Budgeting

After we got back from our honeymoon, I decided some serious belt-tightening had to be done. Small things had been stuck on the credit card in the pre-wedding chaos and they really added up! Since then we've paid everything off apart from one new card which is 0% interest for 16 months.

So, here are my 8 money saving tips:

1. Do a budget spreadsheet. Check your internet banking every few days and update the figures. Here is a link to the spreadsheet I use (sheet 1 is for our joint account - where the bills come out of and sheet 2 is for my personal spending).
Budget spreadsheet

2. Build in a buffer. On your budget spreadsheet, put decent, reasonable amounts for each category. Don't think "oh, I'll just put down £50 a month for food..." unless you are willing to seriously scrimp! You can always reduce the figures if you find you are coming in under budget. If you are consistently going over budget in a lot of areas it is depressing as well as confusing and you could end up spending money you don't actually have.

3. Budget for treats. If you can afford it, make sure you budget for a few treats. You are less likely to fail if you know you can still have the odd takeaway/nail varnish/pair of shoes (delete as appropriate).

4. Lidl! I have recently discovered Lidl and I love it! The queues are shorter/quicker (in my local one anyway), the fruit and veg is fantastic, the meat is British. There are only a couple of things I've found which aren't as good - their soup brands and their version of ryvita. There are a few things they don't stock of course. I particularly love their organic yoghurts and Oatso Simple type sachets. They do great value vitamins as well.

5. Ebay. Both to buy and sell. If I need a dress for a wedding or party, I nearly always go to ebay, there is so much less chance of turning up in the same dress as someone else!

6. Quidco. This site gives you cashback on online spending with lots of stores.

7. Discount codes. I never buy anything online without having a good look around the internet for discount codes (just google "discount codes").

8. Review your budget. Every few months go through and amend any figures that aren't right (you will know the figures you have to juggle every month!).

Winter fashion wishlist

I'm doing pretty well on the budgeting front at the moment but there are a few gorgeous things I've seen around recently that I would love. I think I'll just have to save up for the sales and hope they are on sale and have my size!

I'd love some tan boots. I'm trying to buy boots with a heel and calf length as they seem to suit my legs best. I would prefer these slightly longer but I love the chunky heel. They are £92 from Office:

Accessories wise I could do with some more patterned scarves, these are gorgeous:

The top scarf is Marks and Spencer and the second on is Oasis (but unfortunately out of stock).

I'd also like plaited belt like this one from Zara:

I'm loving so much Mint Velvet stuff at the moment, in particular this leather jacket:

I'd also love a delicate gold necklace - etsy has some lovely ones, I especially like this one:

I think that is all for the moment! What is on your Winter wishlist?

A better version of me...

There are so many things I'd like to do. I used to be so determined that I could do anything I set my mind to. I still have that inside me but as I grew older, rather than increasing in confidence, at times I've felt less determined, less confident.

I love my job but sometimes feel demotivated and disorganized. I love wearing nice clothes but sometimes lack the confidence to try new things. I love my home but sometimes neglect it so it is messy and cluttered. I love my husband but sometimes don't give our relationship the time and energy it needs. I feel better when I exercise but often other things get in the way of it. I have lots of positive things in my life but sometimes I forget what they are. There are lots of things I know I can do, I just need to set my mind to them.

In this blog, I'm going to gradually make some changes in my life and keep working towards being better, happier and less stressed. I'll let you know about pitfalls along the way and what has worked and what hasn't. I'll cover all aspects of life from fashion to finances, relationships to relaxing.

Thanks for reading :-).