NOT BUYING IT! 2015 - A consumer holiday

natnat13

Oh I do love this thread. Thank you so much for all your London comments. I have written things down and will report back as to how I get on and what I do.
I to overthink things, re-play scenarios in my head, usually late at night or early morning and it gets me no where apart from crying usually. I have very good friends who I can text and are always there for me, but I am vowing now to stop it. The BF has back pedalled again and is now gone for good. I can't cope with that in my life and deserve much more than to be his "go to" girl.
So I've decided this year is all about me (and my DS's obviously). I'm going to work and save hard but also enjoy myself, starting with my trip, I've also booked a beginners crochet course (only £10 which includes all I need and refreshments). I have also organised a singles night out on valentines day, I would usually buy a new outfit, eat out but I won't be doing that, will just budget some money for a few social drinks. My next thing to sort is a holiday for me and the boys, nothing fancy, I have a tent so will probably book some camping I think, there's loads of beautiful places here in Cornwall.

savingqueen

Well done and congrats on ditching the useless ex-BF. You can do far better.... but of course this year is about YOU and your lads. A course, a singles night and a holiday, go natnat!!

natnat13 wrote: »

Oh I do love this thread. Thank you so much for all your London comments. I have written things down and will report back as to how I get on and what I do.
I to overthink things, re-play scenarios in my head, usually late at night or early morning and it gets me no where apart from crying usually. I have very good friends who I can text and are always there for me, but I am vowing now to stop it. The BF has back pedalled again and is now gone for good. I can't cope with that in my life and deserve much more than to be his "go to" girl.
So I've decided this year is all about me (and my DS's obviously). I'm going to work and save hard but also enjoy myself, starting with my trip, I've also booked a beginners crochet course (only £10 which includes all I need and refreshments). I have also organised a singles night out on valentines day, I would usually buy a new outfit, eat out but I won't be doing that, will just budget some money for a few social drinks. My next thing to sort is a holiday for me and the boys, nothing fancy, I have a tent so will probably book some camping I think, there's loads of beautiful places here in Cornwall.

joedenise

savingqueen wrote: »

Well done and congrats on ditching the useless ex-BF. You can do far better.... but of course this year is about YOU and your lads. A course, a singles night and a holiday, go natnat!!

Ditto!

You're definitely better off without the ex by the sounds of things.

Enjoy your course, singles night and holiday. Camping is great for kids, gets them out in the fresh air and exercising by running around.

Denise

blackcatsx2

I'm another one that goes over events and conversations long after they have passed and come up with things I wish I'd said or done differently. I also bear grudges for a very, very long time. I read somewhere that Nelson Mandela said that feeling resentful "is like drinking poison yourself and hoping that it kills your enemies" For me, that is so true - the person I feel resentment towards has probably got no idea that I feel that way so the only one getting negative feelings from it is me which defeats the object doesn't it!

allybee101

I had to buy 'stuff' yesterday but I think I might have cracked my impulsive buying.

I have a notebook that I am using to keep track of my decluttering (progress report) and also to write lists such as:
books to borrow from library - I always forget good titles
things I want to buy
etc

The 'want' list is fairly self explanatory, but rather than immediately going to buy the item it sits on my list whilst I consider if I really need it, hopefully getting rid of the impulsiveness.
It also means that I won't settle for the first item I see, I can spend some time researching.

The purchases are essential and will replace worn out items
- Navy flat shoes - my current navy shoes are nearly worn out - they've had very good wear for over 2 years. Being replaced with a pair of decent leather shoes that will go with nearly all my clothes.
- Jeans - again a replacement for a pair that are developing holes - not v smart. Nearly bought a pair last week that weren't really quite right, by waiting a week I've found a much lovelier pair that will suit me much better.
Being a larger lady with size 9 feet I struggle to find clothes and shoes in charity shops in my size so I end up buying new. But I will follow the 1-in-1-out plan so at least my wardrobe won't grow any bigger.

Bathory

I'm another who has imaginary conversations about annoying things that have gone on and wishing I could have reacted or said something differently. Its such a waste of mental energy though at the end of the day that I try not to do it as much (although sometimes its difficult to cut out). I try to visualise a big white X over the memory in order for it to stop.

January so far has not seen many NSDs as we keep running out of things. I am going to stockpile a bit more ie: milk, cat litter, bread, rather than buying just 1 of each in the shops. I have tried a few new products whilst shopping and disliked them but at least I know I won't be buying these items again (S*npat cashew nut butter - yuck).

Unfortunately, a spend is on the way in the form of OH getting a new, old car as the current one is beyond repair and will definitely fail its MOT. He likes old cars due to them being more fixable so this next one on the horizon dates from 1988.

edwink

Picklepot wrote: »

I am trying to use small phrases to try and stop my brain going over and over like... 'that wasn't how it was' 'she got it wrong' 'that's her inexperience talking' I choose one that fits the scenario and keep repeating it in my mind and try and focus on something else.

It is hard when an injustice has been done and no one listens or understands.

Hi Picklepot

Thank you for that tip I will try that myself!!

You are so right about that point, I could not agree with you more!!!! I have an on going situation like that and I find it so hard at times!!

Wow!! What a great thread this is turning out to be!! A crew of best friends that can talk about anything and everything!!

Well done Slowdown for getting all of us together and a big Thank you!!

Edwink XX

joedenise

Bathory wrote: »

January so far has not seen many NSDs as we keep running out of things. I am going to stockpile a bit more ie: milk, cat litter, bread, rather than buying just 1 of each in the shops. I have tried a few new products whilst shopping and disliked them but at least I know I won't be buying these items again (S*npat cashew nut butter - yuck).

As you don't like the cashew nut butter, rather than wasting it how about making it into "milk" - Proportions are 1:6 so 1 cup of butter:6 cups of water and then blend for about a minute. No need to strain but can be used as is. You may want to add a bit of vanilla extract and sweetner but not absolutely necessary.

Saw this on a U-tube video so might be worth a try. Even if you don't like it to drink you could probably use it to make a rice pudding.

Denise

Bathory

Thanks, might go with the rice pudding tip as I do love making this. At the moment its getting used up very slowly spread on crackers. Luckily its only a small jar !

[Deleted User]

We had a bit of a naughty purchase yesterday of a takeaway as DH had to work all through the previous two nights in addition to working during the day so he felt he deserved a treat. I had a 20% code and got 4% quidco however our food arrived 2.5 hours late! The restaurant gave us some beer and money off as compensation so wasn't as big a spend as it could've been.

Yesterday I also found out that my lovely dad and step mum will be moving to Spain this year - something they've been planning for so long and I couldn't be happier for them! Plus it will mean low spend holidays for us

Does anyone have any ideas for a going away present that I could give them? The place they are going to is completely kitted out so no furniture or nic-nacs needed, they have tapas and paella kits, they have plenty of photos of us all and know the area very well so local area books won't be worth it.

Thanks in advance!