Saving £100k for mortgage, living a simple life

greent

I make gloop but don't add borax to it in general. Borax is good on the stains, though - but some places sell a borax substitute - Borax is in big lettering and substitute smaller, so it's not obviously a substitute at first look!

newgirly

Hi,it's Definatly borax substitute I have been using, I'm not sure you can even buy borax anymore

Secret_Saving_Squirrel

What does teratogenic mean p,ease?

Alchemilla

Sorry. Can harm unborn foetuses.

earthgirl

Hi thanks for the info re gloop. How many washes would you say that does Newgirly?

I have found that hand washing clothes is too time consuming with not much money saved, as every now and again ds2 will throw up and then I have to put a wash on anyway, even if there are only a few items in the basket, and I feel so mad that I spent two hours hand washing!! Instead I have been spot washing the children and my clothes, to make them last two days (except for underwear). Not a useless exercise though as I no longer just chuck stuff in the wash!

earthgirl

Working part time (3 days) is definitely my limit, I am so enjoying having the days off in between. I have done a little bit of money saving - taking in lunchs to work etc and extra money making - a couple of tutorings.

I managed to keep our weekly shop under £20 last week, and I hope it'll be just £25 this week.

Off to read some diaries for some inspiration!!

earthgirl

Hi All,

Feeling a bit down at the moment I am afraid. I have been really ill, doctors think it has been mastitis and flu, and I have also had a tummy bug as well. I am just generally exhausted and sleep deprived as well. I had 2 days off work, but now I regret going back yesterday as I feel so awful I am not sure how I will get through work tomorrow.

I had a new tutoring client booked in tonight, and after about 5 mins I had to cancel it as I felt so awful and couldn't speak. I was also under prepared as it was a speaking class - the baby wouldn't give me a miuntes peace today to get ay planning done, and I had to get leftovers rejigged into a meal for tonight in the bit of time I did get.

During being so ill last week, we ate rubbish, including two eats in fast food restaurants.

I have had mastitis twice since being back at work, and the way the baby wants to comfort feed at night off one side has got to stop. I have been cutting down, and I am down to one feed, and I am going to stop today - hence the hormonal down feeling I think.

Anyway, rant over, things are not that bad. I won the bonus ball at work, and that will pay for the fast food we had over the weekend, so I can stop beating myself up about that and get on with cooking nice meals with the stuff I have bought in - weekly shop £25 this week, so back on track.

I also made about a 5er on something I sold on ebay at the weekend, and have picked up some free apples from a lady at work.

Opportunities:
- Health. I don't think I have much choice but to stop breast feeding. Being unwell is expensive, and I need more sleep and less pain. I should eat more fruit and drink more water - we all should! and I want to build more exercise into my life. I should try to wash everyones hands more too and not spread these germs!
- Money in - Plan my next four tutorings so that I don't have to talk and cancel my lessons. Do some work on OHs business.
Money Out - cook from the store cupboards. Focus on reducing petrol use. Go to bed earlier - get more sleep and switch stuff off earlier!

There are loads of other things I should do, but I am going to keep things small until I feel better!

Beckyy

I hope you're feeling better soon earthgirl x

Courgette

Sorry to hear things aren't great, Earthy. Try not to beat yourself up about things though, we're all human and if you're ill you're ill. Get yourself a week or two of very early nights and all will be well again xxx

Muser1

Sorry you are down. Mastitis is horrible and lack of sleep on top is not much fun. I remember sobbing when I gave up BF I think it's always a tough one because of how special a time it is.

Hope things settle down for you and that you feel lots better soon. xx