2018 New year, new focus and new mission

Choccygirl123

Thanks hg, the extra cash is my little project to keep me sane. Every year I say I'm going to keep it together, but always manage to have a disaster that needs to use it. Having our EF has stopped that OMG panic at last, so this will be the first year!

Choccygirl123

Today is nsd #4 of feb

We've a lovely lazy weekend planned. Today = Eldest is on a training day at school, hubby needs to study to get his essay cracked so littlest abd I are chilling out together. I'm thinking baking, pedicures a board game. I'm really looking forward to spending time with her on her own.

Hubby nipping to shops tomorrow for couple of bits inc large chicken. I'm going to do check of sticks and meal plan with big shop on Monday.

teafor2

You've got some lovely things planned out there CG. It's good to spend time with just one DC every so often isn't it. I always think it re-connects you somehow.

DS has got me playing chess at the moment. Used to be a time where I would let him win some games but he's got so good it's every man for himself now :rotfl:

Those NSD's are bumping up nicely. Enjoy your day. xx

Choccygirl123

We got to that point few years ago....the gloves are always off abd we play to win. I think it's better to give children a whopping every now and then, as not everyone can win all of the time. It's a good lesson in life. We love a good game of cards and I'm trying to get them to master bridge at the minute.

Choccygirl123

Nsd #5 Today

Feeling meh! Fed up with weather, my health and lack of progress on the debt busting. I wish I could fast forward life to get bank to a good bit. Going to try going for a small walk to blow away my cobwebs and my grumpiness.

teafor2

The time of year doesn't help does it CG. Can't even have the doors open to let a bit of the outside in which always makes me feel better. The debt busting is such a long drawn out process but you're making great in roads into it and things will only get better for you when you get back to work. Hope the feeling lifts soon. xx

Choccygirl123

Thanks tea, think you're right about the weather. I think the meds aren't helping and I'm just feeling frustrated. Hubby and I managed a little walk today so had a good chat and some fresh air. He keeps reminding me it's early days, but I want to be back to normal now. Hubby did say I get that meh feeling this time every year, which is true. We normally book a holiday, but we can't this year because of my ongoing issues. I'm sure I'll be fine in day or so and am really looking forward to half term with the kids.

Choccygirl123

Had a rough night but have woken up in a bit better mood. I've checked our banking and can't believe how skint we are! Available £293.02 (still waiting for £50 credit from Debenhams) with CB hitting my account save day as my sick pay (around 26th)

We've had a couple of heavy months spendung wise, so really not surprised. The good news is car has mot abd we're update with no school trip, DofE, scout expenses to pay. I've even paid the 2 £25 deposit for scout summer camps.

We've decided to bite the bullet and have a couple of days on the coast over feb half term. With my health issues since summer, we're all absolutely shattered and think the break will do us the world of good as a family. We're going to use £200 from EF for accommodation.... I know, I know it's naughty, but we need some time away to just relax and chill out together. I'll replace this as soon as my pay day arrives.

Spends for the trip will come out of our balance. Fuel will be quite a bit £100 I guess and food budget will be roughly same as if at home, as self catering. I have booked a table at the local harvester for a treat one lunch which I guess will be £60. We're planning on a few walks around local area, bag of chips on sea front, maybe an ice-cream. Will probably give the kids £5/6 to play on the 2p machines. Not money saving, but a cheap afternoon if weather not great. We are going to make use of my meerkat movies and free vouchers from family's Lloyd's account for a trip to local cinema. Aiming to keep my spends on eating out, fuel and entertainment under £200.

Homegrown0

Don't feel guilty about your trip away with the kids - it sounds like you need the break and you're doing it in a controlled fashion (you could've booked a week in Mexico! haha).

Hope you have the best time

Choccygirl123

Thanks homegrown, it would be so easy to whack an all inclusive fortnight on the credit cards. I'd love a posh holiday, but know it's push if DFd date back by a couple of years. I'm looking forward to being debt free do we can save up for some sunshine.


We've had a tough few months and are all really excited about a break away. I'm looking forward to a change of scenery and some quality time with hubby and children. We've set our budget and going to try to stick to it.