It's so simple in theory!

Trishiapp

quidsy wrote: »

Have you checked approved foods, they seem to have a lot of gluten free products & as they are close to or just past sell by date they are much cheaper than regular shops

Thank you Quidsy for your advice,which is especially worth a great deal, since I don't mind eating sell-by-date products. In fact, only yesterday, I have used tinned tomatoes well beyond their recommended sell-by-date! They were delicious I will check them out tonight.


Since joining this site, I have received so much valuable advice about things I didn't even know existed! I am really grateful

A big THANK YOU to you all.

Trishiapp

Earlier I've looked at the Approved Foods website and sadly the gluten free section is somewhat limited (not the kind of food I eat)but I will make an order for other things once my store-cupboard is running low. Also I must mention that I use gluten free rice crispies in my home-made muesli.

Annoying I had to make a visit to the temple of consumerism since I've run-out of dry cat-food. As I was standing there, waiting to pay, I have noticed just how many people pick up 'last minute things' like magazines! Since I've done it in the past, I won't be hypocritical about it, but I felt pleased with myself for not spending any extra money on unnecessary stuff that eventually ends up in a recycling bin! Also, I find those 'gossip' weekly magazines rather depressing and will never understand why anyone would buy them? Is it a way of distracting oneself with other's misery? "Oh my life can't be that bad! I mean look at this poor woman- she's drowning in problems!"Wouldn't it be better to read something happier?

On another note, my daughter asked me to buy her iced-tea today. I pointed out to her that, surely we can make it at home for the fraction of the cost of the shop-bought one. Luckily for me she agreed to my suggestion and we shall attempt to make it this evening. I mean,how difficult can it be? It's only tea!

[Deleted User]

Trishiapp wrote: »

I mean how difficult can it be?

You are Jeremy Clarkson and I claim my £5.

Skinnylatte

I'm loving your thread, your words of wisdom have had me pondering on a few occasions.

How did the iced tea go?

Trishiapp

Good morning Skinnylatte.

Yes, the iced-tea came out lovely! I did add lemon juice to lift the flavour a bit. My daughter Loved it


Last-night, I was watching a TV programme about women's need for beauty products. Now, I do make sure that I look presentable when I step outside, but in comparison to some, my beauty regime is indeed incredibly basic-E45 cream in the evening and SPF 50 sun-cream for the day. I use as little make-up as I can get away with. Because I have very thick, long hair conditioner is a must, otherwise my hair resembles multipurpose garden wire
Altogether the cost of my beauty products come to maybe £20 every three months ( this includes new mascara.)


Anyhow, the point of this post is not for me to brag about the cost of my beauty regime ( although I am positively glowing with smugness) but rather the expense of 'maintaining' oneself.


The programme makers claimed that, an average woman spends well over £1000 per year on 'essential' cosmetics! Yikes! Where does that leave me? Surely ( as the cosmetics companies tell me on daily basis) I should be spending copious amounts of money on 'miracle' creams that define gravity! Any takers for a snail slime cream? Hmmm, things known to human to define gravity: space rockets, missiles, aeroplanes. Things that don't: cakes, coffee and... Face creams!


I am in no way judging anyone for believing in such baloney, but I get rather disappointed that anyone would! Isn't ageing a normal human process? Shouldn't we embrace our natural patina, instead of attempting to look like unsuccessful new-borns? Also, I am yet to come across a man who says to a woman who had a face-lift, ' Oh, I love your high face.'


On a different note, I've been successful in my application to transfer my £800 c/c onto a 0% deal


I wish you all a wonderful day.

Trishiapp

Good morning lovely people.

I am pleased to announce that I did not spend any money yesterday. Also, my friend offered to do my shopping today (!) ( I've been feeding him all week whilst he's been moving house.) Admittedly, I don't need much stuff yet, but I've run-out of fruit, vegetables and milk, so gladly accepted his kind offer


Earlier I've checked my bank account which looks rather healthy! At this rate, I might be able to pay over £300 towards my o/d this month. Let's see how that works out Since I have the two months council tax break I am aiming for £500 each month If I stick to this plan, my o/d should be paid end of April! Once paid off, I shall cancel it.


My initial plan was to tackle my c/c after I've paid my o/d, but I think I will sort-out the Flexi-loan next, since they charge interest on it and my c/c will be on 0%.


The weather has been awful here with constant rain, so stayed mostly indoors. Luckily for me, I never get bored and like my own company I've been baking a lot and catching up on general household chores.


I am yet to find out how things will change once I go back to work on the 17th. I suspect I will have to be very, very organised with the meal planning. Also, because I drive a lot, I'm dreading the added cost of diesel ( normally around £40 per week ) Obviously this cannot be changed, but I shall re-assess my driving methods.


To conclude today's post I would like to share a little quote I read yesterday:


'Don't confuse wealth with money.'


I wish you all a wonderful day

asparagus1968

ooh, well done on getting that 0% deal, great news!

discovered something else this week. sometimes if i'm a bit fed up, I tended to "treat" myself-usually buying clothing/ expensive coffees / magazines etc.the reward was short lived and then had guilt of wasting money!

I've started doing something kind/ thoughtful for someone else now when i'm a bit down. this does so much more for my well-being

[Deleted User]

Trishiapp wrote: »

If I stick to this plan, my o/d should be paid end of April! Once paid off, I shall cancel it.

I've hung onto my ODs, and will continue to hold onto them, at least until I have a nice big emergency fund.

The emergency fund is currently growing at the rate of about £45pm.

I'm hoping to increase the monthly deposits by £9, by paying my contents insurance in one go (rather than monthly DD), from next renewal.

Also, because I drive a lot, I'm dreading the added cost of diesel ( normally around £40 per week )

Any chance of car sharing?

Trishiapp

Good afternoon Bedsit Bob.

Oh, how I would love to do a car-share. Sadly, I'm not able to do it as I work for the NHS within community. I will however, do my best to drive in more economical ways.


I take your point on board re: the o/d. The only problem is, I never get any serious emergencies! Also, I was thinking that, if something did come up and I needed money urgently, I could always borrow money ( interest free) from my family, or perhaps sell something? Of course, once I'm clear of these debts, I am intending to seriously save as much money as I can Hmmm, perhaps I should start doing it now?


Wishing you a great weekend.

[Deleted User]

Trishiapp wrote: »

Oh, how I would love to do a car-share. Sadly, I'm not able to do it as I work for the NHS within community.

Does that mean you use your car to travel to visit patients?

If so, are you getting a fuel allowance?

If not, how about a tax allowance?

Also, are you claiming a tax allowance, for uniforms/clothing and cleaning of same?

I never get any serious emergencies!

You are tempting fate, making a statement like that.