Welcome back to Me, My Money and Monday Musings where every week I’ll be letting you know my secrets when it comes to spending, my money wins and fails and what I’ve been up to in general.
So last week you met my new puppy Caramel. Isn’t she a little sweetheart? Those weren’t quite the words that came out of my mouth when I realised she’d chewed through my Apple MacBook Air Charger and her brand new harness! The harness was less than a day old and cost me £18.
Of course, I shouldn’t have left it on her after her walk but I was running around the house like a blue arsed fly trying to get ready for an interview for Radio Devon before nipping out on an appointment. I’d already gone down the route of ordering a much cheaper one on the internet only to find the small one they sent me wouldn’t fit a pigeon. And I was in a massive rush to get it sorted before starting with her dog trainer. So I decided that this was one of those things worth spending a little bit more on to save me more time and stress. Within hours it was as much use as a chocolate teapot!
Luckily, not so sweet and innocent Caramel, chose a different day to chew through my laptop charger otherwise I would have been crying into my cuppa. However, I am reliant on my laptop so not only was it costly, it was also a massive pain in the arse! Of course I thought about getting a cheaper replica version but last time I did that it blew up just a few weeks later so I knew that this time it would be more cost effective in the long run to get the Apple one.
Too Good to Go
On Wednesday I decided to try an app I’ve mentioned before called Too Good to Go. Like many people, we didn’t have much money growing up so I just can’t stand food waste. I’ve got to say I love the idea of people being able to buy cooked, good quality food from their local restaurants and cafes at a much cheaper price rather than it going to waste. That said – I did not have a great first experience! I chose to pick up a magic box of ‘breakfast items like flaky croissants, cold meats, delish cheeses, fresh fruit, eggs, sausage and more’ for just £2.25. In reality it was a takeaway box of sausages, bacon, hash browns and croissants and was an absolute pain to park near Ibis Temple Meads Quay – so it really wasn’t worth it. However, I can see it’s a good idea so I’ll give it another go in the near future and let you know how I get on.
I’ve not been very well this week so by Thursday I felt so sorry for myself that I committed the ultimate sin and ordered McDonalds online for me and Little Miss Diva! Of course, she was over the moon but it really wasn’t worth it especially considering the £3.50 delivery fee and also because I’m supposed to be doing Slimming World! I didn’t dare turn up for my weigh in this morning because it’s just so hard to eat healthily when you’re feeling crap, don’t you think?
It’s also really tough to eat healthily and stick to a budget when you’re also time poor! So for the days when my life is just too hectic to think about it I’ve been trying Iceland’s Slimming World foods. It’s delicious but a little pricey at £3 a meal – I’d really appreciate it if any readers have any tips on where you can get ready meals that are the same but cheaper? If you’re thinking of signing up to Slimming World – make sure you buy a copy of Woman’s Own to waiver the £10 joining fee.
Wow, I’ve had so many money-saving fails this week I think it’s time to talk about the wins! It wasn’t a great week for money-saving success but I did meet up with a networking colleague for coffee at Ikea on Wednesday and we didn’t have to pay because if you have an Ikea family card it’s free tea and coffee Monday to Friday. Also, I saved £50 because I have a Very account that I only really use when they send me a special offer and i always pay it off during the interest free period. This week they sent me a code for £50 when I spend £100 – happy days! I needed a new rug for Little Miss Diva’s room and a few other bits and bobs so I was careful not to spend it on things I didn’t need.
When it comes to reduced supermarket food timing is everything! I popped into my local Tesco Express on Monday at around 9:30pm and picked up some proper bargains for Little Miss Diva’s packed lunch the next day. Melon and Pineapple slices reduced from £2 to 50p and a Carrot and Coriander falafel with hummus and mango chutney reduced from £2.79 to 69 pence.
Treat yourself
After a tough week of money-saving fails and not feeling well I finished the week in style with a Sunday roast at The Oxford in Totterdown. When it comes to Sunday roasts I think you get what you pay for and it’s always nice to have a little treat isn’t it, otherwise what are you saving up for?
I love this quirky pub because it has a cracking lineup of live music, lovely Sunday roasts and it’s right on my doorstep. My dad and I enjoyed the Super Slow Roasted Brisket of Beef while Little Miss Diva and her granny had the Low and Slow Free Range Lemon and Herb Chicken Breast and Leg.
Little Miss Diva isn’t a fan of roasts but she devoured everything on her plate and told me she didn’t know vegetables could taste so good! The dinners were served up with roast potatoes, swede puree, honey and fennel carrots, roast parsnips, charred broccoli, creamed leeks and Yorkshire pudding and at £12 a pop the roasts are worth every penny. Definitely worth the dosh!
That’s it for this Monday musings, please get in touch if you know about a local deal, discount or free or affordable day out in Bristol or the surrounding area. Send me a Facebook message or email hi@brokeinbristol.co.uk
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