A plan, a budget & a good life

Tradcob

Hi all!!!
Well, the bank account is looking very healthy at the moment- it wont last-it currently has in there the money out of selling our old house, the remainder of the deposit for the new house and payments in there with nothing going out for bills etc. whilst we are living with parents.
I can enjoy looking at the number all I want for about the next 2 weeks, but after that it'll be winging its way off to the solicitor and we'll be getting the keys to our new house! oh I cant wait!
I do keep wondering if we are doing the right thing, we could have gone for a less expensive house, but this is the one that we really loved and wanted to live in and could see a future in- that has to count for something doesn't it?! I almost feel like it will be a new way of life! Previously we would have thought nothing about meals out, holidays, expensive trips just because we felt like it- now we will be watching the pennies, building up savings for some pretty exciting things! I cant wait to be cooking properly in our new kitchen, making things from scratch and hopefully eating healthier as a result!
I've sorted my saving targets out, and I've got a bit of a plan to get a promotion at work (hopefully by this time next year).... I don't know, things seem to be coming together- I'm sure that means that something will happen to try and mess us up, but I guess we'll deal with whatever when we have to!
Last day at work before Christmas today, roll on tea time- tomorrow will be a day with my mum- making Christmas Puds and watching Christmas films!


Tradcob

Tradcob

Created my monthly budget spreadsheet today, cant wait to start filling it in, why has it taken me so long to create one? Feeling all organised for the new year!!!! :T

Tradcob

Bought some ingredients today to make Christmas pudding, the first time ive made from scratch, hope it tastes alright! Watched a couple of Christmas films as well. Tomorrow ill just need to pick up a tin of biscuits each for the grandparents, and having my hair cut, then that should be it for spending til after Christmas :T

Kittenkirst

OOOooh I love a spot of Christmas baking, I’ve not ever made a Christmas pudding before- you’ll have to tell me whether it’s easy enough to do

Tradcob

Its super easy Kittenkirst...
4oz of each of the following
Self raising flour
Sugar
Suet
Cherries
Sultanas
Breadcrumbs (brown preferable)
Dessert spoon of bicarb of soda
1 egg
Dark rum (enough to bind the mixture)
Mix it all up, put in a round pudding shaped prirex dish, cover with baking partchment (fold the centre to allow room to expand), tie with some string... then steam for 2- 2 1/2 hours, just gave to keep topping up the pan with water so you dont run out. Ill be heating mine up on Christmas day by steaming again for 45 mins and serving it up with some white sauce. Cant wait!!! This recipe make the pudding a bit more cakey rather than stodgy which is what i find bought puddings to be, and i prefer rum to anything else. :j

Tradcob

Hi! Been and had my hair done, picked up a few last minute items like milk and cornflour so i can make white sauce to have with the Christmas pud on Christmas day. But thats it, i dont envisage any more spending before Christmas! Going to head out to my family for our Christmas meal this evening as we are cooking for OH family on the 25th.
All lovely stuff, and i refuse to stress about anything right now

Tradcob

I've had a NSD :j
Had a fab day, went for a walk this morning then been watching films for the rest of the day, had a fish finger butty for tea, which was so simple yet yummy
Tommorow should be a NSD, just have to deliver mums present and visit the grandparents. Theres plenty of food in the house so shouldnt need to buy anything.
A friend of mine has spent the last 18 months growing her hair for the little princess trust, who make wigs for children who have lost their hair from medical treatment. Im considering doing this myself, its a great cause, just wonder how long it would take to grow the required length!
Anyway, going to carch up with some other diaries before bed

Tradcob

Well, what a lovely Christmas its been! Lots of family time, movies, tv, food and lots of reading of other mse diaries!
I've got into the habit of transferring the odd amounts of my online accounts into one account, and i believe from reading other diaries this is called Tilly Tidy... you learn something new everyday! As a result of this, and previous savings have increased from £2000 to £2399! Amazing!!! :T
I've got a few more days of freedom before I'm back at work on Tuesday, and hopefully will get a moving in date for our house when everyone is back to normal after the break.... cant wait!!! :T

Blibble

Sounds like you've made a fantastic start! Don't forget to save for the wedding as well as OPing the mortgage - me and OH are in the same boat. I keep seeing the amount we're saving for the wedding and thinking how much I want to put it towards the mortgage!

Tradcob

Hi Blibble, what type of Wedding are you planning? Do you have a large guest list? I'm hoping to bring the Wedding in at £5k or less (preferably less!!!) as we really want an intimate day with family and a couple of friends- might end up having the reception at home as we are not really party people (so therefore I refuse to spend a fortune on a party!!!)