Organisational skills... or lack of (Money edition)

I have now been in my own apartment for about 6 months. I love it. But what I don't love - the organisation which comes with a home. I am doing it all alone, it's my place and noone else's. I don't share the burden with a friend or a guy, - it's all me.

This brings it's problems though. I like to think I am organised but I just can't be organised in my own home. In my job, as a teacher, I strive to be organised and in fact too organised sometimes but in my home I struggle. I have bills and such to think about.

I hate bills - not just in the I have to give people my money sense (because who likes that?) but in the fact I have check paper work and make sure everything is correct. This freaks me out. I feel the pressure is immense and I tend to freeze and push things to the side. This is not my best feature, I know that! I am beginning to recognise my anxiety when it comes to dealing with things like this.

Argghhh.... I have to sort papers!!! [Source]

Not only that, because everything is direct debit these days I kinda just go with the flow. I could not tell you how much I pay out a month. I just know it is not as much as my wages. It is the money left over (which I have an approximate idea) which I think let whittle away. I was finding my lifestyle before having a mortgage was not something I could uphold once I moved in. I am not in any means struggling, however trying to do the same which I was doing before moving in is not something which is viable.

So what are my options? I am wanting to travel again and that costs money - who would have guessed huh? But alas money is what is needed. So I need to get saving and organise - ASAP! My Mam got straight onto the case and bought me a sensible file to keep all my postal correspondence in ( from bills to payslips to medical).

Now that I have that in place as well as a to do list which I work on to make my jobs easier to manage, I needed to focus on my saving routine. This is when I came across 'the envelope idea'. Through Travel Babble's twitter I found this post:

Envelope System for Budgeting @ Treasure Tromp

The method basically states that you live via cash as far as you can. You look at your budget and work out how much you need for utilities etc. I will still be using my direct debit as due to anxiety issues this helps me. I will then get a collection of envelopes and label them with titles e.g. meals out, fitness etc. Whatever things you may spend cash on. I will then have this budgeted for the month and once I have spent my money in the envelope that is it. This will allow me to keep more of an eye on spending rather than using my card for a little here and there.  Any extra left over that month I will then put into a saving's jar.

Obviously I have not started this method but since I get paid tomorrow it seems like the best time to start don't you agree? I may fail or it may be the best thing ever ... all I can do is try! Wish me luck! I will try post again to update you on my progress.

Have you any saving tips? Have you tried the envelope saving idea?

My house is becoming a home...

As I shared not too long ago, I have moved into my own home. I am officially on the housing ladder which is so very exciting. I have enjoyed being able to act out a real life Sims game while decorating my place. I have added colour, style and charm. It is becoming my home which is amazing to see.

It means that I am without Internet connection for some time so I am grabbing time where I can when I pop back to my parents. I will be back soon to read all your wonderful blogs but until expect me to pop in and out of blog world and drop the odd post here and there.

I thought I would share some of my new home shots. Check out here for a 'before' image.

My own prints taken by me... NYC, NYC!

My very pretty bathroom with jet bath...

Living room all ready for wall decorations...

As you can see, I am very much enjoying my time decorating and making the place my own. Also, since we're all seeming to be suffering some crazy weather - here is a snow shot from my front window.

The snow is back...

What's is/will be you favourite thing about moving into a new home?

Weekend off...

I had a rare treat this weekend, I did not have any school work to do. Yes I had work to do but I decided Friday that I would not bring any back with me. I can't recall a weekend free of work - one of the downsides of being a teacher.

Oh so true...  [Source]

With my whole weekend ahead of me I had options for once. As I am moving into my new home very soon, I thought I had best get shopping and actually buying items for it. To say I have been a bit lax with the whole furniture thing is an understatement. So I headed off to my favourite place - Ikea.

But, Ikea on a Saturday? I have lessons to learn. Not only was the car park congested (more gates had to be open to help) but the store itself was just crazy. For once I actually did not enjoy my time there. How was I supposed to pretend living rooms and bedrooms were mine when an army of people kept walking in? So I gave up before I had a breakdown in the wardrobe area - I am too young for that. 

Seriously.. Get out of my bedroom(s)

I then left and headed over to shops to look at home ware items. Unfortunately I didn't have much luck there. I became rather overwhelmed by all the pots, pans, kettles, toasters, place mats, cutlery and so on. For fear of another meltdown due to overwhelming amount of home ware I decided to do what I do best and that was head to clothing store.

Now this is what I am good at - shopping! I managed to pick up quite the bargain too. I found a lovely blazer in H&M which is a bit of a drastic step away from my usual look. A blazer I know is not too different and I am married to mine in the warmer months here in the UK, however, this blazer was bright pink. I paired it with a Topshop dress and it looked pretty good if I do say so myself.

Sleeves rolled up above wrists, unbuttoned over a LBD - Hello Saturday night! [Source]

It was also a big night on Saturday. It was my first night out since New Year's Eve. I figured it was time to try getting out after all the illnesses have struck me and I had a great time. I drank and danced the night away with one of my best friends Miss Hair. She is a great laugh and knows exactly how to cheer me up. The music was great which helped the night along.

My Sunday was a quieter affair with another trip to Ikea (still busy but a little less manic) and eventually ordering my wardrobe. I then had the option of picking my items or paying £20 for Ikea to do so. Me being me I decided that £20 was an insane price to pay for my wardrobe boxes to be picked so me and my Mam went off on our merry way. By the time I had reached the checkout I was aching slightly but there was no way it was £20 worth of ache. I may be little but I'm tough - take that Ikea!

Let's hope when I come to build it, it still looks like this... [Source]

How was your weekend? What was your fvourite part?

Blog Hop Time

Home Sweet Home...

I have BIG news today... yep, it is that big I need the help of caps!  I have been waiting to share this new for some time but it was finally sorted last week.

As of Friday, I am now officially a home owner. I purchased my first property all by myself. That's right, I am a single lady doing it for myself.It has come at a time when a 'project' is something I welcome in my life. I have already been in to start painting. 

I will be keeping you all updated in the 'transofrmation' as I go. Today I want to share a few images from my new home...

Says it all ...

I purchased the paints and cleaning products which are taking residence in the living area for the moment as I work my way around the home.

All the tools for the job...

Today I was having a peek out my widow only to see.... a squirrel!!! How cute is that?

Spot my new friend...

I will be updating more as the flat turns into a home.  Hopefully this will be the start of an exciting new chapter in my life after all the sadness and heartbreak after last year.

What would your advice be for me starting a new home?