Live on £4000 for a Year, 2009 Challenge, part 1

lyndasharp

Thanks for the tax advice CW, I'll just leave it for now then and hope it reappears next time round. If not it'll be a nice bonus later in the year...

dND, haven't made it to Tyntesfield yet. So far I have been to Wimpole, Standen, Dunham Massey, Attingham Park and Belton House - then Osterley House next week. There should be a Tyntesfield trip soon though! I'm now working from home for the afternoon :-)

Bf's car failed on brakes but it's being fixed at the moment, and should be finished today.

JAMIEDODGER

Just an update.....

So far this month I have spent £510.86. Not much left of January budget as I have been seriously stockpiling in the last week or so. I expect to be over budget in January (and possibly February too) but I should see it come back down in March:)

£591.60 per month x 12 = 7099.20

Jan so far £510.86 leaves £80.74 for remaining 8 days.

skint_chick

mumzy have you thought about sticking an ad on your local gumtree for hen parties/work colleagues etc getting together in a group and having an avon party - like an ann summers party idea - you would be going to someone else's house but you could maybe rope in a friend to help you and give them makeovers. You could get them to do a clothes swap at the same time. And you could always do the Avon on a Sat/Sun afternoon before dark if you're worried about being out and about.

And there's always women's groups/older people that have groups in local church/school halls - even mother and baby groups - you could maybe try finding out about these. Ad in your local newsagent? Maybe none of these will work but worth a shot. Good luck with it - my aunt used to do it and it takes a while to build up regulars but once you have them then they can spread the word to their friends and family.

bails

Skint chick, I'm so pleased you've gone for the new job, I hope it brings you much happiness.
Get well soon Janey,Fizzel and SM. One thing I've learnt is that you can't take care of others unless you look after yourself; a lesson I've learnt the very hard way x
Great new about OH's job SFT :T and DH's payrise Whitewing :T Lovely to hear the exercise is boosting you so much too :T
I was doing well this morning but have crashed after a long phonecall with tutee's mum. I have given too much of myself recently and am now curled up in bed with the cats for company. I've got my background reading delivered for the MA - 'Promoting Children's Mental Health' - so hope to look at that once rested
Will review my spends at end of month; think things pretty good so far, just extra stockpiling spends which will even out. Which reminds me, made special trip to Tesco but no 25p tin toms anywhere - was I just unlucky or no longer around?
Have a lovely afternoon all x
ps dND hope you don't think I'm being nosy but I'd love to hear some more about your move to France and what your plans are.

Marru

Hello all,

I can't believe I am saying this but today I have wished I would still be in London. I will have a major transport problem next week. My car key has not come from the dealer and it can come any day, we just don't know which.

I could try to extend my hire car for next week but the b****rs won't answer their phone, I could try to get another hire car with no hidden extras but that would cost me £160 for 7 days that I really couldn't afford, other option would be taxi to take DD to nursery and pick up but that would cost the same if the key won't arrive until Friday and on top of that I would need to pay for busses if I need to go somewhere during the day, plus that I wouldn't then be able to do my dog walking as I couldn't get to him. AAARRRGHHH!!! I think I just need to bite the bullet and get another hire car if I can't extend this one but rent payment for February is a bit too close for comfort.

Ok on the positive note I just found out today that DD got a place in the school that was my first choise so WOOHOO for that. I hadn't realised it had been bothering me until I experienced a big relief.

Not an NSD today as needed to go to petshop. Spent £10 under budget plus couldn't get wood chipping. Need to pop into my now ex placement tomorrow morning to buy some before taking the car back. Tonight need to turn tomato sauce I have in fridge into pasta bake and that should feed us hopefully tomorrow.

Have a relaxing Friday evening everybody. I think I will blow the budget completely and get myself something a bit stronger than tea for tonight. It has been that kind of a week. Also need to get some chocolate to take to stables tomorrow as a thank you for girls there.

Marru

savingfortravel

Hi Everyone!!

Can you help..I need to prep some CHINESE FOOD for my class to eat next week. Can't buy it in as have 2 children with severe nut allergies. I have no idea what to cook. Any recipes or ideas appreciated. Thanks SFT

bails

Marru, house = basic need, car does not. 'I think I will blow the budget completely'

SFT, I'm not sure exactly what you're trying to do, just let them taste it presumably instead of cook it (I think yours are proper littlies right?) but maybe you could grow some beansprouts with them as part of it? No idea what to cook either, I'm sure our resident chefs will though Good luck with it and thanks again for the PM x

Skintchick, I meant to say earlier - your dad may not understand your decision and that is his issue and not yours. That's not meant to sound harsh, just that parents often have different mindsets and 'dreams' for their offspring. Ultimately he will want you to be happy and in time he'll see that your choice brings you that.

mumzyof2

skint_chick wrote: »

mumzy have you thought about sticking an ad on your local gumtree for hen parties/work colleagues etc getting together in a group and having an avon party - like an ann summers party idea - you would be going to someone else's house but you could maybe rope in a friend to help you and give them makeovers. You could get them to do a clothes swap at the same time. And you could always do the Avon on a Sat/Sun afternoon before dark if you're worried about being out and about.

And there's always women's groups/older people that have groups in local church/school halls - even mother and baby groups - you could maybe try finding out about these. Ad in your local newsagent? Maybe none of these will work but worth a shot. Good luck with it - my aunt used to do it and it takes a while to build up regulars but once you have them then they can spread the word to their friends and family.

I would not have the confidence to go to someones house and do a avon party
I mentioned it in school playground to one woman and she wants a book and shes a beautican too!!

sophiesmum_2

savingfortravel wrote: »

Hi Everyone!!

Can you help..I need to prep some CHINESE FOOD for my class to eat next week. Can't buy it in as have 2 children with severe nut allergies. I have no idea what to cook. Any recipes or ideas appreciated. Thanks SFT

Lots of easy stuff to do:

boiled / fried rice (add whatever you like or leave plain)

little pancakes - shredded spring onions, cucumber - shredded duck
different sauces for dipping - plum sauce, soy sauce , sweet and sour

stir fry vegetables

noodles

prawn crackers

clear soups with little egg drops in

lychees fortune cookies green tea

bails

Has everything gone pink for everyone? I'm not keen on pink...can't we have blue?

I knew you'd be able to help SM, mind was blank here.