Merry Christmas (sorry it's a little late)

Merry Christmas to everyone - sorry it is a little late only I have been doing the usual Christmas stuff i.e giving presents, opening presents, Christmas Dinner and today a less than an hour dive round the Christmas sales - I know a lot of people do not find it acceptable on Boing Day but I live right in town, the shops were open so I went for it.  I did however, order from next on Christmas Eve already.

I bought some clothes - smellies from Boots with my points and some wrapping paper the latter as I am nearly out and for next year, I got it all for less than half price!!
Well I am now back in the Christmas Spirit and shall commencing eating shortly - although we have cut down already.

Every little helps just found this on MSE

If you work in an industry  listed on the link below and you wear a uniform (that you employers requires you to wear) you may be able to claim expenses, these can be backdated for up to 6 years.

 

EIM32712 - Other expenses: flat rate expenses: table of agreed amounts for 2004/05 onwards

www.hmrc.gov.uk

Liebster Blog Award

Imagine my surprise this evening when I found out that Ruth Kelly  has nominated me for a Liebster Award.  I would like to take the opportunity of thanking her - thanks Ruth x

Now the idea of the Liebster award is to spotlight up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.The word Liebster came from the German word for dearest.

The rules are; Copy and Paste the award on to your blog.

Thank the giver and link back to them

Reveal your top 5 blog picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blogs.

Hopefully your 5 followers will spread the love to their 5 favourite bloggers and so it goes on.

No 1 is Angela  at   Angela - learn something from her blog every day!

No 2  is SFT   at   SFT always an inspirational read.

No 3 is Miss Piggy Bank at  MISS PB - always having a good time whilst keeping an eye on her piggy bank!

No 4 is Mum's Simply Living Blog Mums Simply Living - always so creative - I often wish I was as creative as she is - some lucky gift recipients I trust!

No 5 is Sharon at SharonMac - has a very good sense of humour in the face of adversity.

Birthday Celebrations

As you know Friday was a dinner out with other Lawyers.

Me and my colleagues worse for wear - some official photos should be ready in due course:



Saturday I enjoyed a meal with the family which was lovely no pics as low lighting and the place was packed!

Sunday my sister and her OH took me to the Chewton Glen for afternoon tea



Im in the middle lol:

Nom Nom Nom!

And then in slightly better light:


Then here is me aged 6 ha ha ha:


Cool huh in Weymouth near where I live.

I met colleagues for lunch Monday for birthyday celebrations then yesterday OH took me to see Arthur Christmas followed by a Pizza Hut Buffet and finally a warm drink after further bout of Christmas Shopping which I am doing frugally!

I had a good week was treated by others for all event mainly OH other than Lawyers do!

40 today and Speech went well!!

After all the worry my speech went well.  I think the firm I work for were so surprised and pleased that it had gone so well.  I was before 250 Lawyers some local and one was Lord Phillips the most senior Judge in the UK and he was sat next to me.

I was in so many photos (which I will post when I receive them as we had a photographer) and I was so relieved at having done my speech I went into hug mode and yes I hugged the lovely Lord Phillips and some other Judges too!!

Now as it is my 40th today I will not stop long and will tell you all about my birthday surprised including my visit to the Luxurious Chewton Glen Hotel!!

Out of my comfort zone

Moved offices now.  Positives are that the staff already there were most welcoming.  My room is better, better facilities all round.

Down side is the office is furthe away and driving home in the dark in an unfamiliar area and some impatient person just sat on their horn as I could not get passed the car in front straddling two lanes - mainly in the left and I wanted to go right had I done what the person behind me had wanted me to do I would have been driving on the wrong side of the road.

I ignored them and did my own thing!

However, I may have mentioned that I am Chair person of the Bournemouth branch of Legal Executives.  I have been a member for a few years and felt that I should be more involved.  It is coming to the end but meanwhile this week is our annual dinner.  I have had a small part in the arrangements but I have to do a 5 minute speech this Friday evening at around 8-8.30 in front of Solicitors, Judges and Legal Executives!!  ARGGGGHH I am terrified.  As a lawyer I am not exactly shy on a day to day basis but a speech why did I agree to that.

Finally, I am 40 in just over a week - why did I agree to that lol - I didnt obviously!  ARGGGGHH!!

How do you keep warm?

BRRR its meant to be 0c tonight.  Was 14 c today. 

I have a thin throw over me from Lakeland purchased in a sale of course, and I am wearing fluffy slipper boots, and have just put on our electric blanket.

The heating has gone on against my will just now for half an hour as OH is cold.  We had a huge bill last year as although we changed provider to get cash back the cost rose more than the cash back.  We also had the heating on from September and OH used it as and when regardless of how cold it was i.e. it wasnt that cold!

We have only had the heating on a dozen times lately for half an hour so much much better.  In addition, we have changed providers again and although not the lowest, it was almost the lowest but the price is fixed until 31st December 2012 so although no cash back if it rises we won't be affected.  We will only be disappointed if it goes down but realistically that is unlikely if it does we won't kick ourselves it is just how it goes sometimes.

How do you keep warm and keep your heating bills down?

Just a quick post . . .

Thank you to those that offered me words of comfort on my last post.

I had a big case on at work which didn't help.  I have also had a lack of typing support which I was worried wasn't going to be resolved.  It still might not but had my appraisal today at work, was really really good and they will also review my secretarial support once I have moved offices.  Moving offices problem keeping my job and progressing my career.  We are being moved onto an Industrial Estate and I am sure it will affect business but it is not my decision.  I makes me feel really stressed.


Oh well  as management  keep reminding me  I got a job, better than average pay and a pension being paid into!

Keeping calm and carrying on! Beware miserable poster!

I am finding life tough at the moment, crying all the time, work is so stressful.

I get home and everything is dusty and it makes me more stressed.  There is always so  much to do.  How do you all cope.  I am funding it difficult to even get of bed in the morning.  I work all day little time for lunch then get home between 5.30 and 6.00 cook the dinner then that is me done it.  I have no energy for housework. 

Don't get me wrong our place isn't filthy or untidy but every where I look something needs cleaning. Last week I had to pull out the bed and hoover, now I can see it is dusty beside the Tumble Dryer , my skirtings are always dusty despite dusting them every week.

My home also needs doing up. 

Apart from my family I am wondering today what is the point?  What is the point of any of it?  Working, housework and sleeping that is all I do - why?

Welcome my new follower

Welcome Darrell_f6 to my blog. 

In fact hello to all my followers. Hope you all have a good week and save money.  I havent spent anything this week - yet lol that will change.

Water meter was fitted at last!!  I am so glad I save some money!!

Charity Shopping

Whilst OH is out helping friends with their fireworks I am at home today.  I have done some housework - work from work and charity shopping.


The latter I do have some difficult with as these days it is difficult to get a bargain but then I suppose the aim is to make money for the charity, although historically it was a place when those on a low income could go and buy items they needed.

I have decided to put back £10.00 a month for charity shopping as I need to tighten my belt not just because I need a new dress for our annual ball but I am not sure how much longer I will have a job.  I have been to two annual dinners (for different types of lawyers and in different areas) this year and used dresses and shoes etc I already owned.  As I am doing a speech and this may well be my last new dress in a while as I will have four and intend to use them for the next two to three years providing they fit.

Where I live there is plethora of charity shops about 4 near my work and 7 or 8 by my home.

I went into some of those near my home. I did not go into Oxfam as its not cheap and they do not set their clothes out into sizes.

I saw lots of items that I would have thrown out.  Some items I saw that I had given myself!

I spent the princely sum of £2.00 on glue dots for cardmaking and £1.00 on cards which were 5 for a pound - see below:

Not much of a haul but if you spend a pound a card its quite a good saving.

Happy Halloween!

I always feel that we are approaching the end of the year about now.  I hope it stays mild to keep our energy bills to a minimum.

the Best things in life are free . . .

Now and again I get a video message from my nephew (and godson) Macauley, it brightens my day.  I love him so much xx

Charity Shop - how much!

I work in a lovely little place called Ashley Cross although that is going to change soon - for another time.

There are four charity shops. Now there are two cheap, one not so cheap and one which is very expensive priding itself on quality!  Well today there was a black wrap dress not real name for £16.99.  How much?  It was black - a long time ago and bobbled.  It was not good enough to sell let alone for that price.  I do like a bargain but I will pay a little over the odds in the charity shop but gone are the days when you can get a bargain.  Why are they so expensive?  I must go to a bootsale soon although they are not always much cheaper?

Any tips to getting a second hand bargain?

P.S I must download more pics for blog!!

Meat-Free is cheaper!

I find meat free meals cheaper. 

 You can get chicken style quorn for £1.70 per pack and that can make 2 meals each for OH and I and more - with the rice. 

Fresh Quorn is 3 for a fiver in ASDA have a look.  I do not just buy quorn, there are other's for example, Linda McCartney!

It is good when Linda Mccartney pies are on bogoff that means pies are about 30p each!

I could not believe it when I saw two chickens for £7.00 today and they were tiny!  I would rather spend £1.70 (Asda) for 300g of quorn and do a veg chilli with frozen peppers or a stew both of which could do 2-3 meals each for OH and myself.

Meat is not cheap.  But do not think that meat free means just lentils and seeds try the meat free alternative. 

Free screening of the Help

I saw this in our Sense from Natwest released today!

I already have tickets for the following week from another source.  Be quick!

http://filmfirst.natwest.com/preview/

Poundland

I am so pleased, as although we have a "This is it", a 99p store and a pound stretcher we now have a poundland just around the corner.  I had a look yesterday and so many stocking fillers for a pound.  Themed socks, themed ties, quality diaries and toblerones and many more items.  Only problem is the store is small and temporary awaiting larger accommodation.

I live in a small town centre but we have so much Primark, two Sainsburys one at each end of my road, one is large, one small and small Tesco and through the way is a massive Asda, we also have an Aldi and other shops like Wilko.  It used to cause me problems wanting to spend but no more I am very good at buying what I need.  I live to close I can think about it and say that I will get it tomorrow if I really want it.  Bargains are easy I know the days they are and can pop out and get fruit like I did last week 40p for a bag of apples etc.

I learn when the sales are on and if I need something I will go if not I won't.

Gone of topic a bit!

Water Meter . . .

 . . . is going to be fitted tomorrow we hope, there may be one or two issues.  If they cannot do it tomorrow they may come back or assess us on the basis of what we use.  Hopefully that means savings of about £25.00 per month!!

Going away for a few days

OH has booked us into a Spa for a few days. It is my 40th Birthday present.  (Birthday not until December but this was only time we could get off together.)  Not cheap although it was done as OS as possible.  We got the third night free and we are getting a free fish pedicure.  The rest is in the package of which we get three treatments each all meals and classes.

So although it is expensive OH saved a couple of hundred pound.

Phone contract downgrade

OH gave me his iphone 3.  I love it.  I do not want the new iphone and I was paying £35.00 plus puer month for 3000 texts, 600 minutes and 500 mb.  Last month I used 92 texts 19 mb - as use wifi and about 9 minutes talk time - sad pants I know no friends.  I use email and we have landline with our Virgin package - which we have reduced recently. So for the above downgrade would go down to about £20.00 but after investigating further if I have the above but 250 mb it costs £15.50 and £1.00 per extra 100mb so I worked out that should I want the extra mb it would not cost a fiver.  I am currently very happy at the £20 per month I have saved!  I could have got PAYG as it hasnt been unknown for me to make a tenner last months but I am happy with this new arrangement.  I could not go lowed as it would be as above but without any mb and I need the mb.

On another note when I was in Scotland I bought some mouthwash for £1.00 for about 250 ml.  I have been looking around the supermarket to no avail.  I decided therefore to check Lloyds they had some Oral B from £1.29 to £86p which was better than the reduced Listerine 500 ml at £1.99.  My friend who I dragged along was amazed as it did appear cheaper than Wilko!

Fruit and Veg box

Recently, I signed up to a fruit and veg box with Abel and Cole.  I had a code to get a free box on my 4th so I thought why not.  Even though I am getting a small box your third box can be any size.

I got potatoes - having these today with my dinner - with the spinach and the carrots.  I shall use one of the onions.  We have been eating - the bananas.  I shall use the rhubarb and make a compote draining off any excess water for a cordial.  I also got Kiwi which I have yet to use and also got Tomatoes.

My OH then came back from my mum's after helping her out, and she had given us some Rhubarb and some green beens which we shall also have with dinner yum yum.

The small box was £12.99 with delivery and adding it up I do feel that it probably is dearer than going to the shop but to be honest it kept us from going for a few days so money saved in the long run!

Saving on essentials

This week we received our renewal for the car insurances.  We went with Admiral last year and took advantage of their multi-car discount.  Just before we receive our renewal we checked the internet incuding the comparison sites.  The cheapest was Admiral!

When we got our renewal we were suprised to see that our renewal beat the internet price.  However, a colleague had got hers down even further by haggling.  So I called up and said how my colleague had got cheaper insurance and I wanted them to better their quite - they reduced mine by £35 and OH's by £26!  We are so happy with that!

Also the water bill is £63 per month.  The same colleague told me that her bill was £38 per month by way of water meter. Now I have tried to get a water meter before and it was not possible however, they can fit one inside.  They are coming in the next few weeks and they believe that our bill should be £38.  Let's hope so.

Not a bad saving overall I would say and it certainly makes uo for my lack of payrise - although OH has had a significant pay rise and we have jobs.

£1.00 of voucher for popular magazines including Prima

http://www.natmagnewsletters.co.uk/CIRCULES/vouchers/MULTI/GH_HB_CL_PR.pdf

Enjoy for a pound cheaper x

Jumbles and Pom Poms, MeanQueen and Tracing Rainbows

I am still reading your blogs and others but I cannot comment in your comment box.  I can only comment on blogs when you click on the leave a comment link.

I wanted to say to MeanQueen that her post today made me cry x  Jumbles - I like the teatowels and final Tracing Rainbows - I love your posts I always learn from them.

I the meantime I have bought some more suncream this time factor 30 again just £1.00 each at Sainsburys.  Whilst I was there I not only got the bread I went in there for but a nice young chap reduced a lettuce BBE 24th to 30P - bargain!

Sun tan lotion bargain Loreal just a pound each!

I went into Sainsbury's earlier and on the bottom shelf I saw Loreal Solar Expertise - retails for £10.57 although it is not showing as reduced for £1.00.  They have factors 15 and 25 I only got two but they had lots.  I would have bought more but it barely shines here the sun and not going abroad this year so maybe next. 

I also got my hair product Phil Smith Extreme for curly hair -which retails for £4.09 each for two for £4.00 - bought four.  That is all that had last time I bought 9 tubes as they were just half price still have 3 left so until the next time.  I did used to spend £12.00 on redken but I needed two of those a month these are smaller and I use around two.

RIP Jon Egging

I took this from the Red Arrows website:

Red Arrow crashes

Red Arrow crashes

Back to news article list

MOD confirms the death of Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging of the Royal Air Force aerobatics team (The Red Arrows)

It is with sadness that the MOD must confirm the death of Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging of the Royal Air Force Aerobatics Team (The Red Arrows). Flight Lieutenant Egging was killed when his Hawk T1 aircraft - Red 4 - crashed around 1km South East of Bournemouth Airport at 1350 on Saturday 20 August 2011.

A full Service Inquiry into the details of the crash has been initiated. It would be inappropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident at this time.

Group Captain Simon Blake, the Commandant of the RAF's Central Flying School, said:

"Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging, known as 'Eggman', joined the Team as Red in the Autumn of 2010. A gifted aviator, he was chosen to fly in the Red 4 slot, on the right hand outside of the famous Diamond Nine formation - an accolade in itself being the most demanding position allocated to a first year pilot. Throughout his winter training and the display season to date, his professionalism, skill and humility have shone through.

"A true team player, his good nature and constant smile will be sorely missed by all. In such a close knit team, this tragedy will be keenly felt by his fellow team members, the Reds and all of the engineering and support staff, the Blues."

Air Vice Marshal Mark Green, Air Officer Commanding 22 (Training) Group, said:

"I first met Flt Lt Jon Egging in 2003 when I became his Station Commander. Even at that early stage in his career, Jon's professionalism, competence and ever present smile made him stand out from the crowd. Hence, his eventual selection for duties with the Red Arrows came as no surprise. His time with the Team was typified by the characteristics that were Jon's trademark: professionalism, enthusiasm for life and a willingness to help others that transcended all boundaries. Jon will be sorely missed by all those that had the privilege to know him; our thoughts and prayers are with Jon's family and friends at this tragic time."

Flight Lieutenant Egging, aged 33 from Rutland, flew the Harrier GR9 before joining the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team. Jon became interested in flying at an early age, inspired by his airline pilot father who used to take him 'down route', allowing him into the cockpit for take off and landing. Jon is survived by his wife, Emma.

He attended Southam School in Warwickshire gaining A-Levels in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. He was a member of 2028 (Southam) Sqn Air Training Corps from age 13. During the sixth form he was awarded a Royal Air Force Flying Scholarship and had his first solo flight in a Cessna 152 flying from Wellesbourne Mountford Aerodrome. Following a gap year spent working in the UK and travelling around Australia, Jon went on to read a BSc in Environmental Science at Southampton University. He joined Southampton University Air Squadron and was awarded a Royal Air Force Bursary in his second year.

Whilst at University Jon completed Elementary Flying Training with the University Air Squadron, flying the Bulldog; he went on to join the Royal Air Force in 2000. Selected for fast jet training Jon flew the Tucano and Hawk before becoming a 'Creamie' Qualified Flying Instructor on the Hawk at Royal Air Force Valley, teaching both students and instructors. Jon went on to serve with IV(AC) Squadron - 'Happy IV' - based at Royal Air Force Cottesmore, flying the Harrier GR9.

During his time on the front line Jon was proud to support coalition ground forces when flying operational missions in Afghanistan. He has also taken part in exercises in the United Kingdom and America. As part of Joint Force Harrier, Jon served with IV(AC) Squadron on HMS Illustrious, flying training missions off the UK coastline. He became the Squadron Qualified Flying Instructor during his last year on 'Happy IV', making the transition to teach on the Harrier Operational Conversion Unit, based at Royal Air Force Wittering, in April 2010.

Defence Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, said:

"It was with great sadness that I heard of the death of Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging whilst performing with the Red Arrows today. He was a gifted aviator who was selected for one of the most demanding flying jobs in the RAF. Joining the Red Arrows was his lifetime ambition and he performed with great skill whilst on the team. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Emma and his family and friends at this terrible time."

Dr Emma Egging, the wife of Flt Lt Jon Egging said:

"Jon was everything to those that knew him, and he was the best friend and husband I could ever have wished for. I know that he would have wanted me to say something from the heart at this time. There was nothing bad about Jon. He loved his job and was an exemplary pilot. Watching him today, I was the proudest I've ever been. I loved everything about him, and he will be missed."

A red Arrow comes down!

Nearly every summer since I can remember the Red Arrows have flown in Bournemouth around now.  All through my childhood when at the beach there would be a special time when they would fly passed our beach hut.

A few years ago Bournemouth started hosting an air show on the Beach! But alas today one crashed at around 1.50 not sure if No 4 survived but let's hope so.  God Bless him and all of us life is a precious gift.

Shocked!

To find that my OH had 23k of debt but then he has saved himself money by consolidating again - without releasing money.

OH told me and I know it took a lot of him to do that.  He then drew up a budget and I made suggestions. I think we are going to have to tighten out belts - that loan has to go.  Between us we have a combined annual income of £54480, which I know is a lot.

Am excited it has taken year for OH to come to me!!

My work colleague

asked me to help her find the best credit card. I told her to look on Moneysavingexpert.  One of the cards was Tesco clubcard credit card.  She says it wasn't cool enough and she would have to hide it when she handed it over!  She much preferred the Barclaycard Platinum, nevermind the APR and other deals!  ha ha so funny!

Day 7

Was our journey home - well we went to Coventry stayed in a hotel and it was cheap and clean lovely.  However, we had an interconnecting room with some party hard teenagers, so not much sleep for us and we thought we had a room in a Country Hotel at a MS price (got a good deal) but we were in a block around the back.

Oh well the room was great and we had a sofa, and plenty of room and storage  Breakfast was amazing and so were the staff.

In the evening we went to Pizza Hut and got 2 for 1 using a voucher and free unlimited salad.  I always find the staff at PH but I felt really bad when I could only leave a £1.00 for a tip!

Next day we drove the rest of the way home.

End of day 5 and day 6

OOPs having gone through my holiday snaps today I realised that I had forgotten that we visited Floor Castle in Kelso.  Isn't this beautiful:

and the gardens:

Day 6 we went into Edinburgh again with the OH using the park and ride.

We looked around other parts this time we came accross this piece of art (this was removed later as it was concerned a risk if it rained and became slippy):-

We then went to look at the castle, this is me with OH and his brother Thomas:

Jessica's birthday

My daughter is 22 today. I cannot believe it!  We sent her a £100 for her birthday.  I usually give her £50 but she was short on money and was in danger of losing the flat she had paid some holding money for.  I do lend her money not much and usually want it back.  However, I had some put by and I thought she needs money for the flat she has very little furniture so if she owes me money it will be difficult. So I told her to keep the other. 

I visited her today taking cards and money from family, we didn't stay long as she is stgill unpacking.  She seems to grown up and the guy she is with at the moment, Aaron is really nice.  I am hoping he is the one.  She is doing well in her career as a high-end recruitment consultant and she has  been modelling.

Isn't she pretty:

Day 4 and 5

On day 4 we went to Edinburgh.  I loved it.  A city with hardly any traffic. 

Here is OH after we got off the bus from the park and ride: -( free to park and £1.30 each to the town centre. Although it is cheap it takes ages so not ideal really).

I was thrilled to see a piper:

Just opposite is a shopping centre underground and under that is the food section where we just has a subway - collecting points of course.  I then bought a Trepass waterproof jacket with an fleece, for half price (down from £75.00 to £32.50).

We looked in Austin Reed and French Connection who were having a sale but I didn't buy anything.

We then went to the National Gallery which was free here is me just after: - is was a cheap day out!!

Whilst we were out one of the owner's turned up and spoke to OH's parents for hours.  He suggested we make a complaint so we did.  The holiday company were very good and straight away apologised as the area manager was supposed to ensure we were offered alternative accommodation,  we were offered £100 and we were happy with that.  Only one morning were we disturbed as the digger started before 8.  It also stopped us from using the summer house.  Other than that it just disturbed out view!

Day 5 we went to Berwick - it was okay but I was a little disappointed (yes I know we were back in England again).

Here is the view of the sea when we went for a walk:

The sea was nice but the town not so nice.  We did have a nice lunch at the Youth Hostel which has a cafe open to all.  We discovered it as we went to an art exhibition - free.  We later had a nice coffee stop.

Kelso day 2 and 3

Well day on day 2 we decided to explore Kelso as we couldn't on day one as it was raining.  Kelso is rather unique is has cobbles.  It has a large cricket ground, a rugby pitch and it has a race course 

The race course houses a small market/bootsale on a Sunday.  We visited the market/bootsale and I bought a vibrating cushion for a fiver.  OH's dad bought a watch strap and a tobacco tin.  We then bought some trifle and cake nom nom not OS but hey we were on holiday.

On day 2 we went to Jedburgh.  The first thing we noticed was that parking is FREE!!  Then OH's mother bought us a treat - a cream tea.

We then went to Jedburgh Castle which was also free to get in.

Here is the Castle:

The bunting is due to a local celebration involving something known as The Riding Out (against the British).

He we are having a rest before we go in:

This is meant to be Mary Queen of Scots:

We then went to Mary Queen of Scots House which was also free.

We then went for lunch before going back to the cottage..

Posting comments!!

Now I can post on those that I can click comment however, if there is a box then I cannot!!  Oh dear what can I do.  I can for example post on FQ's post but not Mean Q's!!

Kelso - day one

We travelled to OH's parents on Friday 8th July.  They live in Northumberland so we stayed overnight and they accompanied us to our cottage.

We like to book at cottage and this is the second holiday we have had with OH's parents.  They are lovely.  Now its better that we do this together and we save half the cost.  It cost just under £500 and petrol was just under £250.  We paid for the petrol and the in-laws paid for the food.

Anyway we arrived at the Scottish Borders :

Here is OH:

He looks a tad cold.  Well a few minutes later, we left and saw lightning - I am terrified of it and there was the most terrible storm until we got to Kelso.

We had trouble locating out cottage because we were looking for a blue garage door as indicated on our documentation however, it was brown ha ha ha.

We arrived at the cottage very nice:

Only joking that is Floors castle ha ha ha:

Here is the cottage:

The owners were there to meet us, we had not come across a welcoming committee and I have mixed feeling about those.  We had a welcome package which was a nice surprise including bread, butter, garlic, wine, milk, herbs and spices and other bits and pieces.

We then got ourselves sorted, went shopping in Lidl very OS.

But then on our return we noticed:

 tTo see why we were so concerned see the link below re our previous holiday:

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/2454460.print/

Lets just say we were however, reluctant to complain as this was nowhere need as bad. However, they took down the owner's wall and we wanted to check they were aware they were aware of the work not the taking down of the whole wall.  They urged us to compalin as they had told the holiday company and although I will go through each day I will tell you that we got £100 compensation.

Holiday in Kelso

I have been back a week now yet I have been so busy and today I feel achy all over.  I will post about my holiday as soon as I can.

I would just like to say that Edinburgh was amazing, we visited twice!!

I have tried to comment on MQ's blog.,Tracing Rainbows and Froogs blog and it still won't let me anyone please help!!

Back from Hols and back to MS

Just a quick post, got back yesterday and have been busy with the washing, shopping and housework since.  I need to go through my list and check other bloggers posts.

We didn't blow the budget and due to the hol company not telling us about the building work next door we are getting some money back.

Will blog soon.

Justine

Yes please Mrs Bent

I cannot comment on many peoples blogs and I am fed up with it!!  grrr.  I wanted to post the above in response to the second Wimbledon comment and it would not let me do it.  So Mrs Bent please can we discuss your helping me x thanks Justine

Wimbledon - yes we did take a picnic so not all splurge

So I know it was a splurge but I must say we enjoyed Wimbledon very much. Firstly, we saved for our tickets and petrol.

Then we took Sandwiches and ate them on Henman hill (after we had a coffee - bought but reasonable price with out 4 cookies reduced at the supermarket to 35p):

Then we took our seats ready for the first match:

Match 1 was Robson and Sharapova:

Match 2 - Williams and Sanchez:

Then Match 3 - although it was rained off after the first set - Nadal and Muller:

We saved a small fortune taking our own sandwiches which cost £5.50 my husband tells me.  We did however, have strawberries and cream which was only £2.50 which bearing in mind where we were was not too bad.
Then we came home and the saving starts over again!! 

Wimbledon

Well it has arrived.  We go on Friday - Court 1.  Yes tickets not very OS but being OS meant that we could afford to go.

My husband isnt OS he does try.  For example, we got overcharged yesterday by 65p.  OH said (having gone home and found the mistake - although we only live opposite) what do you want to do?  He just wanted to forget it.  No matter it was my money.  This is why I have decent savings and he who earns £300 plus more than me a month is always skint!!  Anyone else in similar position.  I have offered to help him he sees it as an insult!!

Open Farm Day Sunday 12th June 2011

Just came accross this, see link below - should be a farm in your area - enjoy yourself.  Some farms have tractor rides, stalls and see how a farm works.

http://www.farmsunday.org/ofs/visit/findfarm.eb

Weekend with the family

Yesterday afternoon my one of sister's daughter's has a little party down the beach. Friends and family had good fun, a little paddle, a little frisbee and a little refreshment bliss.

We went to his beach known as Alum Chine:




Then today I went to my sisters and had some sandwiches and a chat.

I didnt bother much with the housework just cleaned the loo, out a wash on then dried it, did a bit of ironing and dusted the bedroom.  I love family weekends.  Shame my daughter wasn't around she was visiting her paternal grandmother and her dad.  Will catch up with her soon.

Before I go I am having trouble commenting on blogs - blogger wont let me!!

Dye it!

Every year I have to buy a new pair of black linen trousers from Next at the pair from the year before has faded, whilst my white ones go on and on.

I went to buy a pair and at £20.00 each I think they are a bargain as I wear them all the time when I briefly told my story to the cashier and she suggested dying my old pairs.  I have two pairs one my sister gave me last year and a pair I bought.

I bought some Dylon in Black and hooray back to black.  So next year I may save myself £20.00.  I know perhaps I neednt have bought the pair I did buy but as I say I live in them in the summer when not in shorts etc. 

I do not think I used the exact product above and I did have to add 500g of salt.  I should have also got rid of the scale in the WM as that was the only problem in relation to cleaning afterwards.  The recommend you run an empty wash afterwards.

Hooray my Approved Food items have arrived!

I got a text as usual to say it would be here at a certain time and it was.  All safe and sound.

Such a big box and well packed:

And here is the contents all for just under £25.00 plus about £4.95 delivery.  We saved lots over £50. Some were luxuries namely the flapjacks and the sweets.  Only a couple of items out of date or close to date some have a long life.  So after all that I am very happy!!

Still no products from Approved food

So my order was due before 10 a.m.  At around 9.20 I received a text telling me my order would be ordered between about 2.40 and 3.40.  I called AF and they investigated.  DPD (the delivery company) said their system was down.  However, my order would be delivered by 10.30 as the courier had been re-routed.  So come 3.30 my order was delivered however, it was in a right state covered in pickled onion smell and the driver told me it was ruined.  He said he thought someone back in the delivery centre had slammed it down and the pickled onions had smashed and ruined my order.

I phoned AF they said they would re-arrange for a Tuesday delivery however she emailed me their contact details and they are not answering the phone and the emails are returned as no longer in use.

I have warned AF if there are any further problems this will the last time!!  I have emailed them to arrange delivery. I know so many people are satisfied, I dont think its AF its the delivery company!! I will update further in due course.

Bowling

We had so much fun.

We didnt win - here is team 1. I am the tall one, husband is the one with lack of hair next to me, the others are Michelle another family lawyer and Rob who owns a boat business and Laura a legal secretary at the firm I work at:

Here are Rob and Michelle posing:

 Oh here I am looking gormless:

Finally, the lovely Laura:

I havent been bowling for years.  We have three near us!!

It cost £10.00 for two games a meal and a drink.  We had such fun!  Most of us got a strike.  I got two in a row!