tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64886503121671021262024-02-07T21:22:08.476+00:00Miss Piggy BankMiss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.comBlogger301125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-67168218956934670842016-03-27T16:04:00.001+01:002016-03-27T16:04:18.092+01:00Beauty Box Gift Idea<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm thinking of making up a beauty gift box for my daughter for Christmas. I have a nice sturdy Christmas gift box ( reused from previous years ) and lots of nice tissue paper to present it in. Yesterday I was in Boots and they had a clearance shelf with various items on. I picked up a bottle of OPI chip skip for £1.50 which usually retails around £10, some Nailene false nails for £1 usually £8 and some ORS shea butter hair oil for £1 usually also around £8. I also have in my own stock two Victoria Secrets lip glosses that were £2 each , reduced from £9 each , which I will put in the box as well. So far I've spent £7.50 and have some very nice goodies ready to gift. </div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-70508637052993666882016-03-22T19:29:00.001+00:002016-03-22T19:29:11.337+00:00300th post and 5 years of blogging.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This month sees the fifth anniversary of my blog with this post being my 300th. Life takes over sometimes and posts can be sporadic. I'm not a blogger who is interested in getting the most page views or getting any kind of freebies or sponsorship. I started blogging because I was interested in reading about likeminded people and their stories. I also like picking up tips from other people and applying them in my own everyday life. Five years seems to have gone rather quickly, here's to the next five years !</div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-33987892279810137462016-03-20T20:20:00.001+00:002016-03-20T20:20:06.457+00:00Fun sunday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today I have thrown routine out of the window. Got up , got ready and went out for the day. Didn't cook the sunday lunch. Have made sandwiches for tomorrow and put washing on the line before we went out , other than that just winged it ! The sun was shining and off we went.<br />
Tonight I have tried to catch up with some of my favourite blogs. Its a short week this week so I'm not too worried about the usual routine. </div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-3123456524395534242016-03-13T18:36:00.001+00:002016-03-13T18:36:41.455+00:00Hello<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello bloggers and hope you are all well. I haven't been reading blogs for a while now so I was pleased to see some old favourites that have decided to return. I am trying to catch up and read all the latest posts. I am quite busy myself in my everyday life. I mentioned previously that I had started a new job. Well since then I have started another !! My current job is much better, nicer people, better hours and better workload. I had reservations about my last job , that it was a big mistake, which were confirmed when I returned from sick leave to nastiness from colleagues. Having been offered something else I was glad to be out of the door and left them too it ! Life is too short ! I had worked part time for years until last summer when I decided to increase my hours. All in all , it hasn't been too bad and we have all coped with the change in our routine at home. I do however have to be more organised with cooking and washing but I'm slowly getting into a routine and of course the extra wages are very welcome.<br />
I still enjoy charity shopping and source most of my things from the various shops I frequent. One recent lucky find was a brand new with tags duffel coat , made by Dash, priced at £9. The original tag was £99. I still like buying unusual things, last week I bought a seahorse brooch and today I bought a crystal rose bowl which I'm looking forward to displaying some lovely flowers in. <br />
I'm not as frugal as I used to be but equally I don't have credit cards or any debts other than mortgage. I do still meal plan and I would like to be more thrifty especially with shopping. Bye for now x </div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-25321771440862133232015-12-24T23:38:00.003+00:002015-12-24T23:38:45.434+00:00Merry Christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wishing you all health and happiness wherever you are this Christmas xx</div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-70578450118662854412015-12-08T17:00:00.000+00:002015-12-08T17:00:00.794+00:00Pre Christmas Chazzing <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had a quick venture out of the house today. I went into a nearby town for a bit of shopping and to look in the charity shops. I saw a pair of brand new black leather Hotter shoes. Slight heel but with a twist pattern on the front , would have been nice for work and at only £6 a real bargain. The downside, they were a size 9. I did try them on, just in case, but they were like boats. My size is 7.5/8 but the 9 was just too big. Its probably why they are still sat on the shelf , as in a smaller size they would have been long gone ! I did however come away with something. I spotted a dark brown Kipling bag, used at £4.49. Its style is called 'Robin' and its more of a handbag style than rucksack or holdall. It was in very good condition apart from some marks on the inside. I've put it through on a quick wash and the marks seem to have all gone. I'm pleased with the bag as they can be quite expensive new but they are practical , washable and fold up easily unlike rigid leather bags. </div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-79444823245630325342015-12-05T22:37:00.001+00:002015-12-05T22:37:36.103+00:00Its been over a year since my last post......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sorry for such a long absence, things have kind of gotten in the way. Firstly thank you to those who have sent messages, much appreciated. Don't know where to start really so should start where I left off;<br />
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Personal loss - Back in the summer of 2014 I miscarried, the two other babies of friends and family that were due the same time actually both arrived on the same day. Luckily it was a day off work so when I received both sets of news I was at home , very upset naturally but pleased for the new parents. It was tricky as other family members were talking about the new arrival, inside I was torn in two but had to have a happy face. I was dreading seeing the baby for the first time from the point of view that once I held it , I may turn into an emotional wreck and how due you explain that to other people who don't know. As it happened , it was fine , I made it through the afternoon. The new baby is nearly a year old now. I still find myself at random times with tears rolling down my cheeks, less than before but it still happens. Part of my healing process was seeing a counsellor. She advised me that I was holding back from doing things and moving forwards in other areas, which in some respects wasn't fair to my husband and daughter. I agreed I had to push myself to start enjoying things again which in turn led to other things......<br />
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Travel - In respect of moving on and enjoying life with my family, I went out and booked a trip to America. We had ten great days and hired a car , staying in motels along a section of Route 66. We had a great time, lots of fun and hundreds of fabulous photos. I look at those pictures and think of what a great time we all had together. We have also been to Europe which was great and a lot of fun. No travel agent involved, just us hopping on and off trains, trams and buses. Again hundreds of photos, happy memories. We also rejoined the National Trust. Quite a few days out enjoying stately homes and gardens, not to mention lots of tea and cakes.<br />
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Family history - I spent considerable time researching both mine and my husbands family trees. One set of great grandparents lived in Garrison Lane, Birmingham around the time of the Peaky Blinders. Having checked the names of the notorious gang, Gt Grandpa luckily isn't one of them !<br />
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Chazzing - I would say 95% of my clothing acquisitions have been from charity shops. I rarely ever go High Street shopping now.<br />
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Work - I have changed jobs and now work full time. I'm not sure its the right decision, time will tell, its still early days. I may grow to love it, at the moment its like learning a foreign language.<br />
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General - I have an impending big birthday this month, but I'm unwell at the moment so due to medication, illness , fatigue and general errgghhh, I wont be having any raucous celebrations on the day itself. Maybe postponed for a few weeks until my batteries are recharged.<br />
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Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-15165899841157637542014-09-18T14:17:00.001+01:002014-09-18T14:17:16.179+01:00Sporting a new wardrobe, cheaply <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Afternoon all. When I was off work I decided to get a few new bits and bobs to cheer me up and try and pull myself out the gloom a little. I bought quite a few things that I wouldn't normally wear in terms of colour and style but was feeling that a change would do me good. I even managed to find two dresses that fit me which I was very surprised about. In addition to the post I wrote recently about my newest acquisitions, this is what else I bought when I was out chazzing;<br />
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A long red morino wool cardigan £3 from Cats Protection in Llandudno<br />
A grey V neck short sleeved Monsoon sweater £2.79 from Scope in Llandudno. <br />
A black and white wrapover style dress £4.79 from BHF in Llandudno<br />
A red patterned tea dance style dress £7 from BHF in Caernarfon<br />
A black and red spot see through chiffon blouse from BHF Sutton Coldfield £2.99<br />
A cerise M&S cardigan £4 from BHF Lichfield<br />
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I'm sure there's more but I can't think but I have worn these items to work and other places and received many compliments. In fact I feel quite embarrassed as I'm not used to compliments and don't know what to say, of course I say thank you but its different for me as it doesn't usually happen. That makes me think how did I look before ?<br />
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I would probably go as far as to say I have never been so well dressed and the funny thing is its all charity shopped. Colleagues have asked if I am going for an interview and some have quipped ' who is he ?' And as for dresses, aside from my wedding dress, I haven't worn a dress for about 25 years. Its amazing how a different piece of clothing can make you feel ! <br />
</div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-29109845760782068962014-09-17T20:22:00.002+01:002014-09-17T20:22:30.543+01:00Three months on.......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Good evening bloggers and hope you are all very well. Its been three months now since my loss and I'm still feeling low. We had a lovely holiday in August to Wales and we all enjoyed it very much. The week was glorious with lots of sunshine and was very relaxing. Im also back at work although with hindsight I wish I'd had longer. When I got back to work I expected lots of awkward questions from my colleagues as one day I was at work and the next I was gone. Colleagues were fine nothing intrusive at all. Management however not so. I met with my manager to discuss my return to work to be told that I was being referred for first level disciplinary proceedings for my absence. I was informed that I was to meet with management at a later date and I could have representation. To cut a long and upsetting story short, HR got involved and assured me that in my circumstances no action would ever be taken and they were very apologetic about it. I felt very upset , disappointed and let down as you could imagine. Returning to work has been good for me in some respects as socially I haven't felt isolated like I did being at home. Work itself is still the same and very frustrating but Im trying not to think too much about it, hometime comes and I'm out the door. Two couples I know have since made their pregnancies public with both being due the same week as I would have been. New Year will be good to get this last year behind me but that first month will be difficult. <br />
</div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-63949106917665608812014-07-23T10:55:00.000+01:002014-07-23T10:55:20.310+01:00Charity shop shopping<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As part of my getting out and about, I went into town earlier in the week and had a look around the charity shops. Theres not many to be honest and the prices aren't as cheap as they once were. One of my favourite charity shops is British Heart Foundation and they had quite a few items in my size. I bought a few that a liked and spent about £15. I thought that I'd get a few more tops for work as I always wear the same old stuff and although I thought £15 is a lot to spend at the charity shop, its still less than what you would probably spend on one new item at the high street stores. I bought ;<br />
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Spotty scoop neck Next top.<br />
Black and white patterned top with a waterfall neckline.<br />
Black M&S top <br />
Floral Dorothy Perkins top.<br />
Fuschia coloured M&S Autograph top.<br />
Checked scoop neck blouse.<br />
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Some of the things are not my usual colours or style but I thought I'd just mix things up a little. The black and white patterned top my husband tells me is a bit zany but it looks ok with my black work skirt. The floral top I have worn and had a few compliments already so it can't be all that bad.<br />
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I also had a green patterned see through top from the Scope charity shop, priced £4 which I thought was a little high but I bought it as I liked it once worn. I picked up a green camisole top for underneath from the nearby Bon Marche shop. Again green is not my usual colour but I thought I'd give it a go. </div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-78027377206539712392014-07-22T10:43:00.000+01:002014-07-22T10:43:22.382+01:00Trolley bargins<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yesterday we went to the supermarket and timed it just as the lady was there marking down the items. When I first started blogging you seemed to get lots of reductions at the shops but now I find they are few and far between. We rarely seem to get anything nowadays so last night was an exception. Heres what we had :<br />
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3 packs of pasta reduced from £1.95 each to 39p each.<br />
Lamb chops reduced from £4.83 to 97p.<br />
4 packs of Beef steak mince reduced from £4 each to 80p each.<br />
2 Gammon steaks reduced from £4 to 80p<br />
Salmon fillets reduced from £4.50 to 90p.<br />
Aberdeen angus mince reduced from £3.75 to 75p.<br />
Jaffa cakes reduced from £3 to 45p.<br />
Pasta reduced from £2.15 to 43p<br />
2 packs of sausages reduced from £3.29 per pack to 66p each.<br />
Lamb steak reduced from £4 to 80p<br />
3 crab and cod bakes reduced from £3.60 to 72p each.<br />
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This little lot came to £12.15 when full price it should have been £64.61.<br />
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I am particularly looking forward to the cod and crab bake. The lamb chops and gammon we are putting towards a BBQ we are hoping to have. The mince will be used for spag bol, chilli and the like. </div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-87858562543329271982014-07-16T17:56:00.000+01:002014-07-16T20:54:16.593+01:00Trying to get back to normal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After my recent events I have been at home on sick leave. I will be going back to work in a few weeks. Being at home I have been doing lots of thinking about lots of things. One of which was my job. I did contemplate handing my notice in but I think I was feeling a bit rash so have decided not too. Besides I would be foolish as they are always talking about making cuts and if they wanted to get rid of me they would have to pay me off. I have 12 years service so it would be silly to walk away from that. The first two weeks of leave I was just at home, not getting dressed and just mainly staring at the artex patterns on the bedroom ceiling as well as noticing how many cobwebs I had around the place. To be fair , medically, I was in no fit state to be anywhere other than home due to the physical symptoms I experienced. My first sick note was from the hospital. When that expired I had to see my GP. He is a lovely doctor and was very sympathetic and kind and wrote my note with no hesitation. He asked me what I had been doing so I told him truthfully nothing. In fact the day I went to see him was the first day in that fortnight I had been dressed. He told me not to stay home as it would make me worse dwelling on things, it sounds obvious but until he told me that it hadn't occurred to me. So in the week or so since I saw him , I have been getting out a bit more. I went to see some local relatives last week which was nice. This week I have been out by myself just for an hour or so at a time. Monday I treated myself to some 'chazzing' and found a nice top for the grand sum of £2.49. Today I have been to the hairdressers as I hadn't had my hair cut since March and it was getting a bit mop top hair shop again. Its been good to get out and have a walk around in the fresh air and I do feel better for it. </div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-85260958085764371242014-07-10T09:05:00.002+01:002014-07-10T09:05:39.498+01:00The 2014 year so far ...life and death <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hello bloggers and Happy New Year. I know its July but its my first blog of the year. My life in some ways has not been my own this year. A relative was diagnosed with cancer at Christmas which was followed by a terminal diagnosis in new year. The first part of the year was spent in various hospitals with docters appointments, tests, biopsies, scans and finally hospital admission. Then they passed away and we had the usual arrangements to make as we were next of kin. A few surprises along the way sorting the finances out as they hadn't been entirely honest with us , so along with bereavement, a lot of stress trying to sort everything out and dealing with creditors and various people involved in the process. We are hoping now that there are no more surprises , time will tell. Shortly after the bereavement we found out that I was expecting . We were both delighted and I found out at 7 weeks. I am quite old fashioned and don't believe in announcing until the 12 weeks have passed so other than my husband, mother and my work superior , no one else knew. So we were going along happily until just about a week before my 12 week scan when I began to spot. Nothing to much to begin with but over a course of two days it got worse and I miscarried. That was four weeks ago and was very hard to deal with. I am still dealing with it and no doubt always will. So I hope the rest of the year will be calm so that we can get our heads together and go forwards. </div>
</div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-82347082126062319942013-12-15T20:40:00.001+00:002013-12-15T20:40:34.428+00:00Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Evening bloggers. We have put the tree up earlier today so now we have it to look at in the lounge for the next few weeks. It really makes it feel like Christmas. Unlike other years I have not put lots of other decorations around, its just the tree. We don't really have a colour theme , we use the same decorations each year which are traditional colours and fairy lights. I want to try and have a go at making a Christmas wreath but that will be next weekends project time permitting. </div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-84213701287469407582013-12-13T08:31:00.000+00:002013-12-13T08:31:03.173+00:00Daughters party dress for £1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Morning bloggers and hope you are well. I wrote earlier this week about my charity shop finds and that I struggle to find anything for me however yesterday I found a nice little number for my daughter who now fits in a size 10. I saw a tiny charity shop I'd never been in before and found a dress by Asos , in whats looks like new condition for a £1. The dress is like a pale cream brocade type material with gold thread/detail ( very similar to the dress I tried at Vintage Vixens stall ) it would look equally good for Christmas as it would for a wedding. Nice capped sleeves with a band around the waist, it fits perfectly. My daughter was really pleased with it. </div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-76952221309050619872013-12-12T12:44:00.001+00:002013-12-12T12:44:53.320+00:00Fabulous day for freebies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today I have had freebies that have not cost me a thing. I collect my supermarket points and during this month I have been able to double the points vouchers instore on certain items. Having scrutinized the offers we decided upon a new camera, a Nikon that would have cost £109. The supermarket had also sent me a £5 off coupon for their direct service so we ordered the camera, took the £5 off and the remaining £104 was covered by the doubled up points. They had also sent me a coupon for a free box of matchmakers so we thought we'd pick those up at the same time. My husbands was highly delighted when he went off to get the chocolates and came backed armed with three boxes. This week they were on offer at buy one get another two free. So we came away with a free camera and three free boxes of chocolate :-) </div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-4292944261362958692013-12-11T20:59:00.001+00:002013-12-11T20:59:29.236+00:00Todays date 11/12/13<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Apparently there won't be another date like this for 90 years :-) </div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-76992162468875590792013-12-11T15:04:00.000+00:002013-12-11T15:04:12.140+00:00Cathedral City Chazzing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yesterday I had the day off work and spent the day at the lovely cathedral city of Lichfield which is just down the road from where I live. Lichfield is a lovely place, beautiful cathedral, nice park and lots of old buildings. Not to mention quite a few charity chops. Normally I don't have much luck at the charity shops, being a plus size the finds for me are few and far between. In the first shop I saw a beautiful pair of T Bar healed shoes in forest green leather made by Jones the Bootmaker, new and unworn at £8.99. Very excitedly I tried them on to find that they were way too tight so I reluctantly had to put them back on the shelf. Moving onto the next shop I was just about to leave when I spotted a black peplum style top made by Autograph for M&S. Tried it on and it fitted just right so that was £6.50. In the last shop of the day I came across my second find which was a party type dress. Knee length plain black body with a round jewelled embellished neckline and chiffon type long sleeves and cuffs. Tried this on and it was a perfect fit and did look good if I do say so myself. The sales assistants and a fellow shopper all commented how nice it looked so I snapped that up at £9.99. Both have been quick washed since I got home and the dress was hung on a hanger and to my delight does not need ironing, if only all clothes were like that ! So although they were not super duper charity shop bargains I got two items for less than £17 which I am really pleased with. Pity about the shoes but you cant have everything. </div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-67315061995192043752013-12-08T16:54:00.001+00:002013-12-08T16:54:11.396+00:00When Miss Piggy met Vintage Vixen <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello bloggers and welcome to my new follower, thank you for joining me. I've wrote recently that I hadn't anything to blog about but today I have ! I went to a Christmas Craft Fayre earlier today and who did I spot across the room but none other that local lass and blogging royalty Vintage Vixen who had a pitch at the event. Vix looked resplendent in a long white Grecian type gown and just as lovely in real life as we see on the photos on her blog. Feeling a little starstruck I went over and introduced myself but I'm afraid there is no photo as I am too shy ( I know its silly but that's me ! ) I did try on a lovely dress from her stall but unfortunately it didn't fit however I didn't come away empty handed as I bought a pair of pearly clip on earrings that I will be wearing over the festive season. I have been reading Vix's blog for nearly three years now and it was nice to meet her in the flesh. The fayre was great and like an Aladdins cave full of goodies, I shall definitely be going next time around. If you haven't read Vix's blog yet be sure to check it out at <a href="http://vintagevixon.blogspot.co.uk/">http://vintagevixon.blogspot.co.uk/</a></div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-39232586156423210042013-12-03T15:30:00.001+00:002013-12-03T15:30:30.565+00:00It has been a while since my last blog ............<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello bloggers and hope you are keeping well. I haven't blogged in quite a while but firstly thank you to those of you who have sent me messages and kind wishes xxx. I haven't blogged as I haven't felt I had anything to say to be honest , I still read other blogs and comment from time to time. For me this year has been a bit of a weird one in ways that I can't go into publicly. Areas of myself have changed, hopefully for the better. I no longer ( or at least try not to ) let the words/actions of others grind me down like I did previously. I try and be a better friend to myself. Amazingly by my standards and lack of will power, I continue to go to my exercise class twice a week which I have been doing since the summer. I have lost about 5kg in weight and this has enabled me to dig out some old stuff from the wardrobes which people have complimented me on. '' Nice shoes/trousers/skirt'' etc friends and colleagues have mentioned but its all old stuff, nothing new. Same with make up, I have lots in stock bought in the bygone era of shopping trips and days out. I've started wearing it now and people have noticed which I find awkward. I find it awkward when people compliment it me as I'm not used to it, I have been a bit of a frump for so long I suppose you get used to going unnoticed. I had my hair cut , shorter than usual and more choppy. As I sat there I didn't feel consumed with dread as it was being snipped off, I was feeling quite brave and not worried like I would have been before. Socially my ( our ) life has improved, since moving house we have made more friends and have been out more. Don't get me wrong we are not out all weekend clubbing but the occasional drink and meal with friends has been very nice and a welcome change. I am still at college and sit my exams in the summer. The work can be hard but I have enjoyed the challenge and meeting new people. I'm intending to do another course in September, something different but to keep the old grey matter ticking along. Frugally, I still like to save money and cut costs where possible. I have been able to keep up my mortgage overpayment that I started last year which I am really pleased about but I am making sure that I am enjoying life now. Lots of people have mixed views on this but I have seen so many people over the last couple of years robbed of their retirement through ill health and bereavement I feel its important to enjoy yourself whilst you still have the physical means to do so. We had a great family holiday this year that we all thoroughly enjoyed and we hope to do the same next year, money permitting. My daughter is about to become a teenager soon and she wont always want to be with 'Mom & Dad ' so these times I feel are precious. So as this year comes to a close I feel I'm in a good place/ Bye for now :-)</div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-293574308746318892013-09-25T21:46:00.001+01:002013-09-25T21:46:35.943+01:00Still exercising<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi Bloggers and hope you are keeping well. Not much happening here not at least to write about anyway. I have been continuing with my exercise regime since the beginning of the school holidays , which for me is massive as I usually throw in the towel after the first few attempts. I have been going to zumba at least twice a week sometimes three. I feel so much more energetic and capable. I went to a party two weeks ago and whereas normally I might muster a dance and then sit down puffed out, I was up bopping away for some considerable time and didn't feel the need to call an ambulance thereafter. Also I have managed to lose weight, since I first weighed myself four weeks ago, I weighed in again this week and have lost a total of 2.8 kilos which I am very pleased. I even wore a knee length skirt to work which caused nearly all my colleagues to comment upon , as I usually wear a long skirt for work. I have a dress that I am hoping to slim into, so all being well I could wear it at Christmas if I am lucky. Bye for now </div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-23292485415396816522013-09-04T17:41:00.002+01:002013-09-04T17:41:51.377+01:00Starting back at college<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last year I went back to college. I bit the bullet and decided to improve my maths. I got a grade D at GCSE and I could retake it for free thanks to my local council. As my GCSE was older than 3 years, I had to take a City and Guilds exam in Functional Maths first. This is a qualification in itself but also a bit of a refresher for people like me who have been out of the school system for many a year ! We took the exam in July and I was most pleased to receive my certificate the other day to say I'd passed. The college advised us that we could finish with that or continue with the GCSE which will be done over one year quite intensively. I have signed up for another year and start back next week. Although at times I found the class hard to fit in with my other commitments in adult life , I persevered. I only missed two classes in the year when I was ill and caught up quickly. I enjoyed being back in the class room environment, mixing with other people and doing the homework. I also liked receiving my homework back , more often than not, all correct and welcomed the encouragement from my tutor. I liked college so much that I toyed with the idea of also doing Sociology but decided against it this year. Because the Maths will be intensive I want to give it my full attention and get the best grade I can. I really want to improve upon my school grade to prove to my self albeit 20 years later that I could do it. I plan to do the other course next September as I want to continue learning but probably will be all Maths'd out by then and fancy a change. A big bonus for me is that I can understand and discuss my daughters homework with her, whereas before it was a bit daunting. It will be hard work for me over the next year but in real time its only until July with a few school holidays in between. </div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-20184775848686576492013-08-29T13:21:00.001+01:002013-08-29T13:21:41.416+01:00Clunk, clunk....sounds expensive !<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi Bloggers. I have been driving in my car the last few days and it has been making an unwelcome sound. Clunking at certain times which doesn't sound good. The garage has been able to fit us in today so we should be getting a call later to advise of the 'damage' , damage as in the repair and then damage as in ££££ !! </div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-62642830830477824412013-08-27T12:01:00.001+01:002013-08-27T12:01:58.174+01:00Tasty meal for pence.............Risotto<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Welcome firstly to my new followers. Thank you all for joining. I have found a whole new world recently and that is the world of Risotto ! Previously it never really appealed to me. I'd watch Gordon Ramsey on TV tasting it at the hatch then rejecting it and I never thought much of it. It always looked like rice pudding which I don't like. Then recently I had it for a starter when I had a restaurant meal. It was delicious but even then it wasn't something I thought of doing myself. That was until my husband came home with a reduced box of 'Riso Gallo' for 50p from our local store. It sat in the cupboard for a few weeks until I bit the bullet and decided to try it out. I used half a box , an onion, some mushrooms, a chicken stock cube and some grated cheese. It was delicious and a great way to have a meat free meal that was relatively quick and easy and the whole family enjoyed. We have been thinking about when to make our next one and what to include. I imagine that any odd bits and pieces could be thrown in. We bought our first box reduced but I have seen online that I can get a pack for about £1 full price so even then it wouldn't break the bank and still come in as a cheap meal. Do you have Risotto ? If so what ingredients do you use ? </div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488650312167102126.post-28636024944035756492013-08-25T11:08:00.001+01:002013-08-25T11:08:28.804+01:00Four months today is Christmas Day <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Love it or loathe it but Christmas is fast approaching. I ,like many people , prepare in advance and I have bought cards in the January sales and gifts throughout the year when money and time allows. I find this suits me as I then don't feel stressed again with time and money in December when most peoples shopping marathon begins. I also get any stamps I need well in advance and post my cards during the first week in December, wherever possible I hand deliver. I try and fit in any visits in the week running up to the day itself to hand out gifts and then that just leaves gifts for my immediate family and anyone else who I will be with on the day. This year I think we will be having dinner at home so soon I will be stocking up for the meal. I usually begin my 'Christmas Hamper' around now whereby I purchase something each week and put it aside in a box for Christmas. In fact I already have my first item, a Christmas pudding which I bought in the January sales half price. The puddings have long dates and mine is dated well into next years new year. I like Christmas but I don't like a big cost, that's why I always plan ahead as best I can.</div>
Miss Piggy Bankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15886893128634012341noreply@blogger.com1