Let's get this sorted then!

PennysIntoPounds

Happy birthday rachmach!

FootyFanDan

Hope you had a lovely birthday 

Sun_Addict

Happy birthday 🎂🥳

rachmac3

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes!
It was my last day of celebrating yesterday, best I get back to the real world now. 
Last few days before payday, I've checked the freezer and pantry and written a few meal ideas on my fridge door. 
My 'extra' wages this month will be going on an extravagant birthday present for my nephew, I've finally persuaded him to let me get him a record player. He started buying vinyl for birthday presents for me (pre-lockdown) and more recently bought some for himself but has no way of playing them. He's such a good kid, I've offered to buy him a turntable for the last few birthdays but he bats it off saying it's too much money to spend on him.  He's finally given in and I'm so excited! I wish I could be there to see him finally get to play vinyl and hear the difference (I am assuming he will love the difference despite being 24, because obviously everyone in the whole world knows it's better).

rachmac3

I think the village olio man is starting to recognise me. He told me he'd put a few extras in tonight - 17 bags of salad!🤣
(Some of) the animals will be happy. I've still got 3 lettuces left from last week. Just proves how ridiculous the BB dates on them are.

rachmac3

I've had quite the lazy weekend. I have been enjoying this slow pace of life, but I should probably step things up again. I have been pondering on the need for efficiency over productivity though. I've usually been one to just work more to get more money without thinking about all the stress/convenience food/drain of energy/extra costs that usually brings. I guess it feels good to be able to say you're doing something. There's a balance to be had somewhere I'm sure, where I can get my debts down faster without risking my mental and physical health. No point working more if I then waste more to cope with the tiredness.
I've got a big posh event to go to in a few weeks. I had a look for shoes and bags today, found a few I liked (extortionately priced) then looked for similar on vinted. Fingers crossed I can find something suitable and affordable.

PennysIntoPounds

Age-old conundrum innit! I've certainly noticed that with starting new adhoc job to make more money because of all the build stresses and costs, that with the added stresses and lack of time it is SO much easier to be like 'sod it, I am too tired to think let alone do'

Do you have any friends or family members who could lend you shoes and a bag? And are you sure you don't have any you could use and that you're not just looking at them with bored or overly critical eyes?

doingitanyway

Posh event sounds good. I hope you find something to wear. It might be worth asking someone else to cast an eye over what you already have to see where the gaps are. 

I have just read your diary and you have done so well to reduce your debts, start an EF, and tackle your ODs. You have had a few blips but seem to come back from them stronger. Keep going. You will get there.

rachmac3

@PennysIntoPounds also to think "sod it I deserve a treat" for me too.
I've been studying and ill for 5 years, and put on more than a few pounds so my options are severely limited. I had my GBF peruse my wardrobe on Saturday. I've checked with my sister and the only friend I have who wears posh clothes, but no luck. I've bought a dress from Shein (£12) and the shoes I've ordered from Vinted were only a fiver so I should be able to get away with it as long as they fit and look ok together. Failing that I'll be trying to shift a stone in 3 weeks to fit into one of my old dresses. Joke. I've still got time to order something else and resell what I don't wear.
Thanks @doingitanyway I'll keep on plodding on! It's all definitely been a learning curve!

rachmac3

Writing meal ideas on the fridge door is working a treat! I've made 4 meals from the list already. I don't like meal planning because I prefer to eat what I fancy at the time, but I still need to use up stuff in the freezer and pantry. I'm also not great at using my imagination when I'm hungry. 
Because I see the ideas regularly through the day I also remember to take out what needs to defrost.
Winning!!