It's like being stuck in limbo at the moment, as I'm waiting on benefits to be processed, I was pretty much told I need that in order before proceeding with social housing, because of banding etc. Plus I've been really ill which has held things up. I'm lucky my brother has been helping a lot. I'm sorry for complaining. I should really focus more on the positives.
He's such an amazing Dad, he really is. We're both aware that we compliment each other with our strengths. I'm big on budgeting, I'm big on organisation, continued education. Where he does the physical stuff. Although tonight he looked at different stuff he does, we spoke about what we could reasonably ask DS to help with at his age, so he does more for his pocket money and money that goes into his savings account. DD can do some bits, but she is still quite young.
After I posted the last bit, I became quite unwell, it was suggested and insisted that I take a bath with his help, which redeemed things slightly. He's been in a better mood since, he said that sorting the garden this weekend has left him with back ache, so that could explain his bad mood. I feel so fresh from having a bath, it's helped with the pain I was in. It's that sparkly shiny feeling, it's lifted my spirits.
We're careful not to argue in front of DC's, I'm rather stoic, although when alone I have moments when it gets overwhelming, I break down.
I feel sad it hasn't gone how I expected, at the same time I know it's a lot to deal with. I'm totally happy at the thought of it being me and the children, like my name, I don't think the fairytale dream will ever happen. I don't know if others parents were the same decades ago, but mine had terrible rows, screaming and all sorts, it was always upsetting for us. My experiences as a child, pretty much has created expectations on how my own children should be looked after. I don't know if liberal is the right term, but as well as the above, I don't believe in smacking, I don't shout, I believe negatives are to be learnt from.
Budgeting wise, I'd definitely recommend the Costco card, I think it's £25 a year. You can buy so much, one example is a massive block of goats cheese for about £6, when at supermarkets a small amount is crazily priced. Herbs and spices are really cheap, they have various offers on too. One thing that would save you quite a bit is planning meals, plus using left overs for other meals. So today DH cooked a roast, the left overs can be used for meals the next few days. I think all DH's lunches are covered, plus a couple of evening meals. There's still meat left over which will be turned into a curry or something we call Mediterranean stew, so meat, canned tomatoes, veggies, then serve with rice.
There's various shops that sell food on the verge of best before dates. They sometimes take your number and text what offers they have. Ask at your local shop or super market when food is marked down. There's lots you can freeze and defrost no problem. B&M, shops like that do various staples cheap. Chinese and Indian shops are good to get decent stuff, there's usually several shops in a city.
It sounds like it takes up a lot of time, but it's not a luxury we have, we manage fine, DH isn't always scouting for bargains. A big part is knowing what you enjoy, then tailoring your shopping round that.
I posted about a sandwich I made, a bit odd I know, but wondered what other peoples favourites were. I got a bit of money last week, one treat for me was this idea of a certain sandwich, I broke down the costs to show if you make your own lunches over works canteen, or shop bought lunches, you can save so much.
It's a habit from years back, I've said on posts about money, where people were saying oh so poor. It's your attitude to spending and life in general which can really help. I hear from DC that their friends have been here and there, where for a family outing you're looking at £40 to get into a nature reserve, where if you have a lake, nature trail, reservoir nearby, you get the same experience for free. I guess a lot of this has come from my childhood, where money was really tight, so the most random things provided entertainment.