Black Cat's Year

black_cat

House sold straight away and we're now near to exchange! We could move before Christmas but waiting for vendor. Only three of us and two properties in the chain. Wish I'd kept going with the packing...

Whether we move before or after Christmas the new MFW starts in January - with a much higher mortgage

black_cat

Unfortunately, we didn't manage to exchange before the close of day yesterday but all the necessary monies have been sent to the solicitor ready for January 2nd. Therefore, I know exactly where we stand and can start saving again. I'm not going to overpay at first but save in a separate account - just in case there are unexpected outgoings with the new house.
I'm disappointed that we didn't exchange but now I have more time to de-clutter before we move!:)

black_cat

We exchanged today!
Removals booked, cattery booked, on to the next phase...

black_cat

I'm not very good at keeping this diary going! Over a year since the last post...
Good things since then:

• moved house with few hassles - and love it!
• cleared everything out of storage (saving money and letting go of clutter)
• enjoyed a great summer holiday - paid for up front
• carried out a few essential repairs
• bought new things for house over the year in cash - fridge-freezer, bookcases, bed, chairs, office chair
• bought new-to-us / sale things for the house - desk, table, lampshades, coffee machine, lawn mower
• improved my gardening / houseplant skills so making the best of what we've got
• paid for this year's summer holiday
• no debt other than mortgage

Things to focus on now:

• increase emergency fund
• increase savings pot
• grow some food - make a start!
• final declutter
• save for new kitchen
• overpay mortgage

I need to get back into more disciplined MSE ways...

FIREdoc

Sounds like you've had a wonderful year! We are also exploring the gardening/food growing, looking forward to hearing more! And we love a holiday too (paid for in advance, of course!)

black_cat

My only foray in to growing food so far has been growing mint on the windowsill (from a supermarket "living" plant), and some rosemary in the garden. More herbs would be a good start and I'll try tomatoes in pots or bags and some kind of lettuce for the summer.

black_cat

Emergency fund increased by "rounding down" a current account.
Keeping the baby houseplants alive and remembering to water the mint!
Leftovers for lunch and dinner.
Tiny amount of decluttering.
Watched DVDs (use what you have)
Made a "wish list" of wants and needs - even the needs can be postponed so would like to put off until the summer (after holiday).
Read MSE forum to keep motivated and inspired.
Making a "twiddlemuff" from wool, bead and button stash.

black_cat

I'd put some basil and mint in water to see if they'd grow roots so that I could pot them (these were cut herbs in a packet from the supermarket). No success after a few weeks so I almost gave up. I was about to throw them out this morning as the basil was wilting but when I checked the stems I found roots - can't tell you how exciting that was! So, I've potted a mint plant, a basil plant, a baby spider plant (taken from a plant at work and kept in water for more roots to grow), and planted some papaya seeds from bought fruit. (I dried the seeds on the window sill, thinking that they might grown into a nice plant even if there's no fruit. After checking on the internet it seems that I might get fruit if it's warm enough in the conservatory).

The cost?
Plastic plant pots £2 - some left
Potting compost £3 - tiny amount used so far
Reused plant pots - free
Cuttings from basil and mint herbs bought and used for cooking - so "free"
Papaya seeds from fruit eaten - so "free"
Baby spider plant taken from plant at work - free (must look for more)
Re-potted 2 baby mother-in-law's tongue - free

I'm going to be on the look out for herbs and plants at friends' houses - I like "free" gardening!

black_cat

Brunch today - slightly out-of-date bacon sandwiches. Bacon kept in fridge and smelt fine. Tasted lovely!
Started second twiddlemuff with wool, buttons, beads and ribbon from stash. So pleased I discovered these on another forum - a great way to use up my stash of craft materials whilst producing something I can donate and benefit others. Also a relaxing hobby that costs me nothing and takes my mind off eating and spending money!
Dinner will be from stores.
Free entertainment today will be watching a DVD and decluttering my study/library/craft room - looks more like a junk room at the moment!

black_cat

Still haven't got round to sorting out my room! However, my re-potted plants and cuttings are doing well and I've been watching some great YouTue videos that have given me other gardening ideas. Spending is OK - went out for a lovely meal yesterday (planned) - but other than that, we've been good. We're having friends round for lunch on Easter Day so that's the only upcoming expense. I need a list to keep me focussed. Things to do before Sunday:

1. organise my study/library/craft room
2. weed gravel
3. weed patio
4. weed drive
5. OH mow lawn
6. "tidy" garden
7. general housework
8. menu plan
9. shopping