Finally I have a mortgage I can start to pay off!

themadvix · 6 January 2022 at 10:53AM

Morning all,

Interesting SL. Most Olio activity happens where there is a Tesco. But you do have to check at the right times - often late evening as things are listed from store closing for collection by midnight if there's lots of use by stuff (best before can linger and some stores will only have morning collections, like mine).

My Nationwide payment to my cc has arrived, so that cc is now £35 in credit (because of annual cashback payment). I think this will cover the whole bill this month! (It's usually relatively small as I use my Amex for most things - R'ford and milk are the main culprits on this card). It would be great to go into next month with some credit on it, but we'll see.

I've also changed my Skipton BS savings account - I've stayed with Skipton as it was easier and quicker than a proper hunt for a good rate. It's only 0.3% which I know I can get better than, but they are ethical, minimal effort was required and I can move the money in and out as much as I like (which, certainly last time I looked, wasn't the case for a lot of instant access savers with good rates). It'll do for now (I've procrastinated over this since September and with house stuff still up in the air and income down I don't want to commit to a regular saver). £4.73 interest had accrued, so I've moved that to my anniversary savings pot, which is now well over half way - no idea yet where we'll go... (or if it will get absorbed by holiday money, although I think we're doing OK there).

Dad has just offered to take me out for lunch today for my birthday (tomorrow)

So lunch is sorted! (DH is in the office today.) We'll have potato hash this evening to use up potatoes, pepper and onion (free meal).

A bit of work to do, then I'm determined to try and get a set of bunting finished that can be sold! I'll pop it on Olio straight away, but once I've got a few, I might give Etsy a try.

I watched/listened to a presentation from a lady whose emails I get yesterday, about 'Nothing New in '22' - i.e. buying nothing new this year. It's all about the environmental impact of consumerism and challenging yourself to not buy this year. You can set your own rules (and exceptions, i.e. food/underwear), so it's a challenge but not impossible. You don't even have to do it for a year or for everything - you could choose clothes or tech or do just a month. I think I might give it a go. I've not bought anything new yet (or anything, apart from milk). I'll have to have a think about the rules and exceptions (e.g. I want to buy Levi's when I'm in the States!). If anyone is interested, the link to the presentation (was a Zoom call) is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUxTfRguvAc&ab_channel=JenGale-SustainableLivingSpecialist.

MS things:
* Clicks and HW done - 50p on HW this morning
* Stir fry last night used up fading free cauliflower, pepper and spring onions, as well as free carrot and eggs.

Gratitudes:
* Sunshine
* Lunch with Dad (and no fiancee - much as I like her it'll be nice to actually just see Dad for a change)
* Yoga, day 2 - can feel the aches today, so must be doing something right

Have a good day all!

QueenJess · 6 January 2022 at 11:00AM

Very jealous of your yoga - unfortunately no time for anything with a baby. One day I’ll be able to exercise again…!

The Tesco thing for Olio makes sense as to why there is very little round here too. There is a T express not too far away, but I don’t think they have anyone to do it as they keep advertising for a volunteer.

I have thought about no spend challenges etc, but I don’t think they would work for me (partly as kids make things harder). I instead try to not buy lots of things, to not throw anything away and buy as much as possible second hand. I’m still incredibly slowly trying to make changes for the better - I’ve completely swapped myself (but not DH) to vegan milk and butter. I also got DH a shampoo bar for Xmas and can’t believe he actually uses it and likes it! Small steps…!

Exciting for your birthday tomorrow. Hope you have a great day and a lovely lunch 🎉🎂

themadvix · 6 January 2022 at 11:05AM

QJ, you might be interested in the lady - she run's a 'knackered Mum's eco club' (which is a paid for thing) - she's very normal and mum to two boys - she did her first nothing new challenge (just for herself and her family) in 2012 when her boys were small. She's also written a book on sustainable parenting - but it's all very down to earth and realistic! You're doing really well with making changes and I know from what you write that you're very eco-conscious!

Can you find a mum and baby yoga class? I think you use them as weights?! There might even be things like that on Youtube - it has to be said, not having to leave the house makes all the difference as to whether I'll do it or not!

Have realised I have to go to Sainsbury's today (for my carefully spent £15 of Nectar points shop) as I've pretty much run out of tea! And with visitors expected for birthday (so much better than lockdown last year!) I'd better have something more than peppermint or decaf to serve! (The question is, will my car start - it's be sat for 2 weeks... otherwise, I'll have to wait until DH gets home tonight.)

QueenJess · 6 January 2022 at 11:14AM

Sounds interesting - I’ll look her up. I do use DD as weights and she loves it and finds it very funny!

Thanks for your kind words. I do try, but it is very slow progress and it is just me (DH is totally indifferent, but if I do all the work he might come along for the ride). One day I’ll get some actual real sleep and then there’ll be no stopping me 😂

Cheery_Daff · 6 January 2022 at 12:51PM

Thanks for that link Vix - I actually used to follow her when she did her very first challenge! (She followed my old blog back then too, and now she's like some kind of celebrity 😁). Very cheerful though, and lots of realistic actions people can take.