NST September 2021

Buffythedebtslayer

Hello, 

Almost half way through the challenge and I check in. Work has hit me like a brick, money is interesting, life has been quite rubbish. I am going to have a fight to make it better. 

Any how I am come here to send you all love, I do read, just not had anything interesting to say XXX 

CEW

Thanks mothernerd for you comments on defining NSDs. I have a regular order for my milk deliveries which are taken out of my account weekly, any additional items are billed on the day of ordering so I will count that as the spend day. As you say there is no wrong way to classify an NSD, consistency is the key and it’s more about the thought process behind each spend. 

For clarity, I am not classing anything that comes directly out of my account either as a SO, DD, regular payment (milk delivery), regular scheduled bills (gardener, window cleaner etc.), travel or medical costs as spends. Anything else that comes out of my bank or wallet will be classed as a spend day

So I’m still on NSD # 8. Still hoping to get to 25 by the end of the month.

Spent today in Mr S, it was quite an expensive shop but I shouldn’t need much more this month.

I’m really enjoying the challenge so far. It’s really good to think about what you plan to spend your hard earned cash on and interesting to see how just asking yourself whether you really want to lose an NSD for whatever it is you are thinking of buying makes you question every purchase. I don’t tend to overspend but have in the past been guilty of spending little but often. It really is making me plan and make more considered spends.

Today I am grateful for a well stocked supermarket so I got everything on my list, and not too much that wasn’t on it, curling up on the sofa with the dogs to watch a film, good coffee and nice weather without being too hot.


 

mothernerd

Did a bit of room tidying, starting with the bottles. Taken a bin bag of large bottles and a smaller bag of bottles to make water drippers (some all ready cut and spiked) to the bottom of the yard, have another bag for taking to my house (can't quite believe it but I am going to start transporting bottles of my tap water) and another bag of cans which are near the recycling bin (will go in on Tuesday if there is room for them but will give priority to other recycling eg plastic trays that have had meat in them). Put the library books in the rucksack but have renewed them online in case taking them back tomorrow is problematic.

Cannibalised another drawer (this one has fallen out with its bottom and refused all my attempts to reunite them). It's on top of the other one but hasn't got much on yet. It was on the top of the wardrobe containing but hiding several small boxes/ containers. Some of those have been moved. pine cones, straw stars and rope washing line are in with the paraphernalia that goes with the soda stream (on top of the fridge freezer). Made lunch, cooked extra chicken.

This afternoon I tackled the filing and the genie is back in the bottle (and file box is back on top of the wardrobe and I hope I don't have to drag anything out). Have written a list of what files are in there so can check if I need something. My own filing now fits inside an A4 ringbinder (although my house deeds are in a box at my house - another inch or so). One thick handful of paperwork thrown away. I still have a small pile of 'notes' to go through (recipes, jottings, websites etc). There's room on the wardrobe for the other metal file box but undecided what should go in there (something lightweight).

Late afternoon, I finally got to go for my walk (a slow very creaky hobble). To the top of the street, up the steps onto the canal bank and as far as the main road bridge. Crab apple tree has been cut down (looked when I was in the taxi on Friday and couldn't see any red). I went under the bridge as I remembered there is a proper bench on that side, so I sat for a while. The canal cruise boat came past - thought it was my old friend the Womble. One of the freight carrying barges - flat and wide but this one has had an upgrade to accommodate tea parties. Came back along the canal bank then went to the corner shop and back (lots of rest stops).

Mum has a podiatry appointment tomorrow and we've managed to tag on taking her hearing aids in for repair - same site, different building. I am not planning on coming back with mum (haven't told her yet) but will either be dropped off in the town centre or catch the small bus. Quite a lot of places I want to go but will see how I feel tomorrow. Then back here later on.

Grateful for a walk, however slow and creaky, for lovely chicken dinner with hg potatoes, for having the worst of the filing behind me.

ldee2111

Hope you’ve all had a decent weekend turtles.

I spent Fri, Sat, and Sun! This week I’ve overspent in transport and leisure. My Sunday sweep was £2 from food. It’s been a very poor savings week for me.

I had a really good weekend:  dinner at friends (potluck style) on Friday, at the football with OH’s parents and takeaway dinner at their house on Saturday, Mum at ours for dinner on Sunday. But we’ve overspent. Decisions made through tiredness… the McD yesterday for instance. It satisfied our lunchtime hunger and neither of us wanting to lift a finger to make something, but it wasn’t enjoyable, I felt guilty and unhealthy for eating it, and it cost us £16! 

Need to make up for it all this week with better eating and saving.

Grateful for a lot this weekend: quality  time with friends and family, delicious homemade curries, music, fairy lights, dry weather, a bit of booze, our football team winning (for once), our BED! 

mothernerd

Monday 13th September 2021

Today I consciously choose to think loving thoughts, take compassionate actions and bring forth peaceful energy.

You are not obliged to continue holiday traditions that leave you broke, overwhelmed and tired
It's okay to start new traditions
It's okay to say no
It's okay to simplify
It's okay to not overwhelm yourself
It's okay to do less and "Be" more
It's okay to put space between things
It's okay to feel your emotions and process them
It's okay to be present to yourself
The greatest gift you can give to yourself and others is your presence

MONDAY
M   Motivation
O   Opportunity
N   Nourishment
D   Doable steps
A    Authenticity
Y    Yay 

Thrifty_Taylor

Morning all, yesterday was an NSD so brings my total to 5.
Went for a walk with hubby, then after lunch cut out pattern pieces for a coat lining. Had originally planned to sew it together, but the garden & sunshine were calling! Removed the last bit of turf & levelled the ground under the frame of our new raised bed, before de-grassing the old turf pile & starting to transfer it to the bed. Stopped when very achy. Finished my book - really enjoyed it.
Sewed up the poncho, ready to give as a 50th birthday present today, then had a long soak in the bath.

Grateful for a nice walk, achieving in the garden, a nice book, a beautiful sunset

Deni_debt-free_dreamer

Morning all

Been away to visit family so have driven about 650 miles and got aching sciatic leg to prove it! Took DD1 with me and met DD2 and Boyfr there on Sat who travelled from boyfriend's home.  Car was loaded up mostly with DD2's uni stuff which they have taken and are putting in uni house today.
DD2 had a meltdown on Fri morning saying she didn't want to live at her uni location.  I had a virtual meeting for my self employment job so sat with camera off and had a little cry Fri pm DD2 said it was now all fine!  
Had a lovely w/e catching up with family and saw all 3 sisters, 2 of them i hadn't seen since 1 March 2020.  The plan was to have a fam party for my Dad's birthday (he was 80 last year) but due to various people having had covid or being near someone who had it, the party was postponed!  So we just sat in parents garden and ate some of the party food (very noble of us  
DDs, boyfr and i stayed in a static caravan 2 mins from the sea which was really lovely.  Walked many steps catching up with one of my sisters while the youngsters went in the amusement arcades (not MSE at all but it was their money they lost).  

Got busy day ahead as have to go into the office and stay for eve meeting so should get up really!

Gratitudes - lovely time away and catching up with family and feeling peaceful gazing out at the north sea; DD1's friend looking after our cats; my Dad/stepmum gave me (& siblings) £5k each!!!!  I actually have savings now & honestly feel like i've won the lottery !!

Hugs to those struggling

Love Deni x

Calling14

Happy Monday Turtles.

Think I have ate so much pizza this weekend I qualify  to be a Teenage Mutuant one.

Friday Night out pizzas with both daughters and gkids, nice walk along pier after. Small spend.

Saturday  Sunflower field visit NSD as dd2 owed me for parking night before, picnic took, roast dinner evening.

Sunday  NSD, bit wet morning, jigsaws pizzas, baking cakes, small walk in afternoon.

Was shattered last night kids worn me out, collapsed on bed and listened to Texas and Manics Radio 2 gigs with a honey face mask on. So nice a little me time.

Today need to spend, treats for my great nephews for my Somerset visit tomorrow , plus milk. Also booked train tickets for few weeks time to Manchester as they were cheap.

Grateful for

Being so busy haven't even noticed all the dust in my house!

Rift with youngest daughter resolved.

Looking forward to my mini break catch up end of the week.

f0xh0les

Congrats on the surprise windfall @Deni_debt-free_dreamer

Calling14

Wow @Deni_debt-free_dreamer thats great for you. Such a nice feeling to have savings.