Plum Crumble for almost nought

I got some plums from my friend, paid 34p for an orange, used a little flour, sugar, marg and vanilla essence.  Served it with cream fraiche and yum yum yum!

Woman of the Year

That's right at Slimming World last Wednesday I was awarded a certificate confirming I am Woman of the year for our group.

My consultant couldn't pick who it should go to, so the week before we all had to vote for the person that had inspired us the most.  I was so sure it would go to my friend I didn't wear any makeup - not feeling well that night!!

Then I was awarded with a sash, fluffy pen and a small bottle of rose.

Having had been down lately, it perked me up no end.  All I do is having reached my target (lost 2 and a half stone, on 10th March is attend and try and give others any tips and information which could also help them.

I really enjoyed the Rose mmmmmm

Knocked off balance and Back to Basics

Now I need to get back to basics.  I have felt bad about posting the fact I bought a new ish car.  I had an A class 51 reg and it cost be over 2k to keep it on the road last year.  So in  May yes May its taken me a long time to get up the courage to blog about this, I decided to get a mini.  I had been looking at them for a few weeks and the ones I wanted were 9k upwards.  Why a Mini well I wanted a BMW okay okay not frugal you might say well I had researched the 3 series and it is one of the most reliable cars on the road.  Now my husband has one - an old one and he is still paying off the loan so please please dont think we are loaded so I didnt want to get one too.  So I decided to get a Mini which of course is made by BMW.

We need a car each as I have to go to Court to represent clients and husband doesnt work within walking distance and it is cheaper to drive than get the bus.  I have to have a newish decent car as I use it so much for my job.

I found a mini I liked at 7.5 k okay it wasnt my perfect idea of a mini and I know there are cheaper cars but I researched and mini's too are reliable and last an age.  I want this car for at least the next 10 years.  This is my fourth car,  first was a citroen AX ( P reg) cost £450 sold for £450, second car Fiat Punto (P reg) bought £900 sold for £750 next the A class cost 2900 part exed for 1700 against the mini, put a few hundred down and got a 5k loan.  I know I know I spent weeks thinking about getting a loan.  I have the money in a bank account to pay for it but I though I would get a loan and pay the balance of in a year or so.

I managed to get 12 month warranty for my car so fingers crossed no probs.  Loan is over 4 years and is about £120 per month.  On paper this looked easy to afford but my husband is now struggle financially so now so am I. 

Our money is separate and I might have spare cash the only debt I have is the car loan but he has a car loan of 5k and 9k of debt.  I do have a student loan but have saved a few hundred in readiness for when that becomes payable and of course its a low interest rate.

My husband is not good with money and the last few months unbeknown to me he got a few bank charges because he went over his limit when he thought he had had enough money in there.

So he has not been able to put as much money in the "pot" as it were which has been a strain on me.  He is thinking about getting a job delivering takeaway one night a week to raise extra cash for the CC debt.

I on the other hand am looking at going back to basics from every day items to being careful setting a Christmas budget. This week I have struggled financially with the shopping and have had to rely on coupons such as 30p off Warburtons brown loaf.

I almost feel that although we are earning a decent amount and I havent had to struggle for a while, I have a low mortgage etc, that I am now have to watch every penny.  I am never going to take it for granted again and I will watch every penny.

I havent been able to go to Zumba which I started at only £4.00 a week - I am not moaning, I dont want sympathy its my own darn fault.  I am not in dire straits I am trying to point out that no matter how good you are with money no matter how much you think and research about buying something new that you need something could happen tomorrow to knock you off balance.

Sorry for long post.  I am sure most of you will think I am cracked!!

Struggling

I am struggling with everything at the mo.

Food shopping seems to have increased as has petrol.

I have a few problems with a certain member of my family - say no more.

Work is a bit of a hassle too. 

Weather is carp lol.

Beam me up scotty - off to look at some inspirational blogs not like mine lol xx

Zumba - Aerobic dance craze

Today I went to my first Zumba class.  I thought it would be like any other class whereby you learn two new moves a week and then put a routine together. Was I wrong.  We did about 5 routines and it was fabulous.  Didnt really learn any moves just danced and felt totally rejuvenated at the end of it. 

Have a look at this!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf0q6qtThF4

No word of a lie the first routine was one of the ones we did today.  There was no pressure to be an expert just to have fun fun fun.  Expensive?  No!  Just £4.00 a session!! Give it a go.  Some say you can lost 1000 calories a time but then who knows.  I certainly perspired the whole time.  Although energetic it doesnt feel like it as its so enjoyable.

Tired! Feeling sorry for myself

I went to my sisters 30th last night.  It was a very good night.  I really enjoyed it and most importantly so did my sister.  Had a bit to drink.

Feel sorry for myself today.  Work tomorrow and not looking forward to it.  Not one bit.  Does everyone feel like this from time-to-time and if so how do I shake myself out of it!!