Turning Straw into Gold: Creating Long Term Security & A Solid Home

MillQueen

@Blackcats, that sounds like a lovely treat at the footie - I agree that small comforts like this make life nice - enjoyment doesn't have to be expensive. The things you describe always give me a view of you and your family as being lovely people. I have actually got a 1000 piece jigsaw upstairs still in the box, as a couple of years ago I bought it for someone for a gift and the box was damaged, so I bought another and never got around to returning the first one. Maybe it's time to put that to use…..

I bought the painting from the charity shop - pleased with this. It's obviously not a sensible use of money, but I have been wanting to collect art, so I guess an occasional piece from the charity shop that I'm drawn to is ok as long as it's cheap. This is an oil painting of a derelict sandstone partial building against a backdrop of field and sky, in a gilt frame, with a view from the window of the roofless building. It was the colours that attracted me, as they are warm golds and golden greens, and the affect of the whole painting with the frame gives the feeling of looking at a sunny window. It stood out in a shop full of junky things as being full of golden light and very much fits the aesthetic of my house (golden sandstone and lots of light).

I think objects for a home should be built up over time in this way - a gradual collection of special items.

Blackcats

so the sticky toffee brew was a cosy autumnal treat and our team had a resounding victory so that was a nice afternoon. We have a season ticket so no "new" money was spent. Seems like the jigsaw is ready and waiting for you 😉.

The painting sounds lovely and is already giving you joy. I'm glad it was waiting for you in the shop, We've just ordered a canvas print of a photo we took on our recent holiday. Lots of golds, reds and greens and we have created an original picture with personal meaning for £35.

MillQueen

That sounds like a very pleasant day @Blackcats, and extra satisfying that you didn't have to spend additional money to enjoy it. Things like season tickets are really worth it if they bring you repeated enjoyment. Tonight I have had the last of a pack of alphabites that were in the freezer, which I had bought when they were reduced, as I wanted some junk food this evening. Tomorrow I need to make a mushroom risotto/rice stronganoff sort of thing, as I have few packs of yellow sticker mushrooms that need using. I also plan to walk into town again for some exercise. I forgot to say I also went to Home Bargains today to get freezer bags so I can made some meals, and I got a microwave egg poacher for £1.29, so that will increase the possibilities next time I manage to get some yellow sticker eggs.

ellenvan

Glad your painting was still waiting for you.An excellent use of £10 and it's really a charity donation to.

Small treat items have to be in the budget in my opinion. Life can't all be just essentials.

You're doing so well on the food budget.

I tend to stick to the same food items each week. I do vary if a really good offer on Tesco clubcard, then I stock up.But you are having a very varied diet.

MillQueen

@ellenvan, small treats are nice, I agree. I think I enjoy them more now as well, as before I'd have just bought whatever I wanted any time I felt like it. I like the adventure of the yellow sticker shopping as I never know what I'm going to end up with - the element of surprise 🤣. Your organisation with buying the same things must create a very safe and predictable food budget and you will know the staples you like. I appreciate your kind support of others, consistency and sensibleness, built up over a long period of time.

This morning I am doing calming free things - hanging up the washing on the drying rack, washing the dishes, putting the recycling into the right bins. I find these weekend re-set routines really soothing and I like the idea that I am taking care of what I have. The temperature of the house is very comfortable, so I am going to set the thermostat half a degree lower and see how that goes, to find the temperature that best maximimes cost and comfort. I have a book on Borrow Box to read and need to do some work on my training project, and also do a few bits of cooking, I don't think I fancy going outside today.

MillQueen

I have done some jacket spuds and I'm now having one for lunch with tuna mayo, and a couple of sliced up yellow sticker pears that needed using up. It's one of those small things, but I really enjoy cutting up fruit and eating it off a plate. Feels like I'm doing something good for my health and finances 🤣.

I could do with making something more substantial later, but I'm struggling a bit for motivation, so it may end up being mushrooms on toast for tea rather than anything more complex.

I have arranged on Tuesday night to look at a local gym, with a view to joining, as it's only a 5 minute walk from my house. It's £35 a month and is one of those small independent ones, where someone has just hired a warehouse and put a load of old equipment in it and offers circuit and cycle classes, and it will be full of non trendy people. I could have joined a chain one, but the benefit of this one is that it's right near my house. I am much preferring a luxury gym with a pool, but that's not currently in my budget or time commitment to be able to get to a nicer one and get the most from the expenditure.