Need to get a grip!!!

rc12345

Well I don't have a problem getting out of bed any more, the kittens are outside the bedroom door bang on 5.15am. I'm usually awake at that time anyway, but had been struggling actually getting out of bed. Now, I'm straight out of bed so they don't wake dd up!!!


So, to catch up on Monday: usual minimum water in kettle, excess water in flask and reused tea-bag. Took some cheddars to work to snack on as best before date on them is 29th November. Still had 24lb to lose monday. Took half a pack of wotsits dd's friend left to work to have after lunch. Remembered to get dinner out of the freezer in the morning, so it wouldn't take as long to cook. Had toasted hot dog rolls for breakfast as bought them when on special offer in case they wanted hot dogs at the sleep over, so now have a few in the freezer. Again, remembered to close the garage door when I went to the garage so as not to let the cold air in (but mainly not to let the cats out!)


Do need to order some udo oil from e-bay, as cheaper and have now run out. Used a fruit tub as a pen pot. Parked close to work to get dd before 5.30.


Had an e-mail about the deposit confirming it would be in my account in 5-7 days :eek: made a phone call and don't have to pay the rent until the deposit is back in my account - phew - maybe because I was so frustrated by this point I was close to tears on the phone. I just can't believe all the problems I have had with this, surely it shouldn't be so difficult!!!


Had a text regarding the teachers presents at school, there is always a collection for the teacher and teaching assistant - £10 for the teacher and £5 for the teaching assistant. I've always done it as it is easier for me than going out and getting presents for them, but someone at work thought £15 was a lot for this - so not sure now.


Out of date porridge again Monday for lunch and only one pack left, however do still have a cupboard full of porridge which needs eating before that ends up going out of date as well. Had raisins with the porridge in my attempt to be healthier, so that was two of my five a day achieved. Ran out of jam so had work sugar on it as well as using work milk.


Went for a walk at lunchtime Monday. E-mailed solicitor and confirmed to act on my behalf re custody of dd, so now have £5k to find. Not that I would quibble over this, as it is far too important to cut costs over.


Managed to pick dd up before 5.30pm, excess water from pasta in flask, bread defrosted on top of the microwave and not buttered again. Diluted milk half and half with water, washed up in cold water and reused some cling film.


Strawberry tub did not come home again on Monday, leftover pasta in the fridge, saved plastic bit of the croissant packaging - again think it might be a good drawer divider. Porridge box in craft tub, took last night's dinner out Monday night to defrost. Need to remember to close fridge and freezer doors straight away. Used carrier bags as wastepaper bags.


Monday night we made salt dough (thanks for that idea supersaver) wasn't particularly successful at first as recipe I'd found made it far too sticky, so put loads more flour in and maybe a bit too much. We made three candle holders, which were going to be Christmas presents for grandparents - but then when cooked the hole the candle goes in shrank!!! They are now going to be tree decorations, dd also made a snowman. Tonight, will be painting them

rc12345

Yesterday was usual minimum hot water in the kettle, excess hot water in the flask, reused tea-bag. Used half and half milk on dd's cereal and this wasn't noticed. Saved butter container to reuse for something, not sure what yet. Parked close to work, no contacts, no perfume and hair tied up - actually quite liking the glasses and hair up look now I'm getting used to it. Still had 24lb to lose - although this is down to 23lb today - must be the walking, can't think what else it could be - so thanks supersaver for the motivation to continue with this.


I did eat half the pack of cheddars yesterday morning (BF issues) and ended up driving home at lunchtime to have a nice lunch with the kittens - not very money saving petrol wise, but cheaper than treating myself to a nice lunch out. Had tomato soup and 2 buttered hot dog rolls, not out of date porridge - but maybe I needed a break from that for a day!!


Managed to pick dd up before 5.30. She had brownies, but wants to give up and I don't really want her to, even though it would be cheaper if she didn't go. She did go last night and admitted she really enjoyed it. Had to pay £5 for something they are doing next Tuesday and the £70 for brownie camp next year. She found 50p in her brownie uniform for tuck and won some earphones, which I was considering getting her some - so that was good.


Went to co-op whilst she was at brownies:


strawberries: £2
wraps: £1.29
bread: 55p
salt: 35p
total: £4.19


salt is to make more salt dough, wraps seem to be dd's favourite food at the moment (she wanted more croissants, but they didn't have any) and the bread will go in the freezer so should last a while.


Better go check on the budget now, it's been neglected for a few days...

rc12345

so, quick update on the budget (amazing how things can slide in the course of just a couple of days )


Would have -£1.02 in the current account by payday, therefore transferred £1.02 from emergency account as don't have an overdraft on the current account. So now will have 0 in current account. £26.89 in emergency account, £347.12 to pay off overdraft and £2,907.30 to pay off credit card. £8.81 in purse.


Good news about the council tax going down, but bad news is water is going up - currently pay £28.17 a month and it will be £31.96 in December and then £36.89 a month. Actually looking closely at this, doesn't look like they have taken into account the two payments I have already made for October and November - think I am due a £51.34 refund, will have to call them up today and check. Also, need to check meter reading outside - didn't even know I had a water meter - they have estimated the reading.

supersaver1000

Keep it up rc, look forward to hearing about round 2 of the salt dough.

EagerLearner

Well done RC you're doing so well and I do hope you had a brilliant Christmas! How's the new freezer working out? With a slow cooker could save you a fortune. Soups are also very money saving and freezable plus good for losing weight. Carrot and sweet potato with red lentils is very nutritional and you can make lots.

Hopefully you're feeling better about yourself and the new year will help you with a fresh start.

Re the lawyer fees can you ask for help with citizens advice? No need to pay what the current solicitors are asking if it's so much surely you can get a better deal... See here on mse if anyone has advice on the legal boards?

Good luck with it and I look forward to reading your next updates, happy 2015 and here's to a fresh start.