My supper out last night was wonderful, I really enjoyed not having to cook and clean up after. Today, however it is back to normal. No real cooking I just need to warmup the leftover meal from Monday and slice up some cucumber and wash some cherry tomatoes as our side.
As the weather is supposed to change with drastically reduced temperatures overnight, I decided to go shopping today. I am going to cheat a bit and use this shopping trip as a January one. Only out by a day really.
My cart was not very full at all and for meat all I purchased was a 1 kilogram package of bacon, and a smallish beef roast. Both of which were on sale. In fact most items I purchased were on sale, and yet my total cost was outrageous. I did not cut down the grocery line on the new budget, but there will be lots of me trying to get under budget this coming year.
There are a number of ways I am going to try and get our spending under control. These are my challenges for the upcoming year.
The first challenge to myself is No Waste. Everything will be used up food, fabric, yarn, paper, and clothing.
The second challenge is a bit different than most bloggers and YouTubers. I will keep track of no spend days. I think that even spending on food, bills, and such is still spending. Money is leaving the account. So I am going to count no spend days and hope I have lots of them each and every month.
The third challenge is I am going to continue to shop at home first. This is really helping me clear things out of my various stashes and make good use of what I have. Cooking wise this has taught me a great deal about substitutions. It will also help me to perhaps learn some new skills, like making yogurt or puff pastry.
The fourth challenge is I am going to declutter 500 items this year. Yarn or fabric can only be counted in this if the item is actually leaving the house.
The fifth challenge is to start exercising more and having some look after Jackie time. You know facials, perhaps even giving myself a pedicure. I have very dry heals. I always put this down and by March I have completely forgotten to follow through on this.
I think that these will keep me plenty busy over 2025.
Before I leave I want to thank all of you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to read my ramblings.
I also want to wish you all
Everybody have a wonderful evening.
God bless.
Great goals!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Jackie - to you and yours! I like the challenges you're setting for yourself. After our enforced downsizing in October I think that part of my equation is under control, although I do plan to try to keep using as much stash as possible. To that end, I have 17 hats made from bulky yarn ready to donate and that pretty much used up all that I had on hand. Working towards finding something to do with leftover bits of sock yarns. I know I could double (or even triple) it and still make hats but somehow that thought doesn't appeal.
ReplyDeleteI’m excited for a new year. I’m looking forward to start in re-organizing my home. I’m feeling very hopeful for this year and even though I know there are things that can go wrong, I plan (with Gods help) to stay positive and happy!
ReplyDelete🥳 Happy New Year!?
Food is outrageously expensive here too Jackie. Thats why I try to grow so much of my own, as you do too. We are living on salady things lately as its been so hot. Happy New Year to you & your lovely family Jackie x0x
ReplyDeleteGreat goals - many of which I plan on doing too - here's hoping. We can all stand a bit of improvement in our lives - I know I sure can.
ReplyDeleteHappy new year to you all.
Whatever you do, have a great 2025!
ReplyDeleteSounds a good plan for 2025, most of it you already do, just like us. Stay warm and safe in the coming days.
ReplyDeleteI often count the last day of the month in the next month's spending as I've usually done my totals and calculations already. Plus the last day of the month is my payday, so I'm spending the next month's money. I may join you in trying to declutter 500 items this year. I need to clear a lot of things, especially from my wardrobe. Happy New Year to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteHi, Jackie. One of my main plans is to get back to visiting my friends' blogs and commenting - I've been so bad and absent, sorry.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and yours a very happy new year. xx
Happy New Year Jackie! I wish the very best for you and Harvey in 2025 and you are able to accomplish all of your goals.
ReplyDeleteHi Jackie, I am with you on all these goals. And me time is valuable even more so as we age. I hope 2025 will be a wonderful one for you both!
ReplyDeleteThose are some good challenges you've set for yourself. I especially like the one to track no spend days. That should be encouraging as they add up.
ReplyDelete