NST April 2018: April Fool's Challenge

Hi all :j

Aim for at least 15 NSDs. Usual exceptions apply, you won't lose a NSD for ys items, petrol or medical expenses. Still 3/15 NSDs


Pay to your debt or savings first and live off the rest. Added up March's expenses - horrifying is the word :eek:


Report in every day. The daily support from this thread will keep you on track Here again..5/4


Interests - is there any hobbies that you'd like to take up or perhaps an old hobby that you'd like to start again. This is the month to do it, let us know what you plan to do Have 2 so far - collecting hobby I have & someone got in touch to buy something connected to it - 4 years ago!! She got back in touch 2 weeks ago, have emailed her today & will attempt to find the item she wants...it's win-win as it will be money for savings too. Also, have Fairisle cushion to finish, usually do mindless knitting in front of TV, this doesn't come under that so never gets done. Finally retrieved fairisle cushion from back of chair where it was stuffed; realise to my shame haven't touched it in 18 months..despite that managed to find my place in the pattern & actually do a couple of rows. Bless highlighter tape!!


Love yourself, do something to make yourself feel fab - wear a bright scarf, get your eyebrows done, have a bath, put on your fave perfume. Just the perfume today, am working through vast stash of toiletries/makeup/perfume etc etc etc.

Find time to get outside. Lighter nights are now here so get out in the garden, go for a walk. Fresh air is good for everyone. Lovely day here in West Yorkshire & was able to get outside this afternoon & finish weeding & putting compost on one border. Not a glamorous job in the slightest but I read that spreading a thick layer of compost on the borders is the best thing you can do for your garden, so I believe it. And it will get rid of one of the compost mountains we have......so can make another one, laughs evilly


Overpay - aim to pay 20% extra to your debt or savings. It's up to you how you do this - overtime at work, saving money on the food bill, selling items. Will deffo try, will be in the form of selling collectibles or ebaying. WIP.

Organise your month. Check your cupboards, make a meal plan and stick to your food budget. Plan any social events and budget for them, ideally come up with free alternatives. Will do, need to reduce freezer stocks. Small shop in Mbobs by DH, does not go off list so very safe to send shopping. Supper from stores, pasta leeks meatballs rosemary & garlic bread, I had a HM dessert & DH an ice cream Mars....

Lose one bad habit. Mine's is a food related one but it can be anything you like. No snacking between meals. No snacking today.



Sign off your daily post with a list of gratitudes. Grateful for: DH going to post box for me, also cancelling hair appt for me for tomorrow (complimentary but would be done by a junior who I would have to tip), first camellia flowers, nutty animals racing round, feeling much better, migraine meds.

Yesterday was a lovely day, got out with the kids and also cycled later in the afternoon. Spent £2.50 on a vintage blouse for me, plus chips for lunch but that was it.

I did have a nasty shock when checking the bank yesterday, my energy DD has gone up from £56 to £94 with no communication from them. We used to pay £79 and we were always in credit and used to claim it back once a year and without any warning they changed it to £56 which just wasn't enough and after the winter we've had we now owe them. I rang them and they said they had written, I will be changing energy suppliers at the end of the month as I'm tied in until 31 May.

Fmess - your holiday sounds really relaxing.

Indigowarrior - hope you are able to make plans for the next few weeks.

erin_transport wrote: »

Today I introduced my children to Cary Grant in Walk Don't Run on DVD. It was so nice to see them laughing and enjoying it.
Next weekend it'll be Operation Petticoat. Anything is better than the endless YouTube drivel they choose.

I did the same with mine and Harvey the invisible rabbit. It seems he has moved into my house now:rotfl:

Wasn't able to check in last night, was working late and I just didn't have time. No spends yesterday but I spent today. Bought chips at lunch time, bought a few bits online (rabbit wormer, a new wireless mouse) and did a charitable donation. Am also going swimming after work so will have to pay for that.

No plans this weekend other than studying and horse riding so should have a spend free weekend. Bit worried that it's only the 6th and I've already spent half my food budget for the month :eek: had a delivery this morning so we're set for the next week, but this has been my long term nemesis and I just can't seem to conquer it! :rotfl: I'm vegetarian, OH isn't, but I try to use the slow cooker loads as well, yet somehow it just seems to get out of hand more often than not...

Today I'm grateful for outdoor swimming and a little mindfulness practice at work.