Summer hols 30 day challenge - Day 15

On Friday I spent time on Pinterest and Ravelry (lots of time, oh poor me!!) deciding on projects to make for family Christmas gifts. Obviously, I can't really say much more as I don't want to let the cat out of the bag, but I found some gorgeous ideas. I did tear myself away from the computer long enough to start one project, a knitted item using wool donated by my Mum who no longer wanted it. 

Summer hols 30 day challenge - Day 14

In an attempt to get back on track I signed up with Approved Food today. I've had a bit of a browse around and found some bargains but much of the stuff I can get just as cheaply at our local Heron Foods shop. As with everything, research is the key. I also need to do a stock take and shopping list and will probably place an order next pay day to restock for the following month.  

Anyone else using Approved Food?

What are the best deals you have found?

Does it pay to bulk buy?

I look forward to reading your comments.

Summer hols 30 day challenge - Days 11, 12 & 13

Okay, okay, this is not going to plan at all!!

Spent Monday and Tuesday in Edinburgh visiting Bethany and her boyfriend Liam.

You round a corner and.....wow!

 We did save money on our rail tickets by buying them in advance. Also Bethy's new flat has a spare room saving us a small fortune on hotel costs (especially during Festival week!)

One major drawback to my challenge though - we ate (and drank!) out the whole time we were there!! I know, I know, but we hadn't had a break away for years and never been away without children for nigh on 22 years. It was so good not having to think about making (and carrying) picnic stuff as we have done so often in the past.

Anyhoo we had a whale of a time. We spent quality time with Bethany and Liam rather than money on stuff in shops that we don't really need. We also spent quality time just the two of us, wandering through the streets of Edinburgh's Old and New Towns, soaking up the history, enjoying the Festival vibe and following in Rebus' footsteps. 

If you're an Ian Rankin/John Rebus fan you will be pleased to know that we whiled away a 
couple of hours at The Oxford Bar with some of the regulars - and the barman was not curmudgeonly at all!! 

Outside the Omni Centre

Wednesday was spent recovering from all that walking, boy were our old legs stiff and sore. Still it kept us in the house rather than being out and about spending more money. Oh, and ordering a new telly as ours is on the blink!!!

Surfing seal!

Check out this surfing seal off the coast where I live!

Summer hols 30 day challenge - Day 10

Nothing to declare today, sorry, I don't seem to be achieving much with this challenge. Our telly appears to be on the blink now too, and I cancelled the cover we had on it months ago due to lack of funds. 

Bummer!