My Busy Life

kazwookie

Hi

Just found your log, well done.

Please remember that paypal is NOT what I would call a bank account, you might be better off removing the money into a savings account, just so you get a little % interest.

Good luck

sidneysmum

kazwooki - Hi and thanks for posting some good advice.

Yesterday was a work day for me and luckily it passed quite quickly. On my way home i had loads of errands to run. I had planned my route so i could save my petrol by combining my jobs. First stop was at the cash for rags shop where i sold 4 bags of old clothes and got £16. I was very pleased with this amount as the clothes were not good enough for ebay or the charity shop. Next stop was the post office where i posted this weeks ebay parcels. Next stop the hairdressers where i had my usual dry cut and paid £9. Lastly I called at Wickes and bought some ready to mix mortar as I have a few little pointing jobs to do myself and also a small piece of guttering. Some was broken in the last bout of strong wind we had, so I am hoping my neighbour will sort it out for me.
Once i was home i just had time to sort out tea as one of my sons was coming round. We had gammon with cheese and pineapple, with new potatoes and baked beans. Really tasty in this cold weather. After he had gone home i decided to do some more drafts for eBay listings. I am trying to get in front with this chore so I always have something to list on a Thursday, even if I am busy that day. I like to list my items on a Thursday for 10 days so they finish on a Sunday. 2 other items were paid for last night so I will post them tomorrow and a lady came to the house to collect an item I had sold. I am just so glad to be getting rid of all this stuff although I still have loads of junk to go through. I will not be hording stuff again.
Today I had a bit of a lie in and then took Sid to the park for a quick run round. I have spent this morning doing some batch cooking to stock up. I made a huge pan of cauli soup, a tray of bubble and squeak, chicken and mushroom risotto and a huge pan of spiced potato and cauli. All these items are going to be portioned up and put in the freezer for over the next few weeks. This afternoon I have been to the cinema to see "Out of the furnace". It was a bit violent but I really enjoyed it. Anyway the plan for tonight is to do a bit more eBay listing and do a spot of ironing. I have one of my sons staying with me at the moment. Unfortunately he has split up with his partner and it looks like a permanent split. Lets just say he wont be a permanent fixture back home. I just love living on my own but i just want to help him through his troubles.
Anyway I hope everyone has had a great moneysaving day.

sidneysmum

I have really enjoyed the last couple of day. On Wednesday I was up quite early and went to visit my aunt in the nursing home. She is a bit under the weather at the moment with an eye infection. Next stop was Sainsburys where i spent £50 from a gift card to buy 4 items of clothing - Navy skinny jeans with a navy, red and white jumper to with the. Also a black cowl neck top to go with some brightly coloured skinny jeans I have and a multi coloured jersey top to go with black skinny jeans. Thankfully I had the gift card in my purse when I saw the clothing so it was a no spend for me. Next stop was the gym where i did 60 minutes on the treadmill. I just had time to nip round the town for a few things before zumba started. Managed to get some "free" leaves for the guinea pigs. I also bought a small gift for my friend for valentines day. Although we have never been, and never will be romantically involved, we always get each other nice little gifts all the time. Posted a couple more eBay parcels which were being sent to late payers. Before coming home i called at Aldi and stocked up on some fruit and breakfast cereal. As my son is staying with me for the moment I just needed a few extra bits. After a nice shower etc I got myself ready and went out with my friend. We just went to the carvery for a meal which cost me £6. My friend is actually my grandsons other grandma IYSWIM !! I really enjoy seeing her. We always have a nice chat.
Yesterday was an equally nice day. Up to the gym first thing for my 60 minutes on the treadmill. Quick nip round the shops. Got some more guinea pig leaves and also bought 2 bargain caulis for 70p. I will make soup with one and probably cauli cheese with the other. I also bought a jar of the "ready tea" from the pound shop. I want to try it at work and it will same me a lot of effort in getting fresh milk. Hopefully i will the tea. Went to dance aerobics and had a great time. I just love my dance classes. They are such fun and are a really good workout at the same time. Before going home i decided to call on my aunt again at the nursing home as i am worried about her. Unfortunately she was no better. Also called at the dicount bakery for the first time this year and bought 10 swiss rolls for £1 plus a huge bag of rocky road for £1.50 . When i got back i took Sid to the park and then got stuck into some housework and a spot of tidying in the garden. I have decided that i am going to try and keep Thursday afternoons for that purpose and any cleaning etc that needs to be done will get done. I also listed all my eBay listings which had been saved to draft. At tea time i went to my "new" zumba class. It is just great and i love learning all the new dances. I got back home at 6.30 and went straight round to my neighbours. We went out for a walk despite the rain. She didn't loose any weight this week so i felt as though i should go with her for some exercise. Also we have a great time chatting. Just had an hour or so on the laptop when i got back.
Anyway I hope everyone has had a great moneysaving time.

sidneysmum

I seem to have been on the go for the last couple of days without stopping for breath. Friday morning i was up early and took Sid to the park. I did a few chores before i went to the cinema to watch "Dallas buyers club" which was great. After a late lunch I went to B&M and bought a tub of white emulsion. I have a couple of very small paint jobs that need doing so i just stopped dallying and bought some. Next stop was zumba where i had a great time with all my friends. It just makes me feel so upbeat. I went and collected my grandson and daughter on my way home and we spent Friday evening together.
Saturday morning I took my baby grandaughter home to her mummy. I dont keep her all day as i want to take my grandson out and she is quite a difficult baby although she is really starting to grow out of it. I took my grandson to the cinema and we saw Monsters University which he enjoyed whilst i cat napped !! After lunch we went to the swimming baths "splash session" which he really enjoyed. I then took him home. Despite the weather being awful, I still went out for an hours walk with my friend to help with her weight loss. After tea I just made a few phone calls and chilled out as i was quite tired.
Today has been another good day. I didn't bother going to the gym as i was having an early start out with my cousin. First stop was the nursing home to see my aunt who is thankfully improving. We then went to the Trafford centre (large shopping centre) and spent a really nice day just mooching round the shops and having coffee etc. I bought another fleece from M&S to wear at the gym. Since being home i have just had time to pack up all my ebay sales and get them ready for posting tomorrow after work. I have got a really busy week planned in my diary for the forthcoming week. I hope i enjoy it.
Anyway I hope everyone has had a great moneysaving day.

MissOptimistic

Hi Sidneys mum - just wanted to pop in to say Hi :wave: I have really enjoyed reading your diary, you have a lovely life, mine is not too dissimilar (in that I have a lot of time at home which I love) but I do tend to waste a lot of time too & you have inspired me to read more (which I love) and finish off a few projects which have been hanging around too long!
I actually set myself a goal each year to read a set number of books (last year I managed 35) but Ive gotten off to a slow start this year.
I also like running, I do have quite a state of the art treadmill at home, but about 6 months ago I moved it into the garage with the intention that I could move it our of our Summer room and use it in the garage - that was a mistake as I ended up piling lots of stuff in front of it and haven't used it since, I'm going to ask DH to move it back for me which he won't be happy about as its very heavy!
I've also been on a roll listing things on Ebay as I want to save up an emergency fund, I have about 20 things on there at present - it's addictive but like you, I don't like the wrapping!
Anyway, please do keep posting x

sidneysmum

MissOptimistic – Hi, and thanks so much for commenting. Sound like we have a lot in common! I haven’t done any exercise for the last couple of days due to work and going out. Let’s just say I am like a bear with a sore head. Great to hear from you and good luck with the ebaying and emergency fund x

Yesterday was a work day for me and I was busy. Managed to get away at 1.30. Took all my parcels to the post office and spent £35 on postage. Thankfully this was all paid for by the people who had bought the items. Next stop was calling at my friends who had asked me to dispose of 2 very large bags of clothes for her. I am planning on passing them onto another friend who deals with a homeless charity in Manchester. Just got home and my neighbour arrived. He was repairing my guttering downspout which had got broken in the recent high winds. He needed me to help holding the downpipe whist he did the drilling. I am so glad he helps me as I would be lost without him for these small jobs. Anyway when it next rains, water should go down the grid now instead of down the outside of my house. A chap then turned up to collect some items he had bought from me off ebay. At tea time I went out with my neighbour for another walk. We were out an hour and it was great to chat. I felt really tired last night as I had slept poorly on Sunday night. I did however spend an hour or so finding more items to sell on Ebay. I am just piling everything up on the bed in the front spare bedroom. Although the room looks a bit of a tip, this in itself is encouraging me to get more stuff listed.
Last night I found a few items of baby wear to sell plus some more ladies clothing. I still have a couple of places to clear our – landing cupboard, garage and a couple of wardrobes. I think it will take me a few months to get the stuff on ebay but I have got rid of loads of things this way already. I am actually being quite ruithless and asking myself all the time “Do I need this?”
Anyway I hope everyone has had a great moneysaving day.

MissOptimistic

I am being ruthless too, a month or so back we were considering a house move & the thought of having to box up and move so many things got me thinking that my life might be simpler with less 'stuff'!
I also turned 40 at the beginning of the year which had quite an effect on me in that I decided I need to 'get my life in order' - I have a habit of hanging onto paperwork no matter how old and so Zi started by venturing into the loft to get it all down & sort it! I now have a huge pile ready for a bonfire when the weather is a little drier.
Your house sounds lovely. I own a similar (1902) victorian 5 bed town house on the North East Coast which I rent out. I live in a completely different 10 year old property, but I do much prefer the proportions of the Victorian house.
£35 is a lot of postage! It does feel good to get them out of the house though doesn't it? I have a couple of things ending this morning, so I will be off there later today.
Have a lovely productive day x

sidneysmum

Miss Optimistic - Thanks for posting. I do love my home but i am just rattling round in it. However I just cannot think of anywhere else I want to live. My house is just so conveniently placed for all the places i go to. I have lived here about 15 years when all the boys were at home but now i have 4 spare bedrooms !! I have a massive playroom my grandchildren use which is upstairs. Its just beautiful. I am lucky to still have loads of original features in the house but it could turn into a money pit !! Anyway I hope you did well with your ebaying. I have lots ending on Sunday again.x

Yesterday was a work day for me and luckily all went by quite quickly. I left about 1.30 and came straight home and jumped in the shower. I was meeting my friend at the local carvery for our tea and a catch up, so wanted to get as much done as possible. As well as doing loads of ebaying i am just trying to generally "thin" my home out. On my way to the carvery I stopped off at Tesco and dropped off a bin bag full of coat hangers to the Tesco recycling point. I then trawled my local neighborhood dropping letters into peoples houses. At the end of the month my old school friends and I are supposed to be having a reunion, so I am trying to drum up as much interest as possible. Anyway once i got to the carvery I was able to have a really good catch up with my friend. However I did start to feel a bit under the weather unfortunately. We did have a good time though and the carvery and drink only cost us £5 each as we had a money off voucher.
Before i went to bed I left a chicken feeder on my front door step. I had arranged with someone who would be passing my house that they could have it free of charge. Anyway when i got up this morning, there was a lovely block of chocolate waiting for me on the front step!!
Unfortunately I have felt a little under par again today. I did get out with Sidney to the park, then went to the gym. I did my usual hour on the treadmill but decided to cut the day short and come home at lunchtime, (missing zumba), and just sit about the house for the rest of the day. I was supposed to be going out with friends tonight for something to eat but decided to cancel. I dont like doing that but felt i was better to get myself sorted out. So i have spent all day today just pottering about the house and trying to keep warm. I have taken load of ebay photos and also made loads of draft listing which I will list soon. I have also done loads of chucking out. Having to help my cousin empty my aunts house has made me realise that its no use keeping hold of loads of stuff. So anything that hasn't been used in the last year or so is being scrutinised very carefully. I have listed loads on ebay, thrown things in the bin, sorted things for the charity shop and put things on one side to give to other people. My next door neighbour has been gifted with a huge pack of tennis balls for her dogs as Sid is not too fussed about them.
Anyway I hope everyone has had a great moneysaving day:)

sidneysmum

I had a great day yesterday....until bed time ! I was up early and went straight to the gym. Did my usual 60 minutes on the treadmill. Just had time to nip to the greengrocers for my "free leaves" then i was back to the gym for dance aerobics. I came straight home and spent a few hours in the house primarily as i was waiting for a builder to call to look at a job i need doing. He cant do it himself (too big a job) but he has pointed someone my way who is going to come round next week. I put my time to good use and got all my ebay drafts listed. I have a few items ending on Sunday and a few the Sunday after. I did a bit more sorting out of cupboards and drawers and the spare bedroom is getting fuller and fuller with things to sell. I`m not bothered that the spare room looks a tip, I just want to get everything in one place. I have also got about 3 more big bags of clothing to go to the "cash for rags" shop. I will do that next week hopefully. I was booked into the teatime zumba class so on my way I filled Gladys (car) up with petrol and called at Aldi for my weeks shop (£4.53). I just bought milk, cat food and porridge. Again I am trying to spend as little as possible and use up everything in the cupboards etc. I just want to get as much money put on one side for my new roof. Zumba was fantastic. I just love this new class. I went straight to my neighbours and we went for our evening walk. She has lost over 11lb now and is thrilled. I gave her a stack of slimming magazines I found in a cupboard whilst i was sorting stuff out. She is going to read them then pass them on to other people at her slimming class. It feels great just to be getting rid of all this stuff. My day started to go pear shaped when i got in from my walk. I just started to feel so poorly again. I was under par on Wednesday and cancelled plans to go out. I actually felt great yesterday, back to A1, until about 8pm. Anyway i woke up this morning feeling just the same. I haven't budged from the house and have cancelled today's zumba. However i do plan on collecting my grandchildren at tea time as my little grandson will be so upset if he doesnt come round......and so will I !! I just cant put my finger on what is wrong. Think i might be fighting off a virus or something. I think when you are generally a "very well" person which I am, its easy to notice an off day. Anyway I have just tried to keep busy and warm. I have been making loads of soup - cauliflour, asparagus, red and yellow pepper. I have put 2 of the soups in the freezer and the cauli soup is in the fridge. This should save me a load of food money this week. We are expecting another massive storm here in the North West tonight so I am glad i will be staying in apart from the trip for the grandchildren.
I didn't receive a valentines card this morning, however i almost kissed the postman when he gave me another little winnings cheque from the premium bonds ! That will be in the bank next week added to the roof fund.
Anyway I hope everyone keeps warm and safe and has a great moneysaving day.

girlatplay

Sorry to hear you are feeling under the weather. Just look after yourself, try to rest and eat proper, nutritious food (I don't meant that you don't normally, just be extra aware).


I didn't get a valentine either. The postman brought me my road tax renewal instead. Probably a good job for him that I wasn't in when he delivered! x