WTBSEs 'Starting From Scratch' Savings Diary.

WantToBeSE

I know Jo, I couldn't believe it either..£12 is low even for me!


I am having a lazy day too. I cant really drive too far as my hand hurts still, so I am just going to be pottering about at home getting some housework done.


My plan is to spend as little as possible this week. Its half term in a few weeks which means the boys will eat me out of house and home, so no doubt my food bill will increase that week!

WantToBeSE

Oh, and also I wanted to let you know that I used to do a 'Take your Lunch to Work; challenge over on the DFW board. I had a few PM's asking me to revive it, so I have
You don't have to work, you can be a stay at home parent, a student, work full or part time, everyone is welcome.




The new challenge for February is here https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5165401

atush

Dont text him, wait as day or 2. EMTs work shifts so he could just be busy?

How can you make that above meal plan on 12 quid lol? Or is most of it already in your house?

JoJoC

Your new thread sounds good, I'll pop over for some inspiration and see if I can contribute.

I had a bit of a hormonal meltdown today at the prospect of the cost of putting the two kids in childcare. It's going to cost so, so, so much money. Think I'm just feeling a bit fragile today and my sister has made arrangements for the day she's meant to have my son next week, expecting me to just take a day off work to cover it (Ps I know he's my son and my responsibility, but she made the commitment and it's really hard for me to get last minute time off). It's just tipped me over the edge. She's going to try on wedding dresses for her wedding which is sept 2017 so I'm just wondering why that day was the ONLY day she can do. I know she's excited but it's a really big hassle for me now. God I sound 100% selfish.

Anyway, aside from me being a hormonal wreck I've just been doing housework, got my shopping in (£41 Inc box of nappies and box of wipes in Aldi baby event) and been to softplay with my son.

My husband will be home from work soon so I think we'll just chill and have a nice dinner. Might have a destressing bath.

atush

I dont think you are being selfish, she is. She made a commitment, then broke it.

Doesn't bode well for marriage does it? And 2017? the dresses wont be in fashion then?

JoJoC

Thanks Atush, it's being playing on my mind a lot since yesterday but I still feel like she's in the wrong. Must put it to the back of my head and get over it.

You're right about the dresses- I know she's just excited but she lives in her own wee world for the most part with no consideration for real life and/or how things affect others.

Anyway, apologies for derailing with my hormonal misery.

WantToBeSE

Hello Everyone


I hope you are all warm and safe. It was very ice driving to work this morning, and I don't like it. I don't mind ice and snow if I don't have to go out in it!


Jo- I don't think you are being selfish. She agreed to something that's really important to you, and now is making it difficult for you to go to work. I hope you find a way to sort it out.
How many weeks pregnant are you? Are you getting any morning sickness etc?


Not much to report, as always! We are all feeling better and are back at school/work. I am still having a few problems with my hand, but I just have to wait for it to heal now. As long as I wear gloves (so that I don't get the wound wet) then its OK.


So far, that £12 food shop has still kept us going! But the kids are moaning that there are no biscuits or cakes, so I think I might make some later on. I have all of the ingredients, but will need to pop to Tesco and get some new cake tins, as mine are very old and no longer non-stick. I'll just buy the cheap ones until I can find some good ones on sale. maybe I'll look in TKMaxx next time I am in Plymouth.


I am investigating growing some vegetables in my garden. I am notoriously bad at keeping anything alive. Even herb plants from the supermarkets don't survive in this house. I am not sure if I over or under water them, or whether its something else entirely! I am off to the library in a minute to see if they have some books that I can borrow. I don't want to buy any books just yet, in case it doesn't work out very well. I'll make do with the library for now.

atush

You need a sunny part of the garden, and to improve the soil with organic matter. . Raised beds make it easier if you can.

A herb garden (outside) is a good way to start. Inside herbs dont get enough sunlight, or it is too cold that time of year or get too little water etc. things that grow outside super easy are thyme, rosemary, chives (although chives die back in winter)oregano, sage, . Plant any mint IN it's pot so it doesn't spread. Flat leaf parsely will seed itself for next year. Things like coriander and basil have to wait til may.

Easiest veg is radishes to start, onion sets (can be spring onions as well as reg) and cut and come again lettuces.

If those all do well, when May comes and frost is past (might be a little earlier for you) you could get more ambitious with tomatoes (start with mini ones) and corgettes, beans etc.

chile_paul

Also for pot plants make sure you water them from the bottom i.e. stand the pot in a tray and pour the water into the tray. The plant will then suck up the water that it needs, although make sure you don't leave it standing in excess water for hours on end.....

pollyanna24

I just thought I'd post as I've been reading your diary for about a week now and have finally got to the end of it!

I'm on a real diary reading thing at the moment, I tend to find the longest one and spend hours reading it.

I'm also a single mum trying to save money, so can relate to a lot of what you say.

My position is that I own a house with my brother who is getting married and I need as much money as I can for when we sell as house prices are ridiculous around here (South Herts).

I did try and start my own diary just before I started reading yours, but people seemed to get annoyed about it, so I stopped.

Good luck with the saving, I'll keep on reading and contribute more now I'm up to date,