Getting Back into Daily Stuff - Everyday Life

I have three weeks at here before I go back to England to visit sister and family. I'm so excited! But, for now, I need to try to get back into the groove of household stuff before the trip home. That means trying to get things under control and getting back into daily stuff. 

I've been walking in the mornings with my friend. It's been hot and humid first thing, so we've been trying to get out early to beat the heat. The horrible bitey flies are in full swarm and I've taken to wearing a scarf about my head as they seem to like landing in my hair - yuck! I shouldn't complain too much. When I was at daughter's I managed to go to the wildlife refuge drive a couple of times and they were so bad I couldn't even get out of the car at points! I also had to roll the windows up. A shame really as it was really lovely and I could hear lots of birds singing. I can deal with mosquitoes, but the bitey flies (I think they are called deer flies) aren't deterred by sprays and when they bite, they hurt! I swell up quite a bit with them. It isn't fun! Some mornings it's so bad I wonder why I'm going out at all!

The house stuff, well, I'm caught up on housework and I'm trying to sort out a few bits. It's not going great, but better than it did last month - so I'll take that! I am limiting what comes into the house too. With prices going up and husband's countdown (2 years) to retirement, I really need to watch what we're spending. I think it all comes down to choices and what we choose to spend our money on. I don't need anything else for hobbies - no matter how pretty the papers are or how cheap they are. I'm really trying to change my mindset and not fall back on old patterns of spending especially if something is on sale, or a bargain, or I feel the 'need' to shop when I'm feeling down. 

I'm back to writing lists and planning menus. The freezer is full, so it's mainly cooking from there with some fresh bits. Things seem to be going up every time I go to the shops! There are some cod fish fingers/sticks I like that (for 15 of them) the price has gone up from 7.99 to 11.99 within a few months. Sadly, I won't be buying them at that price! There are so many things that are out of the price I'll pay for them now. I watch for sales and plan around them and stock up when things are on sale. I need to go back to the recipe books and find some cheap, hearty meals. 

Is there a favourite recipe you use when trying to save money or use up freezer things? 

Photo for the day

Summer Mornings

I've walked both Monday and Tuesday. Not sure I will tomorrow as it's supposed to rain most the day. Heavy rain. If that does actually happen, it will be a day inside. My life really isn't that eventful, hence the blog title, so must of what I'm being doing is very mundane, a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I have done a meal menu for the week and already bought what food was needed. I am trying to do better about staying on budget and spending less in general. Tightening our belts financially was part of the plan but the rising cost of things and the thought of being overwhelmed with 'stuff' is bringing the issue to the forefront. 

I think once I get on track and break the habit/routine of going to certain shops things will be a lot easier. If I do get the urge to shop, I'm trying to shop from the things I already have. I really do need to get the amount of stuff in the house under control. The decluttering is continuing but in dribs and drabs. I know every little counts, but I need to let go of a little more.  Obviously, part of that is also bringing less stuff into the house. I've seen some people doing the 1 in 1 out or 1 in 2 out method of things. Is that something you've tried? 

Photos from the walk yesterday - the sun was still shining