A Frugal Maternity Leave

crunch_time

Evening diaryland!


We have moved FINALLY!!! And I m back online after 2 weeks of no internet (and no TV).

It feels so good to finally be here and I already feel so happy and relaxed despite a few weeks of lots of stress.

I'm gradually getting all the money side of things sorted. Already got cheaper tariffs for energy, life insurance and home insurance. I am waiting for a council tax valuation - hopefully band B and a water meter installation. Because we are now in the sticks im having to be a bit more organised about food and being stocked up because there are no 'supermarket locals' shall we call them which we relied on when we lived in the city. The FFF has gone down a bit to pay for new curtains so far and the van for the move etc etc.

Everything feels a bit up in the air still , especially since we still don't own this house, we are here on licence until certain criteria are met by the buiders and can be signed off. Then they will relese the mortgage money and we will properly own it. The upside of this is we have no mortgage to pay this month so an extra £750 towards furniture!!!!!

I have already ordered a bed for toddler for £300 ish which will need to be paid for off my credit card and we will need bedroom furniture for our bedroom and also at least one bookcase downstairs - 2 eventually. I really want a plan but cant put one in place till we have paid for the house so we know how much money is left over.

Im still waiting for a few refunds into our joint account from services we no longer need e.g. TV package etc and some cheques to clear.

So I guess this month is a real transitional month where I am trying to by frugal and save money but not really sures for sub of the parameters. Its a bit frustrating but I have to go with it - at least we are here!!!! Going to find it hard to be frugal with furniture though since the wardrobes we like cost about £700!!

Welcome aboard T2rry!! Thanks for subscribing once again. I have taken on board the whole trying to be superwoman thing and just drawn the line with husband at getting a puppy this year and putting that to next years plans:rotfl:


Anyhow, will spend some time catching up with everyone elses diaries over the next few days.... signature updated for now with mainly loan repayments but nice to see them going down.


Crunchy xx

abba1772

Bet your relieved you've moved xx

mum2one

Belated congratulations on the move, sounds like your getting organised with everything xx

f0nz

Subscribing so that hopefully some of your enthusiasm rubs off on me

Congrats on the new baby and the new house what an exciting time for you!

debtfreeoneday

Found you again! Glad you have moved..

crunch_time

Hi everyone! thanks for your kind comments.


I had a little melt down yesterday and rang up husband at work telling him I wasn't coping very well and was worried that I was falling apart. I just feel like I don't get any time to myself between toddler and baby and looking after the house. I know we have been through a hell of a lot of changes over the last few months but its settling down now. I know its not the right forum for this but... mums out there - any tips for finding balance between everything and me time? I love being a mum but I,m finding it really hard going at the moment.


Nothing much to report today on the money saving front apart from some meal planning later followed by a trip to the shop and park.


I don't seem to have time to spend any money at the moment....


Crunchy xxx

jackyann

Hello!
I wonder if you would get a bit more response from the mums' (or even general) bit of the "marriage, relationships & family" board; or my favourite "old style" board where many mums of all ages & experiences share tips.
Maybe see you there!

In the meantime - just recognise how hard this is and forgive yourself the odd "meltdown" - and talk to your OH about finding the odd tiny bits of time for yourself - a bath on your own, a bit of reading time or short walk on your own, even just keeping the kids away for a few minutes whilst you have a chat on the phone. Realise this time passes, and as you have done, enjoy the good parts.
Oh, and read "5 Minutes' Peace" to make you (and the toddler) laugh!

abba1772

Is there any family or friends who might have the kids even for a couple of hours?????

It's hard being a mum I've had many meltdowns but I think that's the worst part then I feel better for saying how I'm feeling if that makes sensed

Hope your ok xx

f0nz

It's a hard slog being the main person dealing with the the kiddos and everything else without adding in a house move to the mix! You would have been all g'd up about the move and everything else and now that it's done and things are settling your body and mind will be like "what the heck just happened?!" .
I'm pretty sure every mum out there has had numerous meltdowns and at times would have given their right arm just to be able to have a wee in peace or just 5 mins to sit in quiet and not have to worry/think about anything. When hubby's home/has a day off could he take over for half an hour (possibly longer, if you don't ask you don't get )? Totally agree with all of jackyann's suggestions. Just having a little alone time makes the world of difference and in turn makes you a bit more patient when things get stressful and tricky. DONT FEEL GUILTY! Us mums are brilliant at making ourselves feel bad and guilty for wanting time alone. There is no need to though, it makes us better mummies and partners as we're not wound up like a coiled spring constantly ready to ping at any moment. I remember hysterically crying because I was given a ham sandwhich once and I didn't want it, I can laugh now but at the time had I had a rusty spoon to hand some serious damage would have been done :rotfl:

Hope you can get some down time soon and feel better soon (hugs)

f0nz

Oh, just to add ... SLEEP! Sleep deprivation is awful and makes you feel 10 times worse. If possible try to grab a nap when You can if you've had a particularly bad night. I know that's much easier said than done when you have 2 to think of but even if you get a lie in on days hubby's home it may help a bit.