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

Firewalker

Thanks, guys. It is lovely to be back. Today was another day when I didn't run - getting back into the habit is not easy. Need to do a bit every day - and everytime I actually go for a run feels glorious.

Todays big MSE achievement was that we made a completely, entirely HM Pavlova. Used the egg whites from the eggs we use to make spaghetti carbonara instead of throwing them away as we used to do. One kg of Pavlova costs about £11; for £2.50 we made 0.9 kg. Isn't this something? A lot of it was done by DS3 as well.

Firewalker

beanielou

Good to see you.
Take care.

claudiac_2

Lots to say, little time, but it is good to check in with you here and I am still with you all the way. Strugging a bit in my own wee world, but I will survive and come back stronger. Please try and look after your health, it is so important!!

Karmacat

Pavlova, lovely! So hm pavlova, as well as being inexpensive, also feels decadent I like decadent.

Firewalker

Good evening, my friends. Are you ready for Christmas?
I am – all shopping is done, work is filed away and will have to wait until the New Year, presents are under our lovely Christmas tree. Today my sister (who is visiting for the holiday) and I made baklava – gosh, I am becoming a domestic Goddess is seems. The internet is mighty, the internet is powerful.
All sons are at home and the house is full with people noises and voices. DS3 is studying for exams – you may remember that our position was always that the local comprehensive school is not a cop out. He is sitting the exams and if he passes, he will have choice. If he doesn’t the study would have still done him loads of good. Last year he learned how to knit (from the internet). This year he is doing some really fancy and complicated embroidery with his aunty. They look really funny together – sitting and talking. Meanwhile his Bulgarian is really coming on.
Did I mention that we managed to buy all presents for less than £100? Yep, so we did. OH and I decided that we don’t want anything for Christmas; or that we have all we want just here. All sons have been very modest – it seems that the bleak economic outlook is in the air. And the money from my jar was enough to buy everything for the Christmas lunch – and there was some left.
I am very much looking forward to Christmas day. Yes it is the food and the drink, the excitement of little people, well, the excitement of big people for that matter. But what I really can’t wait for is to open THE LETTER. Do you remember that last year in the Autumn I wrote a letter about all that I want in my life? Can’t wait to see how this has turned out – I also have absolutely no memory of what I wrote.
Firewalker

beanielou

Enjoy your holidays :j

MrsMoo2U

I love opening letters to myself when I cant remember what I wrote. How exciting and that is a christmas present in itself.

Firewalker

Excitement is building up in Firewalker household. Today is a cooking day and for the first time for ages I am feeling really good. There is something very satisfying in cooking at a deep primal level - warms up your soul. So far:

1) Made syrop for the baklava (yes, this year I made HM baklava; have to wait till tomorrow to see how tasty it is, for now I know that it costs me a a fraction of what it would costs to buy in ration of about 1 to 5). It is easy and if you want to know how give me a shout.
2) Made hummus - naturally delish because it is made by trying it; so you make it everytime fro your taste.
3) Cheakpeas a la Tricia in the oven (if you want to know what I am talking about go to her site and check it out).
4) Chicken for tomorrow defrosting.

In the afternoon I am going to tackle my clothes - determined to start 2012 in an ordered and light fashion. Minimalism here I come.

How are you doing?

lionheartedgirl

just popping out of lurkdom to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas. I love the idea of writing yourself a letter and I hope you enjoy reading it

vw_campervan_mum

Hi Firewalker have just managed to finish reading thru all of this thread - took me 2 months on and off lol. Am very inspired by your thoughts and comments from your friends and fellow MSEers. Thank you