Dilemma, Dilemma, Dilemma

Queen_of_the_Hive

Hello Saturday, 

Its been a very busy week in the hive, working full time and back to back trips to the city. It wasn't meant to be this way but it was just how it evolved. 

The kids are back with me this weekend and we are hoping for a bit of dry weather to have a bonfire night. We were originally meant to be hosting a mini family gathering with my nieces but the twins are having some regular jabs that are not compatible with OH so thats had to be cancelled. With my partners situ we have to be careful anyway but this time of year with winter bugs really brings it home how careful we really have to be and we are finding ourselves becoming more clued up on vaccines and whether they are dead virus or live virus. Its also meant having to make special arrangements for the kids to have the flu jab rather than the nasal spray as this would put my partner at risk. 

This morning i was awake early and made most of the opportunity to catch up with surveys. Still have some to complete but its something. I find nowadays I struggle to find the time to do them so this was nice. 

There is no real updates moneywise. I'm in a hole and have found Nov to be an expensive month. But the outstanding bills for the kids are now sorted and im going to have a little break in the travels so that should help a little. Christmas gifts haven't started shopping yet. It'll be focused on the kids and making it a nice thing. I'm thinking of how I can get myself in the festive mood on the cheap. Quite fancy buying some citrus fruits and baking them in the oven to produce dried fruit garlands. 

debtfreewannabe321

Ooh let me know how you get on with drying the citrus fruits. I always see them at Xmas fayres and think they're overpriced and I could do that myself. (Then don't do it).

Xmas doesn't have to be expensive if you're struggling. For years I have just done four main presents for all three kids (sometimes I buy extra but as long as I have those four I feel like it's going ok 🤣) something to wear, something they need and want and something to read. In the stockings I usually did plenty to eat so they would leave me alone for a snooze after waking me at 5am ....🤣 I think that covered most things they could want or need 😊.

dawnybabes

I sliced oranges and lemons last year and dried them out on the top of a radiator, house smelt lush whilst they dried out, then I threaded them with some cinnamon sticks to make a garland. 

Queen_of_the_Hive

Hi Tuesday, 

After a period of reflection and being not the right headspace, I am pleased to say I feel brighter and having a better week so far. Although I spoiled it by eating crappy food last night and didn't have the best sleep.You'd think I'd know better as a middle aged woman, hey ho! Today is a normal working day. Its also dance class night and I am going to go for a jog too. 

One of the things I feel a bit spurred on to do at the moment is re-engaging with surveys. I used to aim for £25 mp/m on Prolific and to build my pots on others which I was registered. This year I have been so busy a lot of that has gone out of the window but as am in a quieter period its time to start again. Yesterday morning I managed to add £7 to the pot with 2 good paying surveys. Nothing so far today but am using my morning time before work to continue going through surveys in my inbox. All the money from Proliifc I try to add to "Reno & Refurb" account for home. Its got £510.56 so far. 

Queen_of_the_Hive

Its the 13th of the month and time to celebrate the little wins this month! 

* Hit the 200k on total pension savings. 

* Total debt inc mortgage has reduced by £385. This was not a much as previous months but there was extra expenses due to half term and kids needing some kit. 

* Savings are up too but so is the credit card debt so it kinda cancels itself out.

In a better headspace and enjoying Thursday evening. 

debtfreewannabe321

I've recently started on surveys again after having a few months where I just couldn't bare to sit through a single one 🙈🤣. It's helping to rebuild my EF ...that and cashback sites are really helpful for a bit of extra income here and there. 

Queen_of_the_Hive

debtfreewannabe321 said:

I've recently started on surveys again after having a few months where I just couldn't bare to sit through a single one 🙈🤣. It's helping to rebuild my EF ...that and cashback sites are really helpful for a bit of extra income here and there. 

Morning @debtfreewannabe321 I totally agree, its lots of little bits that can make the difference. Good luck on building your EF! 

Queen_of_the_Hive

Its FRIDAY!

Woke up disgustingly early and instead of going back to sleep I decided to embrace the time and enjoyed Celeb race around the world & got some work done to put me ahead for the start of the working day, There are deadlines we have to meet today and I still have work to do so this is a positive. I'll probably need a nap at lunchtime but this is one of the advantages of WFH. I do tend to do over and above my hours, no slacking in the hive! 

This mornings "dawn calling" also meant I was able to do two short Prolific studies. Monthly total in the pot so far is £10.54 with £1.45 pending! Yay go me! Well on the way to £25 monthly target for Nov. 

Queen_of_the_Hive

Oh my days, it is a wet & windy saturday! 

There is an ice festival going on locally and its such a shame the weather is not as inviting, it was very popular last year and a fantastic money spinner for the local businesses! Myself and OH are going down shortly with brollies in hand! This time last year we also put up our Christmas tree and we had that warm festive thug!

I've popped on Michael Buble and fireplace on tv whilst writing this and getting that fuzzing feeling again! Just need a mince pie & a glass of Baileys! 

Money wise, its been a fairly quiet spends week. We've been using up food from the freezer so haven't done a food shop as such.Today I need to spend a bit of time going through the cupboards and freezer and make a meal plan for the coming week. The kids are not with us for a bit so its just the two of us so we are less fussy. We are trying to make use of what we already have in. I'm still working my way through survey emails too. Have made a few pounds here and there. 

Queen_of_the_Hive

Ice trail was amazing! They were quite melted down though by the time we got out to see them.. They seemed to melt a lot quicker than last year. We had a good walk around and for a bit of medicinal warming up we had a cheeky beer in a pub! The round was less than £6 which is bonkers as in the city its difficult to get one beer for less than £7! 

The forcast today is looking much brighter so am planning to get out with the camera and snap them as the trail starts! 

I've been enjoying having a bit of time ot catch up with MSE diaries, I love reading what others are upto but often struggie with the time to do this but as I have a bit more free time at the moment its fabulous to do.

Today apart from ice trail, I need to catch up with some cleaning, write and do a small food shop. Also feeling tempted to put up the tree. Yes I know its early, am just a sucker for twinkly lights!!  Also aiming to do some sewing skills. Bought myself an embroidery beginners sampler to do as I have a Christmas advent sewing kit to start but need to upskill first.