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From debt to freedom...
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I tackled some of the laundry mountain, I think it will probably take a few days to clear! I had my coat to wash which said dry clean only on the label. I realised my washing machine has a delicate setting so chanced the coat in there. It's come out looking clean and fresh
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I did a few hours of work which needed doing for the week after half term and then got stuck into baking. I found a tasty recipe for ginger cake so made that and a batch of vanilla muffins.
The toddler and and I went for a walk, just a small circular one, enjoying the sight of the sheep in the field and 2 primroses nestled in the hedge.
I went through recent spending last night and that isn't so good. Food spending is creeping up again so need to be more resolute on that.paydbx2025 #26 £890/£5000 . Mortgage start £148k June 23 - now £138k.
2025 savings challenge £0/£2000 EF £140. Savings 2 £30.00. 170 -
I put my husband's dry clean only coat through the washer too, and it looks fine. I think reading the label and using common sense definitely pays off in these things.I think a bit of sunshine is good for frugal living. (Cranky40)
The sun's been out and I think I’m solar powered (Onebrokelady)
Fashion on the Ration 2025: Fabric 2, men's socks 3, Duvet 7.5, 2 t-shirts 10, men's socks 3, uniform top 0, hat 0, shoes 5 = 30.5/68
2024: Trainers 5, dress 7, slippers 5, 2 prs socks (gift) 2, 3 prs white socks 3, t-shirts x 2 10, 6 prs socks: mostly gifts 6, duvet set 7.5 = 45.5/68 coupons
20.5 coupons used in 2020. 62.5 used in 2021. 94.5 remaining as of 21/3/220 -
I went into work yesterday and did a few hours. The weather was so lovely that we went to my favourite beach. It was a really high tide, which combined with a fresh breeze made for some dramatic waves. Nothing too high but I love watching the waves crash onto the rocks. It was a definite cobweb busting walk and we all felt much better for it
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I'm trying to limit spending but had to put another £20 of diesel in the car yesterday. Food wise we have plenty in so no need to spend there. I need to get a gift for a birthday later today but hopefully that will be it. My parents have gone on a holiday that had been booked before my grandmother passed away, so my mum kindly gave me all the fruit and yogurt from her fridge that needed eating up:).
paydbx2025 #26 £890/£5000 . Mortgage start £148k June 23 - now £138k.
2025 savings challenge £0/£2000 EF £140. Savings 2 £30.00. 170 -
Today has been a little slower paced as the toddler is under the weather and has been in need of TLC. I nipped out with 1 dog and did a local circular walk which was lovely. Lots of snowdrops were out and a couple more primroses. It's lovely when the hedgerows slowly start coming alive again.
It's been a bit spendy today. While I was sat with the toddler, I caught up with the spending tracker app and paid off £120 towards school trips and £50 off a debt. I confess I did buy a bucket and bottle of sugar soap today, which I have put to good use this evening, scrubbing black mould off the wall. I have some paint that I bought last year, that contains an ingredient that helps to tackle black mould. Hoping to get a coat of that up on the wall tomorrow.
We nipped into the local garden centre to get a birthday present which was successful. The seed stands were all out and full so I did look....and buy. Compared to the past I was restrained...but still bought 5 or 6 packets - tomatoes, snapdragons, sage, sunflowers, nigella and lettuce. The tomatoes and snapdragons have been sown :T:). I used the recycled cardboard box that mushrooms come in, as one seed tray and found another plastic tray outside. Felt such a sense of achievement that I had got something sown!paydbx2025 #26 £890/£5000 . Mortgage start £148k June 23 - now £138k.
2025 savings challenge £0/£2000 EF £140. Savings 2 £30.00. 170 -
The toddler is still not 100%. He was crying with earache for much of last night so he and I are feeling somewhat shattered today. I was planning to go into work, but the beautiful weather beckons!
Last night I was able to scrub off more of the black mould. The wall I washed yesterday had a coat of fungicidal paint so am hoping it will stop the mould coming through.paydbx2025 #26 £890/£5000 . Mortgage start £148k June 23 - now £138k.
2025 savings challenge £0/£2000 EF £140. Savings 2 £30.00. 170 -
You are welcome to experiment with the fungicidal paint at mine! I've just been spraying the bathroom with mould and mildew remover.
I am looking forward to planting too - further north than you so I think I have an excuse for a little while yet! I did treat myself to a magnolia though once it gets too big for a tub I don't know where it will go. Just love magnolias, though, and have wanted one forever.
Is your sage the ordinary one or ornamental? I have two little sage bushes that seem to keep going year after year so I don't know what I'd do with a packetful! I love that I never have to buy sage.
Happy plantingI think a bit of sunshine is good for frugal living. (Cranky40)
The sun's been out and I think I’m solar powered (Onebrokelady)
Fashion on the Ration 2025: Fabric 2, men's socks 3, Duvet 7.5, 2 t-shirts 10, men's socks 3, uniform top 0, hat 0, shoes 5 = 30.5/68
2024: Trainers 5, dress 7, slippers 5, 2 prs socks (gift) 2, 3 prs white socks 3, t-shirts x 2 10, 6 prs socks: mostly gifts 6, duvet set 7.5 = 45.5/68 coupons
20.5 coupons used in 2020. 62.5 used in 2021. 94.5 remaining as of 21/3/220 -
Hope your little one is feeling better soon - I found with earache that ibuprofen was the only thing that could do any good at all.
Try not to stress too much about work if you possibly can...Not giving up
Working hard to pay off my debt
Time to take back control
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6290156/crazy-cat-lady-chapter-5-trying-to-recover-from-the-pandemic/p1?new=10 -
Thank you Cherryfudge and CCL.
Mine is just the ordinary sage. I did have a plant or two once but I think it's been trampled by dogs. I got the nigella seeds planted today and look forward to getting the rest done tomorrow! We managed to get a walk in around the local woods and across some fields. It was absolutely beautiful as the sun set.
I must confess I did fall asleep earlier this afternoon. I think it was the lack of sleep last night ( with the toddler) catching up with me! Only costs today were 12 pints of milk and Calpol.
Trying not to get worried about work, but not succeeding! Walking does definitely ease the worry.paydbx2025 #26 £890/£5000 . Mortgage start £148k June 23 - now £138k.
2025 savings challenge £0/£2000 EF £140. Savings 2 £30.00. 170 -
A coat of watered down PVA glue painted on the wall stops the mould coming through (Clean as you would, paint with PVA and then paint as normal) It hasn't failed me yet
Hope DS is feeling better tonight and you both get a better nights sleep
x“Once you hit rock bottom, that's where you perfectly stand; That's your chance of restarting, but restarting the way.”0 -
Thank you WannabeFree...I didn't know about the PVA tip, thank you for that. DS3 is looking quite tired now so hopefully he will sleep more tonight
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paydbx2025 #26 £890/£5000 . Mortgage start £148k June 23 - now £138k.
2025 savings challenge £0/£2000 EF £140. Savings 2 £30.00. 170
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