Countdown to Freedom

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Hi, well we have managed to plant up the tomatoes, chillis etc which were in dire need of moving on. So far we have avoided the rain today, but it is scheduled for tomorrow. It really is a mess in the garden though. The rain and wind have cleared the cherry tree of blossom, and the nectarine flowers have been bashed as well. It doesn't bode well for the growing season.

One positive note though, we have eaten a beautiful salad with coriander, rocket, a little mint, salad leaves, radishes all from the garden. Potatoes are going mad though, so they seem to like the conditions.

Thanks Brizzle, MoneyMission and Persimmon for stopping by. I am sure we all trundle on in our lives, but it helps to have the support on this site, knowing we are all in it together.

MoneyMission, when you start clearing down the mortgage you will feel amazing. Our mortgage was £387k and getting it down to offsetting at £277k has made a huge difference mentally. Just breaking that 3 figure helped. Regardless of an income that supports the mortgage, it is still a mahoosive debt, so I understand exactly how you feel. I found it was wearing me down. That's nothing to do with affordability, just the drudgery.

Right, good luck to anyone who makes the bread recipe. We don't use a bread machine, although we used to, but this recipe was the bread machine downfall - its so easy to do and the things you can do with the shapes is fun for us and the kids.

I am beginning to feel quite peckish now - roast beef for dinner, with all the trimmings - can't wait.

By the way Economy Gastronomy is fantastic. Definitely try and borrow it and you can always copy some core recipes.

Have a good afternoon and hopefully we have a little blue sky at some point tomorrow.

Tilly x

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

I have lost so much weight and I still hate shopping?

I so needed to buy some clothes this weekend and i had hoped to go to a charity shop to see if I found that better, but didn't make it. So no clothes purchased. I only go shopping 3 or 4 times a year because of my shopping hell relationship. DH suggested I booked a private shopper thing at Debenh@ms in case that made it better.

Anyway, will have to make do with what is in my wardrobe.

Thats it, relaxing on a Sunday evening, knowing no work tomorrow - fab

Tilly x x

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Morning, sun is out and we will be off on a dog walk in half an hour. No major jobs to do today and I am mulling over finding someone to take some clothes in - that may be a solution.

I forgot to take something out of the freezer for dinner tonight, but DS said he fancied a BBQ, so if the weather continues like this, then that may be on the cards.

It's good to know we only have a 4 day week ahead of us as it will be Friday in a flash



Have a good day Tilly x

DawnW

Hmm will definitely be trying that bread recipe!

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Dogs walked, bookcase emptied, polished and books sorted for car boot, or replaced. We tried zapper but only 2 were successful. China cabinet also cleaned and it's started to rain

Feel like it has been an industrious morning and we are off to cinema with clubcard tickets. Doesn't bode well for the BBQ later on.......

Hi Dawn, bread recipe is good and you get a lot of out of it which appeals. Good luck

Best wishes Tilly x

ammonite

I agree with what you say about affordability and drudgery. The fact I will save £30k over the next 20 years if I manage to overpay by just a few hundred pounds per month has spurred me on. The thing hanging around my neck for another 21 years is just an awful thought!

Secret_Saving_Squirrel

I too hate clothes shopping and have always found that there will be something in the wardrobe even if you thought there wasn't, if you see what I mean. You can always find something to wear, and if some people see you as a little eccentric, that is their problem! I always try to borrow things for really special occasions as it seems mad that these clothes cost loads and you only wear them a couple of times. Just keep digging deep in that wardrobe...!

Squirrel

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Hi SSS, if only that were the case - having lost over 24lbs, I am struggling. It was ok before as things started to fit that haven't for a while, but I have gone past that now

I have however, found the card for a dress maker and have called today to see if she does alterations and she does :T

You have to laugh, my husband has more clothes than I do :rotfl:

Best wishes Tilly x

museumworker

Hi Tilly

Just stopping by to say hello and well done on all progess so far.
I have economy gastronomy - which recipes would you recommend? Have done the daube of beef, which made into the pasta sauce (both were really yum) and the pasties (which were ok, but probably need homemade pastry).
Wasn't so taken with the chickpea tumbledowns.The potato and parsley soup we had a lot last year, but not too nutritious so not having during this pregnancy.

Would be interested to know how much it costs to take things in. I think if you have a number of quality items you love, tailoring is a great idea, and very ethical.

I just had to ask OH what the word for pastry was, I think it is time for bed!

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

What a lovely afternoon. I have had an indulgent bath, with face pack, body scrubbed in the shower after I rinsed my hair, and feeling beautifully relaxed and ready for the week ahead. I only have a bath occasionally as I begrudge the amount of water it takes very much appreciated.

Dinner for tomorrow night is ready to heat up to make life a little easier.

A few money jobs to do this week so I need to be on the ball and with work busy it's easy to forget to switch from a to b, but I am dropping some reminders into my work calendar.

I have been thinking about the lure of the supermarkets and the tactics they use to make us buy more. I know I was in the habit of going shopping weekly, regardless of whether I needed anything and rarely left without spending £100. I think part of the problem is habit, part clever merchandising and, I believe there are other drivers, but that's probably too deep for now and requires a discussion over a glass of wine....... I find that having a monthy menu plan, with shopping list reduces the temptation to throw things in the very large trolleys (yet another well employed tactic).

I am not perfect by any means, but I do know that I am less open to temptation and that keeps our money in our pockets - looking at the larder cupboards, garage and freezer, we could really go for some months without major spends - now I need to find a way to stick to that aspiration - I am looking to think long and hard about the fiscal fast. I need a better balance between stocks & limited stocks. Not sure I am making sense as I am struggling to articulate my thoughts, but no doubt I will mull it over, and get back.

Night all and have a good week, Tilly x