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Cost of living

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Savvy savers sashaying through September

999 replies

ememem84 · 04/09/2021 09:27

New thread. All welcome.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
15
Lovemaltesers · 25/09/2021 13:56

I know this won’t be helpful martha but we’ve had unwell people only test positive on their second PCR. If he’s ok, I think I’d crack on with life though

Lovemaltesers · 25/09/2021 13:57

What is the lft saying now?

marthasmum · 25/09/2021 15:33

Cheers love that could make sense. I think he is LFT neg now though (getting confused with who has and hasn’t tested for what!) it just seems odd that three of our household have positive LFTs and symptoms at the same time, if that isn’t COVID.
tayto sounds like you’re doing lots of autumn organising and also getting out for some treats, good for you.

Unescorted · 25/09/2021 16:11

Afternoon.

Happy Belated Birthday MiniEm - the party sounds fab & the cake & balloon are amazing.

alfie it doesn't let up for you atm does it.

Martha fingers crossed it is a quick turnaround. All the guidance is so confusing I would struggle to know what to do if we had a LFT / PCR/ Symptoms.

I have another 4 days of parent sitting - DDad is now bed bound and needs help in the shower and with the toilet. All I can say is nappy changing skills are like riding a bike. The frustrating thing is that my M&D have been offered loads of help with personal and domestic care... but they keep turning it down because they "don't want to let the side down".

I may have treated myself to a new set of watercolours. They arrived this afternoon. If I start swatching them what is the chance my DDad / DMum will need help with something.

Lovemaltesers · 25/09/2021 17:23

I feel frustrated for you unescorted that they turn down help, as it would make your time with them better

moimichme · 25/09/2021 18:47

martha That is very odd. I saw a MN thread possibly in the coronavirus area that had a similar issue, of multiple positive LFTs and then negative PCR. They were speculating that it might be a bad batch of PCR tests. Let's hope not!

Unescorted I know what you mean about not having a car and the cost of public transport/taxi. We got a taxi home from DH birthday dinner. But at least it's not an every day expense!

NSD for me today, although DH bought ds an ice lolly at the park - it was surprisingly warm and humid earlier.

Not sure I'm looking forward to meeting the new students on Monday. At least my dept staff are being sensible and wearing masks, even if that no longer appears to be official uni policy. Confused Ds already has a cold and a cough after his first 2 weeks of school (negative LFT though).

ememem84 · 25/09/2021 19:26

@Taytocrisps

Popping in to say 'Hi'. I've done a quick catch up and will be back later to comment on your news.

Having an expensive month. I had an eye test (been putting this off for months) as I badly need a new prescription. The optician informed me that I'm long sighted in one eye and short sighted in the other Confused. Anyway, I've ordered the frames and lenses so I should have them in about two weeks. This ageing business is expensive Smile. I can claim a small bit of the cost back through work.

I also ordered a new microwave. Re-heating dinners in the oven takes ages and they end up all dried up. Also, DD uses the microwave to make porridge for breakfast.

Now that we're into Autumn, I've switched to porridge for breakfast myself, although I make it the old fashioned way - on the hob. I throw some strawberries and blueberries into it, to sweeten it. I'm not great at eating fruit generally (we never had much of it when I was growing up 'cos money was tight) so it's good to know I'm getting some of my five a day also.

I've signed up to a Walktober challenge in work. I've joined a team with some of my colleagues.

I've also joined the Strictly thread.

I had a night away with my family last weekend, to celebrate a big birthday. It was great to see everyone but I was very tired on the Sunday afterwards, so DD and I had a duvet day. I need to catch up on housework this weekend. I gave the fridge a good clear out last night and washed assorted jars we were finished with that had tiny bits of jam, relish etc. stuck to the bottom. Loads more room in my fridge now and the washed jars have been deposited in the big, glass recycling bin in the town. I'm aiming to sort out my kitchen presses too, in the next few weeks. I want to throw out any old ,out of date stuff and buy some kilner jars for flour, caster sugar, coffee etc.

The separation is still dragging on. Ex's solicitor is MIA and hasn't returned any of his calls for weeks now. My own solicitor has attempted to contact her but hasn't heard from her either. Ex is on the verge of hiring a new solicitor. Which will probably delay things further. But we're not getting anywhere as it is. To say that all of this is massively frustrating is a major understatement.

Doing my best to leave the heating off until October although I did put it on for an hour one evening. It's been a fairly mild September.

I've wanted to see the musical 'The Lion King' for ages now and it's coming back to Dublin this year, but I think I've missed the boat. By the time I realized the tickets were on sale, the good seats were gone for weekends. I'd have to take DD out of school if I brought her on a week night and I'm reluctant to do that this year because it's her exam year. I'm annoyed with myself. But I guess it's saved me a bit.

DD had a few sessions with the counsellor, but the counsellor has said she'll leave it for a bit now, so I'm assuming that's a good sign. I need to book in with her for myself.

There's been a lot of chat here about tattoos and piercings (I had to look up some of the piercings Grin). I got my ears pierced as a kid but I was allergic to the earrings and my ears kept getting infected. I threw in the towel eventually and let the holes close up. I've never had any interest in tattoos.

tayto do it. Get the tickets. The lion king is phenomenal. Honestly.
OP posts:
ememem84 · 25/09/2021 19:31

Exhausted here. DH hasn’t lifted a bloody finger this week. I haven’t done any of his laundry. Plan on doing it all on Monday. Spiteful much?

He has the next two weeks off work. And has about a million plans. None of which will get done or attempted until at least the last two days.

It’s also my birthday on Saturday. We are having ds’ party on that day as it’s e only day close to his birthday I could get. DH said today that the all blacks are playing on Saturday morning so would it be ok if he stayed home to watch it. As kids parties aren’t really his thing. Didn’t signify that with an answer.

OP posts:
Alfiemoon1 · 25/09/2021 19:47

I agree lion king is amazing at the theatre

Lovemaltesers · 25/09/2021 20:13

He wants to miss his sons birthday party em. Speechless! 🤔

I posted off a PCR earlier as a contact. Now getting our ONS PCR test tomorrow. It’ll be a race to see which result comes first!

Lovemaltesers · 25/09/2021 20:14

As well as leaving you to do all that on your birthday Shock

ememem84 · 25/09/2021 20:46

@Lovemaltesers

He wants to miss his sons birthday party em. Speechless! 🤔

I posted off a PCR earlier as a contact. Now getting our ONS PCR test tomorrow. It’ll be a race to see which result comes first!

To be fair to DH kids birthday parties aren’t my thing either. And there are things I’d much rather be doing on my birthday! 😂 but. No. Just no.

Still haven’t dignified it with an Answer. Just going to wait abs see if he brings it up again next week.

I had a nice nap this afternoon. Because I had a headache. Am now feeling a bit “sinusey” so am in bed. Hot squash and some paracetamol and I’m sure I’ll be fine tomorrow.

OP posts:
Happierwithouthim · 26/09/2021 06:54

@ememem84

Exhausted here. DH hasn’t lifted a bloody finger this week. I haven’t done any of his laundry. Plan on doing it all on Monday. Spiteful much?

He has the next two weeks off work. And has about a million plans. None of which will get done or attempted until at least the last two days.

It’s also my birthday on Saturday. We are having ds’ party on that day as it’s e only day close to his birthday I could get. DH said today that the all blacks are playing on Saturday morning so would it be ok if he stayed home to watch it. As kids parties aren’t really his thing. Didn’t signify that with an answer.

Was he just trying to get a reaction maybe? It's your own child, you made an exception for your own children.
Mrsmadevans · 26/09/2021 08:26

Morning everyone beautiful day here 😊
Queuing here too 🙄 we filled up as normal, like we always do once a week. We have 3 cars between us, all Petrol , no probs re Petrol but Diesel is completely sold out 🙄
Strictly was fabulous darling 😊
Greg Wise was so handsome & debonair . Adam Peaty Wow!
I don't think l have ever seen such great dancing in the first week!
Gardeners World ahhh that Yeo Garden was just beautiful, my favourite of all time❤️
Home Insurance on price comparison £115 for Policy Expert instead of a straight renewal from Hastings £145. So a £30 saving not a lot but it all counts towards the increase fuel bill. I have to ring Hastings and cancel them taking the money automatically. I couldn't cancel it online like we are supposed to be able to 🙄. I am not worried because if they present for payment both my bank account card and my credit card has changed in the last few months but l will ring them anyways . I have decided to cut down on buying for everyone for Christmas. I buy the girls so much l need to stop because it's ridiculous. So l am not buying the expensive make up Advent Calendars or the star buys from Boots. This is to help to offset the cost of the £600 extra hearing bill. So home ins saving of 30, 2x star gifts this week would have been 44 and 2 x advent calendars of about 40 each is 80 so that is 154 already !
I am determined not to weaken over this because it is such an easy way to stop spending on overly yet frivolous things .
Hope all are ok have a lovely day everyone 😉

marthasmum · 26/09/2021 10:20

Good for you mrs being disciplined with Erne spends!
em I think dignified silence is a good way to go. I'd be raging!
Update for anyone who's interested - DS1 is PCR positive after all. We've had another text confirming. DP read the original text message wrong (and failed to click during a phone conversation with the person who rang up to confirm the result Smile). Tbf he's also ill so maybe not the sharpest atm! You can see why I usually attend any health appointments for the kids 😂
So that means we are still a house of lurgy, I'm hoping my PCR comes back before I have to teach face to face on tues. I still feel fine though

Lovemaltesers · 26/09/2021 11:07

Oh no martha ! Poor DP too. Hope everyone feels better soon Flowers

MeadowHay · 26/09/2021 11:14

DD's covid test came back yesterday late PM, negative, phew. Was shocked at how fast it was, DH said they told him it would be at least 24hrs. Glad its not covid but she is still pretty unwell, she was up about 6 times last night, so I doubt we will get out anywhere today anyway. DH also unwell since yesterday so presumably same thing but he doesn't have a temp or cough just feeling poorly and snotty. Then there's me with my PGP and late pregnancy exhaustion. Fun house this is atm! Sad Angry just starting the day now and DD already screeching about god knows what. At what age do they stop having a hundred bouts of hysterics every day???

Em Gosh em that's awful about your DH I would be fuming. Can't believe he even asked. I'd suggest you should make yourself some nice birthday plans and leave him to it but I appreciate you don't want to miss your own DS's birthday party!

Unescorted Sorry you're having such a tough time with your parents. I worry about this too in my future, I can imagine my DPs being the same, they've basically said as much already.
.

Happierwithouthim · 26/09/2021 11:32

Good video about Reset Sept https://www.instagram.com/tv/CTnH-7kFUb9/?utmmedium=copyy_link
Em I thought of you of course

Purchased home heating oil from bed, will take some from emergency fund as I don't want to touch my savings! & rejig budget to cover it.

Yesterday I topped up my Aldi savings card by €30 as my grocery category in YNAB was double the normal amount & then my friend gave me a €50 Aldi gift cards as a house warming present

Sorry to be reading about Covid scares & your sick household meadow

€8 car wash
€38 wiper blades
€27 Aldi
€7 rubbish
€15.80 local shop

Savvy savers sashaying through September
Lovemaltesers · 26/09/2021 13:27

My postal PCR came back negative just now. Posted at 12.30pm yesterday, picked up by the mail centre and tracked at 6pm. I’m impressed! Hope your result is soon martha

HumbugWhale · 26/09/2021 14:22

Good news about the negative pcrs. Sorry about the positive though Martha.

Strictly was indeed am-az-ing! I have watched it twice, once last night and again this morning with the dcs. AJ and John were our favourites.

Just enjoying the sunshine while it lasts. Should really be doing some work thoigh!

marthasmum · 26/09/2021 14:24

Oo thanks love that’s really helpful. Glad you are ok. meadow that sounds exhausting, from my time as a community midwife I remember PGP being awful for women. Hope the baby comes soon and easily!

lifelongfrugaleer · 26/09/2021 18:27

Spend weekend
Boo to +ve covid

TheHound86 · 26/09/2021 19:10

Yay I finally got paid on Friday. It’s been a very tight couple of weeks but I took the kids out today and they had doughnuts out as a treat following some conker hunting in the country park. I’ve spent a bit on Christmas presents since pay day but shouldn’t struggle this month. I need to tighten my belt though and be a bit more conscious of what I’m spending so this situation doesn’t happen again. Thank you so much for the suggestions everyone.
We ate lots of pasta and jacket potatoes for 2 weeks and it was a bit boring but we coped ok.

CamdenLurker · 27/09/2021 11:02

Hey guys!

Current stressing over the fuel situation, yesterday we drove 290 miles to west Wales for my Granny's funeral this afternoon and nowhere on our way had diesel, some petrol stations have put prices up to £1.56 a litre, and have sold out Shock

I don't mind staying an extra night or two, but DH not so keen.

We've had a nice time whilst we've been here, even though it's not in the best circumstances.

Hope everyone's doing ok and has a full tank of fuel ⛽️

Lovemaltesers · 27/09/2021 12:11

I’ve still not heard back from my interview last week, but I think I’ve seen the likely successful internal candidate’s job already advertised Hmm

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