It's time to attack the mortgage!

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Hi all, just a quick post to support the view of occasional treats. I know we had gone way past that and life was one big treat (apart from the working to pay for it) but you don't appreciate anything at all.

Having a LBM a year ago, and then joining this forum in November just gone, has been my saviour. We have fun, enjoy life, BUT without the big price tag, it just isn't necessary in my opinion.

Night all, Tilly

macgirl

Hello

It is F-REEZING here today. Luckily I had to miss the Parkrun this morning as I was getting my roots done (with an Xmas voucher for £5 off :money:). Didn't run, so did BFBM dvd instead, meaning I've exercised 3 times this week, one day less than my target, but still better than sitting on my 'arris!
Also, this morning I was looking at the dribble of perfume left in my bottle and debating whether I should get some duty free next week, then got the the hairdressers and it turns out I won some YSL perfume in a raffle!:j Not my usual flavour but nice none the less and free!
We're out with friends tonight to celebrate DH's birthday. He LOVED the photobook, so that was a result, plus I still have another for MiL's b'day so :money: again!

Had to buy a few things as the girls and I are making birthday cakes this afternoon. That takes the month's grocery total to £212.91. So I've over-shot the runway there but I'm not beating myself up over it, even to spend £250 is a massive reduction on our average spend so I'm more than happy with that.

A spendy day so far... £45 on contact lenses - a 3 months supply that should last me at least 5 months as I wear my glasses alot on non-exercise days.
Plus the new parts for my car = £53.97

Right, must shake a leg and start the Great Macgirl Bake-Off!

Penny_Counter_Girl

Hello Macgirl

You are right - it is freezing today! We had a terrific big walk this morning in the New Forest with our mutt and enjoyed the fresh air and blue skies from beneath our hats and scarves. The best part was having our hot chocolate thermos and scone at the half-way point - bliss, and also much cheaper than buying something while out and about - result.

I agree about treats when you are working hard to save money - life is short and there is no point being senselessly mean to yourself, so don't berate yourself about this kind of thing. Tulips and daffs at this time of year are essential - a reminder that the grey winter will soon pass. I treated us to a lovely hanging basket for the front door last weekend with cheerful primroses and bulbs which will come through in the coming weeks and it's a lovely burst of colour on dark days. I know I could probably have done this myself cheaper but the last time I did my own hanging basket I got it wrong somehow and all the flowers sank - did not look too impressive ...

Enjoy your Saturday and your baking - few things smell better than a kitchen filled with home baking on a wintry afternoon.

macgirl

Hi there
Had a hectic week - hungover after a brilliant weekend, then away on business, so busy busy.

DH announced he can provide £1000 to op soon :j, so delighted with that and hopefully I will get a bonus in March so hope to match that, which would be fantastic!:j
We have decided to keep the regular op's at £132 until after that then will increase it by £100 per month. Our new tenant has cost us recently, so hopefully that will settle down and we can rebuild that pot, then increase the op's.

Spends wise, well I did succumb to the sales and bought a dress and necklace but I need to look smart at work, so money well spent - and they were bargains!
Still have plenty in the freezer and cupboards, so I'm confident groceries will be under £250 for the month which is a massive saving and hopefully a downward trend.

Exercise - have done my new Jillian Michaels dvd and will do it again today - it's VERY tough but I can feel every muscle aching in a good way, so will keep it up! Did lots of walking this week and will be running tomorrow and Sunday too.

I've got some things to upcycle and have ideas ready, so want to make a start on them this weekend and get them on Ebay before the Easter DIY weekend frenzy. There's also a sniff of potential promotion at work, but I don't want to jinx that by talking about it, so watch this space....
(All positive vibes gratefully received )

Have a good weekend x

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Sending HUGE positive vibes for your work opportunity.

We are running tonight - notice I have changed from walky/jog to run, although still more jog than run!

Great news on the OP possibility.

Have a good weekend. Tilly x

macgirl

Spooky I was posting on your diary at exactly he same time!

Thanks for that, yes I feel very positive at the moment and hope it's not misjudged.

Great news on the running, it really doesn't take long to make progress and as I said, once you can run for half an hour, you can run all day! (sort of )

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Hi MG, I actually miss it now but still can't say I enjoy it yet. I am shredding it too and really enjoy that. To feel myself getting stronger is a big motivator.

It is a bit spooky, particularly as the same thought crossed my mind too.

Tilly x

macgirl

Yes, I think running is tough and takes a while to "enjoy" it - if ever - but the highs afterwards are what motivates me. Shred is fab, I do love Jillian, she's tough but good and doesn't mess about - just gets on and does it. Both the other DVDs I have are really good and a natural move on from Shred. However I can see me going back to that as for a 20 minute workout it's so easy to fit in.

Keep up the good work :T

macgirl

DRAT - my car's in for a service and they just called to say it needs new brakes too, so it will be £200! Needs must as I am always on the motorway. I need Feb to be a low/virtually no spend month.

Off to Flylady the house and workout with Jill. Will catch up later...

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Hi MG, I feel like I have a virtual trainer with you around. Is there any mileage in advertising yourself for running coaching? May help offset cost of brakes :eek: however no idea of whether you have to be coach qualified?

Tilly