Living life, loving life.......hypno's having a ball!

hypno06

Every 4 weeks would be lovely.....but sadly no. I get paid on 23rd of the month, but of course if that falls on a weekend, it is generally the working day beforehand instead.

tenmah

Generally I can't join in when you are talking about various foreign destinations, because I haven't been anywhere but the one place I have been to - twice - is Morrocco and and can confirm it is a lovely, lovely place to go. The people are so friendly and it is as you say a vibrant place to visit. I hope you manage to get there, I would recommend it to anyone.

hypno06

It is a place that has appealed to me for a while, and I am really keen to go, whether for a long weekend or longer. I spent a lot of time as a teenager in the middle east, although in a much stricter area, and love the souks etc. The whole north African thing really does call to me!

And as today's contribution, I am eating a salad brought in from home.....so I will transfer another couple of ££ into the travel fund when I have finished.

Not only that, but I said NO to a bacon and egg baguette when the boys were doing the orders in the office this morning - how difficult was *that* to refuse......gah!! But instead, I put £2 in the pot, and also reminded myself that my bowl of cereal was much more healthy :A

redsquirrel80

Really impressed by how you've got stuck into this 'pots' challenge! Having spent nearly £20 on lunches this week you've inspired me to sort myself out...

hypno06

Ah squizz - was just posting on your diary at the same time you were on mine!

My lunch/coffee spending had really got to be ridiculous. On top of the daily "habit" spending, I am of course taking my fair share of the cost of lovely lunches with a friend.....and I have no intention of cutting THOSE out, so therefore it makes far more sense to make the effort of being prepared for other days when I need to provide my own lunch, and simply to say no to the extra food eg the Friday bacon sarnies, or to walk a different way to work so that I don't pass Caffe Nero and have the temptation.....

I do find, however, that I need to be having something to take its place - so that is why seeing the named pots build up is good for me, because I can instantly see the benefit of not having had that coffee/sandwich/cake. Of course, online banking does help, because I have no excuse not to do the transfer instantly!

It is also helping me regulate what I eat - the snacking has all but disappeared, because I don't want to spend the money in the newsagent or bakers so much now - would rather throw it in the holiday funds for ice creams in France or whatever.....

redsquirrel80

Yep the pots are a good plan.. I have been pondering a savings challenge today, and the daily amount I would need to save is not much different from the cost of a Boots meal deal.. hmm!

hypno06

In which case it is a no brainer!!

I do tend to only put away the difference between what a home made lunch or one from my "desk storecupboard" costs, and what I would spend if I bought sandwiches etc from the shop.

For example, if I have a cup a soup and a roll, the cost is about 25p....saving me £3 on soup and bread from pret.....so I will put £3 away.

If, however, I am bringing in a salad, with avocado, chicken and rocket, it is actually costing me probably £1.50 or so to make, which means that I am only saving £1.50 on a similar salad from the shop....so that is the amount I put away.

Otherwise, I will just end up spending the same amount on lunches whether I eat from home, or from the deli....., yet I will be wondering why on earth I am still skint!

hypno06

The weekend is here! Shame the sunshine hasn't turned up

Today is haircut, colour, leg wax blah blah blah - the budgets will be hit today, that is for sure! But it needs to be done!

Woke up to the news though of the shootings in Norway - as you know, my students were all Norwegian, and so this is particularly shocking for me. Certainly puts life into perspective. Those poor kids, and their families

Souk08

You're so right Hypno. We all need to enjoy what we have, as we never know whats round the corner.

I love Morocco, Turkey etc too hence the username and they're all on my list to go back to.

Enjoy your weekend lady. X

hypno06

Thanks souk - I do have a nice weekend planned, bit of "me" time today, a visit from my Godson who I run the marathons for later this afternoon, and a housewarming bash at a tomorrow afternoon/evening. Shame the weather here is a bit iffy, but hey ho!