Looking for the Good Stuff

I love a good 'find'...

And I'd love to say I had a day with no spending but with the chiropractic session (or should that have been waste of an hour being spoken to like I have no idea how the spine works and the issues I am facing) at a cost of $90 ~ sadly not. What a waste of time and money - not even a little bit of relief provided yet is cost a bomb. If someone would like to reimburse me for that, we'll gratefully accept any contributions.

Especially as I have now the need to return to my doctor and get another referral for further 'work'. I might just get the x-rays for reference to show another therapist what is the current status of my back and work with issues and tensions as I know them to be. OK ~ maybe he is being over-efficient, over-cautious - but to charge a non-refundable on information being provided just seems a little rich for me...

So it is off to the 'Purple Door' to see an Osteopath about a Care Plan and a Reiki practitioner about some acupuncture. It's never easy to find the right person who 'fits' with your body, mind and soul quickly ~ but we will get there *smiles*

It's been another beautiful day ~ we 'Mexicans' (as we Victorians from 'south of the other border) get called are being very careful in the sun, making sure SmallBoy has sunscreen on each morning and a roll-on bottle which he as proved he is using because I've had to fill it up already. *cheers* Both Husband and I also put on our sunscreen ~ although I do try to get 10-15mins in the morning sun before covering up to keep up the Vitamin D and ensure my skin is not too fragile when the sun gets hotter over the spring/summer months.

SmallBoy loves pie ~ we love this one used the leftovers

Must scoot ~ writing tonight and I've got the mojo for poetry again.  Keep safe, eat well and enter our UukyBearub competition soon. Details are available on the previous posts. 

Time flies when you don't know what you're doing...

Do I sound flustered?

I think I am starting to panic - but almost for the sake of panicking! Not because things are moving along ~ they are and as we still have two working weeks before we head off, all should be done by the end of next weekend.

This is the goal ~ allowing Monday for mopping and dusting, Tuesday to do those last touch-ups and wipe outs (including the oven) and for the fridge, freezer, washing machine and mattresses to be collected by their new owners, Wednesday for carpet steam cleaning, Wednesday night for going out to dinner, Thursday for everything that is left to be done and Friday for leaving.

And that's next week...

This week is all about packing the garage and locking it for storage, getting the suspension, bushes and front end of the car repaired (don't ask - stress), insurances and tenants (when you think you've got that under control be prepared for the last minute *slap* of let-downs)

Our big rubbish skip will be picked up tomorrow some time ~ its had everything from doors to flooring thrown in. Every broken toy accumulated over the past 10-15years is gone, all the baby gear is gone, heck even kids books are off to new homes.

Today was one of those amazing days you can't really believe. Oh my ~ those selling vibes worked a treat. I had a little mantra going last night, and today - and I've just sold the fridge/freezer, the second fridge/freezer, the little upright freezer, the washing machine, the good queen mattress, the 'ok' queen mattress and reaped the $600 needed for petrol! 

Holy guacamole!! Only the TV, the Nintendo (and games) and lounge to go! Tho' I think I'll give the lounge to the Salvos. Gave away the double mattress as well - its in top condition but better used by someone who needs it than paying $25 to the tip for destruction!

Heck I feel relieved.

Of course we've had our solar panel contract cancelled/withdrawn ~ and they are now advising they have the right to sue us for the whole amount. So please put those vibes that the 'panel' will not only agree our cancellation is extenuating circumstances, not a purposeful breach and (and this is the BIG and) they will refund our deposit.

Had a brickie come and fix up about 30 bricks which had spalling due to being second hand and from a chimney - not an uncommon outcome with second=hand bricks. He and his apprentice ground out the bricks, replaced them and cleaned up the job. 3 hours outside in icy Ballarat and he wanted $60. Gave him $75 to get a few beers. It was a terrific job and so worth more than $60.

Car is the only 'blow out' - but safety first so there wont be any more blow outs there . . . will there!?!!!

Oi vie - it has been a weird 48 hours...

My body is screaming, there is so much to be finished, but wow things are finally happening with 11 days to go.  Actually it's one of the first times in a long time I feel the restrictions of the back operation and the physical limitations. I hurt and ache like the blazes. It's one time I feel 'disabled' ~ I can't go what I would like to do and what I would feel like I could do. My arms, neck and back have been pushed a bit too far.

Packing the van (finally!) - that is a real step in the right direction.

Rambling now - so tired after a mighty effort this long weekend.

Here we go again

You know that feeling...?

Up down, Up down ~ well I really want UP not down. And you know it is getting rather cold here ~ this is hurting me more and more. Having those days here I am struggling to get up ~ much is the metal in the back and the withdrawal from pain medication but Jeez Louise another western Victoria winter is going to be a real drain. Especially having missed out on summer (thanks Mother Nature!)

So we are moving. North. In a few weeks!!  Holy Toledo Ballarat-Man! We've said we would ~ we've planned to go ~ and suddenly we are! On a shoe-string budget but it is all on. What's more - no rent required. Helping out the most lovely couple enjoy their retirement dreams and we are looking after a furnished home, maintaining the garden and taking care of the property while they travel the country! It means we get to save, have SmallBoy in a school for a long term - not just dragging him from place to place, school to school like others I know have - give us all somewhere stable and allow us to discover the area we would like to settle into in a few years. 

SmallBoy is keen, MudGuts is staying. That's going to be a scary notion ~ hopefully mental health services will finally pull its finger out and provide him the support we have been screaming for him for years.

Creepy crawlie little beetles...

We've decided to cancel the solar panels ~ my 'dirty little budget secret' is we have had $6000 waiting for the panels' installation due to be this month. This would have cleared a whack of debt, fixed the car or been spent had it not been locked away and being added to over the past six months - it was our $4000 tax return plus savings since July - little bits at a time to ensure we hit the $6k mark to allow a discount of $1000 on an $9000 system. 

We paid $1k up front and risk losing it - but ce la vie - especially as we can get this back IF we find someone to take up the contract. But we are unlikely to succeed this option unless MIL can have her new place located in a month. Or someone in the region says 'we'll take over your contract Mands' in a few weeks.

However, the cash is the reason we can get the station wagon repaired and 'invest' in a pop-up caravan. More economical on the petrol costs.  It was almost going to cost half the 'solar savings' to get an engine for the station wagon ~ the first quote was $3200. But, a few days of searching and haggling I've found a changeover engine for $650 and it should cost about the same to get it in the car, other work to be at road worthy and then whatever registration costs...

The next few weeks will be the packing, the throwing, the down-sizing. Already the wardrobes have been 'claimed', one of the tables has been sold, the couch is 'bags-ed' and we will be selling one fridge/freezer, 2000 items of clothes (actually only 1900 now - sold $170 worth on Sunday). Half the kitchen stuff will go and we are spending NOTHING on food for a fortnight to get everything down in the pantry. 

Sure, tinned carrots, peas, potatoes - all go great in a casserole! We've got turkey, mince, chicken, mince, beef, mince, lamb, mince, pork and, you guessed it, mince to get through. We'll use the garage for storage and ship that up when we get our own place. In a few years!

But its late - the excitement has been exhausting - the future is full of panic, fear, thrills and change but most importantly - warmth!! My doctors' say this is the best thing for recovery and should allow me back to work within 18-24 months ~ two years ahead of schedule ~ only part time but heck to be using my skills again!! Too cool for school!!

Time for bed people ~ let me fill you in on more over the next few days. Sunny North Queensland ~ hahaha and a big Yee-Haa!! Its somewhere along here ~ 15mins from the water, where the Great Barrier Reef begins ~ too darn cool.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Weather Wise

In recognition of an amazing seven days of weather ~

  

   

   

   

Wordless Wednesday here, here and here.

Ker-thunk ~ Thursday night

Oh its been a weird day...

Sticking to the challenge of only spending $21 on groceries and sundries is on target. We needed milk ($3), frozen beans ($1.79), wholemeal flour ($1.99) and splurged on some choc-coated ice cream icy-poles ($2.99) for SmallBoy - and us of course. *grins* So far we've spent $9.77 ~ leaving $11.23 to go through until 13th. If bartering continues as well as it has, it will only be milk and some dairy required - especially as the cat food aspect is sorted with Coles' brilliant special on Whiskas on the 31st. I didn't go back...

Everything set for payments have gone through successfully - no problems at all. We had funds available to cover SmallBoy's MRI ($60), his pain medications ($20.95), as well as those expenses on the day of his accident. The Council will no longer accept the $5 per month for the overdue home-help fees but will accept $10 per month. If I pay it at $5 per fortnight, it will be easier to manage and should be paid out earlier than scheduled. 

 

Lots of work has been going on about the house - more with the garden and weeding the Big Bed, getting ready to access the blackberry for its fruit and then pulling it all out. THAT will be a massive job and I am handing that part over to Husband! Physically some of the weeds get me struggling - I cannot imagine even trying to pull out blackberry vines. Heck changing the sheets on the queen-size beds is nigh on impossible for me!! Fingers crossed this delightful weather can continue for a few more days weeks ~ its making the outside work so much easier to accomplish.

  

A Medicated-Free Month

It's been about a month since I stopped taking pain medication. Yes, I ache and there is a level of constant of tolerable pain ~ but it is a part of what goes on for me. But it does not define me. I have never 'been' my disability, despite several people close to me in various levels using this as a reason to define and categorise me. I've always said I have currently limitations and inabilities - this does not seem to have been heard as intended, rather an excuse to not do.

Goals, hope and dreams for the future are clear and attainable. Wants and needs are too. I want to be stronger and fitter than I have ever been. I need to be living a simpler, less stressful life and one which can be reflected as sustainable and manageable. I want to get to Queensland ~ to find a section of land within reasonable distance of beach and mountain. I need to be somewhere warmer. I think our family will flourish in an environment of daylight, dark nights and warmer weather. I want to be a self producer - maybe a stall holder of natural goodies, or a bartering co-op, or some learning/teaching venture on returning to a more earthy, wholesome life.

The thing is ~ I am not really sure who I am any more. Or what exactly I want to be ~ knowing I can be anything... Humour me. 

I've been a journalist while at school and an industry trade editor shortly after leaving high school. I've been a business owner with an annual turnover of almost $1million (but little profit!), I've been an employee with passion and dedication, an employee with ambition and drive, a loving mother dealing with child with extreme behavioural disorders, food intolerances, a friend empowering, supporting and helping others. 

So I am not my pain or my disability ~ well, not much - its all the head space now. I don't know what or who I want or need to be. I know I need to be a mother, a wife, a homemaker, alive ~ but it is so tiring, so unorganised. I am a little impatient - knowing some things could be aided with extra income to get assistance in on housework, garden work ~ these activities take considerable time and effort (and procrastination) when I'm doing it.

Husband is a great man, a supportive man, a wonderful husband, lover, friend and father - but he is not an organised man. He does not manage time well. He is a procrastinator, avoider, picks the fun over the necessary. While a great trait - the balance is too heavy on the fun stuff that can occupy his time and focus. He'll say '5 mins' and then be gobsmacked when its 45mins later and I've done/been/whatever (cracked it) and often disbelieving of the time passing. There is no such thing as 'in 10 mins' because that's an hour. We never leave on time for anything.

I feel like I am walking on a wire keeping me together, moving forward or at least not falling behind or stagnating. I set three main goals to achieve each day - one household, one de-cluttering and one which provides joy - usually the garden. But I am not getting these done well. The mess is a big issue - its everywhere and even taking little steps do not seem to be working. I want to throw everything, and I mean everything, out. But financially this is foolish - eBay has been so good for sales, when I get to it - I hope to enlist SmallBoy's help in the uploading of pictures. 

Its a vicious circular cycle which I can't break as I don't hold all the power - and its not just about being in control, or having the control. I am happy to be the captain, but the crew need to use a little initiative.  Sure, hubby knows he has to step up, find his priorities, work out his goals - its got little to do with the love, more to do with the processes. All the love in heaven is not going to get the lawn mowed, the windows washed or the roof fixed - those I cant do, cant afford to outsource. *sighs* Its never ending...

To ensure some positive actual changes are implemented, if only by me for me, I am setting Daily Intentions ~ but only one at a time. I set the first one and tweeted it earlier. As each one is achieved, successful or not, I shall set my next intention - be it a goal, an activity, a commitment to an undertaking. You get the idea. 

My Daily Intention:  

Tomorrow I will rise at 8am. I will tweet I am up and eating breakfast by 830am. Please support me as I implement change into my life. 

So - time for bed. I am off to make rosemary sprigs (for ANZAC Day parade participants and attendees), planning to get into town by 930 and help out for a few hours. Husband is taking SmallBoy to school for a few hours to catch up with friends before the school holidays start. It's going to be about 4-5 weeks before he next goes to school, if he does not have surgery - otherwise it might be longer. 

As always I waffle - time to go to bed (after I set a load of washing off for the night - hot water is cheaper at night *tip*).  Speaking of washing - don't forget to submit your hint to have the chance to win one of three Bosisto's Eucalyptus Packs ~ details are here -->  <Click here to go to the Giveaway post> 

OK ~ going now...

and I bitch about Husband's procrastinating habits and poor time management... *grins*

The Bounty of Barter

Hello chickens ~ sorry for being quiet.

I have been so busy after a super week of bartering, scuppering and trading - now stewing, freezing and bottling the 'fruits' of my adventures.  Oh - and eating them!  And I thought we were going to struggle not being able to budget for any food shopping this week. Heck - we had enough to go and get the chookies some grain today! $20 for 30kg of grain and 5kg of grit to help keep us in eggs to barter with! 

Because we have not had to spend (say) $50 on the fruit and veggies we've received, we free'd up cash to spend on items we can't trade through a retailer. And put money on the VISA to bring that monkey down even further. Along with the marked down meat and staples I've been buying, I've worked out we are feeding ourselves on about $1 per head per day and it's not 2-minute noodles! We've enjoyed eggs on toast (funny that!), a Chorizo, Zucchini strudel, Banana Bread, Apple and Rhubarb crumble and will have Chow Mien, Tuna Mornay and Pepper Steak as part of this weeks menu. Here are some of the yummy scrummy good food we have enjoyed, along with an approximate costing of the entire dish.

The Zucchini-Chorizo Strudel

Serves 4 - cost us $2.50

1/2 a whopper zucchini - Free 

(or 3 supermarket zucchs)

1 onion, chopped/diced - Free

2 gloves garlic, finely chopped - free

1/3 cup brown rice (makes one cup cooked) - 40c

1 cup grated cheese (I used 2/3 tasty cheddar, 1/3 parmesan) - $1ish

1/3 cup chopped chives - Free

3-4 chorizo sausages, cooked and sliced - $1.51 (or 100g pkt slices)

3 hard boiled eggs, halved - Free

1 egg, beaten - Free

Poppy or sesame seeds to sprinkle on top

2 sheets shortcrust pastry - 50c

Oven at 200C or 180C fan-forced

Greased, lined baking tray

Grate zucchini and squeeze out all excess liquid.

Heat pan with a little oil, soften onion and garlic

Add zucchini, cook and soften/wilt

Take off heat and stand to cool - drain off excess liquid

Add cooked rice, cheese and chives

Combine and add salt/pepper if required

Put the pastry sheets on the tray, over lapping by 2-3cms for length

Place sliced chorizo down the centre of the pastry - leave an 8cm border all around

Spread half the zucchini mix over the sausages

Lay the boiled eggs down the centre of the mix

Cover with remaining zucchini mix

Bring pastry up to cover - a bit like a strudel or sausage roll

If going for fancy, first cut the pastry at 2-3cm gaps on each long side

Fold the ends up over the mix and then criss-cross the side pieces over the mix to enclose it

Brush the pastry with beaten egg

Bake in the pre-heated oven for 30mins, or until golden brown

Stand for a few minutes, slice and serve

The Apple and Rhubarb crumble

Served 4 - cost us about 90c

Crumble ingredients

1/2 cup plain flour - 50c

1/3 cup brown sugar - 50c

1/2 cup oats - 50c

1/2 cup coconut - 50c

50g butter - 25c

Combine the first four ingredients

Rub through butter until like bread crumbs

Store in container in refrigerator for use

Will be enough for 4 x 4 servings of crumble

Stewed Rhubarb and Apples

2-3 apples, peeled and chopped - Free

3-5 rhubarb stalks, cut in 2cm pieces (NO leaves) - Free

1/4 cup brown sugar - 35c

1/2 cup juice (squeezed an orange) - free

splash of vanilla - 10c

sprinkle of cinnamon - 10c

Put it all in the pot, bring to boil and simmer until the fruit is mushy

Pour the fruit mix into a baking tin - I just used a loaf tin

Top with crumble mix (not all of it - about a quarter of the mix)

Bake in a med/hot oven for 15-20mins

Serve with cream, ice cream or custard

I've put the Banana Bread recipe on Facebook - just to share the love - but this is what it looked like. We had it for dessert one night, after school munchies, take to school munchies and I had a breakfast or two with this and a shake or coffee. All up - we got about 12 big slices. And I had requests to make it again!

A little about ME

I must say I do feel a little better than I have the past few days. Pain levels are definitely higher than I've felt for a while, but its not controlling me for once, the brain is a little clearer today and holding thoughts is a little easier. Sort of ~ I think I am out of practice on that side of things *laughs* I have a new found understanding, tolerance and admiration even for those on narcotic recreation drugs who choose to stop using ~ prescribed narcotic and opiates as pain killers are not much different and the withdrawal experience is really crap.

In the days of old, I would have been prescribed a pain medication called heroin. Because of its addictive properties and adverse effects, heroin stopped being used for medicinal pain relief. When I was in hospital post op, tripping off my nut on ketamine - often referred to as horse tranquiliser - the nursing staff commented a few times how much easier it would be if I could have heroin for a few days instead of other chemicals. Regardless, it was not available, and now I am experiencing the same type of withdrawal and hating every moment. Too often I have just wanted to say bugger this, put a patch back on, pop a few pills and relax in the foggy bliss ~ I can see why this is so hard.

My very clever friends have been reiterating to me just how strong they believe I am - how hard this must be to go through on top of other life struggles and today I think I can believe them. I am truly blessed to have the support and care and understanding of such people ~ no 'pseudo-professional' know-it-alls bringing me down, no-one making me guilty for focusing on me, suffering injustices through jealousy and making it all about them any more. Some losses hurt more than the back pain, but this too may heal - in time.

A good friend, Haych, sent me a little note saying: "You're stronger than what you think you are." In the past, I would have pooh pooh-ed that ~ today I reckon she's right. Thanks Luff - you rock!

And now I shall scoot and get dinner underway ~ peppered steak, steamed broccoli, honey'd carrots and something with silverbeet! Feeding friends tonight - should be about $6-$7 for the four of us. Beat that Mickey Dees - four for less than the price of a McValue Meal!!

Chat soon xx

Food Glorious Food

I am feeling very pleased and proud of myself!

Yesterday I was up nice and early - a great change from most of this week - able to get lunch made while eating breakfast, feed the chooks, take MudGuts to appointments and bake banana bread. Bit of a big day on the activity front, especially considering Wednesday's canteen fun had me wrecked! But it didn't stop with that!

Had a call from school to say he is fine, however SmallBoy has had an accident on the playground. After the heart settled, I was told he was sitting on a stair railing and fell backwards. Once I picked my stomach up from the floor, I learned he had missed the bitumen, missed the tree stakes and landed on the tan bark - on his head! He's grazed his arm, his back and his leg - and while everyone's concern was for his head, his main issue is the guaze bandage stuck to his underpants. Boys!! Still he is hurting but with a mate over for a sleep over and the school fete on, he's been a trooper.

The school fete was a blast ~ caught up with so many mums I've not seen for the past 2-3 years. Well, I might have on the odd occasion, however I've not got a huge recollection of specifics from the past few years and actually found it hard to remember names to faces to children. A few helped me along ~ some were great in noticing that I stand upright now!

Friday's Bartered Delights
Bartering eggs for fruit and vegetables has not only supplied us with some beautiful cherry tomatoes, celery, silverbeet, zucchini, squash, oranges, walnuts, rhubarb, parsley, cabbage, potatoes, onions - it's also allowed me to meet a very like-minded couple who mourn the loss of neighbourhood friendships and interaction. SmallBoy and I explored their delightful garden - meeting the rabbits and guinea pigs (who provide manure), the cats and dogs (who catch rodents), the worm farm's occupants, a cockatoo - and the amount of variety of vegetables they have and the abundance is truly magnificent!

F+G also share with their neighbours - exchanging between each other there is seasonal fruits and the box of goodies we received was mind-blowing. I said as much and almost felt two dozen eggs was not enough ~ especially knowing apples are up at the $12pkg mark, cabbage almost as ridiculous in price. I've only been looking at marked down produce when I do shop and have been truly stunned by the dramatic increase. It's ludicrous ~ and only reinforces my desire to have our garden producing and able to contribute to the local 'co-op'. I'd so love to share garden on our block - strangely others seem to feel they would be ripped off putting in effort with someone else.

We reminisced about the times when people kept an eye out for each other and the kids, knew each others' names and which child belonged to whom. Where the rule was be home by the time the street lights come on. Gone are the days a kid could walk out his drive with a cricket bat in hand, meet another kid with a tennis ball and find another group of smiley faces to pool together a haphazard cricket match in the side street or down someone's driveway. With a bin at one end for stumps and a garage door to aim at - who needed a wicket keeper!  Remember 'over the fence, you're out'? And then the batter had to get the ball if it did go over the fence.

Bigger, Better, Faster seems to be the desire of so many ~ all I desire is Appropriate, Operational and Cruise-y. *sighs* While standing in their wild, meandering vegetable backyard ~ we all reminisced and felt decidedly old...



Free Stuff 


Free YATES Vegetables
http://www.yates.com.au/vegie-challenge/autumn-2011
YATES is having a great competition and challenging everyone to plant some veggies, report how they grow and receive votes to win a share of $2000!  Sign up, register to enter the challenge and pick a packet of free seeds to get going. There's heaps to choose from - carrots, peas, cauliflower,

SmallBoy is mad keen on the idea and has selected Brussels sprouts and cauliflower to grow - this IS the child who requested lambs fry for his 'special' birthday dinner so this is as I expected. He did justify his choice with "well you've got carrot and pea seeds, you've got beetroot growing, I don't like beans and we haven't had Brussels sprouts for AGES!" Whatever floats his boat!!

Free NESTLE Baby Food
https://www.nestle.au.simplicitycrm.com/editors/content.aspx?config=sample-request-form-cerelac
Infant Cereals are the ideal foundation of a weaning diet. Each serving provides important nutrients needed to support baby's growth and development. Awesome to try - if you've got a baby. Or maybe even for the animals...

40% off at Spotlight
http://www.spotlight.com.au/exclusive-coupons/e14-spend100/
Spend $100 or more storewide and get 40% off ~ for all those Spotlight addicts (and I know there are heaps out there), this should get your haberdashery juices flowing!! It's even including items already on sale! Got to the link and print out the voucher ~ this one ends on Tuesday 22nd March 2011

Rossi had a secret

Tripping through Tuesday

No ~ I didn't fall over...

I'd like to say there was no spending today but it is more realistic to say there was no unnecessary spending. Anything purchased was necessary. Petrol was an urgent requirement ~ $10 in the tank to ensure we get SmallBoy to and from school for the week. It's a 20km trip each way and unfortunately not connected to any bus route. Ce la vie ~ it is how it is.

With the start of the new school term there have been some expenses which needed to be finalised today. The biggest one was for the required NetBook ~ $130. Egad is the second word that came to mind - the first is not fit to print *grins*  As much as we had hoped to stall this payment, SmallBoy needs to using his NetBook from tomorrow and this cannot occur without payment. That ol' rock and hard place ~ so we 'borrowed' from the rates money and will replace it from the family payment on Friday. Also required was $55 for the Grade Six bomber jacket. If we had not ordered it last year, this would not be due. However, obviously as it was ordered it needs to be paid. Boy am I glad we got the rest of his uniform for under $40 at the car boot sale last year ~ saved over $180 getting everything for summer and winter, aside from the winter jacket. Hence the need for the Bomber Jacket.


Cheap Eats  

Tonight's dinner was scheduled to be baked potatoes but we've only got enough spuds for two meals. I've been a little 'creative' and using frozen sweet potato wedges - a free packet from McCains. On top I've used one serve of spaghetti bolognese and added kidney beans, cumin, a little chilli and made chilli con carne. A dollop of sour cream and its a yummy scratch dinner with left overs for toasted/Breville sandwiches tomorrow. Sadly, we are out of sour cream but delicious regardless.

SmallBoy is not one for new tastes, so with eyes closed Husband asked him to take a bite of the McCain's Sweet Potato Chips and guess what it was. First guess was carrot ~ said with a wrinkled up nose (because he doesn't like cooked carrot) ~ and when told no, he took another bite. This guess was pumpkin ~ another dislike. He was surprised it was not pumpkin either and said he did actually like the chips. So we said it was sweet potato and eating the chilli con carne with sweet potato chips was no struggle at all. Ahh McCains ~ you've done it again!!

The chilli con corne was easy to make ~ and uses a basic mince used for spaghetti bolognese or savoury mince.  Once every month or two Husband or I make up a big bulk mince using 1.5-2kg of mine, 2 onions, 4 cloves garlic, 800g tin of tin tomatoes, two scoops of tomato paste, beef stock, 6+ bay leaves, a heap of herbs and, once cooked, this divides into three or four portions for the same number of meals for 3-4 people.

1 portion basic mince
1 tin of kidney beans (drained)
1 tsp cumin powder

1-2 tsp fresh chilli (jar or two fresh chilli pieces)

I like to add a few spoonfuls of hot salsa to get the extra chilli kick, but while we acclimatise SmallBoy to the joy of hot, spicy foods, this version is mild enough for SmallBoy. This mix is yum over potatoes, leaving enough over to have on toast for lunch.

Other bits 

There's been heaps of night-crawlie activity with the up and down weather. It seems the rain, then heat, more rain and warm humid conditions has created a perfect environment for all sorts of bugs. I've no problem being inundated by crickets, bright green flying bugs, even the daddy-long-legs haven't sent this arachnophobic into a tizz. But the mosquitos are giving me the irates!!

With all the mozzie repellents on the market you'd think there was something on the shelf to allow a good night sleep and deter the buzzing torpedoes from falling from the ceiling to hoe into our poor tender flesh...  No so far!  We've used Rid, Avon and good ol' Areoguard and still we wake up eaten. Poor SmallBoy seems to be the mozzies favourite fare.

Simple Savings - my source of all things cheap, effective and less impacting on the environment - has suggested items like the Dettol Anticeptic no-water hand wash to deter the biting bandits. But at $6 a bottle on special, I looked at the ingredients and have made up a solution which really works a treat for half the cost. 

Using an old deodorant pump bottle, mix 50ml of sweet almond oil or another light nut oil, 10ml of dettol type antiseptic, 10ml of eucalyptus oil and the same amount of citronella oil and shake well. It doesn't stain clothes or the bed linen, is light on your skin and has kept bugs away for the entire night. Brilliant!!

Give it a go and if you find it a success, a little donation into the Spare Change Jar would be a wonderful thank you *grins* Oh we chip, chip and sweet potato chip away at debt bit by bit!!

Holy Guacamole

Hubby could not believe the increase in 24hrs...

And Barney Banana...

The flow on effect * pardon the pun* of the QLD floods and tropical cyclones has already impacted the price of fruit and vegetables ~ and I don't think it is going to get any better. In the space of a day, bananas have gone from $1.99pkg to $5.95pkg! I heard that bananas were going to be limited, held back from the shelves but these were the same bananas which were on the shelf the day before, just a little less green. Should have bought more during the week like I usually do, especially if they are green. I was reading the Liberal's blog ~ no idea why but I was ~ and it said fruit will be rising by 14% and vegetables by 21% this year. If only!! I see the current rise as about 200% and would assume this is going to effect capsicums, eggplant, mangos, sugar and other produce as well. No brainer really...

No Shopping for a Fortnight
Down to the last of the cereal ~ SmallBoy has enough WeetBix to have tomorrow and then we will use porridge for breakfast. I love porridge! Nothing better in the morning than oats with a milk moat and some brown sugar sprinkled on top. We've got two bags of no-name oats to use so there is no need to worry about ducking to the shops to spend. I've got muesli, but the menfolk aren't that keen unless it can be put into yoghurt and eaten like a crunchy mix. No yoghurt so that's off the menu at the moment.

The roast was delicious. The gravy it made was scrumptious so tonight's pie is going to be a treat. I'll use the last of the fresh veggies (because they all look a little sad and wilted but you don't see that in a pie). It's going to be yum. No spending is going well ~ nothing has been bought since Thursday, and most of that was for the cats.

Left over lamb roast pie

Left over lamb roast
1 cup left over gravy
1 cup Broccoli and cauli
1/4 packet of frozen veg
2 sheets of frozen puff pastry
Wholemeal plain flour
25g butter
* Note that all amounts are approximate

Chop the fresh veg into teeny pieces, not floret size - smaller
Boil the kettle and put the fresh veg into a microwaveable container with about a cup of boiling water. Do not discard the water. Cook the veggies for about 2mins on high.
Remove container and add frozen veg into the container to defrost (and add flavour to the veggie water)
Cut the cooked lamb roast into little pieces, 1cm or smaller, and put into a pot on the stove.
Drain the water into a large cup and add veggies to the pot
Add butter to the pot and turn the heat on med-high to melt
Cover vegetables and meat with wholemeal flour, mix to combine
Put some hot vegetable water in with the left over gravy, mix through and add to the pot
Add the remaining vegetable water (half first) until the mix is thickened
Defrost the pastry and line a pie dish with one sheet
Fill with pie mix and cover with the second sheet of pastry
Cook in the oven, around 200C until pastry is golden

I try to use the minimal amount of dishes and utensils because I hate washing up. This uses a pot, a microwave container, a pie dish and a mug. Oh, and a knife and mixing spoon. You can grind the meat in a food processor if cutting it up is too fiddly. Cutting the veggies up really small means every slice will contain lots of everything - if you use large chunks be prepared to cut them when eating. The water used to par-cook the vegetables is full of flavour. You've got it - use it. A little mint sauce or seed mustard goes well in a lamb roast pie. There is no need to add salt and pepper if you use left over gravy which is seasoned enough - especially if you made it using the roast meat the night before. If you brush milk or water over the pastry before baking it makes it extra golden and crisp.

A few fresh strawberries from the garden for dessert will go down a treat ~ the bush is going nuts due to the rain and heat, so many rosy red berries and they are so sweet. With a scoop of Weiss berry ice-cream and that's a divine finish.

Dishes in the washer and that's it for the evening ~ SmallBoy is in bed, grumbling because its still light out ~ its time to sit with a Baileys and rustle up some chocolate. There must be something chocolate in the pantry ~ there is always some in there, somewhere...

Pantry Poopers....

Always read the label...

Dinner last night was delicious, however in trying to add variety to the diet I used a packet of noodle chips as the base for the Butter Pork curry instead of rice. Both Husband and SmallBoy had not been impressed and eaten everything but the noodles saying they tasted funny. Having no sense of taste thanks to this stoopid cold/flu lurgy ~ I ate on with gusto.

Bad move... at least I can't complain about being 'bogged up' for quite some time! OK ~ not going to go into too much information, but I didn't think dried noodles could go 'off'. This packet did have a 'best before' date (as I discovered sometime around 630am when getting water after the third visit to the loo) and I should have looked before hand. It's not a good idea to go with something with a best before 2006 when it is 2010. Unless it is wine. Wine from 2006 is particularly good now it is 2010! *grins*

Today Husband mowed while I got more clothes sorted. Boy oh boy ~ how many clothes does a family need?? Not as many as we have ~ that is for sure!!  There are three sets to the sorting ~ things we are wearing, clothes to store for winter and stuff that can be sold either on eBay or at the garage sale for $1. Lots of $1s will make for at least $500 - the school uniforms SmallBoy has outgrown should account for $20 or so ~ goodness we are hoarders. No ~ goodness we were hoarders. No more ~ it all must go!!

Low Spend / No Spend 2011

We are all in to keep costs down as low as possible. Anything found for less than the budgeted amount will continue to go on the credit card first. It's a killer. SmallBoy has asked if his pocket money of $10 per week can be given as $5 in the hand and $5 in the bank. As we have been able to spend less each fortnight than our income, we feel if he does his chores and helps out around the garden then he should receive pocket money each Sunday. It was brilliant he wants to get savings together and his 'online' bank account is set up waiting for the first payment on Sunday. Just the clean up in his bedroom this week is worth the reward/pay ~ plus he has been emptying the dishwasher and helping with the chooks without quibble or delay.

There are so many areas we plan to lower our spending to increase the payment amounts going on bills, the credit card and the mortgage. It seems Wednesday is a bit of an illogical day to try and do the budget wrap up - especially as we receive income on Fridays and set the menu and budget for the fortnight over the weekend. So updates on the financials will be over the weekend, in readiness for reading bright and early on Mondays. This should make it less of a chore and more of a weekly review of our successes!

Earlier in the blog we set some ideals we hope to maintain. You can see those plans in the 'Notable Posts' section in the first post. This was more in the work in progress stage and as the months have progressed these are taking place or getting sorted. Other areas we are making 'the norm' for the next 12 months include: 

• Menu plan based on what needs using and specials 
• Bake each week to avoid the need to buy snack foods 
• Buy specials, meat and grains in bulk 
• No clothes or shoes unless from op shop 
• Freeze leftover vegies so they don't go off in the fridge 
• Set a 'birthday' present budget 
• No new appliances ~ source through Freecycle if required
• Plan car trips to limit quick shops/stops ~ walk to the supermarkets
• Heating/cooling on extreme weather days (rug up or strip down as required)
• Be eating 3 meals from our garden by end Jan
• No shop takeaways 
• Use up all the half bottles of this n that
• Home made cleaning products only 
• No books/magazines - hello library

With the pantry opened up and laundry cupboard empty, there will be plenty of places we can organise and store things that can be used up before we need to either buy or move to home-made varieties. Yes ~ if it is food, the date will be checked. If in doubt, it will be thrown out. I never want to feel this lousy again!

On Simple Savings there are lots who are planning a low cost or no spend 2011 ~ one thing we are not doing is buying and storing in advance. Mainly because we don't have the money to do so but also because it feels a little like false economising. If we had a spare $300 to spend in preparation it would go on meat, the garden or a dumper bin. As we don't ~ well, it ain't gonna happen *grins*

Enough for tonight ~ feeling drained in all senses of the word *pun*
The support through comments here on the blog and FaceBook, especially these last few weeks, has blown us away. I don't think we can thank everyone enough for the cheers! Hope you continue to join us on our journey.  Next year (hehehe - as in Saturday, tomorrow...) Mands on a Mission is going to have its first competition. More about that later.

Spontaneity

May the angels keep you till morning. May they guide you through the night. May they comfort all your sorrows. May they help you win the fight. May they keep watch on your soul. May they show you better ways. May they guard you while you're sleeping. May they see you through your days. May they show you new hopes. May they still your every doubt. May they calm your every fear. May they hear you when you shout. May the angels keep you till morning. More than this I cannot pray. And if the angels ever fail you. Then may God be there that day. ~ my reading from the angels

One of those funny things you try along the way ~ more a note to say we are here and it looks like the outstanding moneys is to be finalised.  Not as expected, but to end the heart-ache and feeling of being used we will accept the offer of 50% ~ it is what one does to move on.

Big day of appointments, meetings and I am going to do some volunteer work to refresh my administrative skills so that over the next 12 months when Husband returns to work I too can undertake paid work with recent experience.  Plus I've always wanted to do work in Child Services so this could be an eye-opener.

No money spend, no savings made ~ but we did have the most delicious meal tonight using 'dead' veggies, 1 chicken breast and rice.  It was almost like a gado gado ~ peanut satay sauce but better.  Mmmmm ~ so no takeaway, no spending, no angst!

Well done to us ~ and we shall chat tomorrow...

Happy Birthday ~ here's some lambs' fry

We ate strawberries ~ delicious ~ more coming!! 

Last night SmallBoy left 10 behind in his sleep and was up this morning more alert and earlier than usual - as an 11 year old ~ time just flies.

Finally his Birthday Day has arrived. Thought he'd be up for hours to come last night with the way he was brimming with excitement. He has been like a jumping bean, bouncing all over the place ~ just could not find a box to contain him! 

He went shopping with NannyD on the weekend and got some cool clothes, a figurine and, because he knew it was coming for his birthday and he wanted to show NannyD, he got his penny whistle as an advanced present - only because the bouncing had already started.  There was a particular game for the Wii he has been wanting, asking for to the point of nagging. We had it, plus a new controller so he has 'his own' now.  Plus clothes and some collectible spoons - he has a great collection going, this set had a place with his name in it so that was a bit special *laughs*

We had offered SmallBoy his choice of meal for dinner - hoping not to be lumped with a KFC or Maccas type order. Oh yum *not* It's the kind of food when you see the advert on tellie over and over, then think gee its been ages since we've had that - sure there was a reason, but not exactly what - we have finally got to the point of remembering it just doesn't taste that nice. Not when we are used to our secret herb and spice mixes. 

At eleven, well he's not really up to remembering what it is about the fast-food which makes it so not worth the excitement of the get it over the counter and the wrapping.  But no.  SmallBoy requested, and got, lambs' fry with bacon and onion, roast pork crackle without the roast and a coffee flavoured Birthday Cake with mocha icing.  So that is what we had! Even MudGuts has left feeling not just sated, but on the cusp of full. 

What is with the price of offal and off-cuts?  

Can you get over how much is charged for pork crackle and lambs' fry these days?!! Used to get 3 for $1 and the pork fat free! - now it's $4-$6 for some rind and a lambs' fry can set you back well over $3! Any way - none of the supermarkets visited, for the sole purpose to get a lambs' fry and pork crackle, had any available. So bit the bullet and saw an old friend who is a butcher.  He is such a gentleman, funny and caring. He asked how the back was, I asked how life was treating him - mentioned this was the SmallBoy's choice ("better than pizza an' half the cost") ~ bought 3 lambs' fry for $3 and a how to freeze, defrost lesson, then 3 slabs of crackling for free and another lesson in freezing, defrosting to use.

There has been a little spending ~ but it has covered all the birthdays for before Christmas, and a lot of Christmas itself!  Impressed ~ spent $100 at the op-shops and most of the clothes are still tagged so not even worn. There is some of the clothes for SmallBoy (birthday and Christmas), MudGuts, a t-shirt for Husband, me and some of the nieces and nephews. Spent $103 and got 34 items of clothing in excellent condition. 

  

 

There have been a few gains as well - eBay sales are up to almost $100 toward to the credit card. There are sales that ended last night and have been invoiced and paid today - so off to the mail tomorrow. Mystery shops have been undertaken - Sure its $10 here and $25 there - but that's how we got into debt with a little here and some more there, so the reverse seems to have a better outcome! *beams*

Apologies for the scattiness of the updates this week ~ we've had some awesome storms, a little flooding and it's all been all over the place. Even now we are getting the most amazing lightening display from afar - you can hear the thunder rumbling in the far off - not sure where though, it's that far away. Tried to take pics but its too far away so Husband and I have been standing at the back fence, just enjoying the show.

I never posted last weeks ramblings of the Daily Update ~ had it ready to go but didn't in the excitement of the audit result no doubt. *grins*  So it is below and we are back into the swing of the daily report.

Until tomorrow ~ here's all that catch up stuff from before the audit.  You may have already seen this :D

The week that was ~ and a bit...

Wednesday 24 November 2010

Well, hello...

As you've probably discovered we are back online and mobile with a lot of catching up to tell. The last entry was Thurs 11 Nov ~ almost two weeks ago. All that newsy waffle is on the main page ~ bit about the daily stuff here. Ahhh ~ accountability ~ how I have missed thee :D

Today there was a shop at the supermarket, which gave 8c off on petrol, desperately required. The last shop was on Saturday 13 November - its a long time between fresh fruit n veg. The grocery budget allows $100pw.  The total spend was $110.62, however we got everything we had budgeted to buy - including meat, dairy and a magazine!! *gasps* If we had paid full price for our shop, it would have been a $152 shop. The weekly shop for 33% off.  Plus the docket saved $5 on petrol - laughin'...

Took the fax to the Salvos Community Centre and had the additional pay details, doctors' notes and other rah rah the 'capitalisation hardship application' required. There are several agencies that offer similar services - if you ask, are polite, patient and grateful for the service provided. You can even get a free loaf of fresh bread if you go in at the right time ~ sometimes special grainy types, raisin toast or crumpets! Bonus!! *grins*  One thing less for the shopping budget and not the 'basic plain white' variety! Seriously, have you seen the price for a loaf of bread these days???

What an exciting experience our Mission is turning out to be ~ *our Mission*

Sure love to see some coins in the Spare Change Jar (up on the left - under the 'Home' tab) ~ *the Plug*

Thursday 25 November 2010

Still a little 'disorientated' - went to write Tuesday, then 1967 - back in the 'now'.

Today we had an OHS manual handling course to attend as part of our community service for unpaid fines. Sadly, I was out at lunch time ~ sitting was painful, standing was tiring and kneeling just looked wrong. Plus the painkillers had worn off and, likely tomorrow was not going to happen, I was asked not over-do it today. Took a call from the lender about our application and clarified one issue - its in the process of review now, hopeful of a good outcome.

We had a park in the metered bay - paid $2 for 2hr, got 4hrs on the meter covered. Saved $2.  Took thick buttered slices of banana bread made earlier in the week, left over stirfry to share. Yummy and cheaper than the 'city' cafes in walking distance from the training room. Saved $10-$15 on lunch. Drank crappy instant coffee in a styrene-foam cup (Husband had tea) but it was there and it was free. There is no price on sanity gained from caffeine...

Using some of the marked down potatoes, the marked down steak, frozen green veg from a Salvo's food parcel, some of the marked down mushies and others 'herbs n spices' to make a beef casserole ~ a fabulous $5 meal to serve the three of us stuffed full! Had I thought about it earlier, it could have become a pie - but I didn't so it is beef casserole and mash.

The news tonight indicates Centrelink payments through the NAB will not be getting moneys on time tomorrow. At least one payment goes to the other bank connected to our mortgage so we can cover payments due Monday/Tuesday. Panic, stress and/or anxiety attack averted ~ we know we have funds available and the rest will be coming. This will affect MudGuts however, as we about to sit and discuss/plan his Christmas financial status and requirements this weekend, the timing is very good.

Spent $4 on parking.

That's it... Pretty good, hey?!

Planning ahead a little, keeping costs low ~ *Our Mission*

Got a spare 50c, see how far we make it go ~ *The Plug for your spare change*

Friday 26 November 2010

Shhh ~ listen : ~ *hear that?* ~ lots of BIG rolling Thunder...

*grins* Love a good storm! Woke up at 6am to a glorious sort of day through the curtains ~ contemplated putting a load of towels in the machine and decided to read until the 730 alarm, and dozed off at about 715am. Throws you out of synch when you dream you're already ready - to wake up and discover you're not!

SmallBoy has a new favourite sandwich filling ~ ham and sauce. As we still have 2-3 tins of canned ham ~ this is a good thing *cheers* Had a 'second' bowl of cereal, got organised for hydrotherapy and fell asleep. Lucky really ~ I was woken by wall-shaking thunder and torrential rain pelting from the sky above. That "gee I wish we had another water tank" kind of storm. Really massive with the rain almost to the door.

Spent no money today but will need to get grain for the chickens. Also need to give each of the neighbours a dozen eggs, just got some more cartons!! If it is not raining over the weekend, we might put an "Eggs 4 Sale" sign out and aim $40-$50 from a dozen dozen eggs ~ and 'make' three little roosters into two plumb, plucked roasts and one for the pot. If Skippy continues to be a dork, we might get two for the pot and have enough feathers for a pillow *chuckles*  As if...

Can't provide all the financials as the NAB has had a 'glitch' and pays/payments processes are delayed. The Carer Partner Allowance has gone in and payment into the Line of Credit transferred straight to the NIVA. Hopefully this will stop and repay to LOC when the NIVA limit is lowered. Don't know what is where for the VISA as its with NAB and its had a 'glitch'. Not stressing or concerned - everything that needs or might want covering is manageable until Tuesday and beyond even. But we have every faith things will be all balanced by then. It's not really denial when there is nothing to deny!

~ Can't fix it until you know where it is broke ~ can't know until its seen, fixed and updated ~ can't get anxious if I don't see a problem ~

The $30 question then is, do we use what's in the pantry and make a tuna mornay or do we not deny ourselves the ability to slurge on take-away 'like we used to' from the Green Parrot Fish and Chip shop. Do we enjoy an hour of delicious tastes at the expense of a day's mortgage payment. We'd rather not spend it but transfer the money available and accessible in the bank over to the bills debt.  It's still early enough to change our mind and go the take-away, but for now we are getting ready to make Tuna Mornay and rice for dinner. And this is how we reduce our 'normal' weekly outgoings to free up to make actual reductions through increased cash available for repayments. *re-reads slowly*

There is a very powerful tip hidden in that waffle!

'Chip'ping away at the debt every day, being creative and sending tips your way ~ *our Mission*

You can use PayPal or Account Transfer to add funds to our Spare Change Jar ~ *the Plug*

Saturday 27 November 2010

Today we spent ~ bought grain for the chookies, but didn't get the 'Eggs 4 Sale' sign out long because it didn't stop raining. It was a mess of black marker in no time.  We also spent a little on some nice steak when getting dry cat food, oil and dishwashing tabs. Just under $50.

Lots of woe, angst and anger at the banks for the stuff up on pay transfers ~ we're ok and know where all our cash is(not) for transfers, debits and such. Not panicking at all thank you. :D  All is good.

Sunday 28 November 2010

Nothing spent today. Actually have the whole week menu planned against items already here in the fridge, freezer and pantry. Too easy. Hoping to 'find' a cabbage because there's been a hankering for chow mein, all we need is a cabbage but we don't really need it enough to warrant a shop.

Went wading through the garage to find items for eBay ~ Tupperware galore people! Might just stick to getting the items that pay up good than clothes where you can hit or miss. Don't mind people getting a good score because it means its gone, along with one of the zillion post bags kept for 'just this type of occasion'. So OVER clutter!

Not much more to tell ~ still no access to payments from Centrelink via the NAB but so not stressed. We've decided we will dip into the emergency funds, but that's what they are there for and it will be repaid in full when deposited.

Monday 29 November 2010

Bill payments made today ~ and no need to transfers funds from the emergency account as our Centrelink payment is now available and accessible via the account. Yee-ha! We didn't need to use it, but we have a valuable emergency money plan that works. Transferred $250 to VISA debt ~ because we can and its there now. Not using funds set for groceries for the last few weeks and any shops were under-budget allowed it *grins*

Moving into the routine of 800am to 400pm of daily activity on a productive, proactive side ~ be it the mess, finances, de-cluttering, the garden, clothes, stock-taking, focussing on different rooms ~ with a nice after-school family time balance before getting into the dinner preparation and homework time. Getting closer to eating at 630pm - we had omelettes tonight and SmallBoy was eating his before 700, Husband at 7pm and myself just after.

Sent the outstanding eBay sales ~ had fun sticking on stamps! Love the 'entertainment'. Was a real pain being off-line and not having information at hand. Husband is taking pictures of items to post up. Only the iPhone for now ~ he will email them to me to upload to eBay and list for sale. Aiming for an early night ~ bit pooped!

Reducing our outgoings free'd up more to pay the debt down ~ *our Mission*

Welcoming contributions in the Spare Change Jar or bid at eBay ~ *the Plug*

Tuesday 30 November 2010

Farewell Spring ~ you've blown lots of change(s) our way with the pollen and dust!

Today we spent ~ $3.20 on milk. It was needed because I had muesli AND porridge this morning ~ it's been a long day. Got the finer details for 'Bill's Budget in a Box' personal finance planning kit and now seeking guinea pigs to offer (say) $5 for the basic details to see if it works for them too. Got two one CentreLink payments giving it a go and by rights both can live under budget by $100 a fortnight - or more entertainment dollars as one girl realised very quickly and vocally!

In the garden, in the laundry and in the kitchen today - making good progress. And more stuff up on eBay! Hopefully we will get lots of action and good sales. It's good quality stuff and all brand new. Plus, on the main page, you can see the recipe and resulting Ice Cream Christmas Cake using one of those old cakes you got last year, or was it the one before? It all works just fine :D

Sharing our actions, giving you ideas to save or bring down the costs ~ *our Mission*

Hoping readers will give us Spare Change to help get our debt down ~ *the Plug*

*$^#*$^#*$#*$^#*$^#*$^#*$^#*$^#*

And here is where we had left you... :

*$^#*$^#*$#*$^#*$^#*$^#*$^#*$^#*

Wednesday 10 November 2010

Mwah ha ha ha ~ oh you need to read the main page!  Removed over $600 in monthly outgoings with only a few calls yesterday. Still running on the high of Tuesday's success!

Lots of appointments today and a crapping out of laptops so this is short, sweet and very late in the night (or early morning to be precise).  As we have no car at the moment although we hope to get it back tomorrow with a new (old) engine, getting around on public transport has been fun - I guess.  Thanks to a wonderful girlfriend, I did get a lift to some places a little on the too-far-to-walk side and SmallBoy was carpooled to and from school.  Hoping to get the printer printing tomorrow so all the bank paperwork can be completed and returned.  Arrgghhh - modern technology - great stuff until it craps out! *groans*  Will catch up with the Financial Report in the morning.  Until then...

Onward and upward (or downward for the debt!) ~ *our Mission*

Like us, follow us, encourage your parents to put 10c into our Treasure Chest ~ *the Plug*

Thursday 11 November 2010

Spent money on a few groceries today - $20.01 (but rounded that's $20 - saved 1c woo hoo).

Had no milk, barely got enough for the morning cuppa *pouts*  SmallBoy had enough for his weet-bix and that's the important thing!  Had a green smoothie for brekkie which certainly kept me satisfied and used up some of the not-so-pretty fruit and veg on hand.  Will post the recipe and pics so you can see what a green smoothie is. Trying to be a lot more healthy. We had baked beans on toast for lunch.

No spending on the car - yet.  Still not repaired however we have been assured we will have a car for the weekend, even if it is not our own.  Thank goodness for mechanics with loan cars!  Might even be a car less than 10yrs old which would be swish compared to the old Mazda!  If it is, we'll have to visit people and pretend we don't have a 30yr old beast machine.

Still doing the financial tally - while we cut the need to come up with $600 each month, its not really freeing up actual cash, more lowering the outgoings and getting closer to balancing against our incomings.  Husband might have a days work next week ~ this would be handy :D

Looking for the cheaper option everywhere we shop ~ *our Mission*

Hoping for a few Cafe Memories in the Treasure Chest this weekend ~ *the Plug*