Settling in for the long haul

Dakota_Rose

Today has felt very long. No money spent as have been at work for most of it. It is certainly feeling like we’re in ‘the grind’ of the month where there’s not much to tick off and we just need to try and keep the money-saving faith.

Thursdays are the working day of the week that I am able to prioritise my wellbeing with a bit of an earlier finish. I am very much looking forward to that tomorrow and will either enjoy some reading or yoga, along with a walk depending on how energetic I’m feeling. 

I know rest is crucial to staying healthy but someone really needs to tell my brain that! I find it hard to switch off, especially if there’s something more stressful going on at work. I’ve dealt with a few frogs this week and hope I can make the most of this week’s early finish as last week was a write off! 

_Dolly_Rocker_

My brain is the same, find myself lying awake at all hours of the morning running through things I need to do, work I've got on, meetings I need to attend - all that fun stuff. 

Would love an off switch. 

Dakota_Rose

I am glad it’s nearing the end of the week and have had some time to clear my head this afternoon which has been much needed. 

I’ve started a new book, which has fab reviews but it’s too early to know if it is going to hook me in or not. Have also been out for a brisk afternoon walk to collect the youngest children from school. It’s a 15/20-minute walk each way so nothing too strenuous but there’s nothing quite like it to make you appreciate being back home warm and cosy. I can only manage this once a week with my work schedule so it always feels like a treat.

Chicken casserole is on Mr D’s menu for tonight’s dinner - can’t wait (family dinner time is my favourite time of the day) - and hoping to fit a yoga session in before bed if I’m not too full!

All in all, it’s been a good day. Nothing spent from personal spends but Mr D has been out for some small home spends items. It all helps with our improvements/repairs around the house and we are very lucky that he is so handy. Mr D is responsible for the food and home spends pots being the stay-at-home adult. And although I often say he spends more than I would if I went, the evidence shows that’s not really the case! We’re a good team though and bring a healthy balance to one another. Well we ought to be after 22 years together! 

Dakota_Rose

_Dolly_Rocker_ said:

My brain is the same, find myself lying awake at all hours of the morning running through things I need to do, work I've got on, meetings I need to attend - all that fun stuff. 

Would love an off switch. 

Exactly this! I drive myself mad sometimes, but it’s also been a real help in that I’ve ran through so many versions of a conversation or scenario before it happens, that I’m usually very well prepared  Got to look on the bright side!

Dakota_Rose

I’m pleased to report that I didn’t stuff myself too full of casserole as it has been known 😂 it was delicious though and have saved a portion for lunch tomorrow. 

I was able to end the day with a relaxation yoga session. I spent £15 on a new mat a year or so ago and have used it many times now at home using free YouTube sessions. I can never really be bothered to start them but always feel de-stressed by the end. I think it’s worked out at less than a pound per use now so can safely say it was £15 well spent. 

I have felt a huge change in my body - and mind - over the past 2 years (am early-mid 40s): nowhere near as flexible or slim or hormonally balanced as I was. Restarting yoga has definitely made a difference so I must keep prioritising it a couple of times per week. 

Another reason this diary is good for me - it’s holding me accountable to myself in more ways than one! 

Dakota_Rose

Feeling ready for the weekend. We have a fairly quiet one planned. It need not be speedy with still two weeks to go before pay day! We’ll treat the children to a small something each as they’ve had a good week at school and worked hard in their own ways. There’s a little bit left in the family treats pot that will cover this. 

The boys are seriously overdue haircuts so I can’t put them off any longer. I do them at home and they’re usually smart enough. A few ££ saved there at least. 

_Dolly_Rocker_

Will be quiet here too. Money defo running very low which is to be expected for 17th January. 

I've not had a haircut in years. My hair is always tied up so no point really.

Dakota_Rose

@_Dolly_Rocker_ I’m not ashamed to admit that Mr D cuts mine. Curly hair is very forgiving with an imperfect trim! Very few hair and beauty products are used in this house - we have a few firm favourites and just replace those when empty. I use cheapish hair products and more expensive perfume and basic make up, both of which are replenished once a year at most. 

Well it has been as quiet as we’d planned today, with the highlight being our fakeaway pizzas and wedges for dinner (large bag of potatoes free from Lidl today) followed by a few rounds of UNO with the kids. Now snuggling back under the heated blanket ready for a chilled evening. 

Mr D and I have been fantasising over houses in the Hebrides and dreaming about how idyllic life could be if we only had the fortune of being a bit richer. A mortgage-free, comfortable but simple lifestyle would be the dream. Basically would like to enjoy my retirement now 😂 

Oh well, a girl can dream. 

_Dolly_Rocker_

Now that is the dream!

Dakota_Rose

Well, we are back to reality with a bump today. Unfortunately little one is poorly after a morning of being right as rain so tucked back up on the sofa out of necessity rather than choice this evening. 

A couple of small ‘money-sensible’ things achieved today though:
- returned an item - only £5 but helpful none-the-less
- boys’ haircuts have been done at home this morning so they’re both looking much more presentable again 
-short drive in/out of town so only a small amount of battery used in the car. It will only cost a few pence to top up overnight
- avoided the temptation to buy a new book and have been on to Prime reading to download a couple of new titles to try for free with our subscription