sarahevie's single quest to mortgage freedom

chumpy45 · 19 November 2015 at 4:55PM

Hi, just caught up with your diary - what a journey. I really admire your energy. You have helped to motivate me again. Good luck with your decision re. ex. Never an easy one.

sarahevie1 · 20 November 2015 at 10:32PM

Happy Friday everyone:beer:

Taken the girls out for a pub tea, with the ex. Looking forward to final weekend with the lodger.

DD1 seems much better this week.

Weather freezing and raining, so may have a pjama day tomorrow, except for dancing.

Done quite well for spends this week.

£12.50 - shorts for dancing. (Have DD1s name on the bum in glitter so cute.)
£33 - half termly fees for dancing.
£40 - petrol
£20 - pub tea, this was really cheap as was for five including drinks. Treat as DD1 won an award at school.
£37 weekly food bill but included 120 nappies and wipes so quite good.

debtfreeoneday · 21 November 2015 at 5:34AM

have a lovely weekend and glad that DD1 is seeming brighter..

Picking your brain, as a teacher - what is the best gifts you get at Christmas? New to this and would like to get their Teacher something, but haven't a clue.. I'm thinking a gift card so they could get what they would like?

sarahevie1 · 22 November 2015 at 3:23PM

debtfreeoneday wrote: »

Picking your brain, as a teacher - what is the best gifts you get at Christmas? New to this and would like to get their Teacher something, but haven't a clue.. I'm thinking a gift card so they could get what they would like?

For christmas last year,

I got fruit teas, (still using these)
smelly gift sets, have used these as well. (I don't like to re gift things I've been given. I know others do and don't have a problem with it per se its just something we've ever done.)
Wine (don't drink at home ever, but took for friends/family to enjoy.)
Chocolates.
One parent made me a reindeer christmas tree decoration which I adore and will think of them, every time I put it up.

At the end of the year. The parents clubbed together and got my TA and I two amazing bouquets of flowers, handmade crafty cards, homemade chocolates, a candle with all the children's names on the back (I love this the best) and £55 in Next vouchers each. It was lovely.

I don't think that teacher's deserve presents really, as we're just doing our job. I'm always very grateful for anything I get. Gift vouchers does seem to be a universal favourite though:)

debtfreeoneday · 22 November 2015 at 6:33PM

Thank you Sarahevie.. I'm leaning that just to be safe.. thank you!

sarahevie1 · 23 November 2015 at 8:51PM

Yesterday spent £2 on charity donation.

Had a great time at messy church with the girls.

Today spent £2 on baking stuff, was going to make the girls cakes to have after tea. Should have listened to DD1 who suggested just getting ordinary chocolate, decided to get galaxy caramel, it burnt on my buns and they were inedible. We had homemade pumpkin bread as well which was nice, but disappointed that the buns turned out so badly.

Also caved at swimming and bought DD3 a drink and some snack a jacks, she does so well waiting for the others. DD1 got a swimming certificate so treated her to some sweets. Meant I also had to get DD2 something so another £2.10 spent.

Spends in the last two days £6.10, can live with it:)

sarahevie1 · 24 November 2015 at 9:54PM

Girls are in bed, it's the last day I get 20% off as a staff perk for y supermarket job, so decided to brave christmas shopping.

Taking a list, as can't afford to be too extravagant.

Feeling lots better, as I've been waiting since May for the concentrix section of HMRC tax credits to review my claim. (Have spoken to the helpline on a number of occasions, and always provided all documents they have asked for. )

However, today I finally received my final award letter for 2014-2015 and I've not been overpaid. Well £520 but they have already recovered that from subsequent payments, I'm really happy. Tax credits was a minefield last year with two PAYE jobs, rental property and four different childcare providers. I'm not surprised I was investigated, but pleased not to have a dreaded overpayment.

beanielou · 25 November 2015 at 1:03PM

Good news on tax credits :j
Hope shopping went well.

sarahevie1 · 28 November 2015 at 10:13AM

After my epic christmas shopping trip. I only have 12 to buy for, but spent £330. I'm now officially finished.

Feeling quite stingey with the girls. I've bought the older girls a dressing up outfit each and three stocking fillers. Total cost £13.

I've bought DD3 a doll and pushchair and three stocking fillers. total cost £16.

I've had to buy DD3 clothes as I plan on potty training her now she's two. I just bought her two packs of leggings (£4) the matching 3 packs of tshirts (£9) and cardigan (£8). I did this twice and bought her an extra zip up top (£4). I did get 20% off everything.

I also got DD2 a pair of wellies (£5) - but actually £4 with 20% off. I've had to give her them as its rained a lot this week.

sarahevie1 · 28 November 2015 at 10:14AM

Having quite a spendy week, because I'm going to see Grease at the theatre next year with work. £16, and paid for the works christmas meal £20.

sarahevie's single quest to mortgage freedom

Comments

Categories

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free