2020: Becoming a Saver, Not a Spender

[Deleted User]

Thanks everyone

Sorry I've not been on much, not much to report. Stepkids are with us for a bit now for the first time since lockdown so time has mostly been spent doing stuff with them. Haven't really been able to stick to my normal exercise plan but have been able to substitute it for long walks, playing basketball, etc. I have told them we will make pizza from scratch at the weekend so I am looking forward to that! Just need to pick up a handful of toppings tomorrow and some chopped tomatoes, everything else we already have to make the bases.

I did have one splurge (albeit on 12 months 0% interest payments) which is a sewing machine. My mum gave me a dress last year of hers that I loved but it was a bit loose at the time when she gave it to me, and will be even looser if I hit my goal weight, but I still love it so plan to take it in. I also managed to order two of a maxi dress ages ago that I never got round to returning, but due to the style I can easily take one up into a shorter version of the longer one. There are also clothes I will want to keep if I hit my goal weight, so it will be good to not have to do all of the above by hand I've been thinking on it for a few weeks and still want it just as much now, so opted for the 0% payment option.

Not really had much motivation for any extra work this week, but I think I've just been tired. The first night the kids were with us, our kitten slept in our room for the whole night (first time he's actually slept and we haven't actually had to shut him out) and I couldn't really sleep as I kept stirring and checking we had not squished him, and he's been in our room every night since. Before, when we had to shut our bedroom door because he was attacking our feet, he'd go and wander off to one of the kid's rooms, but now they are occupied, so he tends to visit each of them for a bit when we go to bed and then I'll wake up and he'll be at the foot of the bed sleeping (usually on his back ). Luckily, I'm getting more confident we won't squish him so been sleeping better and better. It's also nice to have him in the room and not attacking us  

Finally got my final bill from Plusnet from January last week, had 7 days notice to pay it, did try and haggle for spreading the payments but told that I could do that, but it would need to go to the debt collectors so, had no choice but to pay it in one lump. A bit more notice would have been helpful!

joedenise

A sewing machine won't be a waste of money.  It'll come into its' own when the charity shops are open again as you'll be able to adjust stuff that you really like - I often do that.  Things like sheets and quilt covers have masses of material which you can use to make lightweight summer tops and dresses especially if you can find a pattern you really like.  There are several free patterns on line.  There are lots of patterns on the Sew Magazine website if you fancy having a look.  There are 84 pages of patterns now!  Not all women's clothes though.

That's a bit naughty of Plusnet only giving 7 days notice for payment, although of course you knew it would turn up at some stage, I'd have thought they'd have given a bit more time than that to pay, even if it was only until the end of the month!

savingholmes

The sewing sounds like a good decision. Like the idea of using quilts as clothes... although it makes me want to burst into a song from Sound of Music - even if it was curtains in their case!

beanielou

Happy sewing 

[Deleted User]

Thanks all - I am very excited for it to turn up now  

jwil

Have fun with the sewing machine!

[Deleted User]

Good morning lovely people

Monday is weigh day and I am pleased to report another 2.9 lbs off I've gotten more off in the last two weeks than I have in the last year!!! My printout on the fridge ("What if this time, you didn't quit?") is spurring me on and every day I am able to:
- take my medication (first thing in the morning with my actimel)
- brush my teeth morning and night and use my mouthwash for my gums (gross but I have been terrible at remembering at night for most of my life, my gums are coming along very well)
- stick to my calorie target

I feel very positive, and very pleased

I will be taking up my dress this evening, I would have done it over the weekend but I left my pins at work (originally purchased to sort out the wiring harness for my old car stereo ) I will also be doing a full hair cut for OH, and just a trim for SC1 (Step-Child One )

I got all of the house cleaned over the weekend, except for polishing as my polish appears to have vanished off of the face of the earth, so will nip and grab some today and finish that off.

Our kitten has permanent residence at the end of our bed over night now, his favourite position to sleep in appears to be on his back  

I also managed (With the help of my uncle over the phone) to sort out the two radiators that weren't  heating up which were, ironically, the only two I want on at the moment (downstairs loo which is always cold, and towel radiator in upstairs bathroom to dry my face flannels between uses).

Oh, we also made homemade pizzas, dough and sauce included, which came out very nice indeed! Productive weekend

beanielou

Great news on the weight loss. 

beanielou

The kitten sounds so cute😻

jwil

Well done on the weightloss!