Lidl shop

I needed to collect a prescription for DH so I popped in Lidl for the few bits we needed. I thought we were due a free “sweet treat “ but looks like I had let that expire. 

Anyway that meant that the next freebie is a vegetable so I will ensure I collect that one as I will be able to get 2.5kg of potatoes for when our Christmas ones run out.

Here is the receipt 

As you can see we really didn’t need much and even with this some was wants not needs.

Pepsi Max - my real vice

Cream - DH now will only have coffee with cream rather than milk

Noodles- have some meals planned over the next few weeks 

Milk - I got this one as I thought there was an offer on it but I had muddled the shops up

Vinegar- I was out and have so many uses

Shampoo and conditioner - L’Oréal Elvive is my first choice but I only want to pay low prices 

Cedar vinegar - again was out

Chicken -Sunday dinner and then want to see how far I can make it go

Malt Loaf and scones - snacks for me 

Bread - I got a bloomer and a ultra processed 

Mince -for bolognaise 

Ham -for sandwiches 

Total was £45.63 for one bag of shopping 

I am hoping that I can get through the week without buying anything else.

Green bin renewal

So I received an email this week asking for me to renew my garden waste bin. 

We have a bin that we can put grass and plant clippings in. It will now cost £102 pound a year but given how weedy our garden is it is invaluable for getting rid of the clippings etc that I just can’t take the risk to compost.

Our garden is so very overgrown.

Well maybe this will be the year that I can change it.

Storm Goretti came in strong last night and I am just going to go outside to survey the damage.

Trying to improve my income

 This year I again have a goal to save money. I want to save one months expenses before the end of the year. I have a number of ideas to assist with making money, saving money and reducing debts.

I am going to save my money into my Monza account, this means it will be accessible in an emergency but tucked away enough to mean I won’t think about it. I will add a link to Monzo here because if anyone chooses to sign up then both of us will get a mystery amount of up to £50.

https://join.monzo.com/c/dn55h9g9

Within Monza I have a small well actually tiny investment which I will add to a little every month I can and I am doing the penny a day challenge which will happen automatically.

I am also using plum which at this time only has one tiny investment but hopefully I can add to it. again I will share a link because if anyone wants to use it I think we both get some money.

Hey! I've been using Plum to set money aside and save more. It's been super easy, and I think you'd love it too! https://friends.withplum.com/r/uLxVzHJeVK

I am also using Sprive with will although me to get a kind of cash back to pay against my mortgage by purchasing gift cards and using them for purchases.Again I will share a link as for anyone signing up we will both get some cash.

Hey! I’ve been using this app called *Sprive* – it helps you pay off your mortgage faster by earning cashback when you shop. They’ve just launched a TV ad which is pretty cool!

Check it out:

▶️ https://youtu.be/Zly-2FOCjT0?si=guEe9G4RfgheH0gL

If you want to give it a go, sign up with my code 0LNVCSF5 and you’ll get £5 towards your mortgage.

Here’s the link to download: https://linkprod.sprive.com/refer?code=0LNVCSF5

I will be continuing to find other ideas and will post them when I do.

Planners

 A change to the planner set up this year.

I have a small diary to carry with me.

2 of these A5 diary 

One to record daily scripture and one to journal from a daily prompt.

A lever arch file to have as a household binder / planner which I will show in a future post 

A A5 notebook to journal in daily.

A5 notebook continuing to be used as a commonplace book.

Small ringed folder to record daily spending in.

Now of course the question is which of these will stay the course for 2026. I really hope so.

Brrrr

 Awoke yesterday with posts on Facebook saying that there had been snow.

This is what we had not sure if it was snow or frost 

Some stayed on the ground all day and it was -1c on the way into work and 3c on the way home.

Last night it  remained cold and they forecast it being as low as as -9c I haven’t seen reports yet to see how accurate that is.

I did get some nice shots with the clear skies though 

Our garden table was very icy

Baby it’s cold outside

 It has been chilly over the weekend. However that has meant lovely pictures have appeared on Facebook etc.

https://www.islandvisions.co.uk 

I took a couple from the garden just with my phone.

Yesterday morning was very cold 

View of back garden 

Frost across patio doors 

On the plus side the sun shone and we were warm indoors.

Personal curriculum for first 3 months of the year

 I am jumping on the You tube/ Tik tok bandwagon slightly late as usual of a personal curriculum.

This is what I am looking at for the next 3 months.

Learning and Literature

* Learn more about Notion and Canva

* Listen to one audio book 

* Read one classic

* Read one non fiction 

* Read one fiction 

Creative Arts

* Complete monthly stitch hoop

* Work throughThe Artist Way by Julia Cameron

* Work on cross stitch project 

* Paint 3 pictures 

Wellness and Mindfulness 

* Journal daily 

Nature and Outdoors 

*Learn about raised beds

* Learn about cottage gardens

Cooking and baking 

* Cook 2 new recipes