Giving every £ a job

Blackcats

Yes Alchemilla - it was a ridiculous purchase by any standards but worse as we couldn't actually afford it.  I've rationalised it in my head by dividing the purchase price by the number of years that I've worn it and that it's worth as much now as when I bought it 😵‍💫 I'm not even convincing myself that I can justify it!

had a lovely unexpected visit from friends yesterday afternoon.  I made some scones and opened a packet of fancy biscuits I got for Christmas.  We sat and drank tea/coffee and nattered all afternoon.

it feels very springlike - glorious sunshine and leaves returning to the trees.  Still chilly in the evenings though.

I'm getting closer to handing in my resignation - exciting - I'm trying to imagine life without work and it doesn't really feel real yet.  I'm going to try and get as much of this year's horrific council tax paid as I can before I finish work.  It's a good way to push myself to save hard.

bought another premium bond with rounding down from my current account.  I've added a new savings pot for holidays and have put £200 in there.  Building the car pot back up again after the big bill last month - I guess that's what pots are for.  

savingholmes

Well done on tackling all the bills and creating savings pot. 

The weather was glorious here today. 

Exciting about getting closer to resignation day.

Blackcats

thank you SH.
on Saturday morning we went for a coffee and cake at the little bakers up the road.  They put a few tables and chairs outside on a Saturday - this week there was some live music with a bucket for donations to the Red Cross for Ukraine.  They collected just over £400 in a couple of hours.  We were chatting to 2 Ukrainian sisters who are studying here and had been invited for brunch by the bakery.  Their mum was visiting and due to return home the day after the fighting started.  So mum is safe but 2 grandma's and aunties and uncles are still in Ukraine.  Their cousin and her 2 year old were killed 2 weeks ago.  Hearing real stories was shocking - I just didn't know what to say to them.  They said they are so grateful for the kindness they experience here but their country is being decimated people, buildings and infrastructure.

I've nearly made it through first Mother's Day without my mum.  I know there are a few of us on here ho have lost their mums - sending kind thoughts for us all.  I visited my dad and felt so sad to be there without her.  Last year she was poorly but did a fine job of demolishing a large box of thorntons.  

In more upbeat news I've actually managed to come in under my grocery budget this month.  I've given the fussy cats their own budget now and they have also come in under budget - must be the brand downshift to Lidlees dreamie style treats 😸

savingholmes

The Ukraine stories are so sad.

Hugs for another first too. Never easy

MissRikkiC

I too almost managed albeit this was my 2nd without her. I’ve only had 2 so far as a mum myself so to have not been able to celebrate those with her really was a shame but she was on my mind all day. 

The stories are so sad, when you have your own (what feel like) huge things going on, everything else on top is just sometimes too much even to hear. Sending hugs 

Blackcats

Thank you SH - you are very kind.  My dad is actually oblivious to any one's loss except his own.  I can understand that but occasionally gently remind him that I miss her too.
miss rikkiC - so poignant not to be able to share with your mum but I think your mum would be proud of you and the life you are making for your family.

I've got the rest of this week off work - hooray.  Looking forward to pottering about.  I've got a couple of bits of finance admin to do - been putting them off but will definitely do them - just need to start them 🙃.

dinner tonight from the freezer, cupboards and olio - salmon and prawn linguine with olio chilli, garlic and basil.  Very nice indeed.  Still no obvious sign of space in the freezer though.  I'm not complaining but I think it is possibly a wonder of science or nature how it remains so full.

Sun_Addict

The firsts are always the hardest 😢 I remember so well that first Mother’s Day and feeling so sad. Almost 22 years since I lost my mum but I still think about her every day. It does get easier as the years go on though. 

Blackcats

Thank you SA - your mum would be very proud of all that you do for your family whilst working and keeping so fit and active.
had a money shuffle today - moving savings into my money pots.  I've put a cap on 2 of the pots and will stop adding to them when I reach the target - the other 2 pots will keep being added to - I'm viewing these as rolling funds as one is for holidays and the other is for car related costs including aiming to build up funds for an eventual replacement.

There was a lovely surprise in the post today - the house we previously lived in has been re-banded for council tax and we are due a fairly significant refund - at first I thought it was a request for payment which caused me to have a mini tantrum until I re-read the letter which caused me to have a happy dance.  Mind you, the letter says we will receive payment "in due course" so who knows when the money will arrive.

the heating has been back on as it's been so chilly including some little flurries of snow this afternoon.  Still trying to economise as much as possible by turning lights off, I've dried my hair more with a towel and less with the hair dryer and tried to train OH to make a cuppa when the kettle boils for the first time rather than walking away, re-boiling it, walking away, re-boiling it etc etc.  his habit of staring into the fridge is proving hard to break 😵‍💫

savingholmes

Good luck with changing OH habits.

Sorry that you're grieving. Good to share stories.

Glad you have some time for you. Glad Olio is proving good where you are.

MissRikkiC

Great little rebate news! Glad it wasn’t a bill. Sigh of relief! 

So glad olio is working out for you. I haven’t used it so much recently but have once again this weekend and got some desserts for after dinner which I’m pleased about.