LBM in 2003.. What have I been doing since??!

brizzledfw

More small things:

- 3 gallons of elderflower champagne made..just need to bottle this eve!
- used my accidental purchase of Am£zon Prime and put to good use- watched movie for free
- TTs done
- watered plants at allotment- they are hanging on

jwil

Hope things settle for you soon.

Good luck with the listing.

What's the film selection like on Amazon prime? I might consider it in the future if there's a decent range of stuff.

brizzledfw

Not bad. A good supplement to BT Vision which we have- no need for sky in our house as OH likes doing sport rather than watching it (more MSE :money:) :rotfl: couple of stops as it loaded ( you run through a computer) but really not an issue.

Just realising still no childcare or babysitting costs...that is one very good development from this time last year. We also have a cleaner but are negotiating to reduce her hours ( someone else is keen to pick them up).

Thanks jwil for popping by. Think I will feel more in control by end of July

DedicatedDFW

Hi brizzle,

I replied earlier and then lost my post twice!

You always have such a lot going on - you put me to shame

Well done on all you are achieving especially in times of change - is it july when your work life alters?

Also congrats on all the excellent frugal activity

brizzledfw

Thanks DDFW..great to have you popping by.

Put you to shame..hardly..you are the queen of lists and whats more you get through the lists too

Today is a quieter day, thankfully...although on a real trip of taking kids to and fro to stuff this eve and OH is out

- have made pasta with sausage in tomato sauce for tea. all the kids have to do is heat in the microwave. Easy and we all love it.

- reworking the BM banana cake recipe to use SR flour rather than plain has worked better...and its a great way to use up manky bananas

- sun is blazing so panels are really cracking on. On a really good day we get £5 so thats handy.

- chasing and complaining to my CC provider :mad:about their inefficient processes...if I get any joy I will let you know

- pegged out huge load of washing, should dry in seconds

- thinking about leasing a car. I may have to scramble a deposit on a CC and then use a BT at 0% to then pay back over the next few months. It really hurts me to do this but I am not sure we have a lot of options. I really don't want to borrow enough to buy a reliable car and I cant see how else I can sensibly do it. From September I could be in my car a lot. At least by leasing its new, within guarantee and most of it is a monthly payment rather than an upfront capital one

- I also need a laptop for my new business..:o...more expense:eek:

- BUT...reminding myself of the good news in the next 4 weeks..we should get a nice amount from van hire and we also get our student half way through next month. This income will be put to good use!

Hope everyone is enjoying the sun

brizzledfw

A NSD for me but not for OH unfort

In bed already...busy week and I need some sleep

kerri_dfw

Just having a quick catch up. The weather here's been gorgeous but the poor veggies must be thirsty. Fab for the washing though.

Sounds like you're keeping on track.

Re: the car. .. mine was hired when I first got it. Then I paid it off outright. Was nice to know it was safe for all those miles on the road.

daisystar

Hey Brizzle, exciting times are a-happenin for you

Re: the car - if you need one you need one so don't beat yourself up about using a cc - you know how to do it sensibly now so it seems like the most practical thing to do. I feel your pain though, I've been umming and ahhing about the car thing and have finally decided that we'll get rid of the current money pit that is our family car and I'll continue to be car free for a while, I just can't bring myself to spend the money!! It'll probably be a different story in winter though........:)

beanielou

Nothing wrong with leased cars in my humble opinion.

brizzledfw

Thanks folks.

Yes we've done it. Getting a car by paying a deposit and then paying 'rent' for next 4 years. Oh well. It'll be reliable and all servicing is in so the only stuff we have to do is insure it, tax it after year 2 (£30 ) and put diesel in it. I am paying for the deposit with a 0% until June 2015 Money Transfer from the ghastly M@NA card..which for some reason still seems to be open ( thought I had closed it..if I have I need a Plan B!). It'll make me less stressed though, which has been building since the end of May really, so I think it's the best thing.

I have also spent the morning decluttering. Tonnes of paperwork is hitting the dust which make my study seem bigger and gives me space to think. Still a huge pile of filing to be done at some stage but as least you can now see the desk!

Work opportunities are looking promising which is a relief. More on that as it comes through, don't want to jinx anything! .;)

And...on the pesky credit card front..they agreed their service had been poor and credited my account with £75! Result