Living within my means-the challenge

mountainlioness

Hi beckseven

just wanted to say that if you're interested in growing your own salad and veggies it's worth posting on your local freecycle... we did last week and now have tomatoes, squash, pumpkins, lettuce, pepper, sweetcorn, garlic, cabbages and some things we can't remember what they are!! Ppl were so generous. A lot had allotments or had been growing their own and due to the time of year that had lots of spare seedlings so were glad to hand them on to a good home... and if you get more crop that you can eat I guess the guineas would be happy to help!

You can also use freecycle for ready grown fruit and veg - we got plums, blackberries and apples last year - ate what we could then stewed and froze the rest for adding to yogurts and making pie

Cheers

ML

beckseven

Thanks ML for that. I never would have thought of using freecycle for that. I applied last week to join my local group but haven't heard back yet. I'm definitely going to chase that up.

Verbatim

Hi beckseven,
You're doing really well and making loads of extra from ebay and mystery shops.

have you actually received the underwear yet? If you tell AS that you're now pregnant and they wouldn't fit perhaps that would help with returning them. Worth a try!

beckseven

Thanks Verbatim. I have received it and you can return it but you can only get gift vouchers or a credit note-not sure whether to keep it in the drawer until after the baby comes-6months!- or whether to pop it on ebay or to get the vouchers and get a pair of more practical pjs in a bigger size! Hmm-decisions!

beckseven

Today DS was in preschool so I took the opportunitly to clean the house and pack our suitcases. I've got to be organised. There are nappies stuffed all over our suitcase! My Specsavers money came out this month so it must be the next 6 months that are going to be my holiday as I'd managed to stockpile at lot so the girl I spoke to said that I could take a 6month 'holiday' which is good. I got another star today-yay me! I've done my clicks today and I've also looked for mystery shops-none available but can see that my payment of £14 is going to go through on Sunday which is fab. I also got a pot of Olay's Regenerist cream through the post yesterday which I had won from somewhere-I can't remember where!-and my Waitrose/John Lewis voucher had arrived so that has been popped into a drawer for Christmas. since I've been really concentrating on my money situation things have taken a real turn for the better so big thanks to everyone on here who has offered me advice. I felt like a hopeless case but now I feel like I can do this.

beckseven

Had to buy 3 birthday cards today so that cost a bit-ended up at about £5.50! plus some wrapping paper which was £1.75. I'm working afternoon shift today and yesterday so that was an extra £22.50 per day. Tomorrow I'm going to get up early and head into town to change money to Euro's-think I'll have about £125 for first week which is loads!

beckseven

I actually had £160 worth of Euros to last the first week as I get paid the 2nd and have some shift pay so was really pleased. I'm carrying on with my MSE on holiday as don't want to come back to a nasty shock or having £20 to last 3 weeks.

jak

Of course you can do this!! It just takes time and focus! Have a lovely holiday. It's great you are going to carry on on holiday! Just think how much more you'll get for your money!
Well done on the voucher too! Christmas will be much nicer this year without the stress of wondering how to pay for it!
J
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beckseven

I'm back from my holiday now. had a lovely time and managed to keep the spends under control so back on my DFW mission. Got three weeks left now and determined to do well. Went shopping last night and spent £30-hid the Smart Price sausages at the back of the fridge from DH! I had my scan today. I was only 10 weeks pregnant so going back next week for my 12 week scan. Little cutie looks to be ok so far anyway and it's not twins which I was secretly relieved about! Going out tonight for my monthly girly meal but I am getting picked up so no petrol outgoings and I have arranged it so that we are going to a £10 per head Sri Lankan restaurant (which is really good) so not our usual lavish meal that I struggle to pay for!

jak

That sounds fun! I'm glad you had a good time! Enjoy tomnight. It's great you decided on going somewhere cheaper...easier said than done usually!

Well done for your MS holiday!
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