On Monday, I become the mother to a nine year old, it's hard to believe that nine years has gone past at what seems like an incredible speedy pace. I remember the day I gave birth to Spud and brought him into the world, I remember the day I was able to bring him home, and every milestone after.
With a difficult house move a few months ago, that I am still not financially over, Christmas, and a number of misfortunes in between then and now it's safe to say that currently, I have enough to live by and that is all. However I have a little boy who has birthday promises that need fulfilling, and presents to buy, so along with cutting back and quitting things, I have been living a different lifestyle than what I am use too.
For as long as I can remember, Spud has wanted a puppy, and with us living in a flat previously, it just wasn't possible for Spud's dream and wish to become a reality. I couldn't let the dog out alone to wonder the streets away from our first floor flat, nor could I leave Spud alone in the flat if the dog needed to go out, of course this only mattered when Spud was asleep.
So I promised Spud, when we got a house he could have a puppy, and then because of the state of the house we finally got, the plans for a puppy dog moved back to his birthday, which is Monday, and the puppy we've found and fell in love with is costing £300, that's without all the things he will need to live, the injections, a microchip and what not!
To ensure I have the suitable funds, I've quit smoking and have been using voucher sites such as www.voucherbin.co.uk for those of you who are unsure what vouchers are, I suppose they are the digital/online version of coupons, you get a voucher code for money off, and the deals can range from a few pennies off to more than a few pounds off!
I've been trying to brand swap where I can, although Heinz Ketchup can never be replaced I've tried to stop drinking as much Dr Pepper as I use too, and swapped for squash instead, I've swapped fresh joints of meat for frozen joints of meat, and I'm buying fruit and veg by themselves instead of pre packed bundles.
I can't say I'm noticing a massive change because as usual, when I have an expensive event coming up, like I do with Spud's birthday, there has to be something else doesn't there? So my council tax direct debit bounced, leaving me with a £60 over due bill, now my broadband is due, another £60 odd pound, then gas and electric, food etc, all before my little mans big day!
Hopefully it won't come to the stage where I need to pawn something to raise the funds, hopefully the two magpies I saluted too this morning was a sign from above that things are going to turn around! Thankfully I only have an older cousins birthday after Easter, but luckily for me, I've nabbed myself a bargain with some accessories and I won a music album last month of her favourite artist!
Keeping my fingers crossed everything will soon get better!
Jada x