£29,303...Enough is enough!

WelshKitty85

Had a feeling it was too good to be true...DH is being called in for a meeting with HR tomorrow as the person he was replacing has decided not to leave. I also have my hospital appointment tomorrow to get the lump diagnosed, so I'll be glad when the day is over.

In other news, my parents are the best! We missed celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary. They wanted all the family to have a meal together, but obviously that can't happen anytime soon. So, they made a delivery to each of our houses yesterday so we can cook our own slap up meals. They delivered to us the biggest gammon joint I've ever seen, loads of veggies, and some herbs and spices to make a special meal that my dad used to cook when I was little. I'm going to cut the gammon in half (or maybe into 3 or 4 pieces) and cook part of it today to my dad's recipe.

savingholmes

Ouch that's sad about MIL. Great news on the job front and childcare though - should take some pressure off.

WelshKitty85

Hope everyone has had a lovely Christmas. We had a nice day. As I was distributing the presents from under the tree, there was noticeably less 'stuff' this year. The DCs each had lovely presents but we didn't do the usual last minute shop to pick up extra tat to bulk it out. Glad we've managed to get out of that habit and just buy things that will actually get used. 

We we had a turkey thigh for lunch that I de-boned and stuffed. I think it cost about £4, including the stuffing, and it was delicious & there's still loads left. We've got leftover gammon and veg too so today will be a lazy day as everyone can pick and reheat their own leftovers.

It seems like a good time of year for reflection, so I've had a quick look back at my diary from this time last year. Disappointingly, our debt is around the same amount. It's not a complete surprise, as we have taken a payment holiday this year. Our mortgage has decreased though, and savings have increased. DH is in a slightly better position with work but in a relief position so hours aren't guaranteed. It was around this time that DH made a car insurance claim & we've still not had the £250 excess back, so that's something we need to chase up. 

Last year I was trying to sell the the mountain of unused stuff that's been dumped in the loft. We made some progress but it's grown again since, so that's back on my to do list. I've got a bit of a dilemma as MIL has given me a nice gift set, but it's full of perfume that I already have a large supply of. I'm not sure whether to put it in the wardrobe and forget about it for a couple of years until I need more perfume, or see if I can sell it?

savingholmes

You could try and take the perfume back and get something you need more with the money. I wouldn't feel guilty. I too stuck to my budget much better this year. 

WelshKitty85

savingholmes said:

You could try and take the perfume back and get something you need more with the money. I wouldn't feel guilty. I too stuck to my budget much better this year. 

I thought about that but we're in tier 4 lockdown for the foreseeable and not sure if they'd take it without a receipt anyway as it could have been bought anywhere (although I know it was from b00ts).

WelshKitty85

I forgot to mention that I've signed up as a 'food waste hero' and have had 3 slots so far to collect surplus food from our local supermarket. I'm supposed to distribute the majority through an app, but haven't had much interest. Even after sharing with family & neighbours, plus taking 12 trays of fruit and veg to the zoo, my fridge and freezer are jam packed. I've also got loads of surplus bread/scones/teacakes etc that I can't fit into the freezer. Between all of that and the Christmas leftovers, I haven't cooked properly for days and everyone has just been grazing & reheating their own dinners. I need to do a bit of a stock take to try and use up as much as possible to 1) stop too much going to waste and 2) cut our grocery bill.

It's DDs birthday today and we let her choose what she wanted for dinner. I was hoping she'd ask for a feast (buffet) but she wanted a take away of the chicken variety. I actually really enjoyed it but was shocked at how expensive it was - nearly £30 for 4 meals. Luckily we don't need a full grocery shop this week, so that will offset the cost. DD had a chocolate fondue for one of her gifts so we'll be busy dipping strawberries for the next few days - there's at least 10 punnets in the fridge!

savingholmes

Glad you are getting some free food. I find K expensive... 

WelshKitty85

Well, what a year 2020 has been! Considering the restrictions that have been thrust upon us - the lack of days out, the monotony of working from home, being unable to see friends and family - I can't believe how quickly the year has flown by. I'm not going to make any big resolutions for 2021 because we just don't know what the year will bring, but I hope to make the best of whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. Fingers crossed for better things to come. Happy New Year.

Disney_Princess85

Happy New Year!

savingholmes

Happy New Year