Let's get this sorted then!

Rhyddid2026

I've managed to go nowhere and spend nothing (other than a bar of chocolate) all weekend but I do have my eye on some things I'd like to buy. Two ducklings and a multi tool 😂

I need to get braver with the diy, it doesn't need to be perfect it just needs to be done. The last few things I've paid a local odd job man to do have also been less than perfect so I need to be a bit more thoughtful about what I can try myself and what I really do need to pay someone to do. It's hard on your own though, even just having someone to hold stuff or give an opinion on straightness would be helpful.

I haven't seen most of my friends for a year now and I want this house to be reasonable enough to invite people over. Spring has sprung, a long weekend is coming, and I'm feeling motivated to tackle some of the jobs in the house and gardens other than cleaning and decluttering.

Slowdown

hi

Just Popping in to say I have taught myself quite a few DIY skills and found it’s often all about the tools. Getting the right tools for a job is essential and I’ve botched quite a few by thinking i can do without. Some tools are expensive and I’ve borrowed them or sourced second hand. Taking things slowly making sure each step is correct before moving on is essential too.
YouTube videos have helped many a time and lots of them don’t have a second person to lend a hand. I do actually have hands at home to help but as DH isn’t DIY minded I tend to do it myself.
It’s very satisfying to finish a job but some require a tradesman and there’s no getting around that. Lots of good DIY books can be found in libraries and cheaply online to help.
Good luck!

ArtyJ931

also hiring expensive tools might be an option. I’ve hired a few things and it’s much more reasonable than buying those things you rarely need.

Most of my house is so far my own botch it and scarper but when I first moved in I got a “carpenter” to do a new bannister and spindles as it was unsafe and needless to say they did a job I could have done myself and that will need replacing by a proper bannister at some point. At least it is safe-ish in the meantime.

annoying though

Dakota_Rose

I sympathise @Rhyddid2026 as I’m hopeless at DIY or at least believe I am so would procrastinate before getting anything done at all if it wasn’t for Mr D. A declutter and spring clean can make the world of difference to making home feel like a place you can invite friends round to though 😊

…also loving your shopping list!

Rhyddid2026

It's sound's like the punchline to a bad joke @Dakota_Rose "..... Two ducklings and a multi tool" 😂😂😂

Spending £10 on a piece of lamb may not seem very mse but I made 6 meals out of it (plus pickings and scraps to the dogs) and it stopped me thinking about takeaways. I made lamb salad wraps with yoghurt mint sauce, lamb with Persian grains and pomegranate seeds, Sunday roast, Ras el hanout lamb with potatoes cauliflower and field beans, and lamb and spinach curry.

My payslip has come through, my deductions still seem wrong but lets see what they look like in the new financial year. I'm going to write out my budget and spends this evening. Wednesday I'll be winning on the premium bonds, and I'll be making adjustments to my emergency fund after that.

In non mse news I took my measurements today for the first time in 5 years and they weren't too bad! I definitely feel lighter at the moment with the lighter evenings and reduced amount of figurative weight on my shoulders.

LzzyIsGod

I think the ducklings sound fab!

Rhyddid2026

Just been offered 8 week old white ones (same breed as Blod was) on Monday. Eek! I need to work out timings and when I'm going to be away with work before I commit.

I also need to get my ensuite shower fixed, it's been broken since September, so the downstairs bathroom can be quarantine. It's tiled and covered in plastic panels top to bottom so very easy to keep clean.

35 minutes until payday!!🎉

Rhyddid2026

I've done most of the money shuffle today. I still planned it out yesterday, but I needed fuel today and most of the pumps were out of diesel so instead of just putting in a tiny bit until the official start of April I decided to put £50 in and start the months budget a day early. I would have been crying if I put it off til tomorrow only to find no diesel left. I did really well not getting any fuel all weekend, so that's my reward.

I've deleted the row for overdraft in my weekly finances table. I don't need a weekly reminder that there is a small buffer there, let's not draw attention to it. That feels good. All of my debts are large now so there isn't anything else I can totally clear this year.

I've paid another £200 off my credit card with my extra wages from the promotion/payrise. I might regret that in 3 weeks time but it's worth a try. I'm having a few days away at the start of May so doubt I'll be paying any extra off from my end of April pay.

I am looking forward to winning on the premium bonds tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to updating my finances properly (after DDs have gone out) and updating my signature. I am also looking forward to picking up the multi-tool and electric screwdriver I bought. I could have picked it up today but I was far too busy in back to back meetings and I would have been too tempted to start doing random DIY instead of working 😄

Dakota_Rose

I am also looking forward to winning on the PBs tomorrow. I hope I don’t overshadow your chances with my huge £25 share 😂

Now £75 share but that won’t count until next month 🙈

Rhyddid2026

Woohoo 🎉 more good news, I've had a payrise! I didn't think I'd be eligible as I'd just changed contracts so didn't rush to find out. 3% what a lovely surprise. I'll have to have another look at it all later in April, maybe increase my pension contributions again rather than it all disappearing to tax.