Pulling my frugal pants on.

debtfreewannabe321

So glad you had a lovely break! Sounds like a few more good ones lined up too. ☺️
Sorry to hear about DH tutoring. Can he not do one to one tutoring maybe in the evening? 

Cherryfudge

The beach sounds lovely.

What a shame about the tutoring. Could there be a charity somewhere that might be in keeping with his subject and work with him to do the courses? 

I hope your trip away goes smoothly and youngest is soon better.

ladybird1106

Had a lovely couple of days away. Did some hill walking which proved I can do it in a skirt (long, heavy). Did see someone in loose trousers (harem pants), which might be an option. It has took me a couple of days to recover once we got home. So we've decided not to visit our friend in Scotland this year as it's just too far and I need to get myself back on my feet health wise.
Money wise, my car stopped working and we had to have road side recovery. Once it was restarted got it to our usual garage and they said it needed a new battery. They will put it on my bill as its booked in for a service next week. Trying to focus on it was mendable rather than the cost. 
We looked last night for alternative accommodation now we're not going to Scotland. Very expensive as it's half term week. So instead of a lovely relaxing, having everything under one roof cottage we've booked 9 days for less than £700 that includes 4 nights in a shepherd's hut and 5 nights in 2 youth hostels in the lakes.
Going to try and offset some of the costs by scaling back what we spend on groceries. We usually spend about £130 a week. So hopefully I can save about £90 in the next 3 weeks.
Another cost today as I'm at the hygienist, I'm bound to get a lecture as I've let flossing slide over the last couple of months. 
Best get a wriggle on and get the washing into nature's tumble drier.
Love 🐞

ladybird1106

Not sure where last week went. Car going in for its service and dad bringing me back home as the youngest is starting counselling for their needle phobia again. Hopefully get to the plot tonight as we have things that need to either go in or need potting on. 
Best get miss giddychops walked 
Love 🐞

ladybird1106

The youngest dropped a bombshell yesterday that if their college course next year isn't spilt over the week they won't be returning. 3 days in a row is just too much to deal with from an energy point. College are trying to accommodate them but not sure if this will happen. If not then I will need to find alternative distractions as they are not stopping at home festering in bed as it will impact massively on their physical and mental health. The other issue is money, we would lose UC which is a substantial amount and although we would lose it in 2025, we weren't banking on it this year l. So plan for today is to analyse the budget and plan for both scenarios.
Love 🐞

debtfreewannabe321

ladybird1106 said:

The youngest dropped a bombshell yesterday that if their college course next year isn't spilt over the week they won't be returning. 3 days in a row is just too much to deal with from an energy point. College are trying to accommodate them but not sure if this will happen. If not then I will need to find alternative distractions as they are not stopping at home festering in bed as it will impact massively on their physical and mental health. The other issue is money, we would lose UC which is a substantial amount and although we would lose it in 2025, we weren't banking on it this year l. So plan for today is to analyse the budget and plan for both scenarios.
Love 🐞

Oh no! I hope that the college can work something out to help! What does your youngest plan on doing if college doesn't work out?

ladybird1106

Big sigh of relief..... college have been able to accommodate the youngest needs, which I am very grateful for. The blip has allowed me to get them to think about the next step and they are thinking of applying for a performing arts course at the college next year. 
The blip has also gave me a gentle reminder that next year the household budget will alter and we need to adapt our spending. Going to slowly alter somethings as a gung ho approach won't work. I have opened an account for OH and will use it to create and emergency fund.  We do have some savings that could be used in an emergency but I'd rather not as it's for a new chair for the youngest. So I'm aiming for £1200 this time next year. There is already £100 in as I've set up a DD.
Seeing my sister for breakfast today, then taking the eldest and mil to see fil and then need to visit my dad later as he's too ill to visit tomorrow. Best get a wriggle on 
Love 🐞

Cherryfudge

That must be a big relief! And I hope the slower approach to changing finances is useful for you.

KajiKita

Good news about the college flexibility and very sensible of you to start planning for the budget shift next year. Hope your dad starts feeling a bit better soon. 

KK

ladybird1106

Thanks cherryfudge and KK, it was a huge relief.
We are officially on holiday /respite. Yesterday we visited  Leighton Moss in glorious sunshine. Highlight for me was watching a baby blackbird been fed by it's parent literally an arms length from me. OH top highlight was watching damsel flies mating and depositing eggs in the water. We did see osprey from a distance and very close up views of Marsh harrier as well. We travelled onto our first destination in the lakes. Fantastic views of the village and surrounding hills from our balcony. Apartment was reduced to half price as we only booked it the day before we left. Tea was leftovers accompanied by cocktails. Bliss.....😊
Today the weather is rain, rain, and abit more 🌧️, so the plan is for enforced relaxation. Lots of reading, puzzles, 🧘 games and eating planned. 
Hope you all have a good day
Love 🐞