Dear reader,
Blowing a gale here in Bucks. The trees are bent over and I am loathe to go out. We are here in front of the log burner watching Del Boy promise a "steak meal" to a refined lady!
I hope all is going well where you are and you are organised and prepared.
We have significantly cut back on presents this year. I have been working through our money for the coming new year and have added, multipled and subtracted and come to the conclusion that we are skint!
Our mortgage rate expires soon so we are hoping to get a better rate and use the extra money to pay our debt off quicker.
Look out for an extra frugal year from me next year as we are determined to give a really hard push to debt.
I always have a food read of Frugal Queens story when I need a bit of inspiration.
Speak soon,
FIB. X
Monday, 23 December 2013
Thursday, 19 December 2013
Wonderful Wednesday weigh time.
Dear reader,
A massive well done and WOW to you all for sending in your weights and losses. I'm amazed that at this time of year we all seem so focused. WONDERFUL.
I have just got in and done dinner after a 12 hour day at work so just a short post to say I WILL be replying to all your comments. Last day at work tomorrow so will be done at the weekend.
Also don't forget my new giveaway for a great book. You must be a follower of my blog and just send me a comment saying you would like the book and I will enter you and do the draw next week.
So everyone,have a great last day at work of that's you and don't drink too much if you are at the office party.
On a serious note, please, please make sure, if you are using mini cabs this time of year, that you only get in a mini can that you have pre booked. The driver will know your name and where you booked it.
If one pulls up and offers to take you-that is illegal. Is called touting and they are not allowed to do that and they know it. Not taxis which have a special number like a little plate with a number on or the black taxis that we know so well. There are some dodgy people out there who hunt around looking for tipsy girls this time of year. Please keep your wits about you.
X
A massive well done and WOW to you all for sending in your weights and losses. I'm amazed that at this time of year we all seem so focused. WONDERFUL.
I have just got in and done dinner after a 12 hour day at work so just a short post to say I WILL be replying to all your comments. Last day at work tomorrow so will be done at the weekend.
Also don't forget my new giveaway for a great book. You must be a follower of my blog and just send me a comment saying you would like the book and I will enter you and do the draw next week.
So everyone,have a great last day at work of that's you and don't drink too much if you are at the office party.
On a serious note, please, please make sure, if you are using mini cabs this time of year, that you only get in a mini can that you have pre booked. The driver will know your name and where you booked it.
If one pulls up and offers to take you-that is illegal. Is called touting and they are not allowed to do that and they know it. Not taxis which have a special number like a little plate with a number on or the black taxis that we know so well. There are some dodgy people out there who hunt around looking for tipsy girls this time of year. Please keep your wits about you.
X
Wednesday, 18 December 2013
Weight loss Wednesday giveaway
Dear reader,
I promised a giveaway of the Bottles of Fry Light, the one cal spray that Fry Light kindly sent for me to give to two of my followers and weigh loss Wednesday buddies.
The two names that were drawn out are Katie-Jane and Alison B43.
Please send me your addresses and I will send your Fry Light bottle.
I have just cooked dinner, Big Man is a fan of roast potatoes and I cook these with minimal fuss and minimal damage to my diet as follows. Par boil, drain, shake up, put on baking tray and spray with Fry Light. Cook until brown and crispy. Just like the regular way but very little fat.
I know next Wednesday is Christmas Day so I'm not expecting a huge weigh in day. I will use this week to try and cut back in preparation for the big stuff fest that is Christmas and Boxing days.
My next weeks giveaway is open to all, you just have to be a follower of this blog.
It is a book called, The Moneyless Man, a year of freeconomic living by Mark Boyle. It's a paperback book and I will post it anywhere worldwide cos I'm nice like that. I have read it and its very interesting. No so freeconomicly priced for a paperback as the original cost was £10.99!
Please leave a comment saying you would like the book and I will draw it some time over Christmas.
I will do a blog showing the winner a few days later so don't worry if you are too busy for blog reading next week.
Anyway, well done, keep going. If you stumble one day, start the next day fresh, don't give up. It will be worth it in the end. No more tight waistbands-that's what I hate.
X.
I promised a giveaway of the Bottles of Fry Light, the one cal spray that Fry Light kindly sent for me to give to two of my followers and weigh loss Wednesday buddies.
The two names that were drawn out are Katie-Jane and Alison B43.
Please send me your addresses and I will send your Fry Light bottle.
I have just cooked dinner, Big Man is a fan of roast potatoes and I cook these with minimal fuss and minimal damage to my diet as follows. Par boil, drain, shake up, put on baking tray and spray with Fry Light. Cook until brown and crispy. Just like the regular way but very little fat.
I know next Wednesday is Christmas Day so I'm not expecting a huge weigh in day. I will use this week to try and cut back in preparation for the big stuff fest that is Christmas and Boxing days.
My next weeks giveaway is open to all, you just have to be a follower of this blog.
It is a book called, The Moneyless Man, a year of freeconomic living by Mark Boyle. It's a paperback book and I will post it anywhere worldwide cos I'm nice like that. I have read it and its very interesting. No so freeconomicly priced for a paperback as the original cost was £10.99!
Please leave a comment saying you would like the book and I will draw it some time over Christmas.
I will do a blog showing the winner a few days later so don't worry if you are too busy for blog reading next week.
There have been some great starts this week and some brave people have shared their weight.Some people are starting on their first diet, some like me are starting out again. I made small changes last week and dropped 3 pounds. Small things make a difference as we know with money saving.
A lot of you are cutting down on bread and that is one of the things I did last week. I felt a lot less bloated. I had a few crisp breads instead of bread and I'm sure it helped.Anyway, well done, keep going. If you stumble one day, start the next day fresh, don't give up. It will be worth it in the end. No more tight waistbands-that's what I hate.
X.
Weigh in Wednesday week one.
Dear reader,
Here is the list of Weigh in Wednesday challengers. I have counted in 25 of us and have included a couple of you who will start in the New Year or after Christmas and some who already weigh in elsewhere.
It's really motivated me to know there are 25 other people out there doing this with me. I've had some great comments since I invited you all to join me and its nice to know I am not alone in wanting to lose weight and hopefully get a little fitter while doing so.
Anyway, here is the list and here is my weight..........I weighed myself last Friday when the scaled were brought back to life.
I was 14 stones and 4.4 pounds and this morning I am 14 stones and 1.2 pounds. For readers not in the UK, a stone is 14 pounds or 6.350 KG.
Pam-good life in Tydd
Here is the list of Weigh in Wednesday challengers. I have counted in 25 of us and have included a couple of you who will start in the New Year or after Christmas and some who already weigh in elsewhere.
It's really motivated me to know there are 25 other people out there doing this with me. I've had some great comments since I invited you all to join me and its nice to know I am not alone in wanting to lose weight and hopefully get a little fitter while doing so.
Anyway, here is the list and here is my weight..........I weighed myself last Friday when the scaled were brought back to life.
I was 14 stones and 4.4 pounds and this morning I am 14 stones and 1.2 pounds. For readers not in the UK, a stone is 14 pounds or 6.350 KG.
Pam-good life in Tydd
Rambler
VC
Katie-Jane
Highlandhearts
Maria
Emma Watts
Miss Piggy Bank
Jan
Helen Mortimer
Donna Scott
Welsh Poppy
Alison B43 (in the New Year)
Treaders
Trudie
Kate
Sue
Simplesligo
Donna
Bets
The silver bunny
Karen (after Christmas)
Angela@Tracing Rainbows
Eileen T
Rosie
Come on then everyone. Have you weighed yourself today and made a note? Are you brave enough to share? I will add a progress bar I think as I love them and they are an instant motivator.
I shall do the giveaway this evening at 2000 hours so everyone has had a chance to comment and weigh. I have two more giveaways lined up and will publish the new one tonight as well.
I am interested to hear of any festive recipes that you use that are weight loss friendly.
Can you do one little thing between now and Christmas Day to lose weight? Perhaps reduce the sugar you use by half a teaspoon, go for a daily walk maybe to see Christmas decorations, only use butter or spread on one half of the sandwich (bet you wouldn't notice) challenge yourself to eat one more portion of vegetables a day even if its carrot sticks or a tomato in a sarnie. I don't mean to preach as you already know all this I'm just trying to think of small steps that we can all try and maybe you can think of some for me too?
My running has made a huge difference to how I feel about myself. Yes, my calves are agony but I can now run 3 and a half minutes without stopping instead of the 1 minute when I started. I feel cleaner and fitter already and Big Man says my bum is firmer (but I reckon he's just saying that to have a touch)
Much love. X
I am interested to hear of any festive recipes that you use that are weight loss friendly.
Can you do one little thing between now and Christmas Day to lose weight? Perhaps reduce the sugar you use by half a teaspoon, go for a daily walk maybe to see Christmas decorations, only use butter or spread on one half of the sandwich (bet you wouldn't notice) challenge yourself to eat one more portion of vegetables a day even if its carrot sticks or a tomato in a sarnie. I don't mean to preach as you already know all this I'm just trying to think of small steps that we can all try and maybe you can think of some for me too?
My running has made a huge difference to how I feel about myself. Yes, my calves are agony but I can now run 3 and a half minutes without stopping instead of the 1 minute when I started. I feel cleaner and fitter already and Big Man says my bum is firmer (but I reckon he's just saying that to have a touch)
Much love. X
Monday, 16 December 2013
How much food?
Dear reader,
My first day off in 9 days. I have just got up. I slept 11 hours and didn't wake up once which is unusual for me.
Didn't have such a great food day yesterday. I had got over tired and over hungry as I hadn't been prepared.
I want to use these precious 2 days off to finish off Christmas shopping and then I want to sit down with a hot drink in front of the fire and do our budgets for the next year.
I'm thinking of a household bills account. Not the monthly bills as these are accounted for but the sneaky blighters that you forget. The chimney sweep, the boiler service that sort of thing.
My car has cost over £2,000 this year to have things done to it. (I know what I would have liked to have done to it! ) The trouble was, It would have cost me much more for another comparable car for the £2,000 it cost and once it was done it should be fine for many more years. One of the expensive jobs was replacing the cam belt which all cars need at about 80k or the engine just breaks.
Yes, that is the extent of my mechanical expertise-"breaks."
So of course there would be a car account.
My other budget accounts are being decided, I was thinking of gifts for birthdays, Christmas. There are not that many people to buy for but its still money to find.
The final one would be emergency account for, well emergencies.
I am still in awe of some other bloggers and how little they spend on food a week.
How much is right? I know we all have different tastes but I would love to know what you think is a sensible amount. Two people, no kids, no pets? We eat meat and lots of fresh fruit and veg.
What do you reckon?
Don't forget, weigh in Wednesday coming up and my giveaway on the same day.
X
My first day off in 9 days. I have just got up. I slept 11 hours and didn't wake up once which is unusual for me.
Didn't have such a great food day yesterday. I had got over tired and over hungry as I hadn't been prepared.
I want to use these precious 2 days off to finish off Christmas shopping and then I want to sit down with a hot drink in front of the fire and do our budgets for the next year.
I'm thinking of a household bills account. Not the monthly bills as these are accounted for but the sneaky blighters that you forget. The chimney sweep, the boiler service that sort of thing.
My car has cost over £2,000 this year to have things done to it. (I know what I would have liked to have done to it! ) The trouble was, It would have cost me much more for another comparable car for the £2,000 it cost and once it was done it should be fine for many more years. One of the expensive jobs was replacing the cam belt which all cars need at about 80k or the engine just breaks.
Yes, that is the extent of my mechanical expertise-"breaks."
So of course there would be a car account.
My other budget accounts are being decided, I was thinking of gifts for birthdays, Christmas. There are not that many people to buy for but its still money to find.
The final one would be emergency account for, well emergencies.
I am still in awe of some other bloggers and how little they spend on food a week.
How much is right? I know we all have different tastes but I would love to know what you think is a sensible amount. Two people, no kids, no pets? We eat meat and lots of fresh fruit and veg.
What do you reckon?
Don't forget, weigh in Wednesday coming up and my giveaway on the same day.
X
Saturday, 14 December 2013
Giveaway rules-you don't have to blog.
Dear reader,
Just to confirm, you don't have to write your own blog to enter my giveaway but you do have to follow my blog. I just meant, if you have a blog I like to follow my followers if you know what I mean. For this giveaway you have to be on the weight loss list too. Add your name, very gentle, very supportive.
Yesterday morning I had my best run ever. I can do about 2.5 minutes now and the distances of landmarks I am running between is getting longer. Like from the lamppost to Johns house or from the shop to home. I love shop to home as its downhill.
My legs are hurting today along the side of the shin bone. I also did my crunches and dips and was all done by the time Big man got up. I had left the house with him gently snoring.
I don't think he can actually believe I am running, he is impressed.
When I say "running" what I actually do is jog, very slowly, in a pair of old track suit bottoms and a hoodie. I feel like I have run a marathon and a minute feels like a mile. I look a right sight, puffing and panting and that's while I'm walking!
I am working over the weekend so will have done 8 days in a row. Can't wait for my two days off next week. I feel like I need it.
I don't like my work at the moment. I work for a big organisation who I don't feel value their staff at all. I'd love to do something else but the money is good and it's pretty secure.
My preparations for my frugal year next year are ongoing. I'm going to work all the money out on my days off so I know exactly how much we need to save per month. I absolutely cannot have this feeling of not being prepared for bills again.
I was surprised the other day. We were £126 in credit with our electricity bill. We were going to let it run a little longer over the winter but they refunded us straight into our bank account without us asking. Weird!
I was watching tv last night and I really, really fancied something to nibble. You know like peanuts or crisps. Both of which we do have in the house. I resisted so am feeling pleased with myself today.
I am getting ready for our weigh in Wednesday next week. To actually publish my weight will help me I think.
Have a great weekend. Don't spend too much at the shops!
X
Just to confirm, you don't have to write your own blog to enter my giveaway but you do have to follow my blog. I just meant, if you have a blog I like to follow my followers if you know what I mean. For this giveaway you have to be on the weight loss list too. Add your name, very gentle, very supportive.
Yesterday morning I had my best run ever. I can do about 2.5 minutes now and the distances of landmarks I am running between is getting longer. Like from the lamppost to Johns house or from the shop to home. I love shop to home as its downhill.
My legs are hurting today along the side of the shin bone. I also did my crunches and dips and was all done by the time Big man got up. I had left the house with him gently snoring.
I don't think he can actually believe I am running, he is impressed.
When I say "running" what I actually do is jog, very slowly, in a pair of old track suit bottoms and a hoodie. I feel like I have run a marathon and a minute feels like a mile. I look a right sight, puffing and panting and that's while I'm walking!
I am working over the weekend so will have done 8 days in a row. Can't wait for my two days off next week. I feel like I need it.
I don't like my work at the moment. I work for a big organisation who I don't feel value their staff at all. I'd love to do something else but the money is good and it's pretty secure.
My preparations for my frugal year next year are ongoing. I'm going to work all the money out on my days off so I know exactly how much we need to save per month. I absolutely cannot have this feeling of not being prepared for bills again.
I was surprised the other day. We were £126 in credit with our electricity bill. We were going to let it run a little longer over the winter but they refunded us straight into our bank account without us asking. Weird!
I was watching tv last night and I really, really fancied something to nibble. You know like peanuts or crisps. Both of which we do have in the house. I resisted so am feeling pleased with myself today.
I am getting ready for our weigh in Wednesday next week. To actually publish my weight will help me I think.
Have a great weekend. Don't spend too much at the shops!
X
Friday, 13 December 2013
Preparing for my most frugal year ever
Dear reader,
Early morning here. Was laying in bed thinking about how crap I was at running and was worrying that I am so unfit that I couldn't sleep and got up at 0600.
So now am unfit and tired!
Will do my run this morning as soon as it gets light and then it will be out of the way.
Am catching up on some blogs and everyone seems to be well prepared for Christmas.
We have had a huge cut down this year on presents. I have been know to go a bit mad and it's all too much especially when we are trying to pay off debts.
Big Man said to me last night that we just won't know ourselves when we are debt free.
We will be making 2014 THE YEAR when we pay off our debt or most of it anyway.
The most important thing I have learned from all your blogs, the tips we share and other forums is planning ahead. I know what's coming be it car insurance, tax, Christmas, house insurance, chimney sweep time. Therefore there is no excuse to not be prepared. I will make sure next year that I have all the money saved and stashed so its there. I can't stand having to scrabble around and get into more debt paying for things. I got seriously caught out this year with a huge repair bill for my car.
I will start by saving the council tax that we don't have to pay in February and March. That can be stashed away towards the insurances we pay.
Back to now and Christmas. We haven't any decorations save a twig tree with lights on it. We won't have any visitors as we go to my mums for Christmas. No children come here and as we are mostly at work we don't have anyone round for drinks. We sound like a right old pair of bah humbugs.
The shops were packed yesterday when I ventured out at lunch time. The card factory had queues out of the door but their prices are very good. 89p for lovely, large cards that would be at least £2.50 elsewhere.
I hope your plans are coming together and you are not too stressed.
Have a great day and weekend
X
Early morning here. Was laying in bed thinking about how crap I was at running and was worrying that I am so unfit that I couldn't sleep and got up at 0600.
So now am unfit and tired!
Will do my run this morning as soon as it gets light and then it will be out of the way.
Am catching up on some blogs and everyone seems to be well prepared for Christmas.
We have had a huge cut down this year on presents. I have been know to go a bit mad and it's all too much especially when we are trying to pay off debts.
Big Man said to me last night that we just won't know ourselves when we are debt free.
We will be making 2014 THE YEAR when we pay off our debt or most of it anyway.
The most important thing I have learned from all your blogs, the tips we share and other forums is planning ahead. I know what's coming be it car insurance, tax, Christmas, house insurance, chimney sweep time. Therefore there is no excuse to not be prepared. I will make sure next year that I have all the money saved and stashed so its there. I can't stand having to scrabble around and get into more debt paying for things. I got seriously caught out this year with a huge repair bill for my car.
I will start by saving the council tax that we don't have to pay in February and March. That can be stashed away towards the insurances we pay.
Back to now and Christmas. We haven't any decorations save a twig tree with lights on it. We won't have any visitors as we go to my mums for Christmas. No children come here and as we are mostly at work we don't have anyone round for drinks. We sound like a right old pair of bah humbugs.
The shops were packed yesterday when I ventured out at lunch time. The card factory had queues out of the door but their prices are very good. 89p for lovely, large cards that would be at least £2.50 elsewhere.
I hope your plans are coming together and you are not too stressed.
Have a great day and weekend
X
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