Sorting through my rubbish

3_kids_2_jobs_1_dog

Hi All

So we had the noodles and stirfry last night, only the sauce that I thought I had bought, Sweet n Sour, turned out to be Chilli and Ginger and a tad hot for our tastes!! I've put a stew in the slow cooker this morning as there was some beef to use up in the fridge and I threw in some soft potatoes, carrots, onions etc to use them up, DH can make some dumpligs when he gets home.

I did manage to meal plan last night, have the next week covered and all from our stores at home, just need some milk, eggs and DH will make some bread. This is the plan;

Fri - Beef Stew
Sat - Brunch - eggs, bacon and potato cakes
Evening - pizzas
Sun - Lunch - Crusty bread and 'special' cheeses
Evening - Gammon joint, parsley sauce and veg
Mon - Chilli
Tues - Beef and Ale pie
Wed - Fish Pie
Thurs - Pasta

I'll also make a crustless quiche with the left over gammon which DH and DD can then take in their packed lunches. We will probably have enough food still left in the stores to do the following week too, but I will sort that out later in the week. Get paid in just over a week and this month has been a real struggle for some reason. I don't suppose next month will be much easier with Xmas and a trip to London!!

I'm going out tonight, but not intending to drink much, just a few gins and have a fairly early night, I don't see the point in getting so drunk that I waste a whole day (or more) of the weekend. Some of my friends are really heavy drinking, party girls but it's just not me. Plus, its not exactly MSE is it and I am trying to lose more weight!!!

Anyway must go, have a great weekend

321 xxx

3_kids_2_jobs_1_dog

Hi All

Blimey another week gone by! It's not been a great one, had a migraine start on Monday so took Tuesday and Wednesday off, felt rough yesterday but it seems to have finally gome today!

Money wise its been quite good, we stuck to the food plan, except for Wednesday, I was feeling poorly so DH and DD just had some tins of soup and french stick for dinner, that means we still have the fish pie ingredients in the freezer! I will food plan for the coming week but DH and I are away for three days so DS1, g/f and DD will be left to thier own devices!! I did make the quiche for DD and DH's pack lunches and there is enough pasta bake leftover from last night to feed us all again tonight!

I need some new skinny jeans/jeggings as the elastic has gone in mine, I did order some from N*xt but the were £25 a pair. Then a leaflet for T0FS came through the door, jeggngs for £5 a pair!! Popped down to our local store and got 2 pairs of black and 2 pairs of dark denim for myself and a pair for DD, I didn't realise that if you spent £25 on ladies wear you got £5 off, so 5 pairs of jeggings for £20, hows that for MSE :money:!! Plus they didn't have a 14 (my new size down from a 16) so I tried a 12 and they fit! A little more muffin than I would like but as I have lost another 2lb this week I'm am working on reducing that!! Obviously the Next jeggings are winging their way back to the warehouse!!

Payday today so have made all of my payments, hopefully will stick to budget this month, not too many presents to buy and off to the smoke with DH next week but doing that on a bit of a budget so should be ok, Hotel and Train already paid for.

Must fly but I'll check in next week with my meal plan etc.

Have a great weekend

321 xxx

3_kids_2_jobs_1_dog

Hi All

Had a lovely week off last week, a few days in the city and a few days just pottering at home. Spent time with DS1's gf who is expecting in April so that was nice.

Didn't overspend on our days out, just enjoyed the atmosphere and did some window shopping and looking at the Christmas markets. We bought a few little stocking fillers but nothing major. I was pleased to get the L!dls Rhubarb and Ginger Gin as we can never get it around us and at £11.99 it is a good £7 cheaper to the brand named one.

DD has a shopping trip with school this week and needs some spending money, she has been washing cars and doing jobs about the house but I suddenly realised I have no spare money to pay her! I decided to see what was in my savings jars, I had over £100 in the £2 coin jar and my £1 per toiletry jar had £31 (admittedly I sometimes forget to put one in here), I'm quite impressed as I emptied them in April for DH's birthday trip. I don't feel bad using the money as the £2 was always intended for treats (and her shopping trip and my trip to the city with DH were certainly treats!) and the toiletry money won't be needed for quite a while as DH has bought me the L'0ccitane advent calendar again and I think I have the M&S one for christmas too! Plus will probably get some random smellies along the way too!

My weightloss is going ok, didn't go mad food wise in the city but did have several mulled wines etc to stave off the cold! A couple of pounds back on but its 'that time' too and I usually carry a bit extra water.

Food wise, we had a 'fake away' on Saturday night with the kids, Indian meal for 2 (x3!) from L!dls, only £3.09 a bag and nicer than the Mossies ones that are twice the price. I know I could have cooked but it is our weekend treat and still far cheaper than ordering a take away. Sunday we had egg and bacon muffins for lunch and then pulled pork and cheese on jacket potatoes for dinner. Last night was a gammon joint, boiled potatoes, beans and parsley sauce, all from stocks and I made a quiche for pack lunches from the leftovers. I might do a sweet and sour tonight, again from stocks and tomorrow night DH and I are out for work so DD will be left to her own devices. I need to sit down and work out a proper meal plan from then onwards.

I'm really pleased with my bargain jeggings that I bought a week or so ago. I wore them to the city and felt really smart and comfortable in them, I've now washed them and they washed well and no colour came out of them, even the black ones!

I have booked my timeslot for my Christmas grocery delivery, Sainsbobs this year as both of the other 'big' supermarkets were booked up already. I can't stand fighting my way through the crowds to grab some manky brussels sprouts, far rather get it delivered, plus it saves me time when I'm working full time. Don't need much in the way of booze, been buying that as and when we se good deals, so just the Christmas dinner, cake and some nice bits and bobs to nibble on.

Anyway must go, will check in again soon, have a nice afternoon

321 xxx

3_kids_2_jobs_1_dog

Hi All

Hope you all had a good weekend and managed to stay safe and warm. We actually had some snow yesterday (unusual as we are a seaside town), it was coming down heavily in really large flakes but unfortunately didnt settle as we had previously had heavy rain and everything was too wet.

DD had a lovely time on her shopping trip but didn't actually buy anything so I got given some of the cash back!

We still haven't done a proper meal plan but Thursday was stew from the freezer (DD was out so just me and DH), Friday we had a take away pizza as DS1 and gf had had a bit of a scare with the baby but got the all clear on Friday, none of us had slept much so were tirerd and decided we needed a little celebration! Saturday I was out so DH and DD had a fake away curry. Yesterday we had a steak pie and veg from the freezer and some yummy roast potatoes, I also found some part baked cookies in the freezer so we had those too. Tonight DD is making spagetti bolognaise and there is an olive fioccacia in the freezer to have with it. I think its chilli tacos tomorrow night and then a fish pie on Wednesday.

DH and I need to defrost the second freezer before filling it with yummy goodies for Christmas, might try and do that tonight!!

I am so short of money at the moment and don't really understand why. I have decided to re-start my spending diary as of December payday, and also instigate the £260 Crazy Clothes Challenge budget (£5 per week) which I have done before. I'm going to keep going with the £2 coin and £1 per toiletry savings pots. I really need to sit down and look at how I budget my money as things like groceries I know I have been spending too much lately, partly down to DH shopping with me, I think I will have to try and shop alone and to a list in future.

Anyway must fly, take care all

321 xxx

3_kids_2_jobs_1_dog

Hi All

Well we're really on the countdown to Christmas now!!

Yet again I have failed to write the Christmas cards until the last minute, I have wrapped some presents but still have some to get (DS2, never know what to get him!). I still need to post off some presents :eek:The groceries are ordered from Sainsbobs, due on payday so good timing!! I'm not feeling very festive though, despite the snow/hail/sleet combo turning the town white yesterday and wearing my christmas jumpers! Hoping that next week, after eating 4 turkey dinners and attending numerous festive gatherings that might change! I finish work on 22nd so a couple of days to get Christmassy before the big day!

We've been continuing to use up food from the freezers, I finally made that fishpie on Wednesday and blooming lovely it was too, so DH had the day off yesterday and amongst other things he defrosted the small freezer in the garage, so I can finally fill it with yummy things for Christmas, oh and some frozen veg etc!!

I'm looking forward to payday next week as I hope I can start getting myself organised for the year ahead. Food will be well stocked with the Christmas goodies so will just need basics for the rest of the month. Toiletries will be topped up no doubt. I have my birthday just after New Year so will hopefully have some birthday money for the sales, although I will be starting the Crazy Clothes Challenge again then (£260 for the year).

Goals for next year.....
Build Decking and summer house/gazebo for the hot tub.
A foreign holiday in October
A visit to family and friends in August
Continue to lose weight
Continue to save and finally clear all debt.

I'm feeling optimistic!

321 xxx

3_kids_2_jobs_1_dog

Hi All

Cards written and posted (managed to meet the 2nd class deadline), DH hand delivering some too. Presents wrapped, the ones I was going to post we are now keeping til the New Year and will have a mock Xmas together then.

1st Christmas dinner of the week eaten and it was very nice, another one this evening, 3rd on Friday and final one on Saturday! I love roast turkey dinner though so will still be looking forward to mine on Christmas Day.

Most of our Christmas food is bought (mixture of L!dl and Mossies), the second freezer has been defrosted and restocked with frozen veg and some nice treats plus the turkey crown etc. Final delivery is on Friday from Sainsbobs and I have gone back through the order to make sure I don't duplicate and over order on things. We have family coming around on Friday and Saturday nights so that should put us in a good festive spirit, just a cheese board on Friday and DH will cook on Saturday.

I have been allocated a VIP slot in the N*xt sale but bearing in mind my Crazy Clothes Challenge, anything I order will either have to be from Christmas/birthday money or taken from my clothing 'pot', again I will be trying to chose classic, quality items rather than 'faddy' fashions and complimenting what I already have in my wardrobe.

Right, must go. Will try and check in again but if not, Merry Christmas!

321 xxx

3_kids_2_jobs_1_dog

Hi All

Hope you have all had a lovely Christmas and New Year.

We had a lovely, quietish, family time. We are still working our way through the food as despite not buying so much, there was still too much! Have made some yummy dinners to 'use up the orts' as my nan would say. Stilton and Ham pasta bake, turkey and ham pie, ham and brie quiche etc etc. Still have a lot of cheese left and plenty of alcohol so I see a few cheese and wine evenings ahead!

We finally had to go food shopping yesterday, mainly for milk and school lunch items, I probably could have made something out of the left overs but not feeling so inspired at the moment.

As predicted, following Christmas and my birthday, I am fully stocked with toiletries for the foreseeable future (apart from shampoo and deodrant maybe), had some lovely L'0ccitane giftsets so along with the advent calendar goodies and those already in my stash I'm sorted. I need to go through my make-up/toiletries stash and pass on or sell those I am not going to use, I have earmarked 3 lipsticks (ones that were received in gift sets etc) for a friend who can wear far brighter colours than me. I am also going to try and use up some of the smaller sizes first (some will be kept for weekends away etc) and continue putting £1 in my tin for each one used, space cleared and money saved, win win!

I have ordered some items from the [EMAIL="N@xt"]N@xt[/EMAIL] sale but will only keep those that really work for me and will deduct from my Clothes Challenge budget (£260) and my Christmas/Birthday money, this should focus me on what I actually NEED!

Must fly, be back soon

321 xxx

3_kids_2_jobs_1_dog

Hi All

Cold, grey and wet here today, not the most inspiring of days!

I cooked a nice mini roast last night, used up the last of the fresh (!) veg from Christmas, a frozen mini joint and 6 frozen yorkshire puds, it was yummy and DH said most unexpected! Will make a broccoli and stilton pasta bake tonight with the rest of the broccoli and some more of the Christmas cheese! I'm off to Birmingham for work tomorrow so an early start and late finish so will leave it up to DH and DD what they want to cook tomorrow. Might make a cottage pie on Thursday, enough to do Friday as well (I have the ingredients in stock).

I sorted out the kitchen cupboards on Sunday, threw away a few items that have been there for ages and were well out of date and never going to be used, tidied and organised the tins etc. I have a larger kitchen than at the old house plus a utility but I'm sure I don't have as much storage now!

I have managed to avoid the sales so far, apart from my online Next order. DD wanted to go shopping so she went with her cousins while my sister and I had a catch up instead. There was nothing I wanted and I know if I went to town I would end up buying 'a bargain' that I dont really need.

Tonight I plan to sort out a basket of mini sized toiletries to put in the bathroom and make sure they get used up, will also have a pamper session before my long day tomorrow.

In order to monitor my spending etc I will aim to enter here what I buy each day (ideally using cash) plus any additions to savings/deductions from my clothes budget.
Spends today - sausage roll and two packs of flapjack from bakery £2.63, £2 coin in the change for my jar.
Toiletries used up tonight (by my pampering) 1xfacemask 1xL'0ccitane Lavender foam bath and 1xsachet of shampoo (+possibly one of conditioner) = £3/4 in my tin.
Clothes budget £260+£40 birthday money = £300

Will try and get in the habit of updating daily.

321 xxx

3_kids_2_jobs_1_dog

Hi All

Looonnggg day yesterday, but didnt spend a penny as lunch etc was provided so result! I was so glad I made the brocoli and stilton pasta bake on Tuesday night as there was enough for me to have when I finally got home last night, accommpanied by a large glass of red, I'd earnt it. I was naughty and didn't set my alarm for this morning, just woke up naturally and came to work then, I needed the extra sleep!

Should be a no spend day again today. I have had some sale items delivered from the [EMAIL="N@xt"]N@xt[/EMAIL] sale, but am only keeping a pair of gorgeous tapestry boots, reduced to £13, wore them yesterday and today and have had loads of compliments already. Deducted from my clothes budget.

I'm going to make a big cottage pie tonight, use up some potatoes that are starting to sprout, should do us for tomorrow night as well. Small grocery shop on Saturday for milk and some fresh fruit and veg.

Spends today - None (and yesterday)
Toiletries used up - None to add
Clothes budget £260+£40 birthday money = £300
- £13 (tapestry boots, [EMAIL="N@xt"]N@xt[/EMAIL] sale) = £287

Will attempt to update again tomorrow.

321 xxx

3_kids_2_jobs_1_dog

Hi All

Another cold, grey day here.

So DH cooked the cottage pie last night, which was great, but he is a nightmare in many respects, he used a whole bag of mince and went out and bought brocoli and brussells sprouts to go with it when we had both and other veg a plenty in the freezer! Very frustrating! :mad: If I had cooked it I would have used half a bag of mince, bulked out with grated carrot and some diced mixed veg and served with frozen green beans and sweetcorn.

Anyway not sure what is for dinner tonight as DH is cooking again, I did suggest the rest of the cottage pie but he wants to freeze it for another day! The weekend should be quite frugal, just me and DD as DH is working most of it. We have no plans for the weekend, I'm exhausted so will be glad to just get the chores done asap on Saturday and chill for the rest of the time, girly films, facepacks and chocolate! DD may have other plans!

Just realised that I haven't sorted out the basket of toiletries yet for the bathroom (ones to use up and get rid of). Will do that this weekend and also organise my stash of toiletries and cosmetics, getting rid of any that are too old or I'm not going to use.

I treated a friend to lunch today, a local retaurant has a winter special, all food half price so dead cheap and a nice excuse to catch up, £6.50 for two mains, tap water and a lime and soda!:T I've also ordered a picture from a friend you does up cycling, it will perfectly in our bedroom, bit of an extravagance but I think its worth it.

Spends today - £6.50 lunch for me and my colleague, £25 bespoke picture for bedroom.
Toiletries used up - Bath foam, SBC lavender and hair treatment all used up last night so £3 in the tin
Clothes budget £260+£40 birthday money = £300
- £13 (tapestry boots, N@xt sale) = £287

Take care

321 xxx