Cocoon

Most strenuous activity in the last 7 days has been playing on the Wii with the kids. Skin is showing signs of lack of fresh air, we've been 'out ' as in walking the dog, quick dash round the supermarket, and to see the Golden Compass (less said the better). Other than that been totally cocooned indoors. I am really enjoying it, but I'm feeling the effects. Very lethargic.

I'll be yearning for time like this in a month when all the normal routines kick in again, so I should make the most of it.

Don't like New Years Eve, I think the last one we celebrated was 2000, when we had an on the spot impulse party with a few neighbours , other than that I can't remember the last time we stayed up til midnight !

Added a few more want to acheive for 2008 :
Tea, I love tea, but drink way too much, no more tea drinking at work, go on to water.
Batch cooking, going to cook double quantities in the way of lasagnes, stews etc and freeze half, makes for light work when I'm daunted at what to cook some nights.

Game of Bigs on the Wii anyone ?

All this turkey talk.

That was nice, two days of doing nothing, all four of us ate rubbish, watch TV, play games and generally laze about. Good for the soul. Although I can feel the extra poundage (weight wise not cash wise !) settling in around the hips.

As predicted the turkey is a definete no next year, I mean that. Somebody direct me to this post in the third week of December 2008. It's not that it was hard work, I honestly don't think it was appreciated by those that insisted we had it. Kids were too over the moon with their gifts (We got it soo right this year :), Mr Marbles was slightly squiffy, and I just don't like it. I think the taste is almost gamey. The one thing I will say is that Jamie Oliver's suggestion of carving the breast off and then slicing was so much easier than attempting the thin slices off the bone. So that's it no more talk of turkey's.

Talking of all things culinary, I was the recipient of Nigella Express on Christmas Day. Great book great recipes. Loads of shortcuts to cooking on the go. Yes there are the ones I'm never going to touch, but the simple suppers are hugely appealing. Cans of cannelini beans, shop bought salads are amonst the admissions. But the thing I like best is how she relates to the 'after work/homework/picking up up droppin off - Oh hell got to to cook dinner' state of mind. You know when chopping an onion is the last thing you want to do - that's why she's already done it and it's in the freezer. She writes interesting intros to her chapters aswell. Highly recommended. (apart from the turkey recipes).

So 2008 approaches. No I haven't stopped smoking and I haven't updated my Exhaler blog for months. So here goes, short list of what I would like to acheive in the next 12 months;
1. Stop Smoking - essential.
2. Pay off my Marbles card - need to make at least £150 extra a month to do this.
3. Lose weight - a stone will do.
4. Learn a new language - preferably Italian
5. Restart jewellery making - which will enhance my income.
6. Organisation - Flylady style, little and often.
7. Be more positive - and active - no more procrastination.
8. Go vegetarian for at least a week.
9. No more turkey.

That's No.9 acheived then, only 8 to go :)

Love to know yours.

Have a good day my fellow PFers. Here's to a successful 2008 for us all.

One Day To Go

Christmas Eve. I love this day more than the day itself. The anticipation and atmostphere. Having done close to nothing these weekend except watch movies and little else, feeling like we should 'do' something. Perhaps wander into town, not sure really, just nice to have the choice.

We watched Miracle On 34th Street yesterday, can you believe that Mara Wilson the cute little actress who also played Matilda and Natalie in Mrs Doubtfire is 20 ? Also subjected the children to 'The Holiday' not really a kids movie, probably why they dissappeared to the land of the Playstation halfway through.

Anyway Mr Marbles had to go to work at 5 this morning, I found myself with a cup of tea in bed, thinking those New Year resolution thoughts. Like many other PF bloggers I have a few targets I want to reach. Going to mull them over before I post them, bit of realistic fine tuning required.

Anyway have a good time everyone, just in case I don't make it back until the madness has passed !

Turkey

They've done it. And it happens every year. I am always resolute that I will not slave in the kitchen over a turkey each Christmas. I was determind to go for a chicken. By early December they start chipping away at me. They being those 3 menfolk I share my life with. They want turkey. Blurgh ! And those horrid sausage/bacon garnishes, yeuch !

Me - I'm a wannabe vegetarian, just don't have the discipline yet. I know I'd change my diet if I saw a glimpse of a slaughter house. My morals are protected at the moment, but I'm pretty sure the time will come.

So I've been beaten again. In 72 hours I will be protesting at the fact I did it again, how much is left, how I didn't enjoy it.

All grumbling aside, had a rough nights sleep, coughing and the like, but eventually slept and had a lie-in. Feel good and have a mountain of sympathy for anyone venturing out to any retail orientated area today.

Will continue on my mission to clean the house today.

Tinsel and Turkey

That's it no work for 10 days, first week off in six months. Been running myself ragged for the last 5 days, but it's done, wrapped, shopped, the lot .I'm paying the price physically. Caught the bug, sniffles, sore throat.
House is still in need of TLC, but I can do it slowly, don't have to be anywhere to pick up drop off be relied upon. Feelish selfish today.

Couch Potato Season

I cannot believe how lethargic I have been feeling over the past week. It's been incredibly busy at work and yes I'm tired from that, but this house resembles Christmases been and gone and left it's rubbish behind. There are bits and pieces of bits and pieces in places that they have just been 'left'. Boxes if unwritten Christmas cards, piles of cards that have yet to go up, paperwork and just stuff. Yet to wrap a single present, I guess it would help if I bought some wrapping paper.

I spent the day yesterday on the sofa with the kids watching ancient 1980's movies, then X- Factor. Mr Marbles pottered, wrote some cards.

So my Christmas food budget for the next three weeks is set at £150, one big shop this week . Meal plan and list to be done.

A good two hours clearing the clutter this afternoon, would like a suitably tidy house before Christmas Chaos really descends.

The Challenge

On the ever inspiring MSE-Debt Free Wannabe Forum there are always a host of challenges to motivate. Be it make £10 a day, lose lbs and £'s at the same time, or clear a debt by next Christmas. I've joined the Pay off £20,000 (ish) by Xmas 2008 challenge. A friendly bunch of self confessed faffers and fritterers (is that a word?) who have various targets and great ideas.

Now 20k is a bit too far off for me so I've targeted the bane of my financial life credit card which stands at £9587.40. If I can clear this beast in a year I will have cleared over a third of my debt.
I've tried these challenges in the past - with shall we say deferred success !

It's not impossible, but will take some serious discipline.

Picture This !

Being able to watch an hour of TV in the UK without those credit card and loan ads again and again .
Ban those credit ads ! Sign the petition.

Ever Increasing Marbles

A slap in the face in the post this morning. HFC Marbles have increased the APR to a whopping 26.9 % on my card and an increase of 0.5% to minimum payment. I know minimum payments are not the way to go but this doesn't help.

Been playing around on whatsthecost.com and this is now my highest interest rate card, it has to go. Have to redo my snowball and get ready to wipe these debts out from January onwards.

Confession Time

An admission:

• I spent £25 on my new interest free credit card for one Christmas present for the kids, did get 12 % cashback though via Quidco.
• I've emptied my EF fund for Christmas.

All of this is just for Christmas, I have over £190 due from cashback sites between now and the end of January so my plan is to put the EF funds back with and extra £20. The good news is I made £160 on ebay the first two weeks of December which bought wanted presents for the kids and hubby. Wanted being the operative word. As much as they have dreams of an X-Box it's not going to happen. They have one big pressie each, couple of add-ons. Grandparents and uncles are giving them cash.

The other bonus is because I shopped for Christmas on ebay again using Topcashback or Quidco I got 35% cashback on each purchase, not quite sure how the 35% is calculated but I've earnt £12 doing it.

I've just cashed in 2000 Piggy points at Pigsback for a CD Wow voucher worth £20, may use it in the sales or one extra family present in the form of a DVD Boxset I know they all want, but time is short.

I haven't started wrapping presents yet, I'm quite tempted to use newspaper, just for the green issues and the expense. I love wrapping though, sad thing that I am.

I'm feeling quite good because six months ago my credit cards were maxed, and although I've stumbled a few times - been late with payments etc -I've somehow steered things the right way and managed to 'do' Christmas. Admittedly all cc payments etc are minimum this month, but everything will be on time and up to date.

I've been is this job for 5 months without any holiday taken yet. I am so looking forward to a whole week off, just us four. Nowhere to be, no running around, picking up, dropping off, finding school bags/shoes, football kits, shin pads etc etc. Selfish I know, but just for one week. Then come January it will be all hands to the pump, renewed enthusiasm.

Oh Christmas tree !

The Christmas tree made it's annual trip from the attic this week along with the collection of tree decorations we have amassed over the years....and the lights.

Oh the lights. Like hundreds of other homes we unravelled the lights we used last year plugged them in wait for the 100 bulbs to glow. Nothing. Go through the whole set, checking fuses pushing bulbs in checking for signs of blown bulbs. Still Nothing. Admittedly this set of lights has worked for the last three years.

While out in town yesterday I check the big local household stores, only choices are foil angel lights, multicoloured flowers or snowballs, no thanks. I only like white lights me, don't know why I just do. Local bargain bucket shop has some for £8.99, no replacement bulbs and a glow, fade, dance etc option. I hate the fact that these might not work next year, but looking at the prices I paid on the last sets these will do.

I have to say our artificial tree is old. I wish had a snapshot of each Christmas it's stood in the corner. We bought it for £60 in 1990, our first proper Christmas together, some of the baubles show their age, but doesn't a Christmas tree tell a story ? Yes there's everything from 'Baby's first Christmas' in 1994 given by a neighbour, to a half chewed robin with one eye thanks to our dog in his puppy days. I'm not sure it will last another year, the kids think it's time is up. We'll see.

So Skint

What a week, ran out of cash by Tuesday ! Forgotten what money actually looks like. Mr Marbles took over the grocery spending this week, talk about skint. All happened because ebay fees arrived, not budgeted for, and youngest son invited to another party this weekend - obviously not budgeted for.

It's not all doom and gloom though, sold loads of DVD's and games on ebay, topcashback and quidco payments coming through this week so an excess income of £120 this month.

I have to sit down to menu plan today, it's Payday on Tuesday, I cannot blow things out of the water again this month. Haven't started Christmas shopping yet either.

Response from Northern Rock re claiming my PPI back, it was a flat no. I 'm not accepting it and my second letter will be fired off today.

Cooking the Books

Feeding this family of four which include a very fussy teenager and at the other end of the scale a 10 year old with an insatiable appetite plus us two adults isn't easy. I love cooking, but the biggest chore is planning it all along within the fnancial constraints.

Last night it was a beef stew. Because the kids social lives sometimes dictate what we sit down (and I do believe in round the table every evening principle) last night I'd planned on a beef stew. Given the cold weather yesterday, and the fact I could throw it in the oven at 5 and it would be fine if things ran late with picking one of the children up from a friends house it was a good idea.

Thought I'd try dumplings with this stew, I admit I'd never cooked them before. The beef - shin of - was £2.85, bucket loads of root vegetables, my beloved butter beans, the remains of a bottle of red wine and in it went. Looked up loads of recipes for dumplings, but in the end went for for fault free prepack mix for 40p.

Well this worked, really well. Talk about bulking out a meal. Served four of us with mash and there are two large portions of leftovers in the freezer. Awesome, six meals for £5.00 I reckon.

I could do with finding more recipes like this. I do have another favourite, found on the MSE -Old Style board. New potatoes, cut into halves in a large roasting dish, chicken portions (particularly thighs) laid on top, a garlic bulb or two, rake each clove and scatter amongst chicken and potatoes. A lemon quartered and squeezed over everything and added to the layers, glass of white wine and a dash of olive oil. Throw it in for a good hour and a half , turn the chicken occasionally, adding more white if you feel like it.

It's just easy and tastes wicked, the garlic gloves are like sweet little pearls, squeezed on to some bread. Any chicken left over tastes even better the next day for lunch.

Today it's a the family favourite of roast chicken, which will stretch to chicken salad and jackets tomorrow, chicken wraps for lunch boxes and by Wednesday the dog will have whatever - if anything - is left. I tried the soup thing withthe carcass before and can't do it, but now I have discovered dumplings made easy I may well try again.

Gosh I'm hungry....

Bits and Pieces

I did it, went to Morrisons and spent £29.89, freezer is full will see us through next week, payday is nine days away I have £15 for top ups. A last minute birthday party invite for one of the children has stung me for £6, but I reckon I can do this.

Thanks for the Santa Karma comments on my secret Santa experience :) I'm not going to buy myself anything, I think I may put £5 in the emergency fund.

Now here's a fun site, no affiliation just quick quizzes to win prizes, only takes 5 - 10 minutes a day. The great thing is it's not the player in No.1 spot that wins.
OfferX

Budget Targets

Things being tight as ever and having yet to keep my monthly grocery spending under £200 I wrote my menu plan last week trying to keep things down, and while shopping via Tesco online took advantage of BOGOF's etc that would be used. Yet I still manage to spend £60 - £70 a week.

While at Tescos online this morning, again I thought I'd only put the necessities in my basket, but the total including delivery was £77, that's too much, even with the one £5.00 off a £50 shop code. So against all my previous thoughts I've cancelled my delivery and decided to take £50 cold hard cash and do a real physical shop at Morrisons instead.

If I could get it to £50 a week I'd be happy.

Secret Santa Update

After all my whinging and moaning about the Secret Santa at work, my guardian angel bailed me out. Yesterday was the day to pick the name out of the proverbial hat. Whose name did I get ?(Silly question as you lot don't know anyone I work with !) I picked my own !!!!

See my smile ?

Todays Competition

Got this competition in an email link.
Film Factory website has loads of excellent competitions, including a PS3 and the trilogy of Pirates Of The Carribean on DVD. You have to register though.

Friday Daze

It was the end of a busy week and the car was running on a teaspoon of petrol. Pulled into the petrol station . Now you know the filling up game? See if you can get it exactly on a nice round amount. I had my eye fixed on £25. I did it with only one extra squeeze of the nozzle. Off to pay with my debit card, need milk, went through the chip and pin process. Got home - something niggling me.

In my Friday daydream I hadn't checked the amount charged. The milk had cost me an extra £10 ! How I don't know. Not my idea of fun but drove across town with receipt, more cross with myself than the young cashier, got my refund, wasted 30 minutes faffing around, but once again I need to watch where my pennies go.

Comp It Up

As always Louise over at My Journey To Eliminate Debt has once again inspired me. My last post was a whinging moaning post, much too easy to write and boring to read. So spend half an hour reading other PF blogs and I'm back up to speed.

The purpose of this post is to reveal a habit of mine which is actually healthy ! For the last 15 years, on and off, I've been comping. Mr Marbles has been comping a little longer.

Comping - what is this ? The entering of competitions. Be it a cereal box, product flash, instore leaflet, newspaper giveaway and dare I say it the telephone/TV competitions used to be the main source of our entries - last century ! However the wonders of the WWW has obviously changed the promotional activities of many a multi million pound company.

You read about people that actually make a living from comping, with toasters, TV's, holidays etc arriving by the day. We are far from that sort of success.

One of our first 'big' wins was a flight in Concorde over the British Isles coupled with a weekend at the Savoy and major theatre tickets (can't remember the show - but Sean Connery was sat two seats away from me). This was, obviously way back in the 90's. Never made it on to Concorde - I was pregnant and although I have no fear of flying, at that point I did. What a missed opportunity...did the Savoy weekend though. We won this through a major daily newspaper. Also won the aforementioned tumble dryer - instore leaflet at Macros, and way back in 2002 a superb TV. Again a major daily newspaper.

Coupled with quite a few DVD's, games, cuddly toys, hampers, signed one offs etc over the years it makes for a profitable hobby. We have a rule, don't want or need the prize, don't go for it.

There is of course a downside. Junk mail, sales calls and spam. Obviously there are ways to deal with each of these.

As the silly season steps up a gear from the beginning of next month many sites start Advent Calender competitions, win a prizes each day. If you're aleady doing daily cashback clicks add an extra 10 - 15 minutes a day for these . Most will be found on Loquax for UK competitions. It's well worth signing up to Loquax, great forum and loads of advice.

Going to add a competitions element to my blog, and post here, because it is the season, goodwill and all that etc.

So today :
Channel 4 are offering a 42" flat screen Samsung TV worth £1,000, an Xbox 360 console and a copy of the game Project Gotham Racing 4. It closes tomorrow at 10.00am. Click here to view competition.


Will post advent competitions as soon as I find them.

My friends have said to me in the past, 'I never win anything.' Well you've got to be in it to win it.

Cards

Not a good few days. Life is certainly throwing things at us, not big dilemmas just enough for the one step forward two steps back feeling.
After the car next comes the tumble dryer. Now I know tumble dryers aren't particularly green or part of frugal living. This particular tumble dryer is 8 years old and we actually won it in a local store competition. It is the only kitchen appliance that hasn't let us down. It doesn't get used in the warmer months. This week it died. Mr Marbles and I had a discussion about whether to replace or not. For once I was the one saying look we managed before, we have a clothes horse etc. He was the one that said yes that was before we had football mad, active kids, sock chewing dog etc.

I checked online via Quidco and there was one - unknown brand - for £130, 5% cashback, delivered. Mr Marbles then flashed his nil balance 0% for 15 months credit card and made the decision that to buy online meant it being delivered during the week when no-one was in, getting the old one taken away etc. So local Electronics store got an instant sale and we had it delivered, installed, old one taken away within the hour for £150.

It hurts to do that, felt extravagant, but if I look at it properly Quidco clicks will pay for it before the 15 months are up.

Two paragraphs on replacing a tumble dryer, what an exciting life I lead.

I'm not faring too well on the budget, haven't started Christmas shopping yet. There is a secret Santa scheme at work - which I loathe. I haven't been in a place of work over the Christmas period for nearly 4 years and forgot about all these rituals. I've never enjoyed the Christmas card ritual either, probably did at school, but now I find it a waste of time and money. Sending cards to people once a year, that you probably haven't seen since the millenium, and then the same thing to people you see everyday. I'd rather donate £10 to a charity and be done with it.

Once again this post turns into a I hate Christmas post, when I don't. Am I just getting old ?

Here We Go

I'm upping my game !
Increased EF fund target to £1,000.
Awaiting one last credit card statement to pay and I'm all done with bill payments this month.

I can feel the silly season approaching. Thankfully Halloween and Bonfire night are gone. Sorry but neither of these events appeal to me. My youngest loves Halloween and I dutifully kit him out in whatever theme he is intent on, take him trick or treating with friends etc, but I really don't get it..

Guy Fawkes night, I am amazed this hasn't become the target of the politically correct police. I don't begrudge anyone any bonfire night fun, the more organised displays the better. Yes they are pretty, but that's about it.

So the madness that is Christmas is nearly upon us. The adverts have started, the slow appearance of BOGOF deals for crackers and chocolate covered brazils are in the supermarkets seasonal aisles. But there is no turkey on my list. No offence to any turkeys reading this but I don't like the taste, or the palava, the endless '10 tips to tip top turkey' in the media. Nope it will be a nice easy chicken for us, cos everyones likes it, particularly the budget.

This post is turning into a Room 101 post. You all know I have no affection for Halloween, Fireworks or turkey. So far I've sounded like a fun sapping scrooge during this mad season. I'm not - honest !

I've got a Crazy Eight meme to complete, thanks to the wonderful wealthy_1 over at collecting my cash here we go :

8 Things I'm Passionate About:
1. My Family
2. Movies
3. Robbie Williams
4. Daniel Craig
5. Cheese
6. Chocolate
7. Football
8. Roast Potatoes

8 Things I Say Often:

1. What has the dog got ?
2. I'm going to do the ironing.
3. Wherever you left it/them. (in response to a question regarding keys/shoes etc.)
4. Thanks
5. Have you got your keys ?
6. That doesn't make it right.
7. OK
8. No !

8 Books I've Read Recently

1. Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking
2. This Is Your Life - John O'Farrell
3. Deception Point - Dan Brown
4. Cradle and All - James Patterson
5. Digital Fortress - Dan Brown
6. 4th of July - James Patterson
7. Steal You Away - Niccolo Ammaniti
8. Quit Smoking Today Without Gaining Weight - Paul McKenna

8 Things I want to do before I die:

1. Get out of debt
2. Stop smoking !
3. Hold a conversation in Italian
4. Visit Hong Kong
5. Visit America
6. Make a cheesecake - successfully !
7. See England won the World Cup
8. Do something wonderful for someone.

8 Songs I can Listen to Over and Over:

1. Robbie Williams - Let Me Entertain You
2. Karyn White - Superwoman
3. The Jackson 5 - Can You Feel It
4. Robbie Williams - Heaven From Here
5. Barry White - Trouble With Me
6. Frank Sinatra - Come Fly with Me
7. Carly Simon - Coming Around Again
8. Il Divo -Anything !

8 Things That Attract me to My Friends

1. Sense Of Humour
2. Honesty
3. Affability
4. Loyalty
5. Genuine
6. Silly factor
7. Trust
8. Immaterialistic - is that a word ?

8 Things I Learned This Past Year:

1. I avoid things when I should just take the bull by the horns and get on with it
2. My perspective of me is very different to other peoples
3. I've wasted a lot of money
4. I love blogging
5. I love reading
6. I'm selfish
7. Expect the unexpected
8. Love yourself.

Tags to follow...

Big Sigh Of Relief

Back on track and relieved. Got car back Saturday, for £40. I always go into panic mode when something tips the balance. Emergency fund did bail me out, it's empty right now, but will be back to it's £30 balance tomorrow.

I'm ready for this months budgeting, going to be a real scrooge with Christmas approaching. I love Christmas, the atmostphere, the trash TV, the silly games with the kids, doing nothing, and not having to be anywhere at a certain time.

My dog decided to make a financial statement on Friday, he found away to get to my card holder, home to my driving licence, debit card, mobile top up swipe, and my brand new 0% credit card. All were okay, apart from the credit card, one big tooth mark. Making it unusable in any chip and pin.

That's one clever dog.

Today is going to be a good day.

Optimistic ?

A new month. New attitude ?

At the moment I'm up and down like a rollercoaster. Just read Louise's post at My Journey to Eliminate Debt on attitudes. Quote "It's not hard to find something to whinge about." How true.
Less effort required. Car trouble has got me down, no idea of final bill yet, should have it back Friday. It's not caput, it is labour intensive. I know that parts cost pennies, but the work doesn't. But what's the point in whining about it ? It won't improve the situation.

On the upside I did receive some cashback into my current account that I thought was held back until the end of November. This has to stay accessible for the garage bill. I also did a weekly shop via Tesco this week. Proving to me that it is the only way to control my grocery budget. I spent £47, no top ups required until the weekend.

Today is my day off. I shall adopt a positive attitude.

If you don't think every day is a good day, just try missing one. ~Cavett Robert

Pessimistic

Here I Sit
Broken Hearted
Paid 4 Grand for a car
That won't Start ...ed

Still no news on my car, garage had it for 2 days, I really am thinking the worst here.

Raining

It's bad news on the car front. It is the gearbox mounts. AA man was puzzled at first, but figured it out. Heaven knows how much this will cost. EF isn't even close to bailing me out of this one.

The only thing I am pleased about is that I knew something was seriously wrong and it would have been dangerous to drive it. Followed my gut instinct, despite Mr Marbles insistence that it was okay. Maybe I should do that more often. Anyway it totally depressed me yesterday, along with the clocks going back and it tipping down with rain most of the day.

Today is another day. No point moping around licking my wounds, I have to get things done. A whole list of housework chores to tackle aswell as get to work. So sitting here isn't going to acheive anything.

Car Trouble

Having read the recent car troubles other PF bloggers have experienced I had been counting my blessings. Right up until yesterday.

I'm no mechanic - wish I was. Loud clunk whilst moving off at a roundabout (my jargon leaves a lot to be desired) yesterday afternoon, now feels like driving a 10 ton diesel truck. Got to get it to the garage on Monday somehow. I think perhaps I'll call the AA first as I'm quite scared to drive it. A search on a few forums and I've made a self diagnosis that it's an engine or gearbox mount.

Mr Marbles is convinced it's just the fact the coolant was low, (he wasn't in the car when the 'clunking' happened ) and can't hear any difference in the cars movement. But then he doesn't drive it, and he's also no mechanic.

I've only had it for a year, it's 7 years old and I love it. So if there is car fairy out there please don't let it be expensive.

Frittering

This week I've made a silly mistake and an assumption that knocked my budget sideways.

My current account has a glamourous name like 'Gold' account from a well known High Street bank. I've been with them 23 years and have a good relationship with them - out of which they have obviously profitted. One nice little earner they have from me is this Gold account, if I use the OD facility I get charged £12. Well this month I'm in it up to the hilt, the charges plus interest are due out this week, £20 out the window. My silly mistake was forgetting this.

My assumption - some of my cashback would be in my account this month. Nope, not due until next month. £50 short.

I really have to get on the ball with where my pennies are going.

Update on reclaiming PPI. Neither bank that I requested the documents from have sent them this week. So the letters are going off anyway. Considering the MSE site is down this morning (due to a whole program on reclaiming PPI was on prime time TV last night) I think the sooner the better.

A bit of blog browsing turned up this post this morning, Paying Down Debt By The Penny by PaidTwice . I love the quote about frittering.

Friends

A phone call last night from an old friend. We used to work together some 20 years ago. A big re-union is happening for this company in a few weeks time. Mr Marbles and I have been asked if we are going by several former colleagues. The answer is always no. It's over 160 miles away. Before we even begin to think about getting there, where to stay etc there's children and dogs to consider.

Last night's call was the most persuasive yet. But it's not going to happen. I think we would both love to go, but it's not practical from any point of view, least of all financially.

Friend last night couldn't believe we weren't going. Wanted to know where the impulsive person was that used to do things on a whim. Mmmm, well she's gone and got herself all accountable and responsible at last.

We've stayed in touch with several of these former workmates, you know Christmas cards, the odd email or phone call. But in touch is all it is, so I question the realness of it all. As much as I would like to see them all, it would just be a nostalgic trip down memory lane for the evening at a cost of £100 plus. Then we go back to the Christmas card, email relationship.

Updates

Nothing very revealing or need to know this morning.

It's half term, kids off. Hubby (to be called H from hereon because hubby sounds naff) has taken the week off too, I have to go to work. I am relieved from all mad morning child/dog/lunchbox orientated rush duties. They have plans up to and including Wednesday. That's nice.

It will give me time to throw some more stuff on ebay, as payday is end of the month for many people anything listed for 10 days this week will hopefully appeal to the cash-laiden buyers :)

I have some decent cashback tracked amounts heading my way before the end of the year.
Top Cashback £184.45
Quidco £55.50
I think I may put half of that to EF. There are only two pay days til Christmas, add one son's birthday aswell, I have to be good. No choice.

Also registered on another survey site YouGov. Every little bit helps.

Happy Monday all.

Reclaiming PPI

Here's a thing - I had a loan from 2001 to 2006 with a well known UK bank that has had a lot of people queuing outside their branches recently until the UK Government agreed to to help them out.

The loan was originally a consolidation loan and had I stuck to frugal ways when I first took it out I would now be debt free. Anyway that's neither here nor there, but some parrallel universe that I didn't see the signpost for !

Now I hear the reclaim your PPI thing is kicking off and I'm going for it ! Got the template letters, got the orginal agreements and T & C's on their way so here we go. I believe I was misold the PPI over the phone to enhance my chances of the loan approval. This could work out to be over £2000.

For info on reclaiming your PPI check the MSE website:

PPI Reclaiming Guide

PPI Reclaiming Discussion

PPI Reclaiming Successes and Failures

Add to that I also have a 'flexible loan' with a division of Abbey/Santander, the only thing flexible about it is how high the interest rate has risen from an original 7.9% to 19.9%. Again I'm paying PPI on it which I don't recall asking for or being advised about. That's £30.99 a month.
I phoned them yesterday, cancelled it and can now start to pay the actual loan off.

The next step is my Next account, there is no visible PPI on any of the statements, am I being charged PPI ? All I can see is a service charge.

Once again if you dob't ask, you don't get.

A Day Off

I love Thursdays, it's my day off ! Before when I ran my own business I forgot the pleasure of not having to be anywhere at a certain time to do a certain thing. I guess I was always working.

Of course it won't be a leisurely day lunching and wallowing in selfish activities, I'll see the children to school, walk the dog - he likes Thursdays too because it means he can actually stop and sniff a little longer, rather than 'sniff on the go') and then become a domestic goddess ! Hubby will be back at lunchtime so this morning I am going flyladying . If the sun appears I may even treat the car to a wash and polish up with my trusty microfibre cloth. I live such an exciting life.

Talking of the car, I woke up yesterday and made a decision on the insurance. Went to the Prudential via Top Cashback, bought a policy for £184.80 and am awaiting cashback of £95 ! Policy started as soon as I purchased it online. I await the documentation. That's that saga over for another year. So just the tax to pay now, and of course that dropped on the mat yesterday morning, £99.

Had a few more surveys through, one I particularly like is Home Of Research (not an affiliate link) I've earnt £5.00 in the last 2 weeks, interesting surveys. Pay by paypal too.

Today is going to be a good day.

Stunned !

I got accepted for a 0% BT card ! Me ! With all my fretting, worrying, phonecalls etc I got a 0% for 10 months and £20.50 cashback !

Fair enough it's only a small transfer, £500, but it's one less marble :) Low credit limit but 10 months and an APR of 15.9% compared to 22.4% plus 0% again on balance transfers on anniversary for two years. Add the cashback by Quidco (not affiliate link). Anyone interested it's the Post Office card . Oooh I love the Post Office !

Only way is up .

I'm It !

Right, I'm quite excited ! I've been tagged by Momof3 at Working For Financial Freedom . Seven Things about me.

1. I'd love to take a car maintenance course.

2. I don't do pink.

3. I'd like to learn Italian

4. I can't make cheesecake, although I love it. It usually ends up in a real messy biscuit crumb pile, with my 10 year old clutching his sides in laughter. I've tried three times.

5. I love potatoes, mashed, chips, jacket just plain boiled, real comfort food.

6. I don't own a pair of heels, really missed out on the 'shoe' and 'girly' genes.

7. My favourite all time film is Heartburn, Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep.

Right who to tag?

Single Broke Female

Diggin' Out Diary

Dump The Debt

Ugly Debty

Debt Mom No More

Debt Diet

So Sick Of Debt

Snowball Reversal

I'm guilty by my absence. Things just snowballed this week, the wrong way. Had to be here there and everywhere, my time was not properly managed as a result I ended up buying groceries on the hoof so to speak. Throw in one lost school sweatshirt, football fees and a leaving collection at work I'm in mini meltdown again.

I think I need to take the cash only route. It's not that I use credit cards, it's my friendly debit card that gets plastered. As I've reported before I pop in to local supermarket to buy one thing, milk or dog food whatever, and it ends up being a £20 visit. I've done this twice this week and the £160 budget is now down to £126. In fours days. Keep going like this and I'll be £80 over budget.

On the plus side I've made £28 on ebay, and no I haven't put Michael Jackson up yet.

Need an inspiration catch up with other PF Blogs :)

Predictable

19.40 Monday night, phone rings. I knew it would be the late CC payment call. It was dealt with in minutes. I explained I had phoned a week ago and asked a note to be put on the account that I was aware I'd be 4 days late etc etc. No note on my account. Still plus side is I don't get a late fee this time. (Can BT in 34 months then ?:)))) and she assured my nothing detrimental would be on my credit report for this late payment. Hmmm, no comment.

As for the attempt at not smoking, well that's another blog now. Don't want to bore my other PF'ers with it so thought I'd start a selfish Diary of a nicotine addict blog.

Off to see what you are all up too.

Visualisation

When I think about this pile of debt I have, I see it as a huge mountain and me carrying away little bits of it at a time. Knowing it's going to crumble at some point in the future.(Tried googling images for a little cartoon, can't find one anywhere.)

Having still to beat this smoking business I dipped in to Allen Carr again yesterday. He says you should see the fight as already won, no mountain to climb. Once you've stopped you are at the top. Just stay there. I hate being a slave to nicotine. I'm trying again - today. I think the key is to relax through the craving, it's not going to last. I think I should relax more anyway. I don't always have to be doing something.

Something I did do yesterday was clear our junk cupboard, you know wghere it all goes 'cos it hasn't got a home. Amongst the various wires, scarts, odd gloves and freebie CD's the papers give away, I found an old Michael Jackson CD single. Man In The Mirror, 1987. Looked on ebay and other CD collector sites, seems people are asking £35 for this CD ! Note I said asking, can't see anyone buying. So do I keep or sell ? If I sell, I'm not sure where.

Whilst fighting through another pile of ironing yesterday I watched and immensely enjoyed Educating Rita [1984]. A real feel good, motivational movie. Films like that always get me thinking, reflecting and motivated.

Finally, on Friday afternoon I got a few surveys through from Lightspeed (not an affliate link). I think this was a direct result of my Cashcrate sign up. However Lightspeed surveys were very interesting compared to many I've done. Plus they convert points to cash and pay by Paypal. Recommended.

Things I Didn't Know

I have loads of mundane things to do this morning before I rush off to work, but I just found myself on The Daily Telegraph Money page reading 50 myths about money. Most of it common sense to any PF blogger or DFW.

I was aware defaults stay on your credit report for 6 years, I didn't know late payments stay on for 3 years. Being of the late payment brigade this month that's my card marked. It's not that I want anymore credit, it's that I want to balance transfer at some point to something preferably out of the the 20 percent area. Don't stand a chance of getting rates lowered at present.

Then there's the pension dilemma, I have some miniscule amount stashed away from employment in my 20's, and that's it. I guess it goes back to Ms.Jo's comment on my 'Attitude Change' post. Quote "I can understand the concept of saving for the future...but there is something to be said for today too...I mean...if I die tomorrow what good did all my sacrifices do??"

I know it's not advisable to look back, and yes I have learnt from my mistakes, but this road to become a money magnet certainly gives you food for thought.


CreditExpert - Check Your Credit Report for Free

Don't Ask - Don't Get !

I spent yesterday tieing up loose ends, found the process gave me a great sense of acheivement. It wasn't my plan to do so but postie brought some paperwork that required it.

In the post a £20 cheque from Mutual Points, £4.40 overpayment from National Insurance contributions. A letter from National Savings and Investments stating that they had found my old account and it had a balance of £1.00 ! Checking online I discovered I had £2.86 on the way from Quidco, £5.54 in Paypal, completed my self assessment Tax form and I've overpaid tax by £12.54, that all adds up to £50.00 :)

So an ebay listing frenzy ensued which stopped when I had a sudden brainwave that somewhere in this house is a box full of old mobile phones that need to be gone, can I find them ? I found the original boxes they arrived in when given as gifts on various Christmases and birthdays, complete with an array of fascias, chargers and instruction booklets, but the phones ?

Then on to car expenses. The AA wanted to charge me £108 for recovery and breakdown cover for the next year. I did a little research RAC, Greenflag etc. Got it down to £93, phoned the AA. A short discussion changed the policy to cover the car only. Bearing in mind I'm too scared to drive anyone else's car ! Got it down to £67 :))))

Insurance, whatever comparison site or insurers 'get a quote' link I use, and trawl through the same questions again and again, within minutes of me hitting submit the phone rings. Some broker somewhere asking what's my lowest quote etc etc.It's so tedious this car insurance thing. Add the jargon eg, voluntary excess, NCD Protection, legal protection . My head was swimming. The higher excess you pay the lower the quote, no legal protection brings it lower, but both of those those things are priceless if you have an accident. I'm still not 100% sure who to go with.

Right on with the day, after all it is POETS day again :)

Attitude Change

Tell me fellow PF bloggers, I hear so much about Dave Ramsey, is it worth me ordering from the library ? Or is much of his advice geared towards the American financial system ? i.e 401k IRS etc. I'm assuming he is the equivalent of our Martin Lewis.

My positive thinking and general change in attitude yesterday resulted in spreading a little happiness, at no expense, made two clients at work 'belly laugh' . Bearing in mind the people I work with are of the older generation and have to deal with ill health and dependency on many people for the little things in life some of us take for granted. Coupled with that upon arriving for work, one of the managers expressed a pleasure in seeing me because I was always 'bright and cheerful the mornings'.

That's more like it.

A bit more delving into the car insurance world, and I am happy to report one company can beat my cheapest quote of £189.95 by £10 and if I get it right online I also receive £95 cashback.

Pile of stuff ready for the ebay cheap listing day tomorrow, no procrastination allowed, I find listing on ebay tiresome, probably because I used to it as my 'job', but it has to be done.

Have a good day all

Milking the cow !

I'm not usually a philosophical person but I've been up since 5.00 am, not for a sleepless worrying reason, because I have things I must do. Less talk more action. Feeling positive and up - perhaps that penny interest yesterday was the start of my turnaround ?



My quote for the day :

“If you want milk, don’t sit on a stool in the middle of a field in the hope that the cow will back up to you.” Old English Proverb.



Think that's what I've been doing, sitting on a stool in a field waiting for a cow, oblivious to the fact there's a whole field just over there.



So I've checked my online accounts this morning and paypal came through as expected have £60.12, transferred £5 in e-fund, buying a weeks top up groceries, throwing the rest at the late credit card bill.

Today I will do something nice for a stranger, what goes around comes around. Law of attraction etc etc.

A Penny More

Went online banking this afternoon and although current account balance is a sorry state -£7.84 awaiting paypal injection tomorrow -my e-savings emergency account has been boosted by a penny ! A whole penny interest I didn't have yesterday. Yes I know the taxman will get his hands on a bit of my penny but for now it's mine.

Is Procrastination avoidable ?

October already. New month and a perfect time to set some goals. I seem to have been suffering procrastination (that always sounds like a painful operation to me ) again.

So October

• list on ebay - 4th October insertion fees half price, all the kids clothes that they are not going to wear, in particular the football boots and karate suits that haven't seen the light of day for over a year, but I'm sure I've paid for several times over.
• sort the car insurance out, for real, not due until the end of the month though.
• Grocery budget - £160, not a penny more, stick to menu plan.
• Get into a serious cash for searching/surveys routine. Registered with Cashcrate up to $7 , a little time consuming but easy money so far. Topcashback and Quidco also pay for daily searches.
• Pay minimum balances CC as soon as bills come in. Like others have said interest is charged daily, the sooner they are paid, less interest charged.
• Just one more little thing - tame the ironing monster as he really is becoming uncontrollable, rumour has it Lord Lucan was seen hiding behind by ironing mountain.

Right off to walk the dog in the rain !

Reflection and Regret

Balance transfers aka card tarting, stoozing. I've done it once, that's what gave birth to my Marbles card. I really don't think I understood what a silly girl I was. If I'd have been financially astute I'd have BT'd my way out of this debt years ago.

Instead I have a history of consolidation and re-spending. I haven't applied for any credit for over a year, last time I spent on my credit cards was Christmas.

All part of my financial retraining. There was a time I've paid for groceries on credit cards and even taken cash out on the horrendous things. Head in the sand.

Time is coming to detail this debt in excel and get myself some more progress bars come clean on my blog. Like so many others I find this therapeutic. I'm pants at budgeting and seeing it in B & W will help. No More Spending has some amazing self control and discipline, now if you could bottle that and sell it...

Anyway no point in wallowing in self pity, can't press the back button in this case (another thing I'd like to sell... ) 9 days til payday,£34.62, one late credit card payment due, a bathroom that looks like an unidentified lifeform has been raving in there for two days and a mountain of ironing.

On the plus side it's Saturday, don't have to be anywhere at anytime today, The Pursuit Of Happyness [2006]- courtesy of LoveFilm- to watch on DVD whilst ironing, kids are happy, hubby be home soon which all makes for a spend free day :)

GSOH

Home early 'cos it's poets day, had an hour blog reading. Just found a blog that has made me 'titter' in true British Frankie Howard style.

Debt Daddy is doing his best to be green aswell as fighting his debt with a diamond encrusted sword, loads of humour and a fighting spirit. Even talk of him giving away a 'fugly' T-Shirt. That's my new word of the day - Fugly. I like that.

Nasty Piece of Plastic

In the mail yesterday I was the recipient of my replacement credit card, shimmering gold rectangle with the MasterCard logo, expires sometime next decade, plastered across the front on a white sticker 'You need your pin number to use this card.'

Well that's a relief then as I have absolutely no idea what my pin number is. I know what the interest rate is on the nasty thing, I loathe this card, I've had the account for 21 years !

When I first applied I was 18 with a freshly aquired mortgage. For opening the account I got a tacky blue holdall and a bucket load of airmiles. Paid it off many times consolidating and obviously reloading it. The holdall, airmiles and consolidating loans are long gone. But this nasty pice of plastic has endlessly refreshed itself, well this time it's off to the shredder, I may have a little shredding party.

The Things Money Can't Buy

During the morning routine I caught the headlines on GMTV this morning. A 30 second clip of David Beckham arriving at an airport to fly home to the UK because his Dad is seriously ill in hospital. I get cross at stuff like this. The news reporter commented on the Beckham' was wearing sunglasses' along with the suggestion he'd been crying as the camera followed him on the airport concourse. What on earth to these reporters want from this man ? Leave him alone, this is private it has absolutely nothing to do with you or me.

The fact Beckham can kick a football with precision from the halfway line to the the back of the net doesn't mean you own him. Sometimes I wonder how those in the spotlight (I'm not keen to use the word celebrity) actually keep it together. The constant invasion of privacy, I realise that's the price they pay for doing what they do, but what a way to live.

Off my soapbox.

Wednesday Witterings

I'm jealous ! Jealous of Ugly Debty 's blog name ! I can never think of clever things like that, a play on words. Aside from that it's a great blog about how she's going to beat the debt.

Diggin' Out is stopping smoking. In my first post on this blog I declared I had to do this. Six months on and the only progress I've made is switching to roll ups. Although cheaper the fuss nonsense and paraphernalia that goes with it is so tiresome I 'm on my way to ditching it. Add to this someone mentioned at work yesterday that I looked pale (the fact my new blogging addiction keeps me up all hours has nothing to do with it !) she went on to say 'not that I ever had much colour anyway'. What must I look like ? Clearly my self perception is very wrong !

Sold a few things on ebay last night - £8 in total, not much but it all helps. Have made a total excess income of £56.52 this month, and to be honest I haven't tried very hard. Got a day off tomorrow and will list more. Also on the to do list is beat that car insurance quote.

Last year I read Positively Happy: Cosmic Ways to Change Your Life a good read/autobiography and introduction to positive thinking, confirms my belief that what goes around comes around. However I want to delve a little deeper into this cosmic ordering. I know it's not the answer to my debt problems but I guess it's a great attitude. Any book suggestions for me ?

The Cost of Driving

In the post yesterday I received my car insurance quote and was stunned. I got a good deal last year, £197 fully comp, no claims protected etc, etc. The same company cannot offer such a good deal this year, in fact the best the broker can find was £270 ! I don't think so. A lot of cash back sites offer amazing deals like £130 cash back with large household names such as the Pru. But whenever I've tried to buy insurance like this I've always had to revert to the phone to go through the quote, which means the cash back doesn't track.

Anyway on the positive side I tried a comparison site last week and ended up with a quote of £189.99, received it in the post days later, maybe a little more digging I can get it lower. Add the cost of car tax £97 ? And Breakdown cover £108 ! That's over £400 to spend in the next 6 weeks on driving alone.

Yesterday afternoon I spent blog reading, my hour of peace before the troops came home wanting food, water and attention. I know there are hundreds of UK Debt Free Wannabees, mostly hanging out on the Money Saving Expert Forum but not many UK blogs. Our American and Australian friends are quite open about Debt blogging. Is it a case of the stiff upper lip, feeling safe in the anonymity and numbers on the MSE forum ?

Musings for Monday

Got my self a pretty little percentage progress bar, a new header and some sweet little widgets, had fun playing with blog in spare moments this weekend.

Been dropping by a few PF Blogs too and it strikes me that those on the journey to be debt free will come out with more than a healthy financial attitude, to go through the highs and lows of it surely makes you a much better person. Taking control and boosting your self esteem, proving something to yourself.

Cashed in my mutualpoints 3000 points £20 cheque on it's way.

I've just made the phonecall to the CC company, advising I'd be late with this months payment. To be honest there was no concern on their part, I asked them to make a note on the account that I had phoned to advise I would be 4 days late, to which the response was that's okay you will be charged a £12 late fee. End of conversation. I'm not happy with the outcome as I'm not sure they recorded the content of my call, however by the same token I didn't want them to start putting pressure on me to pay by due date.

At the moment I just want it to level out so I am on top of payments and can start snowballing properly.

Ah well off to start another working week....

Pick Yourself Up, Dust Yourself Down...

phoning CC card co Monday to advise of late partial payment, this is isn't the first time and I'm not sure they will too lenient with me, probably pass me to their collections department. Paying half required minimum payment, so I can fill car up with £20, and have £50 to last the next two weeks.

On the plus side, I had just over £7 cash in my purse, after paying parking and buying fresh supplies from the butcher for the weekend that left me with a £1, my workplace is linked to a charity shop, I was browsing and chatting to sales staff, they caught my eye - a pair of jeans brand new with tag my size - £1 ! Cannot resist and can justify ! No new clothes for months and then they were from the Next catalogue last Christmas, which I'm still paying off at 26.9 %.

My first standing order of £10 goes into my emergency fund on Monday, given things are so tight it's probably the wrong thing to do, but I need to get some momentum going to pick myself up - a psycological boost ? Saving instead of spending ..mmm now there's a turnaround.

I do have a partner in all this, he knows I have debts but not exact details. This man is wonderful. He pays all the essential bills - like council tax, electric, gas , phone bill etc. I buy groceries, clothes, pay for the running of the car. We are in the lucky position of having paid our mortgage off when we moved three years ago. Maybe I don't count my blessings enough ?

Feeling a little more up today, loads of things to list on ebay, but a bit more inspiration needed from my fellow PF'ers. I like the little progress bars they all have so I'm off to find one :)

Struggling

I don't think I'm doing very well this month. I've overlooked the fact I am low on petrol, and I'm struggling to find CC payment due early October. I can pay it, but it will be four days late. Think the best route is to phone them. Trouble is with car tax, insurance and assistance all due next month it's going to be very tight.

Did list on ebay, few of the kids coats that they have grown out of. Did a menu plan for the next two weeks, spent £60.96 at Morrisons and kept to the list. My target for the groceries this month was £160, I'm already £2 over and have just over 2 weeks to go, £32 left no petrol and a CC bill to pay. Just haven't done my maths right have I ?

Closed old savings account, couldn't put the £11.51 in my emergency fund because I needed batteries for camera to list items on ebay.

I guess this one of those low points, I'm just going have to get a grip.

Postives and Negatives

Our youngest has declared he wishes to cycle to school every morning, we're happy with that. Trust and independence for him, saves on petrol, wear and tear on the car. However it has cost £30 for a new lock and helmet, but those things can prove to be priceless.

Got accepted for an Esavings account with Natwest, I now have an emergency fund of ..wait for it....£1 ! It's a positive step.

Found an old savings account passbook I hadn't touched for 7 years, went in to local branch, updated account I had earned a whole 8p interest, minus 2p 20% gross tax, well that's 6p more than I had last week . Think I'll close the account and put the princely sum of £11.51 into my emergency fund.

Like reformed spendaholic, I have been suffering from procrastination on the mundane things in life. House is in need of TLC, the evergrowing pile of unmatched socks seems to be having some sort of baby boom. I have still to list a pile of unwanted items on ebay, karate suits, nearly new football boots.

I have been grocery shopping, but wrong frame of mind shopping. Lack of a menu plan is the cause. I have approx £92 for the next three weeks of food, can do it, after all compared to last month it feels like a fortune. So this week I have to sit down and work it out.

£87 sitting in topcashback.co.uk account, hopefully to be credited next month which will pay the most of the car tax.

Things are heading in the right way, slowly, but surely.

Savings

Not successful ! Can't find a quidco or cashback offer for a savings account. So gone with a simple Natwest E-Savings account, only because it's instant access, nice interest rate and they've been consistent with with me since 1985, worst thing that can happen is they refuse due to my horrendous financial history, but would they do that on a savings account ?

Personal Finance Blogs

I have a new addiction, thanks to No More Spending. Found via the wonderful MSE forums I've spent the last hour reading other peoples experiences and journeys of the DFW lifestyle. Very inspirational.

One of the many things learnt is the need for an emergency fund. Given our chequered history of all things domestic, electrical or essential to daily life breaking down, usually within 2 - 3 weeks of each other, this seems like a good idea. Mainly because any repairs, new parts or - worst case scenario - new appliances get put on the plastic because they haven't been budgeted for. So new goal by the end of March 2008 emergency fund of £500+ to be sorted.

Payday is 48 hours away, I am actually going to set a budget for groceries. I've been flailing around spending £30 here, £20 there with no real plan. £160 is my target. £100 on Tesco online, £60 hard cash for top ups, no debit cards . The purse strings have to remain tight this month, car tax, insurance all due October. So with emergency plan fund, only paying minimum off debts and car expenses no spend days will be a plenty !

Off to find a decent emergency fund account via Topcashback.

I Spent !

No money - but nearly an hour at the library, and enjoyed it. This was Day 2 Saturday 25th, came home with James Patterson and Dan Brown :) Spent a purely selfish afternoon in the garden reading, amazing what a little escapism does for you.

Day 3 - Sunday 26th, this is a Bank Holiday Weekend so loads of stuff going on locally. We opted for a carboot sale (I spent 0.00 ) and the afternoon on the beach. I did pay £2.00 for carparking though.

Day 4 - Monday 27th, kids had plans - out with their friends, hubby at work, what are bank holidays for ? Sitting in the garden reading ! Finished James Patterson - Cradle and All (please don't bother, lot of effort for a bad book !) However ran out of dog food and milk so I spent cash, under a fiver, but this weeks target of a total ban on spending has gone out of the window. I'm not cross I just want to be able to do it.

Day 5 - today Tuesday 28th - should be a no spend day.

To Be Continued...

The Joy of ...

not spending. My small dilemma over what to read in the garden (to be honest the books I have planned aren't appealing) this afternoon and how not to spend a penny was running through my mind whilst walking the dog.

Came home and decided I'll visit the library. I used to be a library addict years ago, four books a week no problem, dug out card that hasn't been used for at least 3 years and decided that sounds like the perfect Saturday morning treat.

Isn't life simple when you want it to be ?

Can't spend a penny !

I've set myself a challenge, no spending from 24th of August until 30th. Why? because it's over 2 weeks til payday, all creditors have at least minimum balances, have food and petrol, but only £80 left. I 've attempted and dropped out of so many challenges on MSE -DFW that I want to prove to myself I can do something. Plus it will be a babystep.

Day 1 - Friday 24th - resisted 30p paperback in charity shop, have at least 2 books to read at home. If said book is available on Thursday 30th I will buy.

Today I will tidy this house up, catch up with the ironing then treat myself to an afternoon in the garden with book, followed by Chicken Fahjitas and X-Factor. Kids will be happy playing with their mates.

History

I've just read my blog and I'm dissapointed with myself. Since March I've been declaring I'm going to stop that, do this, change the way I do that. And it's all poop ! I've achieved none of it in the last three months. Nothing is going change unless I make the effort. Mohammed and mountain and all that.

Getting my head together today, set some realistic goals and get with it.

Hysteria sets in.

Friday - Boiler pilot light goes out, husband fixes it.
Sunday - Microwave dies, thankfully still in warranty, gets sent away for repair/replace or refund . Respect to Amazon customer services :)
Tuesday - Fridge dies, freezer ok. Six weeks out of warranty. Only had damn thing since May 2006, second time it failed in nine months. Husband deals with it, but 48 hours no fridge is pants. Just glad for once - that it's not 70 degrees + in July.

House is a total tip. Today is day off work - obviously not day off for attempted domestic goddess impersonation. To top it all I've seen a spider in the utility room that is wearing wellie boots, looks like he needed a shave too.

Wish me luck.

Good to be back..

earning a wage and working hard for it. Mean that. After 3 years of 'self employment' and 100 wishful dreams I have to be somewhere to do something 4 days a week. It maybe slightly monotonous and manual too, but I'd rather this than 9 - 5 Monday - Friday surrounded by computers, phones and office politics ! My days off are now precious and I'm getting myself into a routine.

On the financial side I'm getting there, things are treading water until Iget my first wage packet, now that's something I've missed.

So a positive start to July.

No Businesswoman - sorry Mr Sugar

In the aftermath of my financial panic something kicked in. Realisation that I'm not cut out for the business world. I know nothing about marketing and advertising. I'm fickle, don't have a plan or stategy for selling. So it's sunk.

I gave it three years, reflecting on it - towards the end of the first year I made a big mistake, I was selling well and was very busy, I had my eye on a competitor and when I think about it I was 3 months ahead in my products. (Sold body jewellery via ebay and QXL) I had the chance to take it up a notch and extend the range, decided not to because of my knowledge in the area and guess what - the competitor did exactly that 2 months later. That was the beginning of my problems. Can see it clearly now.

So I changed my product lines , continued with jewellery, but became more mainstream, earrings, necklaces etc, even making some. All was well for a while. Then it seems the goal posts moved on ebay with less visibility and fee increases, I was just falling into financial difficulties and things were touching desperate, I think that reflected in my approach to selling.

I called it a day in late October 2006. Took a month off, and then completely changed my market to music and media. Christmas was good, had dreams (always been dreams) of a market stall, but my April I was struggling again. Hundreds of competitors, and a fading product.

Here I am late June, admitted I can't do this. Too risky. I'd rather work as a kitchen porter with a steady wage than continue this risky business, never knowing how much I'm going to earn each month. Literally living off tax credits during the bad times. I want more security than that.

I got myself a nice housekeeping job yesterday, 4 days a week with a decent wage so I can get back to a level playing field. I will continue selling in the background, but I'm pleased I have done this.

I have the utmost admiration for true business orientated people, I honestly don't think it's something I can learn, because I certainly wasn't born with business acumen.

I won't be applying for the Apprentice any time soon.

Same Sh*t - Different Day

In the last three weeks nothing changed with my lifestyle, everything small thing that amounted to spending fell in my lap. As a result I spent close to £400 on the car, used credit cards, lost all budgeting for food skills and basically fell flat on my face. I wasted two days this week in a state of panic, a sweaty, no sleep, stomach churning, shaky panic. I never want to feel that way again. Was making myself ill.

An epiphany ? Perhaps, but if it was then I'd know. Get head back where it should be, everything back in focus, positive mental attitude. Get back on the wagon. Need to adjust my figures on what's the cost and avoid all silly spending.

Today

1. Become a domestic goddess today and make this house the palace it should be.
2. Start all pay per clicks, lottos and comps again.

I want to make some headway.

In a tunnel

That's how it feels, but there is no light. I'm just chugging along, waiting to see the way out. What am I on about ? Every day I declare to myself that I am going to change. Stop smoking stop drinking, get on with stuff. Be positive, make small adjustments on the way to making bigger things happen.

Well nothing ever gets done and I just carry on doing the same silly things. Particularly over spending.

After seven weeks I've achieved nothing that was in my original post, so let's try again. My inspiration comes from the MSE DFW forum. The '101 days to change our lives' challenge .

Giving myself 101 days from today to do something. 101 days away is August 23rd.

1. Stop smoking
2. Avoid wheat and yeast - psoriasis - so that means stop drinking.
3. Make a big whole in debts, exact figures to be confirmed.

That's food for thought.

Smober and Sober

Very pleased and positive about the the last two days, although I have one confession, which has lead me to a decision. I have a mountain of energy, amazed at the difference, or am I just behaving like this because I've read/been told energy levels would be good ? Anyway I have a spotless car, the house is feeling the benefit and so is my sleep.

My one confession involves alcohol - again, last night I picked up a cigarette of DH and lit it for him, yes I'd had two lagers.
I've said earlier in my blog Idrink too much and I can't trust myself with the combination of alcohol and nicotine, so from today I'm going sober aswell as smober.

Day Two Of NSJ

NSJ ? Non Smoker Jo !

Yesterday - woke with the desire not to smoke. Strange dream about shopping in Somerfields, but a decent nights sleep.

As I write this I have been a non/ex- smoker for 1 day and nearly 9 hours.

Drunk bucketloads of tea, nicodemon was screaming at me several times particularly early morning and after dinner. During the day it's fine, but the extremes of the day are his most active. However the light headedness comes in waves, lasting two to three minutes, five or six times a day. Some say it's blood sugar because cigarettes contain sugar, others say it's your body reverting to normal oxygen levels. Ironically to me it feels like the dizziness you get when you first have a cigarette.

Anyway, when nicodemon starts screaming I have a choice, either enter the battle where he will win, or just ignore him. The latter is so easy when you have the right frame of mind. There's no point in in stopping smoking, being miserable and waiting to fail, because you will.

Enough of my preaching, I am starting to graze food, the wrong food. It's Easter, so there is chocolate everywhere. Have to stop before it becomes a weight problem. Am drinking more water, but probably too much tea.

Woke this morning with a pleased feeling that I don't have to smoke, relieved is the word. Didn't sleep too well though, and do have a slight cough, this is all expected though.

Another beautiful day, blue sky. Feeling very good.

Think I Get It Now.

When you stop smoking, the healing process is slow and gradual. The mistake I keep making is waiting for something to happen. With a cigarette the 'hit' is instant, when you stop it isn't.

Anyway, something I realised last night while on the MSE forum was that I'd spent over £37,000 on the habit. Makes me feel quite ill.

Start again

Failed twice today, once mid morning, and again around 3 this afternoon. This habit is all consuming. Start stopping again. I know it's not supposed to be easy, but so frustrating.

Kicking Butt !

I did so well yesterday. Sailed through the day until around 5pm. Intense nicotine craving . There was a war going on in my head, the nicodemon telling me to light up. Was feeling decidedly foggy and light headed, but I didn't give in.

And then, 7pm half a stella, I'm chatting on the phone and nicodemon comes up on the inside and I automatically reach for one. Three puffs, and I won't say I didn't know I was doing it. I did. Still that was that, can't drink/smoke, can't trust myself.

Checking in.

08.10 So last puff was at 6.45 this morning. Can't say there was a dawn of realisation, but then there wasn't a feeling of panic either. There is a feeling of calm and control.

Within an hour - almost to the minute actually, the nicotine monster awoke, suggested it was feeding time. But see that's not going to happen again. It can shrivel up and die.

I've got the silkquit meter running, but I'm not sure it's right for me.. It tells me what I haven't done, not what I have. I'm not sacrificing anything by stopping, so don't need to know what I haven't sacrificed ! IYSWIM.

So I'm going to do a daily non-smokers update on my blog, until I get bored with it/novelty of blogging about being a non-smoker wears off. !

The main reason for my blog was to nail that damn credit card, statement due this week.

Let It Go

Still battling with this smoking malarkey. Read this blog, Diary of an ex-smoker.

Today I've had two already, it's 6.50am ! I'm stopping now.
I started when I was 16, September 1984, college. Stopped for 6 weeks in 1993 (patches). Two pregnancies, shamed to admit I only cut down, 2 - 3 a day.
Stopped again April 2006 - Allen Carr, 4 months. Felt happier, more confident, relaxed, slept better. Started again in August 2006, thought I could just have one. You can't.

Been awake since 5am, reread some Allen Carr. Just got to let it go. What's to be scared of ?

Need or want ?

I don't need cigarettes, I just want them. I've had this continous nagging in the back of my mind this week, not for a cigarette, but to stop smoking the damn things. I really have had a gutful. Aside from the financial and health woes they bring, is such a time wasting thing to do. When I smoke one I start thinking about the stuff I need to get on with, but oh no..' just finish this cigarette and I'll do such and such'. At that point I can't be bothered to smoke it and put it out. So why light it ?

Hate the things. Cost me a fortune.

Marbles ?

The marbles refererence is for two areas of my life.

First my way of thinking - you know like 'loosing my marbles'. I'm not a very confident person, low on self esteem, not a very positive person. Not depressed, but want to up my game so to speak. Make my life better instead of lurching from one day to the next in total disorganisation.

Second, I have a marbles credit card that I owe a small fortune on. And I want to focus on clearing that debt, with the help of the MSE - Debt Free Wannabe Forum.

I'm 40 next year ( in 367 days to be exact) and all though it's just a number it's also a state of mind, I don't want behave like I should, just because I'm 40, I want to do stuff because I can.
Sometimes I think that Harry Enfield sketch where Kevin turns 13 is true, teenagers behave that way because society dictates they should grunt and declare everything is unfair for the whole six years.

So the next year I'm going to change the things I don't like and improve the things I do.

Here's my target list to begin with:

• Stop smoking, this is a big thing for me now. Stopped a year ago, for 4 months, but fell back into the trap late Summer 2006. I've been faffing around for the last month trying to stop, but find excuses and battle with the nicotine monster eventually giving in. I can't afford it, mentally, physically or financially. Mentally because I find myself to be one of those irritable, shouty, people when under the influence of the weed, forever wondering when I can have the next 'fix', hate smoking when I smoke, want to smoke when I can't. Stupid habit. Physically, goes without saying really. I know how bad it is. Financially, it costs a small fortune, on an average of 20 a day that's £1952.75 a year, at pre- budget prices. So justify that ? I can't.


• Psoriasis. I suffer mildly but enough to annoy me. Can't go swimming. This is stress related, but I'm sure diet and smoking don't help. So generally taking better care of myself would help. I don't eat much junk, however partial to chocolate (not every day) and crisps, and drink too much tea and alcohol.


• Stop drinking alcohol, might aswell, a couple of lagers a night won't be missed.


• Mealplan everyweek. This helps with the finances. Instead of racking my brains every night about what to feed the menfolk, plan, shop via Tesco, no impulse buys. Will eventually set myself a budget for the month.

My first task is to stop smoking.

Jo