NST April 2021: Diamonds and Daisies

f0xh0les

Me please @DrCarrie . Sign me up!

DrCarrie

Great! You are all on the sign up... please see the second post for your contender number.

Dizzy_Imp

I'd like to join in too this month please!

DrCarrie

Welcome @Dizzy_Imp

Dottydaisy

I would like to join in please to help keep me accountable to me. Debt going down slowly not buying anything which is not needed, Nearly got my current account to nil rather than overdrawn every month. My new budget book is helping me to plan better and I am using ynab's each pound needs a function. Am shopping only once per week with a delivery from Sainsburys as I am in vulnerable category. Meal planning helps to prevent waste. Will try to post every day. So that's me so far. Looking forward to April. Dottydaisy

DrCarrie

Nearly April! please set out your stall...make your intentions. x

apple_muncher

Here's my April:

Diamonds 

Debts first: I have no debt so my focus is on saving, esp for dd.

Income enhancement: I like this, especially the part about being realistic! I have 2/3 of the month not at work, but we are used to doing open-air things now,so I don't want to start salivating at the thought of being able to go mindless shopping for tat!

Achievements and Aims: My target for the month is health-giving eating. Am never tempted by takeaways as have to strictly avoid any whiff of gluten. Plus, I resent the prices!

Morning motivation: Oooh yes! I need time on my own before the others are woken. I'd have struggled much more over the last year+ without it. Even though it does mean getting up with the lark sometimes...

Organised: my life is ruled by the bell, so I'm fairly good at deadlines...maybe...ish!

NSDs: Lets aim for 16 this month Turtles.

Determined: I am determined to shift some squidge - if not now, then when on earth will I do it!?

Set out your stall: Indeed!

 ------------------

Daisies 

Delight: love doing the daily gratitudes.

April:  Treasure each gift in the present. Love the being present stuff.

Inner-peace: indeed - take away my morning space and I start to shrivel up.

Stay safe, and stay sassy! Yep.

Inspiration: It's easy to do the usual things, so I'll try to read around more.

Exercise:love this. Kettlebells, (power) yoga, walking. The gyms open this month so I need to ensure I get my money's worth.

Share: absolutely.

Well, there you go - I usually shy away from setting out my stall, so I'm starting April with a different mindset already!

f0xh0les

Debts first: No debt except a mortgage I am overpaying every month. Strict budget of £100 a week for everything for 6 people.

Income enhancement: Pr0lific Academic gives me an extra £5-£10 a week to play with / save.

Achievements and Aims: I have a savings target of £3k to get to asap.  Aim to find a builder.

Morning motivation: I always check my balances with coffee first thing.  Only 15 school runs to get through in April (I hate the school run - sorry!)  It also means I am on holiday for 50% of April!  I will remind myself it is an 'easy month' and anything is possible.

Organised: I have the date the c/shops open in my diary. I have all my spring/summer dresses at the front of the wardrobe ready for action but I need a cardi or something so I can wear them without freezing to death. Small list of items (complete with colours) to look for in the c/s to be able to wear 90% of the wardrobe.  Bit like a hit list.  M-i-L's present wrapped, just need cards and to be sent. Anti-histamines at the ready - I have been pollinated this morning already, best to be prepared.

NSDs: 16 minimum

Determined: Determined to find a builder and architect... and a roofer ... and a plumber ....
Set out your stall: done

Delight: A much smaller heating bill for the next 6 months.  25th April is World Penguin Day.  6 months til the clocks go back.

April:  Coffee outside and laundry on  the line are proper pleasures, as is turning off the heating and making them trek to the control panel in the kitchen if they are cold. 

Inner-peace: ........** Shudder** ..........I am backing away nodding politely and closing the door on my way out.

Stay safe, and stay sassy! Keeping safe

Inspiration: Will endeavour

Exercise:Will do my very best - c/shops opening should tat least get my steps up

Share: Cheshire Cat has nothing on me! Donate and volunteer.

Toni'sfriend

Diamonds: 
This month I want to spend only food (with one exception below) and keep to the budget.
Start making lists everyday of every single thing I need to do and those that I want to do. I have let this slip recently and it shows. I haven't been as organised as I should be.
Eat healthily, don't drink and loose weight. Stop snacking.
Major de-cluttter.
The exception is that I want to have my hair done when the hairdressers open. My appointment was cancelled last time because of lockdown and the money is still in my purse

Daisies: (This one is a bit more difficult)
Keep to the rules. Avoid crowds
Walk for enjoyment and to help with the weight loss. I love nature.
Enjoy my little "garden" and watching the birds and sqirrels
Read a book a week (at least)
Listen to music

Hope this all fits in with the challenge.

Thrifty_Taylor

Debts first - don't have any, but would like to overpay the mortgage some more
Income enhancement - have lots to of things to sell, do more surveys, make things to sell
Achievements & aims - I've already paid back my savings for 2 large items in the past year, aiming to pay more off the mortgage, so it can be paid off in full in January when the fixed rate ends. Also need to declutter more items
Morning motivation - exercise, sit with my morning drink & watch the visiting wildlife in the garden 
Organised - make cards & presents for upcoming birthdays. Use calendar/diary more for logging events, etc
Nsd's - 16
Determined - stay focused on things I want to achieve
Set out your stall - the first time I've ever done it!

Delight - take pleasure in the small things
April - enjoy the signs of spring, the sounds of the visiting birds
Inner peace - the sense of achievement. Not having too long a to do list!
Stay safe, stay sassy! Yes,  & pamper myself more
Inspiration - speak to other crafty folk or look around for new ideas
Exercise - definitely! Need to tone up & lose some weight
Share - give compliments & help keep others cheerful