The Marching Minimalist

Bobarella

Hi Angel

Yes, although due to shifting goal posts with work I might not get it this month. Will do my best though!

Bob

angelpye

Bob, given you have got this far a little delay won't hurt...just around the corner still!

TOPM - I am rubbish at asking for freebies but that soap shop is one the place I will ask for a sample of something as they are good like that. Depending on the shop assistant is how generous they are but I like to try before I buy as if it irritates its a waste - very MS anyway and ultra MS when I end up with extra. Time before last I was given enough body cream for a month Do you find asking easy? Any tips?

Treadingonplaymobil

angelpye wrote: »

Bob, given you have got this far a little delay won't hurt...just around the corner still!

TOPM - I am rubbish at asking for freebies but that soap shop is one the place I will ask for a sample of something as they are good like that. Depending on the shop assistant is how generous they are but I like to try before I buy as if it irritates its a waste - very MS anyway and ultra MS when I end up with extra. Time before last I was given enough body cream for a month Do you find asking easy? Any tips?

No, I am TERRIBLE at asking, although I am married to Mr Don't-Ask-Don't-Get, and some of his techniques have rubbed off on me over time. The biggest thing I've noticed is that he doesn't get remotely upset if he asks and someone says no, whereas I would take it all personally and feel stupid/bad about asking in the first place. He just brushes it off and moves on, and asks again next time! I am getting slightly better, but I really struggle with the fear of looking stupid/grabby for asking.

angelpye

Yes! That's my fear too! I walk away feeling embarrassed either way, whether they say yes or no... take it personally and totally overthink the whole thing! I have been asking for samples at soap shop for years and still get nervous even though they have never said no and often have samples to hand...must take a leaf out of your OH's book!

Bobarella

Thanks for the cheer leading Angel, appreciate it

Treadingonplaymobil

angelpye wrote: »

Yes! That's my fear too! I walk away feeling embarrassed either way, whether they say yes or no... take it personally and totally overthink the whole thing! I have been asking for samples at soap shop for years and still get nervous even though they have never said no and often have samples to hand...must take a leaf out of your OH's book!

It's so daft, isn't it?! It's not like these people are going to give us a second thought once we've walked away, whether they said yes or no.

angelpye

Ha! Very daft indeed! Well, will from now on try to raise my game and see what can happen.

Macey1510

That's great news about the £300!

angelpye

Hey Macey, thank you! I called the energy company this evening to check when my bill is due and from sounds of it should get the bill by the end of the week and then I will know for sure...fingers crossed I am right!

angelpye

Hi all,

It's a shiny new month which brings its own shiny new challenges. Last month was a month of setting up and tweaking my budget, getting to grips with how things are practically and emotionally coming to terms with what I have done. The groundwork post LBM really. And although I definitely could have done better I am proud to be where I am.

This month will be tough as I only have £100 in the food budget atm, due to a few unaccounted for spends in Feb and my income taking a small hit last month.

This could be topped up with over £30 sitting in one of my survey accounts but want to leave that if I can. I have yet to do the experian/equifax refund thingy plus should be getting an energy refund but both of those are not guaranteed so not counting them.

The money I have right now is £100. I am determined to not touch the money I have squirrelled away for the holiday or emergencies.

Checked out TCB yesterday - kicking myself for not using it for a while as xmas and holiday could easily have been done through it given I booked online but onwards...W@itrose is on there with a £80 shop for £60 plus cash back of £8 - won't count cash back until it clears. This will stretch my £60 and as I already use them for most of my shopping (dietary requirements can't be covered in Lidl and Sainsbug is a drive away). Its free delivery too.

Only thing is the £80 shop will need to cover all main meals, frozen fruit etc for the month!!! I will then have £10 a week for fresh fruit and veg plus bread and milk. Time to really test my meal planning prowess!

Now I realise given my situation some would say I should be shopping elsewhere but we all have our own reasoning and this is a balance I choose. I don't usually feel the need to justify choices but will give an idea of how I strike the balance and why.

I make everything from scratch as my DD has a few allergies. I buy organic meat for DD (I don't eat meat) which lasts ages as I portion it out and freeze but as she can't eat key food groups I feel its important to give her the best quality of what she can eat. We generally eat the same base sauce etc and I just add meat to hers and veggies or vegetarian products for me. I buy own brand soya milk which we prefer to the branded one and much cheaper (68p 1 litre with card). I also use the myw@itraose card offers so save 20% on 10 items.

I admit I have never squeezed this into £100 before and I don't know if its possible but with the online order boost of £20 I am going to give it my best shot. So from today I am going to start a list, and hopefully by Friday will be clear what I need for the month. It's been an awful long time since I have done a months meal plan...wish me luck!

Marching on into March...:rotfl: