Pen's phase 2 -the long debt slog and de-clutter

penelopedee_2

Time to start a new diary I think. Spring must be on its way as I'm now on a de-cluttering mission as well as the debt busting.

Spends today have been minimal - one cheap hair cut and I managed to get the weekly groceries for around £50 (which is amazing for us as its normally closer to £100). I know I could get it lower OS but DH is catering for us at the moment and whilst he keeps to our meal plan he needs a bit of help with the sauces etc. But at least he making the effort and its lovely to have cooked tea on the table when I come home.

Now my job has been made permanent I can stop panicing and start budgetting properly again. DH is still out of work but we've enough to live on and also chip away at the debt monster - will just take longer than I'd like.

I've also decided that our house is cluttered with a right pile of rubbish. Most of it is tat that needs to be sorted and binned/recycled but there is a bit of decent stuff that can go to charity. I'm not going to do ebay as that's where some of our troubles started in the past.

So Wednesday I cleared out one of my wardrobes - 4 bin bags sent to the charity shop (thats only the tip of the iceberg). Took just 1/2 hour to pull it all out, and only put back in the things I really like or that I wear a lot and its been much nicer to get ready for work the last couple of days. Shoes and boots will be next; how many pairs could a girl need, I've only one pair of feet!

Today I attacked a couple of the kitchen cupboards (better than out spending). Not much to go but I've found the cheese grater that disappeared at Christmas.

Nothing very exciting happening as usual, just off to make sure there is a bottle of white chillin ready for sports relief tonight. Nice cheap family evening in.:beer:

EssexHebridean

Woot woot! New diary!!

Well done on the grocery spend AND the decluttering - sounds like great progress. Actually you've shamed me into think I really should do something about sorting out my wardrobe too - I have a half-hearted go every now and then but it really needs a proper sort out.

penelopedee_2

Hi EH, I'll never win the clutter battle as DH and DS are both hoarders. But at least I can keep my side of things to a minimum.

Not too bad spend wise today, had to get a birthday present but kept that to under £10 and I did treat myself to another bottle of white (only a cheap one though so lets hope its not too nasty).

Got the news yesterday that DH is finally going to be laid off properly, with a bit of redundancy (but only the bare minimum). Whilst its a bit sad, he has hated the situation over the last year or so and its like a massive weight now has been lifted off both our shoulders. Moneywise we will manage - I'm as determined as ever. I refuse to let that side of it get me down.

Emptied out the shoe cupboard today and have put 5 pairs out for charity (they don't even fit me, nevermind get worn!). I also put a few pairs of long winter boots into the storage under the bed as I find it too warm for tights and boots at this time of year. So on Monday morning I should be able to find both clothes and shoes suitable for work.

Not a lot else going on here today, just waiting for the boys to come home and then I'm cooking chinese for tonight (not from scratch but a lot cheaper than a takeaway).

Here's to a nice cosy Saturday evening :beer:

*Jellie*

Happy new diary!
Your inspiring me to do a bit more decluttering this weekend.
I'm thinking underwear and shoes are next on the list!

penelopedee_2

Cheers Jellie, it was the underwear drawers that started me off. Had a temper tantrum one morning when I couldn't find anything that matched or fitted. I cleared out over a bin liners worth! Not much left but at least its nice and wearable.

*Jellie*

I can see me managing a bin bag full too! I've realised lots of mine is now looking a bit tatty or doesn't fit well so I need to try it all on and be ruthless about what is going. I'll also have to treat myself to replace a few essentials!

penelopedee_2

Thats always the best bit, re-stocking!

postingalwaysposting

Happy new diary Super Pen :j :j

ruby1968_2

Happy new diary, will subscribe and follow your journey, going to start my decluttering monday morning when home alone.

penelopedee_2

Hello Pap, so glad you are back x

And hi Ruby, welcome to the chaos of Pen Towers.

Have a good Saturday evening x

EssexHebridean

penelopedee wrote: »

Cheers Jellie, it was the underwear drawers that started me off. Had a temper tantrum one morning when I couldn't find anything that matched or fitted. I cleared out over a bin liners worth! Not much left but at least its nice and wearable.

*Jellie* wrote: »

I can see me managing a bin bag full too! I've realised lots of mine is now looking a bit tatty or doesn't fit well so I need to try it all on and be ruthless about what is going. I'll also have to treat myself to replace a few essentials!

Hmmmm....you two make a convincing argument - I think when the rugby finishes I shall go and do battle with mine.