From debt to freedom...

Honeysucklelou2

The waste was certainly frustrating. I isn't know what was in that freezer, I'm not sure the ex knew what was in it either, so I think it's time for lists on the front!

On a positive note, I was able to buy some seeds for 50p a packet at the agricultural suppliers, when I went to get chicken corn. I'm looking forward to getting those sown in the coming weeks.

On a not so positive note, I had a letter from the electricity supplier informing me that the monthly direct debit is rising from £105 a month to £112:(. Last year I thought we were doing well as I was able to get refunds twice as I'd overpaid. I can only put it down to having to use a tumble dryer. Last year I managed to dry everything using the line outside wherever possible and airers/round the fire/radiators but the line blew down in one of the last gales so I've not had that option and have been using the tumble dryer more this winter. I need to prioritise money for a new line when I'm next paid.

Cherryfudge

Do you have a couple of points in the garden between which you could string a straight washing line from the pound shop? I know a lot depends on the layout though.

Yay to seeds! I had almost decided not to try anything with the garden this year as I failed to find time last year and this looks like being the same, but I found I was trying to root a couple of cuttings so I have decided what's bred in the bone comes out in the flesh and I am one of those people who will garden if all I have is a jam jar to grow things in! I always love hearing about the things you grow. What's on the menu for this year?

Honeysucklelou2

Well...I have a couple of packets of sweet peas. I thought I'd try "Cupani" this year. A beautiful vivid purple and pink, slightly smaller flower but amazing fragrance. I have seeds for most hardy annuals such as Calendula, Nasturtium, Nigella and some half hardy flowers such as Cosmos, Bells of Ireland and Nicotiana. The Rudbeckias I planted last year are perennial so I'm looking forward to seeing those again! I have some sunflower seeds too.

Veg wise, I'm keen to grow a red and green lettuce mix, a cut and come again type. Tomatoes are on the menu, as are courgettes, sweet corn and beetroot. I'm counting myself as doubly blessed as I have a garden at work to cultivate as well, so am trying to keep good records to remember what I've sown and where!!

Honeysucklelou2

Slightly busier day today after the lazy Saturday yesterday. DS1 wanted to go into the nearest town so I thought I'd make use of the journey by taking the other children and the dogs on a riverside walk. It was beautiful! The catkins were out in abundance and I saw the first primroses that I've seen of this year:):) The air was cold yet bracing; one of those winter walks that always leaves you feeling energised.

We had chicken cobbler followed by carrot cake for the evening meal. I cooked the rescued gammon from the freezer, so the ex can collect that at some point soon.

I have lots of home jobs and work jobs that I want to get done during half term, so hoping to balance these with time with the children.

Cherryfudge

It sounds as though spring is springing in your part of the world! How lovely. I have finally sighted snowdrops in my garden: they are in a sheltered spot but perhaps don't get enough daylight to encourage them.

I looked up 'Cupani' - what a glorious colour! I think it's the scent that makes them so desirable, though.

I ought to get some annual seeds both for my garden and to do a couple of hanging baskets for Mum's house. The hanging baskets will probably be nasturtiums, perhaps with something to give a bit of height in the middle. I also need to redo my wall baskets at home as the birds have pulled the lining to pieces!

Honeysucklelou2

I do like the hardy annuals. I still have some of last summer's calendulas in flower, admittedly in a pot next to the house, but still flowering away. The nasturtiums lasted well into November too. Good value!

Honeysucklelou2

I've had a busy couple of days, after my lazy Saturday. I've lost count of the loads of washing but good to catch up. The walls and ceiling of the hallway were washed down with sugar soap on Monday with a view to painting them before the end of the week. I bought the paint last year so no outlay needed now, I just lacked the time last year.

It has been lovely to enjoy cooking and baking over the last few days. We had egg and bacon pie with mashed potatoes and salad followed by homemade Chelsea buns on Monday. Yesterday we had a pancake fest. My children love pancakes so it's usually a 2lb flor/8eggs/4pints f milk mix and 3 frying pans on the go!!

Hoping to catch up on a few bits and pieces for work and keep up with the washing and sorting today. I'm trying to be strict with myself and recycle any clothes that the children have grown out of, whether that's passing down to a sibling or friend or recycling at a charity shop. Last week I took a big bin bag sized bag to the charity box so hoping to keep up the momentum.

MeandO

I know it's great to give to charity and pass things on HSL, but could you bundle up the clothes your children have grown out of and sell them on ebay for a few extra ££'s towards the debt? I do this with the better clothes DS grows out of and it does bring in a nice little sum which I usually pay towards the mortgage, savings or credit card.

It sounds like a very fun pancake day at your house! I'm so impressed by homemade chelsea buns too. You really do inspire me to bake more! Xx

Honeysucklelou2

That is a good idea MeandO. I try to put aside any from M and S or Next that I think have more chance if selling. TBH I had a couple of scares with EBay last year when I sold some football boots and the buyer claimed not to have received them. I ended up DD2 freeze framing ( or whatever the tech term is ) the PO webpage that proved they had been delivered on a certain date, then the buyer finally agreed that she had received them. It kind if left me feeling a little unsure of EBay. I must be brave!!!

MeandO

Ebay can be a nightmare HSL, but if you make sure you always go for 2nd class signed for, that will cover you for a delivery signature.
Failing that, I recently sold a bundle of clothes on a local FB selling page. I also used Gumtree for things too.

I love making little sales here and there, it always inspires me to dig out more things to make some extra £'s! Xx