NST January: Health, Wealth and a Life Well Lived

Fmess

SFD number 5 today.

Dzzyblnd my two new favourite energy saving tricks are to switch the oven off a few minutes before my dinner is done, it keeps on cooking but using less electricity and then when you’ve taken the food out of the oven, leave the door open so the heat can escape into your house and be an extra heat source for a few minutes.

mothernerd

A NSD for me. Have added up all the spending and have spent most of the food budget but have plenty of meat and veg in to start batch cooking again, so should get us through this month plus some repeat meals for February. I have a bit of birthday money left + the 25 I have allowed in the entertainment budget to have an 'outing'. DS2 came to borrow money and is agreeable to the curry and film night but, as expected, I will have to pay and he will give me the money back on payday. Don't think I will see DS1 as he announced on FB last week that he is going to a gaming event at Fan Boy 3.

Have asked for help next weekend from both DS2 and DS3 as will be heavy lifting involved. I will also need to commandeer the bathroom. Currently working through all the 'stuff' in my room but getting very tired. I have bought a number of over the door hooks so have put them (for now, some but not all will be staying) on the 3 nearest doors and have used them to suspend bags of 'sorted stuff' eg a bag of clean clothes, a bag of bubblewrap (donate to one of the charity shops), bag of toiletries that need a home, bag with any loose items that belong in or on top of the bedside table (so only need to sort the stuff which is on the bedside table but should be elsewhere) - all so that I can move about a bit and see all the other stuff. Have 3 bags for the cs already.

Read a decluttering article the other day which said 'the trouble with being a crafter is that we can see the potential in anything' (ie stuff that other people say is junk and bin immediately, we think 'I could do such and such' or 'wouldn't that look lovely as'. Really resonated with me and I think it's one of the reasons I am struggling to get to grips with it, having made many attempts over the past few months. I hate waste so want to use everything - still trying to save 'things' as well as people.

However, keeping the focus on the 'stuff'' and trying to tackle it as a business problem. Business can be described as 'the management of scarce resources' and any business will have limiting factors. In my case I need to recognise that the limiting factor is not 'raw materials' but rather 'my time and energy'. With the best will in the world, I could never do all the things I want to do with all the stuff, some of it has to go (a lot).

I also need to set myself some rules. I love the crafting sessions but I need to spend less time on prep and definitely not bring things home to sort out. I will have to try sorting the craft cupboard at the centre (couple of hours once a month) but maybe concentrate on using what we have and not letting supplies build up.

I have been thinking about how to divide my room into a sanctuary for sleeping and a useful place for working/ crafting/ doing paperwork. I did try to work out if the current kitchen table would fit in here with the bed last time I moved things round (it wouldn't).

I found some useful ideas - one small bedroom which had a bespoke platform base in sections, with storage in each section and a space in the middle, just the right size for the owner's Christmas tree and layouts of lots of small bedrooms.

I have ordered two sets of cube shelves (this was my other expenditure last week). I intend to use them on their side and raise the bed to stand on top. I have had the same (or very similar) set of shelves for many years and it has withstood all sorts of treatment. I have previously made DS1 a midi bed using an old dressing table and set of drawers with an old (very thick heavy wooden frame) bed suspended between them). So I am pretty sure it will be safe.

The cubes will provide storage (the small sets of cardboard drawers I currently have fit into cube shelves) and I have some small baskets and lots of card boxes which can be covered. The underbed space will be 77cm (width of cube shelves) + the current underbed space leg height to side rail and my large chest of drawers will fit under. When I am in bed, none of the stored things will be visible, so should be a more tranquil, peaceful environment - will aim to leave the laptop on the desk away from the bed.

I have a large old sideboard downstairs which I love and all the boys hate. It has sustained a lot of damage (no longer 'square', mirror can't be fixed on as screw holes have gone - I had already replaced the original screws and redrilled holes - drawer doesn't fit, back is falling off and it has a couple of splits). It is long and slim and would potentially make an excellent desk and as I am the 'end user' it doesn't matter what I do with it (will need some alteration - no way to get it upstairs in one piece). The top does come off - it tries to every time I have tried to move it. It would fit into the room and not be obtrusive.

So my major task this week is to clear as much stuff as possible (being realistic or maybe ruthless). and organise the rest, whilst waiting for the cubes to arrive. Next weekend I need to move as much as possible to the former landing and the bathroom, including the mattress. Then make up the furniture, then put it into place.

I also have a plan for tackling the kitchen (the small table has finally made it to the kitchen, only 3 months since I cleared it for moving - they put more stuff on it) but will probably do that the following week, if I can move my arms and legs by then. It will be a clear, thoroughly clean and then put back with a few additions (rails to hang pans, tools etc). Will then leave it for a while to see what works and what needs further tweaking.

Putting together a start of the month checklist, a weekly morning and evening cleaning routine etc - not much on atm, the idea is to start with a few jobs and once you are managing those comfortably you can add more.

Today I am grateful for paper and pens, for a good book to read and for progress (somewhere between snail and treacle but building).

sashanut

Hi all turtles :j

Almost recovered so was able to really get on with some clearing. helped that DD was on night shift so didn't emerge till 3.30pm..

Janus So this is a time to look forwards - where do you want to be in 12 months from now? I would like to have the house much clearer. Slow progress but small steps.. 5 years? House completely clear & clutter free, DD settled in her own home. 10 years? Spending half the year in Ireland, half here

Activity. This is a BOGOF one. Take up a new hobby or resurrect a new one. TV Knitting also done tonight, due to declutter in bedroom finally found complex project, albeit too late to actually do any..

ALSO, be active. Keep moving. Moved most of the day, mainly in 15 minute slots & mainly decluttering though did pop out with the pooches for 15 mins.


Non-negotiables:
-18 NSDs (if not, why not?) another NSD today so 4/18


-your budgets are set by the start of the month and are fixed. Nearly - think I will say £250 for us & all animals, should not need near this amount so all saved will go to another project. Filling in book with receipts, found most of them.

-£5 to foodbank / charity Will do this week. Tried to purchase something from charity, held up by website, will investigate. Still ongoing, try again tonight to purchase item

-pay money to your debts FIRST - do not wait to see how much is left at the end - and live within your budget Do not have debt but have a cc paid off in full each month, which gives vouchers I use at Christmas. Has been a v spendy month, will cut down as much as possible. Cutting down - I have so many clothes etc that I do not wear. We had a lifestyle change & it means many of the clothes I really do not need any more..Found lots more stuff when doing a declutter, seems inevitable it will get worse before it gets better.

-meal plan Lunch was leftover bubble & squeak cakes & an egg again, for DH crispbakes. Was going to make pea & ham soup but couldn't find the peas..Supper was curry, a YS MnS meat dish & made a pan full of lentil Dhal, bought bhajis & fusion food with oriental snacks YS'd from MnS.


Unabashed, unambiguous, unconditional, undaunted, undivided, unerring, unshakeable devotion to your goal(s). [more on this later] Do not exercise as was - like many people - put off at school. And I was also rubbish! Put off swimming by being pushed into the deep end (by the swimming teacher!) which instead of having the desired effect of getting me swimming, actually nearly drowned me..dolly84 your experience sounds much like mine!! Real problem was that the teacher pushed me into the deep end from behind, I am deaf so had no idea what she was going to do so was totally unprepared. The test was to swim a length, so I had asked if I could swim from shallow end to deep (NO) or walk down the steps & swim the length (also NO). She had to use the pole thingy to rescue me...and I never did get my certificate for swimming a length, although I did eventually learn to swim I never liked going underwater ..

Always plan your meals; always take a shopping list; always take your lunch to work and drink + snacks when out and about; avoid all coffee shops, vending machines, work canteens... Making shopping list for tomorrow now, don't work outside the home but do a bit of voluntary work. Deviated a bit from shopping list, but not much, took fruit to work & get free brews..Don't drink coffee & never go in coffee shops..will try & take snacks, drink when out & about..


Reduce, re-use, repair, re-gift, recycle, recover, refuse! And read. Got more books from CS to add to the stash but will return once read. Only read when in bed so takes awhile to get through. Now have 2 books on the go..

You are the key to reducing your debt, living modestly, keeping as fit and well as you can. So look after yourself - physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Determined to look after myself & pamper a little each week, have already had a face pack yesterday, need to do things for myself instead of being a in constant rush doing stuff for family..Not so good as caught one of dogs digging up bulbs I planted yesterday, horrible animal..

I want to re-introduce Bob's s t r e t c h challenge for January: how much extra can you earn / save off your food shop / move / remove. Completed survey but failed on eBay front, found one shoe of a pair planning to sell but so far no sign of its mate, ah well that led to a lot of sorting out & I did find stuff that I was missing, so a benefit of a type.
Would joining the 1% thread help you? Or the MFW for 2018? Or the pay off all your debts by xmas18? Does reading mrmoneymustache or frugalwoods inspire you? Have joined Frugalwoods challenge already & will be interested to see how it pans out. Have been on MMM & introduced his philosophy to DH, applied the principles so we are now MF - wish we had done it years ago, wasted so much time/money etc. in the past..

DancingDragons

Happy Monday everyone!

Got up extra early just to make this post; regular updates are keeping me anchored:T. Today should, and will be and NSD.

dizzyblnd wrote: »

I had a smart meter fitted this weekend and it has made me a little obsessed with my electricity usage.

I've looked into smart meters. SSE my supplier is bombarding me with spam...I mean hints that I need one. I think it would make a few (ie everyone else in this house) realise how much we burn through. I mutter(grumble/complain?) about competing with Blackpool Illuminations but no-one knows what I'm on about. However, I've heard alot of stories about costing extra to switch (which I do a lot) so I haven't yet made any commitment. I've also considered something along the lines of Hive.
Let me know how you get on please dizzyblnd.

Made Dad a Bday cake yesterday, haven't lost my touch. DH shaped it into a car as the Kids were glued to phones. Caught up with the ironing, re-listed some bits on fleabay. DD1 spotted a similar pair of her old trainers on there and the ££ lit up in her. She cleaned them up for listing. Also asked me to list some other bits she won't use. :jShe's learning.
After a long rant on the messaging service, and a follow up email Benefit Makeup sent an apology package for DD1 (£100 quids worth she thinks some of which she's hoping to sell on fleabay) and a little sorry for me too. I spent most of Friday morning asking DD1 what the products do... SO OUT OF TOUCH!

Mothernerd As a household (not so much me) we pick up bits/hoard upcyclable stuff. I promise you a ruthless purge feels good and other items soon take their place! :rotfl:

dizzyblnd

Thanks Fmess I'll try those tips.

Dancing dragons- I'm with sainsburys and they said they were fitting them in every house so I got one. I'm not sure how I feel yet as the weekend seems to be high. £3-4 each day for both electric and gas. I don't feel we did anything excessive energy wise just normal weekend jobs like cook, wash clothes etc. I'll keep u updated.

dolly84

I'm not keen on having a smart meter, I keep my useage down as much as possible so I think it would just depress me as I can't cut down much more realistically. Plus I heard the horror stories about badly trained people fitting them and them setting on fire.

I'm waiting for the gas people to arrive and start digging up here today, they were supposed to be here for 9am but not one is ever on time these days.

Sold an item on ebay but it was DD's so she gets the money and I do all the work but at least it is one thing out of the house.

I need to buy some butter today but apart from that shouldn't spend on anything else, plan to walk the dog, go for a run and work.

Chandelier.

Morning!

The past week has gone so quickly and I've been losing track of my days. I've been trying to tally up my NSD.

Last weeks spends looked a bit like this.

Monday: NSD
Tuesday: NSD
Wednesday: Took boy for haircut, £7.
Thursday: New alarm clock, £11 and a bite to eat £2.98.
Friday: £3.20 on pasties for lunch and £6 in poundstore.
Saturday: NSD.
Sunday: £3.05 on take away coffee.

So its all the little bits adding up. I need to plan my days ahead and forecast future spends and allocate days where I dont wish to spend. This may help me keep more motivated.

So hopefully this week should go something like this.

Monday: Lunch out with relative.
Tuesday: NSD.
Wednesday: Hopefully NSD, not sure of plans yet.
Thursday: Hair appointment and games night at friends.
Friday: NSD hopefully. Plans could change.
Saturday: NSD as working.
Sunday: NSD as working.

I'm hoping to get at least 3/4 NSD this week. If I need to spend I'll try to do it on days where I already know I'm likely to spend.

I don't know how everyone else works out there NSD but I don't account for outgoings already budgeted for i.e. the boys extra curricular activity as I've already a pot for this. I just class additional spends not accounted for like a cup of coffee out/lunch out/spends in shops which aren't neccesarily needed etc.

Happy Monday everyone.

thriftylass

Good morning,

today should be SFD number 6. Have my lunch with me and will go to the gym.

I have £120 left till the 22nd when CB comes in and am sure that'll do. Hopefully get the £200 back from DH soon after too and might just put them straight onto the CC pretending I never had them.

Cooked three big portions of Bolognes/Chilli mix. And have enough lunches in the freezer/fridge for this week. Was planning on going shopping on Wednesday before DH comes back but might just eek it out till Friday and put together an Asda pick up order. The kids and me will be fine (enough milk, but fruit prob run out tomorrow, but they'll survive). Also got a dinner planned from the freezer (chicken pie and HM chips) for DH first night back on Thur although he might not appreciate coming home to an empty fridge. We'll see, the plan is there.

Nicky_Noo_Na

NSDs not going as well as I'd hoped still stuck on 2!

I didn't spend on Friday but OH bought a pump for the car tyres. Sat was very spendy but it usually is! Tesco shop delivered and errands done in town. Got a few bargains in the mothercare sale though which is good. Sunday should have been NSD but put money in for tea/coffee at church. Today was toddler group this morning £1.50 a week but I put £6 aside on Saturday so today will be a NSD if I don't spend anything else :j

Sorted a bag out for charity at the weekend which has already been collected and christmas decs came down so house looking a bit tidier. Catching up on washing today, big pot of veg soup cooking away and planning on painting some thank you cards with DD later so a nice chilled and cheap afternoon at home!

Received a message last night offering me free zumba for the month of Jan so planning to give it a go tonight. Never done it before but have been assured it's good fun.

f0xh0les

Today is NDS....5

DS3 & 4 toddled off to school happily,

DS4 was assessed this morning and needs braces. He will be an urgent case and goes back in April (new accounting year). Bless the NHS and all who allow her to continue.

DS1 and 2 are enjoying their last day of freedom before incarceration tomorrow. (School goes back)

It was so easy to get just 2 kids out the door this morning. No doubt it will be a return to shouting tomorrow.

Need to get puff pastry out of freezer for pasties for lunchboxes tomorrow.