birthday card now.
Second load hanging to dry in the conservatory and I'm off to OH's for his Mum's 60th get together.
____________________________
Well that turned out to be an expensive weekend :)
A lovely Thai meal and 5 pubs later we all staggered back to OH's flat and stayed up chatting until 3.30am.
The next day was a hangover/v tired day and so not much was done. Breakfast out followed by a pub lunch to get us moving, then off to visit my parents. Came back with a bag of home grown courgettes, runner beans and cucumber so that was my money saving attempt ;)
When we got back to mine we decided on Indian take-away to round off the day. The one we normally use wasn't open so we ordered another one online. Then when I looked at the flyer they seemed to be shut on Sunday so in a panic we ordered from a different place over the phone.
Cue the doorbell ringing and when I opened the bag it was from the first place..........opps!! Half an hour later the second takeaway was delivered......oh well dinner for tomorrow is sorted :)
Friday, 14 September 2012
TFIF :)
Not much to report today :(
All food from stores
Mr Kipling blackcurrant & apple pie from my friend for mid morning snack
Charged phone at work
Printed off MS paperwork at work
Daily clicks
Redeemed £20 Amazon voucher from Spud Shillings – will spend it on this camera starter kit :)
On an exciting note we started the booking process for our Costa Rica holiday :):):) Very very excited!! Will put back the mortgage OP but well worth it!! My aim in life besides paying off my mortgage is to travel and enjoy it!
All food from stores
Mr Kipling blackcurrant & apple pie from my friend for mid morning snack
Charged phone at work
Printed off MS paperwork at work
Daily clicks
Redeemed £20 Amazon voucher from Spud Shillings – will spend it on this camera starter kit :)
On an exciting note we started the booking process for our Costa Rica holiday :):):) Very very excited!! Will put back the mortgage OP but well worth it!! My aim in life besides paying off my mortgage is to travel and enjoy it!
Thursday, 13 September 2012
London Day
Up to London today so not many money saving opportunities. Went for a walk around St Paul's Cathedral at lunch time.
Got a free paper to read on the train – both ways – will save for fire :)
Had a really lovely free almond croissant for lunch – they were spare from a meeting :)
Charged phone at work
Charged camera battery at work
All other meals from stores/fresh fruit & veg bought for yesterday's meal
On a bad note I topped up my mobile on the way home by £10 and 2 hours later I got a text stating I only had £1.37 left!!!!! I can't work it out, I didn't use enough data to use that much money and I didn't phone anyone by accident either :( Will call them tomorrow to see if I can find out what happened :(
Off to do some blanket knitting :)
Got a free paper to read on the train – both ways – will save for fire :)
Had a really lovely free almond croissant for lunch – they were spare from a meeting :)
Charged phone at work
Charged camera battery at work
All other meals from stores/fresh fruit & veg bought for yesterday's meal
On a bad note I topped up my mobile on the way home by £10 and 2 hours later I got a text stating I only had £1.37 left!!!!! I can't work it out, I didn't use enough data to use that much money and I didn't phone anyone by accident either :( Will call them tomorrow to see if I can find out what happened :(
Off to do some blanket knitting :)
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
Broken Down Wednesday
MS report done :)
Car blew a tyre driving to OH's....took nearly 2 hours for the AA to turn up :( Not happy!! Meant I didn't get home till 9.20pm, too late to cook so went out to eat, lovely place called The Cosy Club :) Food was nom nom! Shame it's not money saving
Extra Money Saving:
Phone charged at work
Aluminium can x 2
Printed off Asda voucher
Redeemed 4 nectar points onto card
Wombled Tesco receipt whilst waiting for AA
Breakfast and lunch from stores
Car blew a tyre driving to OH's....took nearly 2 hours for the AA to turn up :( Not happy!! Meant I didn't get home till 9.20pm, too late to cook so went out to eat, lovely place called The Cosy Club :) Food was nom nom! Shame it's not money saving
Extra Money Saving:
Phone charged at work
Aluminium can x 2
Printed off Asda voucher
Redeemed 4 nectar points onto card
Wombled Tesco receipt whilst waiting for AA
Breakfast and lunch from stores
Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Autumn is arriving
The morning's are chilly and damp and the evening's are drawing in.....Autumn is on it's way!! Not sure I like it, I will have to look for the positives. Always look on the bright side of life and all that.
Today's money saving: MS done - need to upload the results, all food from stores, filled some surveys at work whilst other reports were running, daily clicks, wombled an Asda receipt - 67p voucher, bought reduced bread and sliced and froze it – should last a while, can of Fanta from work (left over from a meeting) and another empty aluminium can towards my collection for the Tesco points.
Every little helps ;)
Today's money saving: MS done - need to upload the results, all food from stores, filled some surveys at work whilst other reports were running, daily clicks, wombled an Asda receipt - 67p voucher, bought reduced bread and sliced and froze it – should last a while, can of Fanta from work (left over from a meeting) and another empty aluminium can towards my collection for the Tesco points.
Every little helps ;)
Monday, 10 September 2012
MMMMMonday!
Second MS report finished this morning…PHEW. Also put in my expense claim when I got to work :)
Oh no, forgot another MS I was supposed to do on Sunday!! Thankfully they have let me rearrange that one for next Sunday….must put them in my calendar so I don’t keep forgetting them!
I made Plum and Amaretto Jam in the end this evening, the plums were cooked to a pulp so I just had to spoon out the stones when I was boiling it up. Sugar and Amaretto from stores too. I got 4 jars :)
Other Money Saving achieved today: Charged my phone at work, only bought cheese crackers for lunch – the rest from stores, dinner from stores, empty ink cartridge from work, 1 of my Ebay items already has a bid!
Oh no, forgot another MS I was supposed to do on Sunday!! Thankfully they have let me rearrange that one for next Sunday….must put them in my calendar so I don’t keep forgetting them!
I made Plum and Amaretto Jam in the end this evening, the plums were cooked to a pulp so I just had to spoon out the stones when I was boiling it up. Sugar and Amaretto from stores too. I got 4 jars :)
Other Money Saving achieved today: Charged my phone at work, only bought cheese crackers for lunch – the rest from stores, dinner from stores, empty ink cartridge from work, 1 of my Ebay items already has a bid!
Sunday, 9 September 2012
BBQ Sunday
I managed the MS's just need to fill out the reports now. One done but have to go and see both sets of parents for the day. Mum is having a BBQ get together for a belated Birthday party. Nom....free grub :)
Back home and 15/20 Ebay items listed.
All food over the weekend from MS/stores/parents :)
Time for bed...zzzzzzzzzz
Back home and 15/20 Ebay items listed.
All food over the weekend from MS/stores/parents :)
Time for bed...zzzzzzzzzz
Saturday, 8 September 2012
September Challenges
Right, September challenges are starting....a little late but I was at Weyfest last weekend and have been at work including my new role of going to London one day a week so far.
SEPTEMBER CHALLENGES – Declutter and clean house - Sell £110 of clothes on Ebay (1% of Mortgage OP for year), Shop from Home – Save unused grocery budget towards Mortgage OP, Do some work on getting garden a nice place to use.
Last night I used my new incinerator bin for the first time and burnt a load of garden rubbish, I love a good fire :)
Up early and showered already. One load of washing already hanging on the line and the next load in. Making the most of a lovely sunny day.
Next job – cleaning the bathroom...DONE, thorough clean – even bleached :)
On to floor clearing/hoovering and mopping....DONE – I also cut another section of the old bedroom carpet out ( I am doing it bit by bit so I don't have to clear the whole room out and get to throw it away in my wheelie bin)
Second load of washing hung on line and third lot in :) Whilst out there I picked all the plum's I could reach and they are now stewing to make Plum & Amaretto Jam.
Wipe down kitchen cupboard/door fronts and kickboards.....DONE. I also got rid of a carrier bag of rubbish and a carrier bag of recycling.
Stewed plums now being strained, so technically it will end up being “jelly”
Bums....I got so carried away I forgot a MS, hope they let me rearrange :(
Third load of washing now drying. Have found 20 items of clothing, that's the easy bit done...all photographed and started to list on Turbolister ready for Sunday.
Off to OH's for the night and 2 MS's to do :)
SEPTEMBER CHALLENGES – Declutter and clean house - Sell £110 of clothes on Ebay (1% of Mortgage OP for year), Shop from Home – Save unused grocery budget towards Mortgage OP, Do some work on getting garden a nice place to use.
Last night I used my new incinerator bin for the first time and burnt a load of garden rubbish, I love a good fire :)
Up early and showered already. One load of washing already hanging on the line and the next load in. Making the most of a lovely sunny day.
Next job – cleaning the bathroom...DONE, thorough clean – even bleached :)
On to floor clearing/hoovering and mopping....DONE – I also cut another section of the old bedroom carpet out ( I am doing it bit by bit so I don't have to clear the whole room out and get to throw it away in my wheelie bin)
Second load of washing hung on line and third lot in :) Whilst out there I picked all the plum's I could reach and they are now stewing to make Plum & Amaretto Jam.
Wipe down kitchen cupboard/door fronts and kickboards.....DONE. I also got rid of a carrier bag of rubbish and a carrier bag of recycling.
Stewed plums now being strained, so technically it will end up being “jelly”
Bums....I got so carried away I forgot a MS, hope they let me rearrange :(
Third load of washing now drying. Have found 20 items of clothing, that's the easy bit done...all photographed and started to list on Turbolister ready for Sunday.
Off to OH's for the night and 2 MS's to do :)
Monday, 3 September 2012
MFi5 - Year 1
Well that's the first year of my MFi5 challenge to myself and I overpaid the grand total of £7,000!! I am actually really impressed with myself, it's not my target but it's a lot of money!!
I will carry on with the ideas for extra income that I put in place for the last year and add some extra's. The O/T idea was a bit of a non-goer as work got too stressful and we worked normal hours to preserve our sanity, I may do a few odd hours in this year as the stress levels have got a little more normal and I have had a pay rise so it will mean less hours to earn the extra I wanted to earn per idea :). The best ideas were Mystery Shopping which was my biggest extra income earner, savings from my monthly pay packet (ie not spending much), clicks/cash back/survey sites and saving road-kill (change on the road).
I think this year I will really try hard with Ebay too as I have masses of clutter that I'm sure can earn me some extra!
Wish me luck for Year 2!
I will carry on with the ideas for extra income that I put in place for the last year and add some extra's. The O/T idea was a bit of a non-goer as work got too stressful and we worked normal hours to preserve our sanity, I may do a few odd hours in this year as the stress levels have got a little more normal and I have had a pay rise so it will mean less hours to earn the extra I wanted to earn per idea :). The best ideas were Mystery Shopping which was my biggest extra income earner, savings from my monthly pay packet (ie not spending much), clicks/cash back/survey sites and saving road-kill (change on the road).
I think this year I will really try hard with Ebay too as I have masses of clutter that I'm sure can earn me some extra!
Wish me luck for Year 2!
Thursday, 21 June 2012
Wednesday, 20 June 2012
Fresh start....again
Well 2012 has so far been both stressful personally and at work.
Personally because my beloved Mum was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, luckily she was diagnosed early due to a (last) routine mammogram.
April and May have passed in blur of hospital appointments and the operation (nodes all clear), June will see the end of it with 3 weeks of Radiotherapy.
Everyone has been fantastic from both the Princess Anne Hospital (where the screening and radiotherapy happens) and Salisbury District Hospital (where the operation took place and Breast Cancer Nurses are) I am so very thankful to all of you. I realise how very lucky we are to have the NHS and their dedicated staff in this country!
Work because they are numpties – nough said. I can and will change my attitude to this because it's started making me ill :(
So on that note I have written myself a 20 before 41 list, well 40 things to do in 6 months is a big ask! 40 things in a year is too come to that ;)
1. Pay as much off mortgage as possible
2. Do a course to learn something new
3. Make new friends
4. Get a tattoo
5. Get plumber to fix bathroom
6. Make stuff for Etsy shop
7. Do a craft fair
8. Grow my own veg
9. Change job – either in the company or a new one
10. Blog more
11. Do a road trip in the UK
12. Tidy, tidy, tidy!
13. Laminate hall floor
14. Build gate fence in garden
15. Sort bay window floor
16. Sort electrics
17. Replace windows
18. Walk more
19. Cycle more
20. Be independent!
Personally because my beloved Mum was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, luckily she was diagnosed early due to a (last) routine mammogram.
April and May have passed in blur of hospital appointments and the operation (nodes all clear), June will see the end of it with 3 weeks of Radiotherapy.
Everyone has been fantastic from both the Princess Anne Hospital (where the screening and radiotherapy happens) and Salisbury District Hospital (where the operation took place and Breast Cancer Nurses are) I am so very thankful to all of you. I realise how very lucky we are to have the NHS and their dedicated staff in this country!
Work because they are numpties – nough said. I can and will change my attitude to this because it's started making me ill :(
So on that note I have written myself a 20 before 41 list, well 40 things to do in 6 months is a big ask! 40 things in a year is too come to that ;)
1. Pay as much off mortgage as possible
2. Do a course to learn something new
3. Make new friends
4. Get a tattoo
5. Get plumber to fix bathroom
6. Make stuff for Etsy shop
7. Do a craft fair
8. Grow my own veg
9. Change job – either in the company or a new one
10. Blog more
11. Do a road trip in the UK
12. Tidy, tidy, tidy!
13. Laminate hall floor
14. Build gate fence in garden
15. Sort bay window floor
16. Sort electrics
17. Replace windows
18. Walk more
19. Cycle more
20. Be independent!
Friday, 11 May 2012
Scary NYE
We had a awesome NYE party with friends - we went for a circus theme - this was the scariest!! You can't see the full effect in the photo but seeing his eyes through the mask was freaking everyone out big time.
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
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