Continue the change and enjoy the journey!

Diagonal_Man

Just wanted to say I've been following this with interest as well. I can't save change though - it's far too useful! Ran out of change early in the week and haven't had more than 50p in coins in my wallet, I was so determined not to break into a note! Even took a flask of coffee to work 'cos I didn't have enough to put in the machine!

I must say you sound very organised for Xmas, I haven't so much as bought a card.

fedupandskint

Hi there diagonal man - are you truly diagonal?

I am pretty organised for Christmas - realised to start in the summer sales and avoid the hullabaloo leading up to Crimbo - only food stuff left to get now - next week hopefully!

Diagonal_Man

I do lurch a bit from time to time, I must admit. Got on the phone to sister-in-law this evening and now know what to get her three, seven more to buy after that!

fedupandskint

Not much to report today. Work Christmas do last night that was a good laugh and fun all round and left early to escape a massive hangover today.

Everyone thinks I'm bonkers for running in the snow and ice and can't understand why I do! Because I enjoy it! Day off running today planning on going tomorrow.

Need to sort out the Christmas food list in the next few days - then start planning when to go and get everything without fighting in the crush

Sorted out some returns to my achillies heel of QVC to post back on Monday for refunds - instead of being unused. Feel stronger about withstanding the temptations now of that channel.

Looking forward to tomorrow - a long run, baking a cake, making a compote to go with it and making a roast dinner - yummy. Plus the usual flying around the house of course to make it tidy and sparkly.

must make a start on writing cards and have 3 to make - job for the week next week and then find out the decorations to put up next weekend alongside icing 2 cakes and topping 2 other ones ready for the new owners for Christmas.

Must not forget to make a stew to tea in the week and also to freeze for some easy reheat meals after work over the next few days and bake some potatoes for work dinners as had a rubbish week last week and bought some lunches for the first time in ages last week. Don't know what was up with me. Normally take lunch everyday.

fedupandskint

just signed up for the pay off as much as you can in 2011 thread to keep me on track with the repayments next year

Othewise I'm here with a horrible cough and generally feeling run down rubbish

Wish it would go away as feeling a little fed up now of feeling unwell this winter

fedupandskint

Well that developed into a massive cold and generally feeling very unwell.

The patch testing went well and have discovered to reactions. This means my constantly trying to address addiction to skincare is over now as the chemicals are contained in most of these products. The bathroom is looking a lot emptier now and there's not much left I can use. Still if this sorts out my eczema I'll be happy in the long run as I'm sick of this on my face

just watching Tonight about debt and Christmas - feeling inspired about how to repay debt and overpay on the mortgage. Would be nice to overpay on the mortgage next year if possible

Might have to contact the mortgage company to see if this is possible and how to do it

fedupandskint

£44 in £2 pot

Joined Sealed Pot Challenge to save up for some outdoor boots to buy in Oct/Nov next year - determined to save up for them due to the CC repaying plan and I really would like a high quality pair I can pay cash for and wear for years.

Sealed Pot Challenge is to put in £20 per month for this

Christmas went well and was very enjoyable, all the gifts went down well and I bought the majority in the sales from the summer onwards.

Have made a little plan for preserving and jam making for next year alongside Christmas sale items bought today - cards, tablecloth etc

Still run down with this cold that will not shift, so no running yet as not up to it unfortunately.

Need to crack on with some reading for the next assignment this week otherwise will be struggling to get there with an exam a week later - eek!

fedupandskint

Couple of present ideas and plans for next year
Less than half price car valet kit for car cleaning mad brother from Halfords to collect tomorrow £40 from £86.99
Reduced mens skincare kit from Mr S £6 reduced from £12

Car kit means thats half of his Christmas present bought, just need to find a place to put it for the next 12mths!

fedupandskint

Right have rejoined the clothing budget challenge for next year.

Did this in 2009 and it really made me think about what I was buying, how much it cost and if I really really needed it. Last year I was quite good and didn't do the challenge and managed quite well without it without going mad buying clothes and spending loads of money. I gave everything I bought I good think if I needed it or not.

Next plan of action for clothing is:

• have a think about what I'll need for next year, if I really need it or do I have something already tucked away
• List what I need and set a budget and stick to it
• Sell clothes on ebay that are piled upstairs ready to go
• Continue to save for next winter's boots
• Try and mend this winter's boots
• Spray all boots
• Wash outdoor coats ready to go again

Let's see how I get on with this list. Need to really think about what I spend money on to free up money to pay debts off

also then

Rejoin NSD
Restart spending diary to see what I spend money on

What was the other thing? Can't remember.......

Set budget for clothes
Oh yes that was it! Grocery challenge. Nearly all done now, really need to stick to this again like I did before, need to pay as much as possible off next year

Oh yes, this really was it - do not buy any toilettries until I've run out of what I use. mind you this should be easier now I have to avoid a lots of things due to eczema

And limit QVC spending to...lets see....none for the next 3mths and return the faulty lamp

New list

• no QVC spending for 3mths
• No toilettries until have run out
• Rejoin GC
• Rejoin NSD
• Record all spending

Let me see how I get on, back later on in Jan to update!

fedupandskint

Set Budget for Crazy Clothes Challenge 2011 - £250 for everything = £20x 11 mths and £30x 1 mth

Things I really want to do in 2011 (that aren't all cleaning the house!)

1. Visit local attractions
2. Arrange a monthly day out with mum eg local attraction in mums area
3. Decorate aiming for 1 room hoping for more
4. Clear out cellar and put in spare freezer, shelves for preserves, move TD in there and store household items and stockpiling
5. Take down rotten shed
6. Get a greenhouse
7. Increase running mileage to half marathon level (6mths 0 to 6miles June 10 - Dec 10 now Jan 11 - June '11 6 miles to 12 miles aiming for 1yr progress level)
8. Invite family over for meal at all occasions and maybe every month or 2
9. Preserve seasonally