Can Edinburgher be debt free and a mortgage holder by 30?

edinburgher

Beer Tins - I've only done a little reading, but I'm fairly sure that that salesman was fibbing! As far as I can see, GIA certification is only a mark of quality/reliability and doesn't relate to ethic at all.

http://www.gia.edu/about-gia/index.html

The main thing is that you cared enough to check in the first instance (even if you have been misadvised - again, I'm certainly not an expert).

The only ways to get a diamond which is guaranteed not to be a conflict diamond is by purchasing a lab created one, or getting one from Canada or Australia. Even these two options at the end aren't ideal, as there has been quite a lot of complaints raised as to the environmental impact of mining in Canada and Australia.

Amazing what you can find out online these days

InaPickle

beer_tins wrote: »

When I bought my wife's, the stone was GIA certified, which the guy said means it's not a blood diamond. I'm hoping that's true, if not I'd feel pretty bad...

edinburgher wrote: »

Beer Tins - I've only done a little reading, but I'm fairly sure that that salesman was fibbing! As far as I can see, GIA certification is only a mark of quality/reliability and doesn't relate to ethic at all.

http://www.gia.edu/about-gia/index.html

The main thing is that you cared enough to check in the first instance (even if you have been misadvised - again, I'm certainly not an expert).

The only ways to get a diamond which is guaranteed not to be a conflict diamond is by purchasing a lab created one, or getting one from Canada or Australia. Even these two options at the end aren't ideal, as there has been quite a lot of complaints raised as to the environmental impact of mining in Canada and Australia.

Amazing what you can find out online these days

TBH beer tins, I don't know too much about it, but I think my friend was getting at what Ed said about the GIA certification. And if you've done your best to get an ethical diamond, what more can you do? I just know that my friend would sooner not have one and be sure, but it's not possible to do that retrospectively in your case. I think you can sleep safe at night.

edinburgher

So snoozy - time to hibernate

Fairly relaxing day planned (housework all gone done yesterday evening, including washing the floors!) Taking a trip into town for a few small Christmas pressies and need to take back some library books. Then off to a fireworks display later on this evening.

Went in to a momentary tidying up mania this morning (thanks very much Mr Caffeine) and did the dishes, tackled last nights' casserole dish and threw out some elderly vitamins/food supplements etc. Have come to realise that I have no need of multivitamins/cod liver oil etc. as we have at least 4-5 portions of fruits and veg a day, plenty of nuts and seeds and a lot less red meat than we used to.

But still - more than enough excitement for a chilly Saturday morning - better settle down or I'll be dusting my jogging gear off next :eek:

doodledo_2

Afternoon Ed

edinburgher

Howdy Doodles! Take it the weekend is an improvement on the week so far? :eek:

Just got in from the shops (had to dash into town as the GF forgot a voucher that got her £7 off her new hairdo!)

doodledo_2

Weekend is ok so far. Got my new bank card today so can finally access my cash which is handy as cupboards are bare. DD is off to nannys tonight to give me a break, although the thought of being here alone isn't too appealing. Have been invited out but not in the mood to socialise.

Awww you're such a good bf. £7 off is definately worth a dash!

edinburgher

Have been invited out but not in the mood to socialise.

That's understandable. Anyway, stay safe and try to do something vaguely fun to keep your mind on other things (even if it's just a glass of wine and some online bingo!) Have you had any thoughts on making the old homestead a bit more secure? Additional locks, alarm etc.?

doodledo_2

Just chilling with BF and watching some TV.

Having a new door, and additional locks, work have arranged for an alarm with a direct link to 999 for the short term, so feel a little safer.

edinburgher

Having a new door, and additional locks, work have arranged for an alarm with a direct link to 999 for the short term, so feel a little safer.

Cool beans. Ah, chilling with BF - I bet you didn't think you'd be typing that a couple of months ago?

edinburgher

The fireworks were very good for a local display and it was surprisingly busy (over a thousand people, I'd say). It was the usual mix of a bit of classical music, a bit of John Williams and a lot of explosions, while children with glowsticks and mittens stood around and whined

We went to a really nice fish and chip shop beforehand which cooks a range of tasty fish (we went for the plaice) and had a cup of tea to go with it - which I think secretly amused the young rocker type who served us.

Up and about now and having a quick fiddle with me spreadsheets and trying to put together some Christmas lists. Let's just say I sympathise with my parents when we were young these days - trying to get actual ideas from most family members is like trying to get blood out of a stone! I've managed to pre-order a few albums etc. for the few relatives who've come up with ideas, but it's tough going. Ah well - tangerines for all...

Also managed to pay a few quid into my emergency fund, which is up to about £15 or so. I know that all the finance websites recommend keeping your money for emergencies in an easy access savings account, but I don't think it will hurt to have a couple hundred pounds in cash secreted away?

Right - off to cook dinner - slow cooked duck legs with pork belly, red onions, red pepper and mushrooms. Planning on bunging in fresh sliced ginger, juniper berries, bay leaves and peppercorns for spice.