Looks like the credit crunch has finally caught up with us. Poor Owen got paid off from his job on Friday afternoon. It was just a case of the shop not making enough money, so they couldn't afford to pay him any more. It did come as a bit of a shock at first but we have been in worse positions financially and survived, I'm sure was can do the same again. So we've drawn up an action plan to cut our expenditure. Come Monday morning the Sky package will be cut to the minimum, Setanta sport will be cancelled, the phone will be on incoming calls only and we'll be shopping in Lidl and reduced to clear for our food. It doesn't help that the fuel pump in the car went on Friday morning and is costing £200+ to replace. Nor am I looking forward to telling Jenny the childminder. Grace just loves going there, and Jenny and her family are so lovely. I think I'm more upset about that than about Owen losing his job!!
I'm also planning to get the veg planted in the garden so we can supplement our diet with those later in the summer, and am going to get some "stuff" on eBay so I can fund the rest of the vivarium building without dipping into our day to day household money.
Am off to lurk Down the Lane now and get some frugal tips and motivation!!
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Sunday, 5 April 2009
Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Has it really been a year...?
Yesterday mum, Grace and I went to the graveyard to put flowers on my grandparents grave. We couldn't quite believe it has been a whole year since Granny Ross died, it has really flown by.
It was a nice enough day, not sunny but it was calm and the view across Larne Lough was lovely. Grace enjoyed the trip, she carried a pot plant and put it on the grave all by herself.
It was a nice trip, good to see the new headstone in place and the grave looking so neat now we've had the stones replaced and the surround cleaned. For anyone visiting from Down the Lane, please note that the conifer is tiny and in a pot!!
Saturday, 28 February 2009
This week...
I have just realised I haven't blogged in a week. Lots has happened this past week. We have a new child minder, Jenny. Grace starts with her this coming Monday. Unfortunately Maria just wasn't able to accommodate my shift pattern. Mum and I met with Jenny last Monday and she seems very nice. We also went to work to borrow some screens for a charity fashion show one of mum's friends is putting on. While walking across the car park, Grace waved at two of our regular golfers and said "hello" That stopped me and mum dead in our tracks - she's always said "hiya" before.
On Tuesday I went for lunch with Leigh and Joshua in Pizza Hut. We had a nice lunch - all you can eat buffet is always good!! and the babies had a ball playing together. Sadly got a phone call mid-way thought lunch to say that Grace wouldn't be able to go to Maria's for her last week because maria's mum had just died. Poor Maria was so upset, we took round some flowers and a card.
Wednesday I finally bit the bullet and went to my first gym membership meeting. I have been ducking them since I started the job because I really don't feel they apply to me much, but it wasn't as bad as I expected and I got a lot of support on various issues that have been causing me some worries. Grace learned to say "peeeeessss" (That's please for those of you who don't speak toddler!)
Thursday was an extra day off because Maria couldn't look after Grace. Went to Belfast with mum to take her to see the company doctor about her knee, then to Maloney's for lunch. Had a really nice lunch, and it was not too expensive either. 2 main courses (both definitely home made to a high standard and delicious) 2 soft drinks, 2 puddings (same high standard as the mains) 1 tea and 1 coffee came to £28 in total. I have paid more for a hell of a lot less, I would not hesitate to recommend it. And it was a very frugal lunch for me - mum paid because I drove her to the docs :)
On Friday we bought hot sausage rolls and a fresh cherry cake from the local bakery and took them up to Nana's for lunch. Grace had a great time feeding most of hers to the birds in the garden and generally entertaining papa. Clever girl also said "cake" and remembered the makaton sign for it that she saw on "Something Special" Worked the late shift, had a long and very interesting chat with David about my position here and what was worrying me. He has given me some very interesting food for thought. Grace was staying at mums, when I rang to say goodnight the clever girl sad "nee neeeeee" back to me :) So proud of her, she's getting new words every single day now. In the morning she had spilled a cup of cold tea over the sky+ box. She told me the TV was "bro-un" and when I asked who broke it she pointed to herself and said "meeeee" - let's hope she's always so honest LoL. Got home from work at 10pm, went straight up to spare room to hang curtains because Aaron and Nicola are coming to stay. Fell into bed knackered at 11.10.
That just about brings me to today - another Saturday in work. Next Saturday is my first one on my new shift pattern so I will be off - Yay!! Had a really terrible nose bleed earlier. So glad I am a mummy now - I had plenty of tissues and baby wipes in my bag, but still needed to get specialist cleaner to fix the carpet. Grace has been in to visit and get her weekly treat of jelly beans out of the machine in reception. She was all hugs and kisses - so nice in the middle of a dull day!! Aaron and Nicola are coming down later to babysit. We are taking mum and dad to Sozo for a meal to thank mum for helping out with Grace so much over the past month or so. I am looking forward to it - not been for dinner in Sozo since I was pregnant!!
On Tuesday I went for lunch with Leigh and Joshua in Pizza Hut. We had a nice lunch - all you can eat buffet is always good!! and the babies had a ball playing together. Sadly got a phone call mid-way thought lunch to say that Grace wouldn't be able to go to Maria's for her last week because maria's mum had just died. Poor Maria was so upset, we took round some flowers and a card.
Wednesday I finally bit the bullet and went to my first gym membership meeting. I have been ducking them since I started the job because I really don't feel they apply to me much, but it wasn't as bad as I expected and I got a lot of support on various issues that have been causing me some worries. Grace learned to say "peeeeessss" (That's please for those of you who don't speak toddler!)
Thursday was an extra day off because Maria couldn't look after Grace. Went to Belfast with mum to take her to see the company doctor about her knee, then to Maloney's for lunch. Had a really nice lunch, and it was not too expensive either. 2 main courses (both definitely home made to a high standard and delicious) 2 soft drinks, 2 puddings (same high standard as the mains) 1 tea and 1 coffee came to £28 in total. I have paid more for a hell of a lot less, I would not hesitate to recommend it. And it was a very frugal lunch for me - mum paid because I drove her to the docs :)
On Friday we bought hot sausage rolls and a fresh cherry cake from the local bakery and took them up to Nana's for lunch. Grace had a great time feeding most of hers to the birds in the garden and generally entertaining papa. Clever girl also said "cake" and remembered the makaton sign for it that she saw on "Something Special" Worked the late shift, had a long and very interesting chat with David about my position here and what was worrying me. He has given me some very interesting food for thought. Grace was staying at mums, when I rang to say goodnight the clever girl sad "nee neeeeee" back to me :) So proud of her, she's getting new words every single day now. In the morning she had spilled a cup of cold tea over the sky+ box. She told me the TV was "bro-un" and when I asked who broke it she pointed to herself and said "meeeee" - let's hope she's always so honest LoL. Got home from work at 10pm, went straight up to spare room to hang curtains because Aaron and Nicola are coming to stay. Fell into bed knackered at 11.10.
That just about brings me to today - another Saturday in work. Next Saturday is my first one on my new shift pattern so I will be off - Yay!! Had a really terrible nose bleed earlier. So glad I am a mummy now - I had plenty of tissues and baby wipes in my bag, but still needed to get specialist cleaner to fix the carpet. Grace has been in to visit and get her weekly treat of jelly beans out of the machine in reception. She was all hugs and kisses - so nice in the middle of a dull day!! Aaron and Nicola are coming down later to babysit. We are taking mum and dad to Sozo for a meal to thank mum for helping out with Grace so much over the past month or so. I am looking forward to it - not been for dinner in Sozo since I was pregnant!!
Monday, 16 February 2009
The Joys of Charity Shopping
This has been a hobby of mine for quite some time now. I LOVE charity shopping. I can;t walk past a charity shop without going in for a nosey. I know a lot more people are doing it now because of the "credit crunch " (whatever THAT particular soundbite is supposed to mean) but for many it's still something they just won't consider. Well, maybe they could consider some of the following.
It's CHARITY shopping. Whatever you spend is going to help a good cause. Action Cancer, African Children's Missions, Age Concern, Northern Ireland Hospice and Barnardos all benefit regularly from my shopping trips. Where would you rather your hard-earned cash went - to them or to line the pockets of another faceless multi-national??
But what if you like the clothes those faceless multi-nationals sell?? No problem - you'll find them in charity shops at a fraction of the price. My daughter wears Gap, Next, Pumpkin Patch, Rocha Little Rocha, Reebok and a whole load of other "brands" - all from charity shops. And I never see other children wearing the same as her because the clothes she's wearing are no longer in those shops - I like her being an individual.
This leads nicely into my next point. You find all sorts of little treasures that you just can't get anywhere else. I have a huge library of audio books that has mostly come from charity shops - a few came from car boot sales and eBay too. They are really cheap because they are on tape - I never pay more than £3 for a 2-tape story or over £5 for 4 or more. I also have some beautiful oven ware from the charity shops - I just can't find those lovely, deep casserole dishes anywhere else (You can see one in my previous post about dumplings!!) And you will never find the same thing twice, so every visit is just as interesting as the last.
Next, it's cheap. When times are hard (and that's a lot of the time these days!) you can cheer yourself up with a new pair of shoes for under £5, add on the extra feel-good factor of giving to a worthy cause AND it's guilt free!! It's great if you have a hobby. I have seen or bought wool, books, fabric, paints, beads and jewellery...no matter what your hobby you can do it on the cheap at the charity shops. Plus, you'll probably find books relating to your hobby too. There is even a charity shop near me which sells food. Anyone who can do 3 packs of chocolate digestives for £1 is alright in my book!! They also sell lots of tinned goods, and I get really nice spreadable butter there for just 80p per 500g tub!!
It's ethically sound, and green too. Send your old clothes, shoes, toys, household stuff etc to the charity shops and stop them from going into landfill! You can help the environment, a charity and your own pocket all in one go - how many chain stores can claim that??
Finally, it's a very social hobby to have. Charity shops tend to be staffed by volunteers who are very friendly and always ready for a chat.
I hope, if you have read this far, you will consider looking into your local charity shop next time you pass. Go on, you might just enjoy yourself!!
It's CHARITY shopping. Whatever you spend is going to help a good cause. Action Cancer, African Children's Missions, Age Concern, Northern Ireland Hospice and Barnardos all benefit regularly from my shopping trips. Where would you rather your hard-earned cash went - to them or to line the pockets of another faceless multi-national??
But what if you like the clothes those faceless multi-nationals sell?? No problem - you'll find them in charity shops at a fraction of the price. My daughter wears Gap, Next, Pumpkin Patch, Rocha Little Rocha, Reebok and a whole load of other "brands" - all from charity shops. And I never see other children wearing the same as her because the clothes she's wearing are no longer in those shops - I like her being an individual.
This leads nicely into my next point. You find all sorts of little treasures that you just can't get anywhere else. I have a huge library of audio books that has mostly come from charity shops - a few came from car boot sales and eBay too. They are really cheap because they are on tape - I never pay more than £3 for a 2-tape story or over £5 for 4 or more. I also have some beautiful oven ware from the charity shops - I just can't find those lovely, deep casserole dishes anywhere else (You can see one in my previous post about dumplings!!) And you will never find the same thing twice, so every visit is just as interesting as the last.
Next, it's cheap. When times are hard (and that's a lot of the time these days!) you can cheer yourself up with a new pair of shoes for under £5, add on the extra feel-good factor of giving to a worthy cause AND it's guilt free!! It's great if you have a hobby. I have seen or bought wool, books, fabric, paints, beads and jewellery...no matter what your hobby you can do it on the cheap at the charity shops. Plus, you'll probably find books relating to your hobby too. There is even a charity shop near me which sells food. Anyone who can do 3 packs of chocolate digestives for £1 is alright in my book!! They also sell lots of tinned goods, and I get really nice spreadable butter there for just 80p per 500g tub!!
It's ethically sound, and green too. Send your old clothes, shoes, toys, household stuff etc to the charity shops and stop them from going into landfill! You can help the environment, a charity and your own pocket all in one go - how many chain stores can claim that??
Finally, it's a very social hobby to have. Charity shops tend to be staffed by volunteers who are very friendly and always ready for a chat.
I hope, if you have read this far, you will consider looking into your local charity shop next time you pass. Go on, you might just enjoy yourself!!
Saturday, 14 February 2009
Feeling good today
Friday the 13th, however, lived up to it's reputation. Poor Owen had toothache, and after spending the whole day in agony ringing round dentists, we had to got to the emergency dental service at the City Hospital in Belfast. Humph. Emergency tell you off for not seeing the dentist then give you some pills that don't work service would be a more accurate description. Not only that, it turns out he has an abscess, poor thing, and he'll just have to take the anti-biotics and painkillers until a dentist can see him.
The day did improve considerably when I went to bed. No, not like that, get your mind out of the gutter!! I took my laptop up with me, and a nice cup of tea. My best friend JD was online and we had a good old natter for the first time in ages. It was so good to catch up with him properly, between me not having access to instant messaging for a few months, and work, and babies, and being several thousand miles away... it had been too long since we got a chat.
So I am in a good mood today. I have been missing JD a lot recently, it's been 3 years since we last saw each other. I used to be able to jump on a train to Dublin and go and visit him for a day or a weekend, and I've missed that - I can hardly have a weekend break in Los Angeles!! But our long chat last night reminded me that with t'interweb, LA isn't that far away. We can still stay close, just not geographically for a while.
Also I have my new shoes on. New shoes always lift my mood. These are black work shoes, but they have a little heel - I have not worn heels since I found out I was pregnant over 2 years ago - and a nice round buckle and they make me feel...well, more like me, I feel nice today. Nice shoes, nice hair, makeup on...I'm feeling good today!!
The day did improve considerably when I went to bed. No, not like that, get your mind out of the gutter!! I took my laptop up with me, and a nice cup of tea. My best friend JD was online and we had a good old natter for the first time in ages. It was so good to catch up with him properly, between me not having access to instant messaging for a few months, and work, and babies, and being several thousand miles away... it had been too long since we got a chat.
So I am in a good mood today. I have been missing JD a lot recently, it's been 3 years since we last saw each other. I used to be able to jump on a train to Dublin and go and visit him for a day or a weekend, and I've missed that - I can hardly have a weekend break in Los Angeles!! But our long chat last night reminded me that with t'interweb, LA isn't that far away. We can still stay close, just not geographically for a while.
Also I have my new shoes on. New shoes always lift my mood. These are black work shoes, but they have a little heel - I have not worn heels since I found out I was pregnant over 2 years ago - and a nice round buckle and they make me feel...well, more like me, I feel nice today. Nice shoes, nice hair, makeup on...I'm feeling good today!!
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Santa's coming!!
TONIGHT!!!!!!
how exciting - and he's coming on a real fire engine with real fire men - yippeee!!!!!
I am slightly apprehensive about it, as I have a feeling Grace is going to take one look at him and panic again - but it'll be a nice start to the festivities.
Unfortunately it also heralds the beginning of the most hectic 72 hours of the year!! I'll b eup at 6.30 tomorrow so I can hit Tesco before 7.30 - I might have a vague chance of escaping before new year!! Then home for a 10.30 video call from Owen's cousin in Australia. We're trying to set up a video call between Owen's mum and her brother Tommy on Boxing Day - she hasn't seen him in over 40 years. Then bake vegan cake for my best mate's present, pick up dry cleaning, visit an old family friend and pick Owen up from work at 3pm. After that it's home, showered and out to Nana's for christmas eve tea and pressies!!
Flip I'm getting tired just thinking about it, must go make a coffee and then start writing a shopping list.....
how exciting - and he's coming on a real fire engine with real fire men - yippeee!!!!!
I am slightly apprehensive about it, as I have a feeling Grace is going to take one look at him and panic again - but it'll be a nice start to the festivities.
Unfortunately it also heralds the beginning of the most hectic 72 hours of the year!! I'll b eup at 6.30 tomorrow so I can hit Tesco before 7.30 - I might have a vague chance of escaping before new year!! Then home for a 10.30 video call from Owen's cousin in Australia. We're trying to set up a video call between Owen's mum and her brother Tommy on Boxing Day - she hasn't seen him in over 40 years. Then bake vegan cake for my best mate's present, pick up dry cleaning, visit an old family friend and pick Owen up from work at 3pm. After that it's home, showered and out to Nana's for christmas eve tea and pressies!!
Flip I'm getting tired just thinking about it, must go make a coffee and then start writing a shopping list.....
Thursday, 18 December 2008
Homesick
I came back to work after maternity leave in early May. So it's been almost 9 months...and suddenly, today, i have started to get really badly homesick.
I found it relatively easy to come back to work at the time. I enjoy my job (most of the time!!) and I work with (mostly) nice people. I was happy to be back, and although I missed being home with Gracie I was fine with it...until today. And all I want to do is go home to my baby for kisses and cuddles and games and songs and...whatever we feel like getting up to.
I found it relatively easy to come back to work at the time. I enjoy my job (most of the time!!) and I work with (mostly) nice people. I was happy to be back, and although I missed being home with Gracie I was fine with it...until today. And all I want to do is go home to my baby for kisses and cuddles and games and songs and...whatever we feel like getting up to.
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