Learn to control money but do not allow it to control you

thriftyscotslass

Victoria Sponge - easy method

4oz (6oz) sugar
4oz (6oz) marg
4oz (6oz) SR flour
2 (3) eggs
drop vanilla essence
1 flat teaspoon baking powder

Tip all ingredients into mixing bowl.
Beat with an electric whisk until mixture is well-combined.
Split into two victoria sandwich baking tins (which have been lined and greased) and bake.

As MG would say - TADA :T. Fill with whatever you fancy

Firewalker

Oh, Thrifty, thanks for the recipe; I did Delia and not exactly certain what did I get wrong. Shall try again when the bruising is gone down.

FW

Firewalker

This morning I got up on time - for the weekend this is with the intention to get on with correcting the paper. Have not done any of it yet; have been checking on news, on how my blog did yesterday (steady growth in difference to the economy, the markets, stocks etc.) and catching up with friends from her and the blogosphere.

The good news is that I am not 'in a state' nut suspect that soon will be 'in the zone'. Last night I managed to calm myself down - the truth is that panic is not exactly conducive to creative thinking. This paper is not 'business as usual' one but has great potential. I better work on it with focus and calm determination (and imagination, of course) even if it is late for re-submission - I suspect that now I am calm I will make the deadline for resubmission though.

On different news, our shopping for food is finished for the month (and most other spending I expect but something may come up). And...

........we have spent on food £20.98 less than our monthly allowance or £239.02. Very pleasing development particualrly because we stil have loads of meat and chicken left in the freezer. The secret? It seems that it is me being away and OH being in charge of shopping and cooking. I left the nemues and the shopping list but OH still has more discipline than me to keep exactly to the list rather than get sweets for DSs and other 'side' stuff.

I am also very pleased because the budgetting tool I developed (published on www.moneyprinciple.co.uk) is working fine. It takes little time, contrary to all appearances, and now I know where there may be some space to trim off. Possibly, this is breakfast cereal (over £20 between four looks a lot) and cheese (£24.53 is a lot of cheese).

Expenditure is under control (yeah, it is) but why are children so expensive - this month we have spend on DS3 over £200 (clothes, uniform, sports stuff, guitar lessons etc.). As I have said before, they are my largest liability; and a very well loved liability at that.

Now I have to get to my paper; with joy instead of apprehension.

Firewalker

gilligansyle

Just popping by to say that I loved the good deed post from yesterday - I did try to post but system froze on me.

The main knack with budgets is to be able to see where the spending is. It may be that you don't want to cut down in those areas, but at least you are aware of them.

thriftyscotslass

Firewalker wrote: »

.... but why are children so expensive - this month we have spend on DS3 over £200 (clothes, uniform, sports stuff, guitar lessons etc.). As I have said before, they are my largest liability; and a very well loved liability at that.

Teeelllllllllll me about it :eek:. Good job we love our liabilities to bits

Good luck with the paper FW.

Firewalker

gilligansyle wrote: »

Just popping by to say that I loved the good deed post from yesterday - I did try to post but system froze on me.

The main knack with budgets is to be able to see where the spending is. It may be that you don't want to cut down in those areas, but at least you are aware of them.

Hi Gilli, thanks for tweeting it - not sure anyone is taking it up but...

As to budgets - yep. This is exactly why I worte a post (on blog) about the futility of budgets and the beauty of budgeting. Thing is, I am still testing the budgeting tool I developed (inductively, using item by item records of what we buy). So, it is double achievement - the tool is hot and the budget is cold. All going well.

Firewalker

claudiac_2

Thrifty - Thanks to you I have now made my own version of a country slice! When I was shopping I almost bought a pack, realised I could eat the whole lot myself for all that's in a packet and left them on the shelf. Later while catching up here I saw your recipe, so today to entertain my 2 year old GS we made up a batch, added some ginger and sultanas, and out came a lovely loaf tin size cake! Half of the cake was eaten before it even cooled, much enjoyed by the proud mummy and daddy too! Oven was on anyway to cook dinner so no wasting electricity either. Thank you.

Firewalker

My feeling is that this cannot continue like it is! What time is it? Late anyway and I am still not asleep. Did what I notmally do, read in bed till my eyelashes start gently ringing from tiredness (unfortunately I am quoting here Max Frisch) then I started dropping off...and the next thing I knew I was wide awake.

I am hoverring on the brink of survival, is what I think. Breath in, breath out...Deep breaths...

Firewalker

Triciaxx

My sympathies! I think we must be on opposite shifts as I'm getting off to sleep OK and then waking about 2.30 am. Then I get cross. :mad:

Want_to_be_free

Dear Firewalker, I think you have too much on your shoulders.
Would you agree that you don't say no to people and their demands but most importantly you don't say no to yourself. Of course I am not referring to food/money/love here but referring to achievements or rather timing of the achievements.

I do have the same issue so pot calling kettle black . You share so many wonderful ideas, and I would like to contribute to your well being if I may...When I am awake at night because I am worried about my presentation, or a paper that I need to complete, or anything else, I tend to do breathing exercise. When I breath better, I calm down, when I am calm, sleep follows...

Squared Breathing:
*Draw a square on a piece of paper , or flipchart or use square frame.
*Imagine all four corners are filling stations for your breath.
*Start at one corner, take a deep breath in.
*Let your exhalation slowly take you all the way to the next corner.
* Then inhale again and carry on your journey...

I cheat and use the door But results is always relaxed WTBF. At least for next 10 minutes :rotfl:

I do hope you sleep well tonight. Exercise takes a bit time to get used to but for a good night sleep , it is worth it ....