Prosperous and Creative Soul Year 5

lucielle

Well done on the savings and money making. 

L

savingholmes

Thanks Lucielle

This is the first month in a while that my CC debts have dropped compared to the previous month - so hopefully I am improving. I was massively bailed out by gift cards of various values though - including a grocery one unused from October a year ago!! My savings took a hint - but only because I lent DD some money. My S&S isa has dropped slightly this month but otherwise my savings vs CC calc would have improved compared with last month despite raiding savings for DD.

But in terms of vouchers: I have about £15 on TK, £11 for a carvery, £22 for Mr A and £44 for clothes. So that should help me balance my budget. Normally I'd get a £100 voucher thro work but that's not happening this year which is sad.

I've identified about £112 of stuff to return to Am - it's all drop off with no box so hopefully that will work out okay. 

I found 30 vintage comics for a tenner including delivery on ;bay so was really pleased with that. I'm only giving 10 this year - so that's the next two xmases sorted for that person!! They live abroad so limited suitcase space regardless... Mum's gift is done - so just thoughts of a couple of nephews - but may just give money and possibly a gift for a sister.

I had to go in the office today so am exhausted again - especially as I also have to go in tomorrow. I also need to finish some work before a morning meeting and drive etc so need to be up super early tomorrow. I've read all the stuff - but I have to 'score' and give reasons and my brain was on auto reject so not finished that. A major issue popped up at work yesterday which I need to resolve asap next week. Always such a joy this time of year with deadlines and last minute pressures.

I am at the hairdressers Friday pm which is positive though. 

savingholmes

DS gifted me most of his art supplies and although there's not huge amounts its all better quality than mine so it feels like xmas came early.

lucielle

That was nice of DS. 

L

jwil

A nice gift from DS.

Hope all the work stuff resolves ok

Merlin's_Beard

Ah, how lovely of DS to think of you. Sounds like positive things happening

savingholmes

Thanks Jwil, Lucielle and Merlin

Well I crawled to the work finish line but I made it. I'm off now until the 5th which makes me happy. 

Caught up with my counsellor, my DD and a friend today. Went to Life Drawing yesterday. Was good to catch up with people. Drew a guy wearing a santa hat... One of the people asked me if I was doing a course as they could see the difference in the quality of my drawing which was nice.

I've found a new cheap clothes shop that sells brand new clothes for a couple of pounds upwards. I've been able to refresh my wardrobe for an average of £3 an item. I'd nudged up into the next size and paint or ink spattered a few too many of my existing clothes... I'm made up with my 'bargains' but need to avoid getting sucked into buying more than I need. 

I've finished my xmas shopping now - other than food. I went to the reuse shop at the tip and a couple of charity shops and got some household bargains and a few potential gifts. Other than those most things are wrapped too.

DD is going to stay two nights now not one -- so I need to make sure I have a little more food in - and of a type she's willing to eat. We are travelling together to my Mum's for xmas day and a meet up with the wider family. I still need to put my house to rights and put more xmas decs up. Just added another set of lights outside - but I have a load more I could put out - I just haven't yet. 

Money wise - despite loans to DD I seem to have turned a corner and be a bit more on track which is a relief. Art wise I'm thrilled to bits with my current work and I'm getting lots of positive feedback.

Merlin's_Beard

You sound well prepared, apart from a few bits and pieces! I hope you enjoy your break

beanielou

Enjoy your break. Lovely news on your art. 

Blackcats

Enjoy your Christmas break.  It's a nice long time away from the office to re-charge, refresh, and re-set.