Champagne Lifestyle Lemonade Budget (My attempts to get debt free by April 2010)

Swinstie73

Don't worry about the tops, a) they were for holidays and b) two for £7 is brilliant! Chilli bean soup sounds lush, I need to make more soup to stop me buying lunches for work!

Claw_back_money

I hope I'm as restrained as you when I eventually get debt free, it sounds like you got some bargainous things that you really wanted, and that you've stopped spending now you've got them.
I love mushrooms - that lasagna sounds lush! Is it from the same cookery book?

Cbm

Sun_Addict

Cbm - what's this word restrained? Me? I think you've got the wrong person. Lasagne is a WeightWatchers recipe. Can't remember all the ingredients off by heart but if I find a link to it I'll post it on here.

Had a half day flexi this morning and wandered around the shops and had a coffee before going into work. Thankfully didn't buy anything BUT was VERY tempted by a bright pink short lightweight mac in BHS (tried it on twice). Thought it would do very nicely for holiday to wear on the plane and if I needed it at night if it was a bit chilly and then for the summer afterwards. However, will only buy it IF and only IF they do a 20% off day this weekend and then I suppose I shouldn't really but you know what it's like.

Sun_Addict

Cbm - here is link to the recipe.

http://www.nigella.com/recipe/recipe_print.aspx?rid=22118

Claw_back_money

Thanks for the recipe - it looks lush. I didn't know that lasagna was possible in a weight watching version; I thought cheese sauce was always bad! I will give it a go next week.
If you fitted something on twice and then left it I would call that restrained, rather than the sort of buying where people just get swept along into buying something without proper thought. Its a shame you want it for your hols and can't buy it online with codes and quidco etc.

Cbm

Sun_Addict

Hi all! One more working day to go until my holiday :j

Cbm - I always make my cheese sauce with sauce flour, skimmed milk and low fat cheese - no butter or marg. I add a spoonful of wholegrain mustard to make it tastier.

Still resisting the jacket but Debenhams have a very similar one in their sale for just £21!! Might go and investigate tomorrow lunchtime. Don't really need it though as I have a bright pink jacket which would suffice. I don't want to start slipping back into my old ways.

Been doing lots of shopping for DD who is staying at home while we're on holiday. She probably won't eat half of it but at least she can't moan there's nothing to eat! Last time I stocked her up when we went on holiday she lived on takeaways most of the time.

We are packing up to move office at work. At the moment I'm surrounded by crates. Basically they are cramming more people into a smaller space to save money. Went to have a look at the new set up this morning and we're going to be like battery hens. Where I am now I have loads of space and just have cupboards behind me so it's quite private. Doubt if I'll be able to be on MSE as much as I am now. The new desks are literally right next to each other - so close together half the office will be able to see what I've got on my screen! I don't get a lot of time when I get home what with the running, cooking and cleaning. I get home at 5, am in the bath at 9 and in bed before 10 as I have to get up at 05.40. Thankfully they are moving while I'm on holiday so hopefully all teething problems will be sorted by the time I get back. Not looking forward to it though.

This week is the first full week's work OH has done in ages and he is totally shattered! He's glad about it obviously but not used to it. Long may it continue. All he's been waiting for is the weather to pick up as that's what's been holding up his jobs.

Been scouring this site looking for ideas to cut down my grocery budget as I'd like to do this but painlessly if possible! At the moment I spend about £280 a month including household stuff for 3 adults and 1 cat which I know could be improved on. The problem is no one eats the same thing in our house so there are 3 different meals going off every night. I look in envy at other peoples menu plans on this site and wish I could do the same. I'm cheap to run as I don't eat meat, just a bit of fish a couple of times a week but it's the other two! I've already cut the grocery bill down from what it used to be a couple of years ago but would like to cut down further.

Eek - just realised it's time to pack away to go home! Getting carried away again making the most of it while I can! Have a good night everyone!

beanielou

Have a great holiday

Claw_back_money

This will be your last working day before your hols then! Make the most of the frost and bitter cold lol.

It sounds like your office is going to be quite different when you get back - excellent timing though to miss all the confusion.

Have a great holiday

Cbm

Sun_Addict

Friday at last :beer:

Just finishing last bit of packing crates for office move. Will be sad to leave this office but the new one is brighter and airier at least.

Finally bought a short mac for holiday. You knew I would! Got it from Debenhams for just £24.75 with the 25% off so very pleased with that. It's a lovely bright coral colour - I love bright colours.

Went to pick up my Boots online order from the store and they hadn't sent me the electrical item as it was out of stock and they didn't charge me for it. So got the No 7 toner plus free cosmetic bag gift with loads of stuff in it for just £2.50!!! :money: VERY happy with that!!!!

The non bargain of the day is I went to pick up my pre-ordered Euros and sterling has gone down since I ordered them so I had to pay £10 more than I thought. You win some you lose some.

Off to Lanzarote on Monday :j leaving DD in charge of house and cat (mmm). She has been warned no parties.

Will be back after my hols. Have a great weekend everyone!

beanielou

How old is your DD then?
Happy holiday & happy new mac