Getting on track

Sure aint bloody easy... 

I think the holiday is over and its time to knuckle down, design and stick to routine, save and grow.

we've been here in Bundaberg for a full school term *loving it*  We have sort of worked out where to buy, the veg is growing and we can now eat from the garden *so quick* Got an egg source, some friends, acquaintances increasing & building but now its the reigning in, getting a routine in that works, stuff... *sighs* Getting there and its momentum along with motivation that need a poke here.

Plus we are still keen to meet people, find & explore places, are leisurely in our patterns - however it is time for hubby to look for work, part time at least.

You know those nights where you make plans, have places you want to visit, go to sleep and then morning comes... 

Today was so full of red wine inspired plans and promises. Sunday dawned a little later than planned and not as co-ordinated as hoped. Things got done - more seeds were planted, this time it was chillis, capsicum, basil in the big planters. There was weeding and watering ~ but a fair bit of doddling. 

A camp-fire oven cooked dinner of Moroccan coated chicken, salad followed by dessert of pancakes kept the cost around the $2 per head mark again. The lettuce came from our garden and was so sweet and full of flavour, I feel for those who have only ever enjoyed 'supermarket' lettuce. The difference is so noticeable.

We are just a little out of practice on the side of routine ~ because there is nothing outside of school start and finish we need to align to fit in schedules. Yes, I have therapy and some appointments - but a lot of the exercises are done at home; still waiting for the medical records to come from Ballarat to Bundaberg - and that is holding up the continuity of the current care plan. 

By the end of the week, I really hope all the clothes, plastics, personal items and shoes can have permanent homes and regularly return to their location. I desire all empty suitcases, bags, unrequired linen and household items to be boxed then stored appropriately in the garage. I plan to have all clutter gone and will whip the fingers of offending non-compliers until the actions are habitual.

Tomorrow is linen washing ~ so that is the first thing to do once out of bed. Thus the day will have begun. Still ~ this one is about to end. Hope you had a great weekend and here's to a new week *grins*

Walking along the pathway in the street of no return

You wonder if you'll get there, of the secrets you will learn

In the distance 

You see a lady with ladder

For a most disconcerting manner

That you wish you could have stopped your steps and turned

Don't worry about that

Its gonna be all right

Bring yourself along

For a real good night

Getting back on track

And taking simple steps

Knowing all at once the simple steps are the ones that will get you through

In the screaming silence, hear the words as they distort

It's like listening for thunder while an F-1 tasks its torque

For a moment

You can see a pretty picture

Then as the canvas starts to blister

There's a eerie sound without a noise just as the fire begins to roar

Things that make change

Who said you had to spend heaps to make a veggie garden? 

OK ~ you probably didn't but I know others who have. In the past six weeks, we have not only set up a raised veggie bed for nothing, we've got the seeds, fertiliser and more in for next to nix. Building the garden bed used a lot 

We have saved hundreds of dollars over the years. Instead of paying up to $5.00 for packets of seeds which may or may not sprout, we have started grabbing packets of seeds from the herb and soup sections of the supermarkets. 

The seeds you get for coriander, mustard, fennel, cardamom or celery in spice packets from the supermarket for cooking can be planted in your garden. These normally cost around $1.00-$1.50 per packet and you will get a lot more seeds than the packets bought from a plant store. 

We also get the full dried peas (not freeze dried) from the soup section (with the lentils and McKenzies packet mixes) and these successfully grow ~ we've had the sweetest sugar snap peas ever from soup peas! A packet normally costs $1.50-$2.00 and you get well over 100 seeds. In comparison to buying 'packet' seeds it would cost you five times as much for about 20 or so seeds. Just remember not to buy the split peas ~ they won't grow at all.

Another way to save buying seeds is cut the ends off shallots and replant them, it takes about three weeks before they get over their 'shock', but you will have an endless harvest of shallot stems to use in salads. We do the same with old onions, including salad onions, that have hidden themselves away in our cupboards and sprouted. Plant them in your garden, let them flower and go to seed to get great seed stock for the next few years. No need to buy more!

Garlic can be done in the exact same way. Grab a clove and plant it flat end into the ground. After about four months you will get a great bulb of garlic from your original clove. A few cloves turns into a bumper crop and look great drying in the pantry or kitchen. Be aware that garlic from China or Mexico has usually been treated with Bromide (a carcinogenic) so only use Australian grown garlic.

Pumpkin, cucumber, capsicum, tomato, chili and other vegetable seeds can be cleaned, dried and then planted out to give you more seed stock to play with. If you plant two different types of pumpkins near each other, they cross pollinate and you can end up with a hybrid which tastes great. We usually let one or two of each vegetable go to seed so that next years planting will cost us even less. This works well with  lettuce, silverbeet, rocket, Asian greens, mint, corn, loofah, tomatoes and sugar snap peas.

Old potatoes and sweet potatoes that start sprouting can be replanted and will give a good crop. Just cut a sprouting part of the potato and plant it, from one potato you get up to five new plants, with around 30-40 potatoes from each. Some people don't recommend the growing of potatoes in old car tyres ~ we've never really had an issue with it as it has always been easier to add an extra tyre and layer of dirt as the potato plant leaves come through the soil ~ but you can always use an old hay bale or hessian bag of soil if you'd prefer.

Sowing broad beans, carrots, onions, radishes and spinach can be difficult and fiddly and the best way to solve the problem is to make home-made seed tape. It is an easy family activity and something we've done for years. I actually submitted this as a hint to Simple Savings about four years ago and its still there in the Vault and was mentioned in one of the newsletters.

1. Unroll a strip of toilet paper on a table (any ply, unbleached and non-scented), to the length you wish. While it might seem quicker to do one long, straight row it is easier with a few shorter strips when planting out.

2. Make a thick paste of flour and water. Dab the paste onto the toilet paper using a cotton bud, spaced apart as per the seed packet recommendation, for example 20cm.

3. Place a seed on each paste blob.

4. When the paste is dry, the seed tape is ready to fold. Starting along the strip's long edge, fold a third of the paper over the seeds, then fold the other third over to cover the seeds completely. Lightly dampen the paper, misting it with a spray bottle of water to secure the seeds. Make as many of these strips as you need then carefully carry them to the garden.

5. Make shallow furrows in the prepared soil, lay the strips down, mist heavily with the spray bottle of water and cover with soil. Now, your seeds will grow in straight, spaced rows. Tip: Alternate carrot seeds with radish seeds because when the radishes sprout, they help to mark the row and break the ground.

The key to a successful veggie garden is good watering practices ~ having lived through drought in Victoria, investing in a water tank was the only reason we kept ourselves in vegetables until I became physically unable to tend the garden and Hubby's lengthy absences due to work made it an event in weed cultivation. 

Already we have Asian greens at the usable stage (although leaving them another week or two will mean they are bigger and require less in our stir fries) and we are about to sow the second cropping of corn, peas and carrots to ensure they are growing in a staggered manner. We have lettuce going to seed to add to those already growing and hope to have the beetroot ready for salads in the next month. 

This Fortnight's Menu

It's posted a little later than I hoped, but we have been eating to the menu as planned. The list was written up on Sunday and stuck on the fridge as usual, so I've extended to carry through to next week. In the middle of welcoming back my long lost kitchen Tupperware friends, released from the cold Ballarat shed and reunited with us here in Bundaberg. Oh FridgeSmarts, dear ModularMates ~ how I have missed thee... 

Yes, well - so here's what we've been having and what we will have going forward.

Sunday: Pork chops and steamed vegetables

Monday: Spaghetti Bolognes 

Tuesday: Tortellini with tomato, chilli and basil sauce

Wednesday: Pea & Ham soup (homemade, SmallBoy had face plant - will elaborate over the weekend)

Thursday: Pea & Ham soup for SmallBoy; Peri-Peri chicken salad for us - both homemade

Friday: *Splurge* Takeaway burgers, fish, seafood, chips

Saturday: Vegetable pasties

Sunday: Roast Chicken with all the trimmings - Happy Fathers' Day - :D

Monday: Thai Beef Salad (of sorts)

Tuesday: Chicken and vegetable pic

Wednesday: Tuna patties and salad

Thursday: Veal schnitzel and salad

Friday:  Nachos

Saturday: Gozlemes

Sunday:  Roast Pork

Having just eaten down our Ballarat pantry ~ moved to Bundaberg with 'nothing' and now building back the basics including herbs, spices and oils before we focus on too much stock piling purchases. I do want to make sure we have extra flour, sugar, rice and some other staples (considering this is the first time in years I've actually got no rice!!)  We are fine for cleaning, washing products - I have an abundance of shampoo & conditioner thanks to a trial on Soap. Couldn't give away as much as they gave me!

All the cat food has been sent up (thanks Mum) so that will last through until the end of the month of September - 15 cans and two packets of dry food (plus extra litter) is a huge saving! 

As September is school holidays, and we are going away to the Gold Coast with friends for four days in week 3, then we have 4 extra mouths for week 4, I've got a little spending cash aside for some restaurant meals. I've already planned some of the menu for visitors and have most of the items in the freezer already. I also expect that friends will contribute to some of the groceries - especially while we are on the GC. 

Week 1 - w/e 01 September ~ Budget $100

Week 2 - w/e 08 September ~ Budget $ 50

Week 3 - w/e 15 September ~ Budget $ 50

Week 4 - w/e 22 September ~ Budget $100

Week 5 - w/e 29 September ~ Budget $ 50

Part of this week (Week 1) shopping are some of those staples - just to start building some in reserve. It was suggested that, in anticipation of our first 'wet season', we do use some of the budget to ensure we have extra and start rotating stores as we get the chance to increase the volume. I'd like to have 5kg of brown rice on hand, so if I buy 1kg now and look for specials on 1-2kg to build it up. 

Time to relax ~ bit of a garden and sorting kinda weekend. Hubby has brought some personal 'home' items for us to intermingle in the house, more of our belongings are out of the camper and finding places to be kept. We are finding our place and making our mark ~ I do like the feeling we are creating. Almost a full school term has passed, we've been here in our own for six weeks and so much has been achieved. Time for reflecting over the weekend too I think *nods*

Put the cash back in your wallet

Objects are closer than they appear... 

We actually have some savings...

And I am wondering if it is better to put an extra $1000 onto the VISA or keep the $1200 as 'emergency money' and keep putting on an extra $100 per week to all the interest accumulating accounts. Ahhh - the dilemma.

As things have been SO stretched finanically in the past, the security conscious part of me would rather keep the savings in the online account, continue adding $15 each week and leave it be. The money conscious part of me says if the VISA is reduced by $1000, the limit can also be reduced thus lowering the interest. The flippy-floppy part of me says keep half, put half on the VISA - or maybe its better on the personal loan - or perhaps the line of credit - or put a bit on each...

I posed this question on the Mands On A Mission facebook page and got a great response from the author of 365 Ways to Make Money and 26 Ingredients, Kylie Ofiu. Before stating her opinion, Kylie mentioned the choice depends on other information ~ are the bills being paid, has there been any discussions or arrangements made with the financial institutions involved and was more than then minimum repayments now required? 

Once I clarified that all the regular expenses are covered, our debts/loans are getting a little more than the minimums each month (some more than others) and we are looking at getting the VISA onto a lower rate or zero rate card ~ but with nothing as back up if (say) car repairs were required its VISA (which we want to avoid) if we put our savings on to the debts.  Kylie offered the following opinion:

"If you are covering everything, keep the $1,000 aside for emergencies (like car repairs, insurance excess, health problems). It will stop the need for the Visa and will be easier to pay off that debt..."

She also suggested putting half on to one of the debts and keeping $500 as an emergency fund to avoid additional credit card debt.  Kylie also recommended looking for ways to make extra money and it might be time to get moving on setting up selling Tupperware again. I do so love the product and will be quite happy to potter through a party or three each week ~ must think seriously about that.

Of course, Hubby is about to look for work ~ even part time to start but we need to hear what the therapist says about my requirements and what abilities I should be strengthening. Especially as my neck now appears to be next on the chopping block (and I don't mean off ~ just need to have surgery to remove spurs and stop the nerve compression).

Our Little Mantras

This past week, we have set up some really fantastic habits and - while still new and practising - its not only lowering our spending, it is increasing our debt reductions as we issue 'penance' when temptation almost wins with a sneaky purchase or totally unnecessary spend.

Everyday he's "shuffling" 

On Thursday, I needed to get milk and onions which I did . . . and picked up two magazines . . . and put them back, thus "saving" $14.90. As penance, I put $10 onto the VISA and only $2.89 was spent on the required items. 

On Wednesday, I saw the nicest skirt ~ $15 ~ and even went so far as to browsed online to see if I could get it cheaper. Then moved away from the computer... Didn't buy anything and put $10 onto the LOC as 'penance' for evil thoughts *grins*  I figure if I felt like I had the funds for such 'extravagances' then I have the funds to pay a little extra onto our debt. 

So we have made some little mantra's and tips to help us not to spend just because... I have enough clothes, food, shoes, cleaning items to last a month and can spend that time looking for food, cleaners and REQUIRED purchases as they come on special. There is nothing I need urgently tomorrow.

I'd rather save for a "___ house/car/holiday ___" than buy another new shirt / skirt / jumper

$20 is better put onto the credit card than taken off.

If you 'want it' ~ put it back. If you decide you 'need it' come back tomorrow and think about it some more.

Other Reminders

Take a pic of your wardrobe, dresser drawers or shoe pile (your weakness) ~ keep it in your wallet IN FRONT of the card or cash ~ Look at the item you really don't need, look at the picture, look at the price and put it back... Even at the op shop. I carry around a picture of all the boxes of clothes we had at the garage sale and it reminds me I never EVER want to get to that amount again!

Tick Tock ~ its almost time...

Who says 13 has to be unlucky?

In 13 days we leave for our new, exciting life in Queensland and there will be come enormous changes being afforded to us :D

Already knowing we have sold many MANY items to help pay for our move, the final few things are getting ready to leave our possession as we bring our possessions to a minimum. The lounge suite, the refrigerators, the freezer, the television and beds are the last to go - hopefully providing us with about $700 for fuel and food on the road.

Today has been a day of packing into the garage and cleaning ~ we've replaced two doors we have being planning to for the past few years; repaired the hole in the hallway (courtesy of MudGuts) and removed the red crayon line drawings left by Miss Imogen but blamed on her big sister Ebony. Pity she forgot she'd signed her name in the same red crayon. Gotta love kids!

Tired, sore but seeing an end to packing ~ it's great to move to a minimalist lifestyle.

I am so glad there is no more stuff and baggage in our lives.

Who would have thought...

From the country to the sea

In a flood of panic and erratic behaviour!

But I am looking around and thinking finally some progress is being made. Good progress. Ok ~ I am stressing out because I simply cannot pick up the 'things' I want to and this is getting frustrating. Of course I have been lifting the odd box, stacking books and now I have a screaming back. Joy - not...

We are eating down the pantry ~ creativity in the kitchen can be fun interesting a challenge. Only spending about $20-$30 a fortnight on food stuffs - mainly milk and cat food. In the past week we have turned 1kg mince into a hamburger dinner, a spaghetti bolognese and a mince & vegetable pie. ALL were delicious. I made a 'kinda' chicken cacciatore without the olives. Using 6 pieces of chicken, I added tomatoes, herbs, carrots, celery, peas and a big garlic pida bread to soak up the sauce. It was really yum and filling.

Splurged (sort of) and used a beef roast hiding in the freezer (and put leftovers into the meat pie) which we ate on Friday when Dad came up to help fix minor bits and bobs around the house in readiness for our 'tenants' ~ catching up with real estate this week to manage the house in our absence. Regardless of knowing the people in your home, we feel this is the best way to go.

Thankfully SmallBoy is not sick of having Weetbix for breakfast every morning ~ although we have enjoyed porridge on the weekend. Plus we did enjoy a pancake brunch today - mmmm love that lemon and sugar on pancakes. And maple syrup (but not together!!)

Oh I just want this all to be over and get on the road!!  Moving boxes and 'stuff' has been doing my poor ol' back no good at all ~ but I am pushing through without overdoing the lifting & lugging side of things. Well, as much as possible. Having a laugh at some of the things we are finding (and throwing out as you can see above!)

Lachie is starting to get a little weepy at the thought of leaving all his friends. We expected this and have friends over every weekend until we leave ~ he is keen and excited to be going - its all just a little bit scary and overwhelming for him knowing its 19 days away. 19 days - oi vie!

Still clearing out 'things' - selling some stuff for diddly-squat, giving away other items, piffing anything broken and the rest *!!* into storage for when we buy our own place in Queensland. It's all looking really good at the moment ~ we have enough to get new shocks and brakes on the car through selling our 'things' and you've got to be happy with that!!

This is what we have to look forward to enjoying on a daily basis. Sun, beaches and more. Time for this little chickie to get to bed and start afresh tomorrow morning.  Night all :D

Moving State on a Non-Existent Budget

 

Could be seen to be quite a silly notion by some...

I am very grateful to not have had the misfortune to not have had the pleasure of discussing our plans with the nay-sayers *grins* All our family, friends and dear loved ones certainly are on our side ~ understanding the why, why now, why not's we know this move will do for us ~ and our dear loved ones know they are going to be mightily missed physically only until the next time we or they visit.

SmallBoy has shown enormous acceptance, resilience and excitement about the adventure in the actualities of a move north ~ even the cull is something he sees as being an opportunity of a simple, clean start supported by strength of family and those very good, loving friends he has cheering him on. Most of the younger cheers come seeking either a place to stay in the warmth, near the sea, to play for a week or so in the holidays, or with that little tinge of 'wish we could do what you're doing'

MudGuts is still processing the information ~ more the fact we won't be around the corner to be ignored any more. We'll be further away and not around the corner should the need of help, care or comfort zone security blanket value be required. He is almost 21 ~ he doesn't realise we have a car waiting for him to be licensed and if he could have this by his 21st, bonus - otherwise it is there for Christmas and a flight for his 21st. 

More appointments with him over the next weeks to help him maintain the positive outcomes, deal with those perceived as negative, address the fears, provide information to him and update specialists, doctors, mental health professionals involved. And MrCentrelink for a heck of a lot of 'stuff' - that's a process hey!? Both Nana's see it as a good, growing move for their oldest grandson. We all go 'gulp' and get ready to hang on...

What are we doing??

And how many ways can you express that sentence to convey so many different messages!!??

'What are we doing' getting rid of absolutely everything? Its been talked about, planned, wished for so many times before so many moves over more than a decade the moment is NOW to actually do what has become a mammoth task. Once done - never need to again... 

The magazines, the jars, the newspapers - all cleaned for all the home made stuff 'gonna' be made before surgery stopped it all, kept because it would happen - out for freecycle, then dumper. If someone comes, takes it - bonus, its still gone. If it is too personal, contains 'numbers' or has memories no longer wanted or carried through to our future ~ we'll burn it.

Ruthless, fearless, release, be free of 'it' forever...

'What are we doing' going where we know no-one to a place we've never been to a house we've not been to owned by people we don't know who are leaving for an unknown guaranteed period of time??!! You know - even reading that I feel the adventure that should come with the "we won't die wondering why we didn't do it" decisions. Says it all really.

No more waiting for 'when we can' or thinking about 'if only'

'What are we doing' for a future? To those staying behind? About work opportunities? For income for all the 'stuff' in life? ~ gee there are a lot of questions but the biggest has been 'How are we doing this' with several messages defined by tone. It's not cheap but we think we've done it the most cost effective way possible.

'What are we doing' about the house? The chooks? The cats? School for SmallBoy? Care for MudGuts? Ideally with having someone we trust with our home - our primary residence and not just 'a house' - the mortgage side of our expenses are covered for at least two years. Not charging much more than our payments and we've managed on pension payments and savings over the years. IF the chickens 'come with the house' or not - we have avenues to give them new homes. The school is sorted and the care stuff is in process as we speak. 

The cats are coming ~ be it immediately or with a wee 'stop' at MILs and flown up if a better option. They are acclimatising to knowing the cupboard with some jumpers of ours as warmth to be their new 'outside bed' and do that whole 'pecking' order of which shelf for which jumper to which cat. This will change with the weather no doubt. It is my almost perfect to know the cats will be fully outside, not this in and out habit it seems to have become ~ in the 'zero' temperatures, its not fair they freeze like cattle...

Keeping a Tally

Only because I think I need to have a really good way to keep on track and accountable. It's not going to be cheap but we've only got about $5000 to do this and no caravan or car capable of towing one at this moment. If our solar panels can be transferred to another residence, even another name then we've got an additional $1000 deposit possibly refunded on thsoe - if not, investment to the solar industry...

The station-wagon has had a 'new / change-over' engine purchased ($650) and replaced, now running over for roadworthy ($550) ~ although there may be a new bits to replace/rectify for registration and the VicRoads inspection. Hopefully to be registered and the job can be done/finished this week and (even better) come in under $2000-$2500 - because we might also need to get some brake system if we get a pop-top or larger van to tow. Still only got a trailer/camper type budget - and there are some decent looking ones around the top end of our budget...

We will have whatever comes at tax time to start up in QLD as payment into the Line Of Credit for a buffer against mortgage payments while our 'tenants' get all their bizzo set up. I know she'll be right, but when someone close is involved you worry about that 'expectation of a little leniency' you know you have in transition over flow. Oh I just want a buffer of a month or two.

There is the option to get an 'advance' payment which is about $1500 all up but deducted incrementally for six months leaving us with about $400pw; but adds an extra month, so there can be that first month hiccup covered if required. And to appease my poor brain, settle my nervous financial nerves. Adding $200 a fortnight with the family payment will keep this ahead if all transacts smoothly. At mental ease having that out there ~ even if it makes no sense to anyone but me it makes sense. 

At this stage, sort of in my head I know the mortgage will have a buffer of a month and a half ($1500), the Line of Credit will be receiving our $200pf as well as $1000pm in. Using the reduced disability and carer income only, we will have about $450 per week from June. This is food, petrol, bills, whatever other fees, expenses of changeover required.

Still hoping a few services can simply transfer across states - like the internode internet/phone package. Hoping the "Helstra" saga of disconnection does not $c?#% this up or make it expensive and difficult. Stuff like finally getting rid of 'MS Games' subs and get back $10pm to the budget. I don't know - each as they come and once organised, on to the next is the way I am getting through it all. Semi prioritised in as best way possible ~ it will all get done as it does...

Solar Savings : $5200

Plus 'carport $1 sale': $170

Now Hello QLD Acct: $5370

Less: 

-$60 : Towing to Recomm 

-$650 : Changeover engine

-$650 : Installation & work to RW

-$299 : Bloody big skip bin

Spend: $1660

Hello QLD Acct : $3700

Needing to keep another $200 on hand for the skip removal and weight charge. All up it is going to be $426.62 ~ so still got $127.60 at least to go. The car rego is up to $450 with appt fees ~ ideally this will give the car an ZYX end rego. We think a trailer or pop up van rego will be $120ish. Plus there is about $1000 *assigned* to getting it passed for rego to go through OK. Over the next few weeks that's $1700 'needed' from the account ~ $2000 for a camp trailer is more the budget at this stage.

We plan to have a garage sale over the weekend ~ this one where we get rid of a fridge (not for $1!!), motorbikes, tables, wardrobes and an unbelievable amount for coins. Not caring about the whole profit money making but ensuring items go on for use, stay out of the skip as rubbish weight and maybe we cover the cost of this Mothers' Day present. Or aim for the higher limit of the engine expenses!

Entered a competition to win ~ (wait for it) ~ a year's supply of Kleenex toilet paper, a month of Bakers Delight yummies and a clever cleaning pack from VIVA.  So if you want to win a Blue Mountain holiday which I am not interested in winning at the moment - its a time constraint thing - go visit Digital Parents Mega Bonanza Giveaway - there is other stuff to win.

Achievement: Welcome to the dumper bin to take the stuff away...

Would never have thought something like this could make me soooo excited *cheers*

Had problems with the Blogger yesterday - so this is the one that didn't post:

Today we welcome the (extremely much more bigger than we thought) dumper bin with the walk in door thing so we don't need to throw over a 'side' ~ oi vie this is definitely a huge 'gift' and the same price as the one we chose so - that's a bonus. All it needed was a big bow on the side and I would have cried with glee!!

The purpose is more than just to clear up for putting all our stuff in storage ~ this whole purge has been coming over the past ten years and interrupted by surgery. Nay ~ delayed by focussing on health for a few years over monetary rewards. 

Ultimately by sacrificing the need for the "materialistic" reward, Husband and I have grown closer together, more united and stronger for each other, the boys, ourselves. More value to be able to accept, deal with and iform stronger connections to continue this journey together than have the 'best job', with the best façade, weakest outcome.

The Frugalista's 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not shop.

For yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of goodies

I shall spend no money,

For surely I have enough STUFF to last me all the days of my life!

Amen.

At long last, those final few little Bonds romper-suits up to 21 years of age are going. May they help another and hold as they have for my two boys. Almost every item with a hole, a tear is going. The fire will help destroy some of the more personal papers but all the papers from the past two decades is going. I found a letter advising me I'd not successfully got a job from way back in the 90s. Took a pic - tossed it out. Lots of documents relating to templates, admin business practices, superseded legislation all to go. 

Over the past week - I've had some amazing horoscope predictions ~ each one finding a way to result in something better or more appropriate than the previous. My favourites were:

SCORPIO (29 April NZ/Australia) ~ As much as the Moon may want you to focus on your personal life today Jupiter and Mars, the planets of luck and of passion, drive and ambition have other ideas. Jupiter and Mars begin their first alignment in your work sector since 1975 and it comes just when with one last push you're going to achieve the breakthrough that you have been so close to since this time last month. This time, with one last push you'll be on your way, with nothing holding you back.

SCORPIO (07 May NZ/Australia) ~ When it comes to your financial situation or your money game keep your ear to the ground, listening to your instincts and your intuitive responses, especially when it comes to a better understanding of the past. It’s the Moon’s alignment with the South Node in your financial sector, just 2 weeks before the Sun is due to arrive, that will be giving you a chance to clear the air and get things up to speed before moving on.

But I do like todays offering ~ I read it as still showing we are taking the better option offering a better gain in the future, it's been rather interesting: 

SCORPIO (09 May NZ/Australia) ~ With Mars leaving your work sector in 2 days time and Venus and Mercury in a week from today, there is a new sense of urgency kicking in, especially now any roadblocks are behind you or you at least know what you're dealing with. Continue to work within your capabilities, without playing the superhero, working smarter rather than harder. Look for ways you can accomplish what you need to, with your available resources.

Can you see it follows the softly, slowly My Cheeky Monkey approach we've used over the recovery only this time it has a defined deadline or action date of 30 June/1 July.

And you if you need to take a moment and enjoy a full on belly laugh ~ have a look at the link below. Its a YouTube link but the best animal maaster interaction with the dog's 'voice' exactly as you could imagine a dog talking - laughing still and I've watched it a dozen times :D
http://www.youtube.com/user/klaatu42?blend=6&ob=5#p/c/0/nGeKSiCQkPw

Each day brings something new...

And its never cheap!

So the car has had its roadworthy ~ the new engine and installation came in at $1100, almost $2000 less than the reconditioned price AND removal/installation. Now we need to get the roadworthy done to find what other incidentals are needed to have the car registered again ~ oh please please angels, fairies, gods, let only small incidentals be required. If we can have the car ready to register for under $2000 we can afford the 3/4 pop top caravan. 

If not, we are looking at a few of those canvas cover fold out caravan/trailer type combos ~ you know ~ the ones where the beds poke out both sides and the camper stove, fridge and table are in the centre. No cupboard space, but floor level storage. So long as we can get our queen mattress in and up to QLD, the rest can be limited to what we get in the back of the station wagon. 

Well ~ so you know we are about to embark on a life changing sea change.

We have had some great support, awesome cheers from friends urging us forward - to live our dream. Many call us so courageous but its not just about getting the courage to do it ~ trust me. I reckon every morning these past few days I have woken with the most amazing urge to be violently ill in panic and fear (and the fluttering of excitement!). I've woken at sparrow's fart and hidden under the covers, avoiding getting up to start going through the motions of packing up (or is that scaling down) Ok ~ maybe the courage is in continuing forward and not just saying 'this is too hard and scary, lets not...' *gulps*

But I do agree with one comment dear MillieBug said: ~ its so been a case of 'don't die wondering' which prompted us to review what we wanted to do, what was keeping us from doing and what needed to be done to achieve it. There are so many things we all 'wanna do', activities we are 'gonna do' or items we hope to get 'if we win the Lotto'. We are leaving our friends here, placing our home in the hands of agents, fixing our car on the cheap, buying a canvas caravan for as little as possible, bunking with friends all the way along the coast with an oily rag in our pocket to fuel the car, going to a place we know not a soul AND to a house we have never seen owned by people we've never met. Plus we'll have about $1000 to see in the first few weeks. Oi bloody vie!!!

And yet ~ we are actually doing it. The big dump bin arrives Monday, two weeks to clear crap and the garage. Two weeks to get items of (sort of) value sold, things to keep in storage sorted, the bare necessities chosen. Then its talking to agents about tenants, insurances, schools, services for MudGuts and a trillion zillion other things we will need to do before putting the last of our house in the garage, locking it all up and leaving!! Hence the panic and feelings of fear. It is so very real ~ who would have thought reclaiming the spare room would result in moving to QLD??

How often do we get 'the itch' - be it the travel bug, changing jobs, a new career, a tree/sea change, yet we talk about, and scratch for so many years that when we 'get to the doctor' its so bad and such a mess we need to stay and be treated! Metaphorically speaking. That leap can be so hard, so confronting, so easy to ignore and put on hold until the opportunity has gone.

The whole 'there is nothing truly keeping us here' was the realisation which made the decision to move come about. There are schools in every state, there are jobs all over the country, there are more opportunities to be found afar than only looking on your back door step...

I challenge every one to take the plunge and make a change ~ throw out things you've been 'gonna get rid of', build the bit you've 'wanna had done for ages', or travel somewhere you've always dreamed of going. Changes don't have to be life threatening, but don't wait until its too late... again!

Turn Left at the next Corner...

Ever get stuck in a rut?

We are a little stuck in a hole. And finding it a little hard to call out for help ~ only because Husband and I are the only ones who can help us. You know how it goes - don't you?

I hate hate HATE clutter - the mess - the disorganisation which continues to hang through this house and, rather than wait for Husband to help, I am just going to deal with it by myself. It's not Mands Mission for nothing. Yes, feeling a bit bull headed tonight...

Don't get me wrong ~ my dear Husband is a wonderful man. He is caring, helpful and able to bring a smile to my face. He worries about our wellbeing, how I am feeling, what he can do to ~ but he procrastinates, doddles and fluffs about before getting to the job at hand. Mind you ~ in the work place he is nothing like this. Focussed, meticulous and almost anal in his need to make the finished product/event as perfect as possible regardless of what it takes ~ why cant that happen at home?

So that's it. I can't rely on him stepping up to the plate without incentive, chocolate, yelling and tears. And I just can't do that any more. Actually while I have MWP**, I can get those tears up over burnt pancakes ~ funny story that ~ another time... I will go over board but right now - I don't care...

Can you tell its all getting a bit too hard?? 

This garage sale just isn't happening, the weather is crappy and motivation is just not around in any amount. I've decided to help clear a lot of this clothes clutter, I am going to have a $1 sale. Although there might be a few things for more than $1, the bulk of anything already sorted for the garage sale which still hasn't occurred will be $1. Heck if someone wants 100 pieces and says $100 - and there are some 'excellent' peices in the mix, pffft - I don't think I care.

*sighs* Sometimes I wish no spend/low spend was a choice not a necessity. Feeling a little low & deprived today ~ I am tired and ultimately finding it a struggle to even get up out of bed. Yes - I know - its that stupid time of the month when I become the Mad Woman Possessed** ~ should be normal by tomorrow...

Don't get me wrong ~ there have been some great goals kicked. We can add to the list of debts gone ~ the Council Home Help account has been wiped clean, giving an extra $5 to the fortnightly budget. Unfortunately, the Gas and Electricity company has hiked up our minimum payments by $10 a fortnight ~ so little extravagance will come from that gain! *sob*

*humfphs*

Pears are stewed and bottled, chicken pie is made and I've made some zucchini, ham and cheese muffins for lunch tomorrow ~ although I might make some fruity ones in the morning because there is half a bottle of pears which might not 'keep' because it was not filled to the top.   I am so going to bed ~ 

Night y'all ~ will chat tomorrow ~ when I am in a more amiable and uplifting mood...

Three Jars of Apples

I bottled three jars of apples ~ successfully!

What's more - I winged it!

Before I started out I jumped on to Simple Savings (my most favourite savings website) and searched for methods to do this. I searched 'bottling', 'preserving', 'canning' and, while there were plenty of methods and descriptions, when you've never done this before using old pasta or jam jars and lids, it can be a little daunting. I've made pate, using butter to seal in the meat paste and stored them in the fridge, and I've cooked up sauces and beetroot with a friend, using one of those Vacola steamer things and all the new bottles and seals.  I've even made jams using wax top seals. However, I've not done it solo alone.

And I've never used recycled jars, old lids and the oven alone. So I was a little daunted by the prospect. Reviewing some suggested links about 'how to' water bath, vacuum seal and other such techniques, I read up on various methods of how to boil water, put in a rack and get the lids to seal. I looked at diagrams with explanations which, by the end of it all, had me more confused than when I first decided this would be a good idea for storing apples, pears, tomatoes and ratatouille - considering there is no room left in the freezer due to frozen versions of these, and meat, potatoes, etc and more!

Mostly I kinda made it up and took pictures as I went to help determine any errors made along the way. Best news is, there were no mistakes and the pop-up buttons all sucked back in with a resounding 'thunk' - eventually. Ahhh - patience - I am glad I was *grins*

First I grabbed half a dozen glass jars and the matching metal lids. I knew they had to be metal and these all had that rubber inner rim already adhered to the top - this apparently means its limited to reuse opportunities but didn't effect the outcome this time. The jars and lids went into the sink, covered and filled with hot water. 

I left them soaking while I peeled the apples (16-20) and then grabbed a scourer and went back to scrub the jars to ensure all the paper and sticky gum from the old labels were removed. 

The jars (not the lids) sat in the oven - set to 160C - to dry and sterilise. You need to have the glass quite hot when it comes to putting the food inside, so always remember to use mitts or a folded tea-towel when handling them. 

While the jars sterilised, I made the stewed apples. I cut and quartered the apples, then cut just over half into chunks - because this is for apple crumble, I wanted to keep some of the apples as pieces and not have it like a puree or sauce. 

Placing all the apple into a pot with about 1/3 cup of hot water, I added 20 cloves, a teaspoon of mixed spice,  and a tablespoon of brown sugar. If the apples were tart or granny smiths, I'd probably have added double the brown sugar. Constantly stirring and mixing the apples, they softened and mooshied down nicely. Once happy with the consistency, I removed all the cloves from the pot. 

Before getting the hot jars from the oven, a clean tea towel was laid onto the side of the sink. If using a wooden chopping board, I'd probably do the same - you don't want hot glass in contact with a cold surface and risk cracking. The jars were filled with apple and the syrup/juice to about a finger width from the top of the lip and, wiping away any drips of apple from the rim, the lid screwed onto the jar as tight as possible. Again, as the jar is hot and filled with hot apples, its best to use a tea towel to avoid burning hands and fingers.

After the lids are screwed on nice and tight, you wait for the button to suck back in. This took about 30minutes ~ and all the will power in the world to not press it down, fiddle with it, check it over and over while waiting. You know that watching a kettle doesn't make it boil faster right? Well, neither does watching for vacuum seal buttons to suck back in. In fact, it was when I turned around the first one sucked in with a resounding 'thunk'.

Talk about excitement ~ you'd think something miracualous had occurred ~ this was the first bit of bottling I had undertaken solo alone in my life and I am SO proud it worked out so well. With no room left in the freezer for keeping foods stored, I can now get more out of (or in to) the pantry.

The Week Ahead

Sadly the forecast is for rain, rain and possible rain. We might get to top temperatures of 15, however 12 and 13 degrees seem to be the average expectation. *sobs* So, the fire is blazing, the house is warm and once we know what SmallBoy's options are after seeing the surgeon tomorrow, it's going to be a cooking and cleaning kind-of week methinks!!

Preserving wise ~ With new found confidence to push me on, I've got about 3 dozen pears to get bottled.  I've also got zucchini, tomatoes and onions for a ratatouille type mix to bottle. I might even give green tomato pickles and something spicy with leftover cabbage. If you've got any suggestions, please feel free to contribute *hint*

Money wise ~ We've made an enormous dent into the debt with the paying down of one account completely and finalising the outstanding balance of another. This week is 'poor' week when talking about income - but horribly expensive week with the mortgage, personal loan, credit card and 'all' the technology payments. I'm considering putting my mobile on a low pre-paid account, I don't use it terribly much and can link into Internet through the wireless when home for no charge - that should suit me fine. 

Entertainment wise ~ I've got some really cool stuff planned for the first week of the school holiday ~ if a trip into surgery is not required (can't give you any hints in case 'someone' reads this online *grins*). SmallBoy is a little sad, bored and disappointed he can't do things - not even simple activities like going on a tractor ride, exploring the junk store, climbing a tree. He is over playing on the computer, using the Xbox and reading books. *sighs* 

That's it for tonight. We've still got $11-$12 in the budget for this weeks groceries and milk will be needed tomorrow. Husband's mum has been up and left a few bananas for us ~ better than chocolate and definitely more expensive! I've not got a lot of fresh green vegetables left however there is broccoli, spinach, peas and beans in the freezer - some bought frozen plus some I've frozen. These will go into a pie during the week, no doubt. Possibly a big pot of vegetable soup is on the cards to use lentils and other dried beans I've discovered in the pantry.

Will let you know as the week goes on ~ its a real case of how low can we go. I'll be making savoury muffins and scones for some yummy lunches in lieu of sandwiches as we are out of bread. Personally, I am grateful for the opportunity to introduce alternatives to Husband and SmallBoy, alternatives that can be included in the lunch box on a regular basis. This should be fun *cheers*

Night y'all xx

Monday Mayhem

Summer ~ where for art thou?
Believe it or not, it's summer. I keep hearing some parts of NSW have 35 degrees, parts of QLD are sweltering in mid 30 humid temperatures and WA is boiling under hot sun. It's topped at 14 here and the fire had to be started this morning. The house was like an ice-block!

We've avoided turning on the heating ~ much as some savers have avoided turning on the air conditioning ~ and had jumpers, layers of clothing, thick Explorer socks on. I've even had my beanie on to avoid losing body heat - just like a baby! Apparently the weekend is supposed to be warmer and I am really hoping so because Saturday is our Yard Sale. Oh ~ and we sold a dozen eggs. $4 is in our Spare Change Jar for banking! Woo Hoo!!


Starving the Supermarket
It's been another day of no spending. Since having next to nothing for a grocery budget, I have had to be a little creative at times - substituting items I'd regularly use or looking for a lower cost option. The last few days I've looked at what we use and what we could be making from scratch for less. Some things are easy to spot but as we run out of items (like dishwasher tablets - bought several sample boxes last year while 36 for $3 introduction price) what can we do instead?

Breadcrumbs - yesterday I mentioned saving the crusts from bread and crumbing them in the blender. If there isn't enough crusts - adding crushed weetbix or cornflakes helps make the breadcrumbs go further.
Custard powder - eggs, milk, cornflour, sugar, vanilla - when you've got it all why use a packet?
Mint sauce - mint, vinegar, sugar - too easy
Muesli bars - Muesli bites n bars recipe
Paper towel - we use napkins, serviettes or facewashers for hands; old cotton t-shirts or shirts cut to various sizes for drying off things; newspaper for absorption.
Tissues - we use hankies
Cling wrap - lunch-boxes, containers with lids. I have a caterers pack of cling wrap which is 8years old in June every so often it is used on the kids paints.
Dish Tablet - back to the sink wash
Laundry powder - natural alternative like bi-carb and vinegar
Garbage liners - plastic bags (found several dozen during the de-clutter!!)
'Jar' Sauces - no chicken-tonight here
Cleaners - been using our home mix

Now the goal is to see what else we can change. The biscuits, cakes and muffins are already in process ~ although sometimes you cant beat a bought Arnotts Mint Slice biscuit. But its been months since that's been in the house so I might try to make them. Got the recipe, got the ingredients, gotta try it out.

Not much else happening really. There is some Tupperware up on eBay for sale - as always, more coming. Husband has taken some cool pics of some Country Road items which will be up for sale in the next few days - just trying to find the cable to fit the laptop. And all systems are go for the Yard Sale ~ with the advertisement ready to go in! Not sure how much the ad is yet - hopefully its under $20 but somehow I doubt it.

Heading to Melbourne to see Motherhood the Musical tomorrow ~ free tickets and off-peak travel make for some very inexpensive 'me' time. My first outing in I dont know how long! Of course it ties in with a physical check and other timely medical stuff but hey, I am going to the theatre for the first time in years! I can't wait.

So off to bed I go ~
Here's hoping your tomorrow will be as good as mine *cheers*

Ten Tips for Tidy

Oh I feel sick...

For once, the least of my worries is the money and, after paying the rates yesterday, the amount we have available through to the end of the month is so little anyone in the same situation would be curled up in a little ball of fear, dread and terror. Not that anything has been going down the drain on frivolities, anything and everything is going on debt and the dent seems to be showing! We haven't bought chocolate for so long, and I am hankering a block of Caramello or a few Cadbury Creme Eggs.

As much as possible I've tried to be positive and recognise we have sufficient food in the pantry, a full tank of petrol, feed for all the animals and the opportunity to get another $20-$30 if more fresh free range googie eggs are sold. I know no additional payments are due until the end of the month, all medications are at hand and the therapy costs have been budgeted and available for the coming fortnight. Regardless - it doesn't stop that churning in the guts with the realisation of how 'broke' really is the feeling as well as the status of the bank accounts.

The main part of feeling sick today is the side effects of withdrawing from a five year relationship with opiate pain medication coupled with the other night's glass of champagne, glass of red wine and an intensely bright sunny day this morning. My rose-coloured glasses help by assuring me the partaking of alcohol is to blame but the sad reality is this is the start of my narcotics withdrawal. My head wants to explode, my eyes want black-coloured glasses to block the light (not that helpful for seeing tho'), my tummy is turning and basically I feel like I am moving about 3cm above the ground in a hazy cloud of psychedelic sparkles. Some might think this sounds like fun ~ be assured, it is not!! 

The things we do!!  OK ~ Onward and upward. Can't fall down now ~ I've got too much to do. I hope those sparkly bits will catch me...

Getting Organised to avoid CHAOS

Being out of action the past few years is a great explanation as to why the household is cluttered, disorganised and rather messy. Sadly, its not the sole reason because we've always been hoarders living in clutter, disorganisation and untidiness. While using the brilliance of Simple Savings steered us in the right direction with saving ~ I discovered we suffer from a disorder called CHAOS "Cant Have Anyone Over Syndrome".

Can you see the desk?

CHAOS affects lots of people and for various reasons. Ours is the embarrassment of the constant state of shambles. It's not unhygienic or putrid ~ there is just crap and clutter everywhere. So one aspect of Our Mission has been to find a semblance of order and maintain it. Being such a daunting task, I established a few methods to get this under way without being overwhelmed every day.

For me the word 'Chores' translates as hard work ~ I prefer to use 'Goals' and these are the 5 Golden Rules for my 'Cleaning Goals' list:

1. Identify the trouble areas
2. Write a weekly cleaning goals for the house
3. Write a daily daily goals list at night for the next day
4. Establish a "Room of the Week" list
5. If you see a piece of paper/rubbish ~ pick it up and throw it out

I am not one for having a huge attention span amount of energy or strength and possess excellent procrastinating skills. These skills seem to have me flit back and forth without a Daily Goal list to bring me back on track. The infamous "They" say don't plan too much to avoid failure. I say write what you hope to achieve, complete at least half and carry the rest over. If I don't, I forget what I'd planned ~ have I mentioned the medication makes me forget things this post yet??

As every area is a trouble area at the moment, the 'Room of the Week' is in play and, ideally, 15mins every hour or two is taken in the designated room to remove the stress of it being 'such a big task' and steadily pick away at the clutter. There are three boxes (choose what is wanted; throw this rubbish; sell or give to charity) and a basket (keeping this, its needed) which comes out at the end of the 15mins to find or return to its designated location.

All going in different directions

I've also stuck to the following Ten Tips for Tidy regime:

1. Lower my expectations for the house 

 ~ I want a tidy, lived-in home, not a structure where nothing is touched for fear of finger prints...

2. Fill the sink with hot soapy water in the morning for:

 ~ breakfast bowls

 ~ empty cups

 ~ other dirty dishes during the day

 ~ deterring ants

3. Doing a little housework often and one big tidy on Thursday in anticipation of weekend rest strikes visitors

 ~ pack the dishwasher from the sink, run when full
 ~ ensure every cook up makes at least another 'fast' dinner option
 ~ make school/work lunches over the weekend, wrap and freeze to get out each morning
 ~ do clothes laundry one day a week, linen and towels another

 ~ placing folded doonas and sheets inside a pillowcase avoids a messy search

 ~ put clothes away on the day

4. Menu plan for a week

 ~ freeze leftover roast for pie/pasta sauce

 ~ divide meat into meal portions before freezing

 ~ cut or portion fruit/veg into the crisper (FridgeSmarts) immediately

5. Grocery shop alone in the evening 

 ~ hubby can watch his TV shows stack the dishwasher

 ~ no interruptions means no impulse buys

 ~ its mark-down time

 ~ no chance to buy from other (closed) shops

6. Trying not to double handle things

 ~ rubbish goes straight in the bin

 ~ fold washing as it comes off the line - pair and fold socks there too

 ~ underwear does not need to be ironed or folded to go in the drawer

 ~ put clothes away on the day

7. Leave rooms better than seen on arrival - it takes less than 5 minutes to:

 ~ put laundry from the floor to the hamper

 ~ straighten a doona, make the bed

 ~ wipe a bench

 ~ change the toilet roll

 ~ say something is empty (- write it on the shopping list)

 ~ put clothes away on the day

8. Recruit the family to help 

 ~ everyone over the age of 3-4 can put dirty dishes in the sink, collect toys to away in their room, dirty clothes in a hamper

 ~ everyone over the age of 5-6 can pick up rubbish. have an exclusive chore, put their clothes away on the day

 ~ everyone understands the repercussions of remotes/power cords withheld until things are done

9. Writing the shopping list progressively through the week 

 ~ matched to the menu plan

 ~ when you notice an item is low or finished

 ~ try to include a reward for yourself occasionally

10. No beating myself up or calling myself a failure if I don't get 'everything' done.

 ~ I am only human

 ~ There is always tomorrow

 ~ Chocolate can ease the feeling of failure

Found it (and shelves)

This is, by no means, a complete list but as a general weekly guide to getting organised or reorganised as a household. Ideally the weekend is available for the family and friends. I like the idea of focussing on a big clean on Monday to start the week and another major whip-around on Thursday so there is a semblance of order for the weekend. 

Should Better Homes and Gardens ever wish to visit ~ I think I will steer the focus onto the garden and outdoor areas. If Vogue decides to come over ~ I'll be drawing the curtains and pretending no one is home. When friends or family drop in ~ finally I almost feel happy to have them waltz in without a three day advance warning... almost.

Supporting Our Mission

Simple Savings - If you use the link for Simple Savings ~ remember to mention you were referred by Mands because Simple Savings offer members either $10 or extra membership for sending new members over. It's a really helpful and beneficial website.

MandsMission on eBay - There one lonely little item up for sale at the moment. But there is plenty on its way since we started following the list above to declutter.


Well, time to tidy up in the kitchen and get that dishwasher stacked. Table is cleared, benches are wiped, rinsing done only stacking to go. Plus all the washing was put away. Even writing about it positively rubs off ~ see how you go and please report any successes.

No idea what is in store for tomorrow other than getting in the garden to weed the 'big garden bed' and move the little roosters ~ who aren't that little any more. We really must get them into the freezer because we are almost out of chook in the freezer and the prices don't seem to be going down any time soon.