You're in a rut you've got to get out of it

Bobarella

Oooo thanks for the reminder of smoked mackerel pate. I used to make that a lot as it's so easy and delicious. Then it fell off my radar.

Mrs_Boo_Boo

Ha ha Bobarella yes I've not made smoked mackeral pate for a long time too. Am enjoying it and it's lasting well for sandwiches. My mum used to make it. Easy to freeze too.

Not much to report money wise. No spend days and busy at work.

Need to sort out car insurance next.

Food wise not good. Have overeaten today..Tend to eat when I'm tired instead of going to bed!!! Tired from 7am class then 2 groups at work and putting pony to bed. Off now to settle down ready for a busy day tomorrow.

Mrs_Boo_Boo

Well started counselling course on Weds night. Lots of really interesting people there. Did not feel hungry at all so I can survive without food for a while in the evening (5.30-8:45). Got into a bad habit of overeating at night. Didn't have the opportunity which proved I can do it.

Have updated YNAB looks ok. Went shopping yesterday in LIDL so stocked up. No snow here though,but you never know.

Got hair cut at a local college and instead of £23 which I usually pay there because the lady was a student it was only £8.

No running with my friend tonight so did 10 mins HIT training on treadmill (30mins jog and 30mins sprint) then swimming.

As an overthinker when I drive I make a decision whether I let someone out based on if there is a queue of traffic behind me!! Not sure if anyone else does this?

Need to crack on tomorrow. Put together a folder for counselling course and complete the reflective practice. Complete competencies for work too. Plus housework etc.

Bobarella

Glad the course was interesting. So easy to nibble away in front of the telly isn't it too.

Mrs_Boo_Boo

Good weekend.
Managed to get into Body Balance. It was a Body Pump release launch and body balance was held in a larger room. Really enjoyed it as it is the new release and on carpet (cushioned exercises).

Rang a local insurance broker to sort out car. They took details and when I get my renewal letter to call again. Think they can beat the quote as they are coming in cheaper than what I paid last year. Need business for work. This is a real cause of anxiety for me and have decided to ask for help. Used to use brokers in the olden days. Have done it over the internet before,but have had variable quotes which are not always like for like. We will see.

Rode pony and weather stayed dry for the ride. Rained when we got back but he had a waterproof rug on.

Managed to get my learning journal completed for course. Bit of a struggle, but it's done now. Ready for Weds. Not much completed as went to bro and sis in laws for lunch on Sunday. So lovely to have it cooked for us and to meet up with family.

Work today. Student induction so lots of talking and questions. She is lovely.

Friend's 50th on Saturday night. Need to make a card.

Have topped up Boots card as they have 13% off. This should last a few months.

Bobarella

Well done on completing your learning journal.. Hope the brokers do get you a good dealing the insurance.

Mrs_Boo_Boo

Have not gone missing. Been a busy week.

Put pony to bed on Tuesday as my friend works late. Has worked out ok as she usually works late on a Weds. Couldn't have done it for 10 weeks due to course,but she has changed days.

Went to London in a day to go to a networking event at headquarters. This entailed getting up at 4am!!! Yes I know not a great start and getting back home at 11.30. Worth it though meeting others in a similar field. Not many of us around in the South West. Didn't spend a penny as took own food etc. The day was free too,but the train and tube cost an eye watering £174.00, which I paid myself. Was tempted to claim from work,but have my eye on a course in Nov in Cambridge so will claim for that instead.

Work on Friday,but deliberately made it an office day. Ran with a friend in the cold. Her FitBit showed 5 miles.

Did shopping today after making a meal plan and list. Have decided to change my routine and not just go shopping and fit the meals in afterwards. Have taken a leaf out of Frugal Queen where she only shops weekly for the things she needs taking advantage of the budget supermarket offers. Have made a point of using up things in the cupboard and freezer first. I do have a habit of stockpiling.

She also uses charity shops a lot. Am chuffed with myself today. The glass in our cafetiere broke last week. It was a pressie from bro and sis in law probably about 15+ years. Decided to look for one in a charity shop. Also looked in a kitchen shop where the glass replacements were £12,99,but a new one was only going to cost £15.99. Ended up buying the brand new one for £3 and it fits our old one yippie. Also bought a leather purse (Visconti) for £3 which is selling for £25.99. The shops were really busy too. Tempted to look for other things too,but will only go with a list or a certain item in mind. Lots of beautiful china which will have to wait until we have a lovely kitchen to put it in.

Bought my friend a birthday pressie which wasn't cheap,but you are not 50 every day. She's worth it.
Meal later to celebrate.

Spoke to local brokers and they couldn't beat my existing quote so will go with that.

Haven't made curtain or Christmas cards etc. Will keep this in mind for the next few weeks. How time flies.

Bobarella

I like Frugal Queen too. she's done a lot since starting her blog.

Well done on your bargain cafitiere.

Mrs_Boo_Boo

Thanks Bobarella

Oh forgot to mention another bargain on Saturday.
Needed to get some moisturiser as I'd run out. Tend to use anything as long as it's not too perfumed. Managed to get a very expensive Vichy one. Don't normally buy into overpriced cosmetics but £35.50 to £3.99 would've been what I was spending anyway. Bargain.

Like frugal queen's recipes. They are cheap and easy to make.

Mrs_Boo_Boo

Still hanging in there.
Car tax,car insurance and MOT sorted.
Still not had garage bill but now have travel expenses to hopefully cover it.
So pleased I have made it to the end of the month. New start again using YNAB.
Have been really good with food and although went over budget have paid in advance for some lovely Spanish goodies olive oil,citrus fruit and dried figs which will be delivered in February. We still have some of the olive oil left from last year. So real budget is only £111.00.
Been busy lately so will have to wait until the weekend to update YNAB.
Also read the meter. Website was unavailable yesterday evening!!!! grr
Off to bed now.
Thank goodness it's Friday.
Off to a lovely hotel for high tea tomorrow for a friend's birthday. She doesn't know we're coming.
Overeating not too bad,but still doing it at night when I'm tired.