tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6870356438299684002024-03-14T09:52:30.154+00:00The Fire SideNichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-26215301072260503152015-03-29T22:24:00.000+01:002015-03-29T22:24:31.200+01:00Change of scene. <div style="text-align: center;">
I should have posted this a long time ago, but I have started my own finance blog at:</div>
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<a href="http://www.thefrugalcottage.com/" target="_blank">The Frugal Cottage</a></div>
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which focuses on getting better with finances, and our dreams of early retirement and living in the country. </div>
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It would be lovely to see people over there, if you fancy a visit! </div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-39385452162285805932013-05-12T19:32:00.001+01:002013-05-12T19:32:28.160+01:00Meals for the week. <div style="text-align: center;">
Another week has finished, so it's time to look to the week again. </div>
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Our meals for this week are:</div>
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today - roast chicken and trimmings</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Monday</span></b> - chicken fajitas</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f6b26b;">Tuesday</span></b> - lasagne</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;">Wednesday</span></b> - quiche and salad</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Thursday</span></b> - pizza (DH) slim fast (me)</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">Friday</span></b> - breaded fish with chips and peas</div>
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Short and sweet today. </div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-34399131161799173582013-05-06T18:15:00.001+01:002013-05-06T18:15:11.272+01:00Our weekend in pictures. <div style="text-align: center;">
We've been upto Scotland for the May day weekend. I think these pictures sum it up quite well. </div>
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This was the view from our bedroom window. </div>
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Lots of driving through country lanes. </div>
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Met some lovely animals along the way. </div>
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Walks through the woodland. </div>
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It's been good. </div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-12190657347050013762013-05-03T16:59:00.001+01:002013-05-03T16:59:42.928+01:00Little things this week. <div style="text-align: center;">
Little things that have happened over this past week:</div>
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We are trying to get the cats used to a carry case, as their annual booster vaccinations are due soon. Django likes to get stuff from outside to put in his. Hmm, I don't think he's grasped that <i>he</i> has to go in there yet...</div>
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Every time I have a cup of tea, this happens. Every time. At least this time I'd drunk about half the cup before he'd got his nose in. </div>
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I've put this on our conservatory wall. Adding a little something to the wall, adding a little bit of personality in there. </div>
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And finally, I appear to be obsessed with bananas this week. Not that that's a bad thing.</div>
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What little things have happened to you this week?</div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-14966861240688594072013-05-01T21:32:00.001+01:002013-05-01T21:32:07.357+01:00Monthly aims: May 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
The month of May is here! We're going away for the long weekend this weekend, and I'm away again at the end of the month, which I'm looking forward to. This means that planning money carefully so that we can have the best time possible.</div>
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<b><u>My aims for May are:</u></b></div>
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- lose 4lbs</div>
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- Overpay £550</div>
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- Get the Emergency Fund to 40%</div>
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- Have 18 NSDs</div>
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I'm going to try really hard with eating healthy this month. It's getting warmer, which means I can't continue to hide in big baggy jumpers. </div>
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Slightly lower aim for the overpayment this month, which I'm hoping will balance out of the course of the year. </div>
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Finally, the no spend days are self explanatory, but here's hoping I'll succeed this time!</div>
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Here's to May, I am looking forward to it. </div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-80305156293591760202013-05-01T21:26:00.001+01:002013-05-01T21:26:15.915+01:00A month in review: April 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
Wooosh. Another month over - goodbye April!</div>
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I have to say April was again mixed. I feel like we've taken our eye off the ball money-wise this month, starting with the weekend away and then downhill from there.</div>
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<b><u>My aims for April were:</u></b></div>
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- lose 4lbs</div>
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- Overpay £600</div>
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- Get the Emergency Fund up to 25%</div>
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- Have 17 No Spend Days</div>
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- Have a date with DH</div>
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I'm really struggling with my weight at the moment - I appear to be an emotional/stress eater so I haven't been anywhere near weighing scales. I <i>need</i> to get a grip with this. </div>
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We've OP'd <b>£535.51</b> this month, which is short of the target but I'm not too worried. That's still a fantastic amount to pay off on top of our normal mortgage payment. </div>
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The emergency fund now stands at <b>32.7%</b> which is absolutely fantastic! I think I may focus more on this in the coming months, to try and get this finished by the end of 2013. </div>
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Only managed 13 NSDs this month, which is a poor attempt really. Like I said, I've taken my eye off the ball.</div>
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Me and DH have been out for a meal, so I guess that counts as a date! :) </div>
</span>Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-17473147474038521902013-04-21T15:01:00.001+01:002013-04-21T15:01:46.784+01:00Getting your grocery shopping cheaper. <div style="text-align: center;">
I thought I'd write a post on grocery shopping and how to make your weekly shop cheaper. Food is one area where everyone spends, but not everybody really takes notice of what they are buying. </div>
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We have some friends who are the same age as us, who don't understand why they never have any money. This weekend, I spent some time with them, and also went food shopping with me and, to be honest, I was amazed. They went round the supermarket, just popping any random thing that took their fancy in the shopping cart. </div>
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At the end, I asked them what kind of meals they were going to have this week, and my friend answered "Oh, I don't know. We'll work that out when we're going to eat."</div>
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How can you possibly go shopping for food (they spent over £80 in that shop) when you don't know what you need, what you're going to eat during the week, and what you already have in at home?</div>
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My tips are:</div>
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- <b><u>Plan your menu</u></b>. I can't stress this enough - knowing what you're going to make during the week is helpful for two reasons. 1 - you know what you're having so that you don't have to think about it during the week. 2 - you know what meals you're having so you know what ingredients you need to get. </div>
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- <b><u>Eat seasonal</u></b>. There's a reason why strawberries/raspberries/pineapples are really expensive in January - because they're not in season. Eat things that are seasonal, because they tend to be cheaper. </div>
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- <b><u>Go veggie</u></b>. Have one or twos meals during the week that don't include meat, as it's healthier and also lots cheaper. Maybe have a soup night once a week, again another cheap, healthy option. </div>
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-<b><u> Check what you have before you go</u></b>. Seriously, my friends didn't know if they needed anything, because they hadn't got a clue what was in their kitchen at home. Before you plan, check and see if anything needs eating up. That goes onto the menu first. Then, once you've written your menu, check and see what you have at home first - I bet it's more than you think! </div>
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-<b><u> Think about cost of food vs. calorie value.</u></b> This may seem a bit strange, but some things are cheap and easy to cook, and very good for you at the same time! Take porridge oats - get the basic ones as they're pretty much all the same. Oats are really good for you, and yet they don't cost too much. There's so many varieties you can do with oats - breakfast is an obvious one, but use them to bulk out meals too. Bananas are always on our list too, as they're cheap and nutritionally very good too. Same goes for eggs, </div>
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I hope that's helpful to someone. I've been to get some food today - a mixture of the market and the supermarket, and I've spent £21.32 on our weekly shop. Our menu for the week is:</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">today</span></b> - roast pork with the trimmings</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Monday</span></b> - chicken fajitas</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Tuesday</span></b> - pizza</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Wednesday</span></b> - coq au vin with rice</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Thursday</span></b> - pasta with sauce</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Friday</span></b> - fish and chips </div>
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I love food.</div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-74835847154004368612013-04-19T17:32:00.002+01:002013-04-19T17:32:34.764+01:00Finding my way through stuff. <div style="text-align: center;">
I'm a list person - I always have lists around of things I need to do, things I need to remember, things I need to buy. There's lists around our house, which sometimes get updated and sometimes not. </div>
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This weekend, I need to:</div>
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- plan our weekly menu</div>
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- go food shopping (I'm thinking I might try to avoid the supermarket!)</div>
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- hoover the downstairs</div>
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- tidy up the garden at the front</div>
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- work out where me and my friend are going to eat tomorrow night</div>
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- update our financial spreadsheet</div>
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For now though, I am just enjoying the sunshine. </div>
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There's always stuff to do, stuff to sort and stuff to figure out. It's about finding a balance, and that's something that's still a bit of a way off for me. </div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-46911923044018245202013-04-14T14:25:00.000+01:002013-04-14T14:25:21.544+01:00This week. <div style="text-align: center;">
This week I have:</div>
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- tried to persuade DH to let me buy this lamp</div>
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- Ate yummy, healthy food</div>
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- Went walking around Ullswater in the Lakes</div>
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It's been a good week. </div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-85484585346748760482013-04-09T11:51:00.003+01:002013-04-09T11:51:56.306+01:00Little things.<div style="text-align: center;">
Little things that I am loving this week:</div>
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This little jug is my anniversary present from DH - it's so cute and the colours are lovely. The only problem is, I don't know where to put it! </div>
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I treated myself to this candle whilst we were away last weekend - the smell is amazing so I haven't had to light it yet, as it scents the room already. I love candles, they make rooms so cosy when they're lit. </div>
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This wall clock was a present to us for our anniversary - it looks lovely in our newly finished (ish) living room and I now know what time is it when we're in there! </div>
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Treated myself to these pretty shoes - these were not expensive but will liven up a jeans/jumper outfit. Win!</div>
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And finally:</div>
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A purple Le Creuset teapot! This was in the sale, and I couldn't resist. It's a big teapot, so I now have to wait until we have company to use it, but I love it. </div>
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What little things are making you smile this week?</div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-69671831269538688762013-04-05T18:45:00.002+01:002013-04-05T18:45:58.291+01:00Visiting family. <div align="center">
I have had a couple of people asking about No Spend Days - I generally don't take any money to work with me during the week, so I don't spend then. I do most of our shopping at the weekend, so if there's something I want, I'll buy it at the weekend :)</div>
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This week has been spent visiting family down South. It's been lovely to see them and to get away again - we're trying to make the most of the break and see people and get out in the countryside whilst the weather is still fine. It's been cold, but dry which is the main thing. </div>
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We've been to Gloucester and the surrounding villages, where we've been for some walks.</div>
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We also went to look round the cathedral, which was very impressive. The choir was practising whilst we were there too, so it was lovely to sit and listen to the choral members sing. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLlIMdf85eE/UV8M8JmRtTI/AAAAAAAAA4E/3YaJCHwaa8k/s1600/DSC01742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MLlIMdf85eE/UV8M8JmRtTI/AAAAAAAAA4E/3YaJCHwaa8k/s640/DSC01742.JPG" width="640" /></a>What a lovely way to spend some time. We've been for a walk in the Forest of Dean today, but I didn't get any photos - I forgot! Oh well. </div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-74786498668559012562013-04-02T10:20:00.000+01:002013-04-02T10:20:06.601+01:00Monthly aims: April 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
A new month always makes me want to review finances, and to see if we're on track. April is a relatively quite month for us, so I'm hoping that that will equate low spends! We shall see.</div>
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<b><u>My aims for April are:</u></b></div>
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- lose 4lbs</div>
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- Overpay £600</div>
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- Get the Emergency Fund up to 25%</div>
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- Have 17 No Spend Days</div>
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- Have a date with DH</div>
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Again, my aims are similar to last month's but then I suppose they always will be. I'm hoping to continue to lose weight. I want to overpay by £600 but we shall see. I am determined to get the Emergency Fund up to 25% this month. </div>
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We got a £20 Pizza Hut voucher given to us last week, so I'm going to make DH go on a date with me this month and we'll go there. </div>
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Here's to April! </div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-88014193314615154812013-04-02T10:17:00.000+01:002013-04-02T10:17:07.285+01:00A month in review: March 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
This is slightly late, but never mind. I can't believe another month is over - how fast is 2013 going!? </div>
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March has been up and down - it's been a very busy month for one reason or another, and money has slipped slightly. </div>
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<b><u>My aims for March were:</u></b></div>
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- lose 4lbs</div>
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- Overpay £600</div>
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- Put £300 in the Emergency Fund</div>
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- Have 18 No Spend Days</div>
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- Buy a new coat!</div>
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I've lost 3lbs, which is good going for me. I'm going to continue to try and eat healthy, though this past weekend is not a good indication of that...!</div>
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I've OP'ed the mortgage by £605.48 so I'm pleased with that. I don't know if we can continue with the big numbers for much longer, but it'll be good as long as we can sustain it.</div>
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Now, I've put nothing into the emergency fund this month. Nothing at all. Bad. </div>
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I've had 17 NSDs this month, so one short of target. I'm pretty pleased with that. </div>
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And, finally, I've bought a new coat! I shall post about it, but it's very nice and I am glad I took the plunge and bought a new one - I think it was 7 years ago since I bought a new coat. Oops!</div>
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So, overall, finance wise March has been okay. Not great, but okay. </div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-4087687205997680682013-04-01T17:42:00.001+01:002013-04-01T17:42:19.632+01:00Our anniversary weekend away. <div style="text-align: center;">
Yesterday was our first wedding anniversary. It seems mad that our wedding was a year ago already. How time flies!</div>
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We went up to Bamburgh in Northumberland for the long weekend. We stayed at the Victoria Hotel, where we had a beautiful room complete with a four poster bed. The hotel itself is luxurious and modern, and a short walk away from Bamburgh castle. The breakfast there was very good - a big selection of cereal, porridge, fruit, yogurt and various pasties, followed by cooked food, such as a full English breakfast, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, smoked haddock with an egg and things like egg on toast, egg with soldiers and other lighter options. All very nice and very filling. </div>
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We did lots of walking around, lots of time spent on the beach taking in the scenery. We purposely didn't worry about money this weekend, eating out every night in different places, and buying things to eat for lunch. </div>
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Just a few pictures:</div>
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A view of Bamburgh castle from the beach</div>
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The beach in Bamburgh - less than a 5 minute walk from the hotel</div>
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This is at Alnmouth, where the river meets the sea. </div>
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Me walking on yet another beach</div>
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It was a lovely weekend away and I now want to live up there! A perfect first anniversary weekend. </div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-19609454531175500552013-03-23T14:57:00.002+00:002013-03-23T14:57:40.619+00:00Simple things and daft cats. <div style="text-align: center;">
Well, another week is done. There are 4 working days til the Easter holidays. 8 days until our first wedding anniversary (where did that go?!). </div>
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We've not had any snow this week, though it has been bitterly cold and very windy. We've had to turn the heating up again as our house has been very cold, so I hope that doesn't mean our DD will need to go up. </div>
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You know I posted a bit ago about not getting a new coat? I've changed my mind. I've ordered one, and it should be here during the week. I shall post about it when it arrives. </div>
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Tonight me and the husband are going out for a meal, followed by a concert in a church, with local singers performing. It should be a lovely evening, and I'm looking forward to spending some time just the two of us. I can't decide what to wear though - do I go for comfort or glam? I'm sure comfort will win out this evening, as it's so cold outside. We shall see!</div>
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And talking of daft cats, this sight greeted me earlier:</div>
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Django is guarding a pair of my socks - as in, he wouldn't let them go! I'd put them out on the bed, and the next moment, he'd got hold of them and was guarding them. The way he was looking just seemed as if he was saying "Go on, I dare you to try and get them!" Luna then decided to go to his side, so both of them were just sat watching me, with the socks. They are daft, and cute. </div>
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Happy Saturday everyone x </div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-6478798866804735432013-03-18T18:57:00.000+00:002013-03-18T18:57:30.595+00:00Comfort and ease. <div style="text-align: center;">
I like nothing better than coming home from work and relaxing. I don't want to spend lots of time doing stuff when I get home; home time is for relaxing, spending time with family and winding down after a hectic day. </div>
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And that includes food and cooking. I love cooking, but the last thing I want to do after a long day at work is slave away for ages over a meal - I want something nice, simple and easy. </div>
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This is what we had for tea tonight:</div>
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The potatoes, onion and peas were things we had in already. That's a pork shoulder steak on the plate too, which cost 75p and we needed apple sauce too. But, a very tasty meal which doesn't cost much and little effort in cooking is the best one in my book. </div>
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Happy Monday. </div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-27541233330540014002013-03-16T11:24:00.001+00:002013-03-16T11:24:59.219+00:00My 100th post. <div style="text-align: center;">
When I first started this blog, I didn't really know what I wanted from it. I wanted to write about our lives, but not really sure about what I would actually write about. Our lives are not that exciting, we're just a young couple trying to do our best. </div>
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But, I do enjoy it. It's nice to look back over posts and see what was going on. I love reading other people's blogs, getting glimpses into other lives, all around the world. I love looking at photographs that capture little moments in time, sometimes happy and sometimes not. </div>
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I just want to say thank you if you ever read my blog, or if you comment. I love reading comments from people who can offer advice when I need it, or encouragement when things aren't going well. </div>
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The blogging community is amazing. </div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-15226141395140841592013-03-10T19:11:00.000+00:002013-03-10T19:11:27.893+00:00Meals for the week. <div style="text-align: center;">
I have not had time at all this week to get online really, so not had chance to write a post. I've not really done much, except work has been really busy, so spent most evenings doing stuff or sleeping as I'm shattered. </div>
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Our meals for this week are:</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">today</span></b> - roast lamb with veg and gravy</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Monday</span></b> - spag bol with garlic bread</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Tuesday</span></b> - pizza (DH) soup (me)</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Wednesday</span></b> - summer-in-winter chicken with rice</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><b>Thursday</b></span> - pasta (DH) slim fast (me)</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Friday</span></b> - grilled pork chops with apple sauce and mash</div>
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Lots of simple recipes this week that require little concentration and effort, which is always a bonus. </div>
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I've had a bit of a financial wobble this week. I'll post more on that tomorrow, and perhaps ask some advice on various things. Ho hum. </div>
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What I wouldn't give to be somewhere warm right now, for a relax....</div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-46723546401051396682013-03-03T11:55:00.001+00:002013-03-03T11:55:29.486+00:00Meals for the week. <div style="text-align: center;">
As per usual, Sunday's post is about the meals for the week and food shopping.</div>
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I was disappointed <a href="http://thefireside789.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/an-upset-and-enlightening.html" target="_blank">last week</a> when we spent quite a lot at the supermarket, and was determined not to have a repeat of that! Due to using some of the things in the freezer and careful planning, our spends at the supermarket this week was £38.31 - that's more like it! This total even included some beer for DH, so I'm very pleased with that. </div>
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<u>Our meals for this week are:</u></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">today</span></b> - out at the in-laws for Sunday dinner</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Monday</span></b> - coconut prawn curry</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Tuesday</span></b> -pizza </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Wednesday</span></b> - chicken fajitas and salad</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">Thursday </span></b>- pasta and sauce (DH) slim fast (me)</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Friday</span></b> - spaghetti bolognaise with garlic bread</div>
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Lots of stuff to be used from the fridge and freezer for this week's meals. </div>
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A little confession next... I've given up chocolate, crisps, biscuits, cake and sweets for Lent, as I do every year. This year though, I'm finding chocolate especially hard, not sure why. So, I've been planning (as you do!) for when Lent is over. DH has a chocolate bar every day with his lunch, as he walk 7-8 miles a day in his job, so he can eat quite a bit. We buy chocolate bars on offer/whatever the best deal is. Over the past two weeks, I've been snaffling some of DH's chocolate bars and keeping them safe in a box.....:</div>
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Mmm.... the only thing I haven't bought in this box is the bag of peanut butter cup miniatures - they were a Christmas present - and all the rest were on good deals. I'm especially looking forward to the peanut butter kit kat chunky - yes, I'm cool! </div>
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Have you given anything up for Lent? How are you finding it?</div>
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Happy Sunday everyone. </div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-58758532582981053042013-03-02T11:57:00.000+00:002013-03-02T11:57:11.252+00:00Good intentions. <div style="text-align: center;">
When I went out this morning, I had every intention of buying a coat. I researched on the internet last night, and found one I liked the look of. I had £30 worth of vouchers for the store, and it looked like it would last a long time and worth the money. </div>
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But, as I was driving into town, I was thinking, do I really need to buy a new coat now? Hopefully the cold weather is behind us - the sun is shining today and I didn't even need to wear a coat this morning. So, do I really need to buy one? </div>
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I didn't, in the end. When I get into town, the shop didn't even have the coat in stock, so I couldn't try it on. I'm always wary of ordering online, as I like to try clothes on first. I did look at some alternatives, but I didn't particularly like them. So, no coat purchased. </div>
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I then took my time over a cinnamon latte and bacon roll from Costa, which was a lovely Saturday morning treat. I read a newspaper whilst slurping my coffee. </div>
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I then went for a browse, and ended up buying a scarf from Fat Face:</div>
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The material is so soft, and the colours are just lovely. To be honest, I could have bought a lot more from there, but restrained myself. This was enough! Not sure what the husband creature will say - I have quite a lot of scarves already... I'm a scarf person apparently. </div>
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Right, I'm off to read my book in the conservatory, where two cats are snoozing in the sunshine. I love weekends. </div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-75002469821347035002013-03-01T11:57:00.000+00:002013-03-02T11:57:58.996+00:00Monthly aims: March 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know about anything else, but I can't believe it's March. 2013 is going so quickly!</div>
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<b><u>My aims for March are:</u></b></div>
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- lose 4lbs</div>
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- Overpay £600</div>
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- Put £300 in the Emergency Fund</div>
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- Have 18 No Spend Days</div>
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- Buy a new coat!</div>
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I'm going to try and lose 1lb a week this month. I'm getting on the right track/right frame of mind for this, so it's just a case of continuing and being strong and staying away from certain foods....</div>
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I'm going to aim to overpay £600, but it might not be as much as that this month, we shall see. I have worked out that our daily interest on our mortgage is £10.98 which seems like a high amount, so the sooner that can be under £10 a day, the better! </div>
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Still plodding along with the Emergency Fund. I was hoping to get it to 25% by the end of the month, but that means nearly £400 to put in by the end of the month, and I think that'll be pushing it. </div>
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I desperately need a new coat, but I'm hoping not to spend too much (as always!) I've got a couple of vouchers to spend, so I'm going to have a browse. </div>
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I am looking forward to March; at the end of the month it'll be our first wedding anniversary. I can't believe a year ago began the most stressful month ever, ending with a perfect day. It's almost a year away, and yet it doesn't seem that long ago. We're going to Bamburgh for a long weekend, where we'll spend time looking at the sights, enjoying meals out and having a relax. DH proposed at Seahouses, so we might pop there too, we shall see! </div>
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I can't wait! Here's to March. </div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-2395061206847792902013-02-28T17:05:00.000+00:002013-02-28T17:05:02.062+00:00A month in review: February 2013 <div style="text-align: center;">
The end of the month, again! February has definitely gone fast. It's been up and down again this month, though work is getting slightly easier, so should see that as a positive! I keep toying with different ideas, work-wise, but it would take an awful lot of courage and lots of planning, so I think it'll have to sit on the back burner for now... </div>
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My aims for February were:</div>
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- Lose 4lbs</div>
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- Overpay £700</div>
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- Put £300 in Emergency Fund</div>
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- Have 16 No Spend Days</div>
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- Make a new type of loaf</div>
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I've lost 2lbs this month. Now, again not as much as I'd hoped, but I am getting more into the healthy eating again. I've given up chocolate, crisps, sweets, biscuits and cake for Lent, which is certainly helping! </div>
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We've over-payed £640.40 this month, so a bit short of my target. However, I think that's still a fantastic amount to overpay, and we've done a lot in the house during the month, so that fact we've still managed to pull off a big number is big achievement. </div>
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I've also managed to put £300 into the emergency fund, which just shows that we can do this, if we plan accordingly. I keep changing my mind about what I want our emergency fund to contain, between 6 months, 9 months or 12 months, and then whether it's just mortgage payment and council tax payment in there, or all bills, or all outgoings. Hmm. </div>
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I've had 16 No Spend Days this month, just. Today marks the 16th one. I am finding that not taking my purse to work helps enormously, as I just don't have any money to spend!</div>
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I haven't made a loaf of bread, not even though about it to be honest. </div>
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I managed to get a free book today, on freezing food, of all things! It looks interesting....:</div>
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There are some interesting recipes in here, which I will have to attempt soon! </div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-9573890847616089822013-02-24T16:24:00.003+00:002013-02-24T16:24:32.124+00:00Meals for the week. <div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you for the kind comments on yesterday's post, I really do appreciate them and thank you for taking the time to make a response. Half the problem with spending and meal planning is that we don't have a lot in our freezer! However, I intend March to be a very frugal month, watch this space....</div>
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The weekend is almost over, and so work begins again tomorrow. Today has been a relaxing day, although I've marked about 200 books, and I intend to spend the rest of the evening doing nothing. </div>
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Our meals for the week look like this:</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">today</span></b> - toad-in-the-hole with mash and gravy</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">Monday</span></b> - mushroom and chickpea burgers with salad</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><b>Tuesday</b></span> - pizza (DH) slim fast (me)</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">Wednesday</span></b> - chilli and rice</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">Thursday</span></b> - pasta (DH) slim fast (me)</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Friday </span></b>- scampi, chips and peas</div>
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I was going to take a picture of the toad in the hole, but it didn't look great. It's the first time I've made it today, and I'm still getting used to our oven, but it was a bit browner than it was supposed to be...! Still, covered in gravy and a side of mash, it soon disappeared from our plates. I'm debating whether or not to make some flapkjacks in a bit, I think I might. </div>
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So, instead of a foodie picture, here's a picture of two cats snoozing:</div>
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They really do snuggle into each other when they're sleeping - it's so cute. </div>
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By the way, how gorgeous is that quilt? It was a wedding present, and I love it. Handmade and took months, and one of my favourite things. The cats appreciate it too! </div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-70633770970137760862013-02-23T20:22:00.002+00:002013-02-23T20:22:45.904+00:00An upset and an enlightening. <div style="text-align: center;">
Now, I'm going to say that I might sound a bit over-dramatic in this post, but I'm upset, with myself more than anything. </div>
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You see, me and the husband creature went food shopping today, as we normally do on a weekend, armed with a shopping list and a menu in place for the week. We wandered round, getting what was on the list and only one thing in our trolley by the end of the shop was not on the list. That was a meal in the reduced section, which is now in the freezer. </div>
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Sounds fine, right? But, this shop came to £80.22....! Yep, over £80. I couldn't believe it, yet it was almost £90 before all the offers kicked in. As I scanned the receipt, I couldn't see anything that wasn't essential. [Apart from the supermarket's own brand of amaretto I suppose, but that'll last me months!] We did buy cat food, which will last the month. I got some more shampoo and conditioner, but it was half price. We got some laundry detergent that was on offer, which will last us about two months. But still, I was shocked. That's the most we've <i>ever</i> spent on a grocery shop.</div>
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I'm also upset with myself. I feel like I've taken my eye off the ball. Spends keep creeping up. We can't afford to spend that much on shopping each week. That, combined with the petrol I got on the way home, mean we'd spent over £130 in just over an hour, on things we need to get through the week. </div>
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I need to address our spending, Look at outgoings. See where we can make cutbacks again, so that we can continue to over pay our mortgage so that we don't have it for the 25 years it's supposed to run for. </div>
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Why is money the solution/problem always? I'm finding life a bit overwhelming at the moment, if I'm honest. </div>
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This photo shows my current love for breakfast - cinnamon and raisin toast. I'm toying with the idea of trying to make my own, but worry it'd be rubbish. Also, this is with natural light, and a much better photo. </div>
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This is what we've just had for tea and what a rubbish photo this is. I need to get a better camera. It needs to be light [oh summer, where are you?]</div>
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Gosh, what a grumpy mood I seem to be in. I think it's the lack of chocolate [I've given it up for Lent, along with crisps, biscuits and cake] That's my excuse, anyway. </div>
Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-687035643829968400.post-73295636686998033032013-02-22T18:19:00.000+00:002013-02-22T18:19:03.647+00:00A whirlwind week.<div style="text-align: center;">
I always find that holidays go so fast, it's annoying in a way. We've been really busy this week, decorating the lounge, searching for furniture, choosing carpets (first time!) and other things. It's been busier than I like to be on holiday really, but that's part of being a home owner I suppose!</div>
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It's payday on Monday and I'm going to look at overpaying again, plus looking at the emergency fund and putting some in there too. I also need to re-budget for next month as we've spent more than we should have in February. </div>
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Tonight is going to be spent eating popcorn, watching a film and candles burning away. Nothing like a relaxing evening with the one you love. </div>
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Nichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14877605288040941045noreply@blogger.com1