The wedding!

 

I'm finally home after the wedding.  It was a fab day and the bride was stunning.  My son was so handsome in his kilt and there was just so much love and joy from family and friends.  I was even friendly and polite to my ex husband which always freaks him out!!! 😂😂😂

I actually didn't take photos as I wanted to be unplugged and in the moment.  My BIL took this one of me, my Lovely Mum, my aunt and my wee sister.  I love this photo 😍

Even though I was away from home for 3 days, I still managed to buy myself a house 🏡

Details to follow... 😁

March Spending

 

Oh dear!  I know some of my March spending is related to selling the house but I've spent a lot more than I budgeted for.  But I'm trying not to stress about it.  Once everything has settled I'll be living in a much smaller house with just 1 dog and can get my spending back down again.

So, the March numbers are:

Supermarket spending: £158.95 (includes an extra shop as my middle son is home from Australia)

Dogs: £520.77 (sadly includes Emma's final vet bill and cremation)

Energy: £198.94 (my half of the monthly bill)

Car: £50.49 (petrol)

Other: £1108.63 BUT £816.39 were selling the house costs inc £660 for the Home Report survey

Total monthly spend £2037.78 😱  As I always say this doesn't include my direct debits and is way more than my monthly pension income.  I am covering these costs from the savings I made when I was still working.

Things are happening on the house front but as it's the Easter weekend the lawyer's office is closed until tomorrow (Tuesday) so I hope to have a final update then. Oh and I have a wedding to go to in Inverness on Wednesday!!  Youngest son is getting married.

Please keep everything crossed for me as it looks like everything might just line up if I'm very very lucky!!! 🤞🤞🤞

100 days

 

Happy Boxing Day!!  I spent it knitting, eating and chilling!  I finished another pair of socks (for myself) and cast on a new pair in a green and blue colourway.  I also got a hand knitted pair from my aunt so I'm well stocked up on woolly footwear 🧦

I made myself a sourdough pizza, using some of the tomatoes I got in the TGTG bag.  I put 3 other bases into the freezer to make a quick meal in the future 😋

I part baked them as the dough was quite sticky and I wasn't sure how to keep them separated to freeze.  I hope they're ok next time!

My youngest son and his fiancé have a wee countdown thing to their wedding 👰  From today, it's only 100 days until the big day.  I have my dress already, I just need to make sure I can still fit into it in 100 days!!! 

Scrubbed up!

 

Actually scrubbed up nicely for the wedding!  My hair and makeup were done by 2 amazing professionals (I've recently taught both their sons!) so I felt good. 

I'll post some pics when the bride and groom have posted theirs publicly.

I'm exhausted now!

Wedding Weekend

It's all rather hectic here as we're preparing for my eldest son's wedding this weekend.  My middle son is home from Australia for a few weeks.  My youngest son and his GF get their new house today.  He had a collision in his car last night, luckily just pulling out from a junction but there's a lot of damage to his car.  Photo doesn't do it justice but it's undriveable.  Everyone was thankfully ok.  And at my doctor's check up this week I've discovered on top of everything I have high blood pressure! 

I'm soooo looking forward to some normality returning next week!!  Wedding photos soon 👰💕

Filling the freezer and wedding outfit!

 

I'm still finding tubs of frozen fruit in the depths of my deep freezer!!  I keep trying to use up stuff I find in there but end up making stuff to put back in!! 😂  It is encouraging though when I thought last summer I wasn't growing enough to make the effort of growing it worthwhile.  Just putting a wee amount in the freezer regularly adds up.

I made a batch of sheet pancakes with some mixed berries and raspberries.  They were sliced into squares and frozen straightaway.  They reheat beautifully in the microwave 😋

I made a huge vegetable lasagne yesterday and a game casserole today.  I've started eating meat again.  Only a small amount and only if I know it's ethically/sustainably sourced.  Eating meat is expensive so a little every now and again should be enough to keep my diet healthy.  Everything was portioned up and labelled to go in the freezer.  

It's now only 1 month until my eldest son gets married 👰  I've had my outfit since last summer.  I tried it on in January and it still fitted.  I tried it on again last weekend to alter the length and I couldn't even get it up over my hips.  Being ill and inactive for a few months has made me gain weight.  I panicked, thinking I need to get a new outfit.  I hadn't budgeted for it and was really grumpy about the whole thing.  I ordered a new (similar) outfit in a bigger size and hung it up next to the original.  Something didn't look right.

Somehow I had tried on the original outfit with part of the fixed belt at the back instead of the front.  No wonder I couldn't get the blooming thing on!!!  Tried it on and still fits!

D'oh!!! 🤦

Snow, elderberries and a wedding invite

It's been a very quick week again.  Snow and ice have hit us but we're well prepared for it in Scotland. The chickens have been enjoying their morning porridge! I did laugh when one of my FB friends down south posted pictures of their snow 'chaos' and someone commented that it was equivalent to a hard frost here!! 😂  I guess if you're not used to harsh weather it can seem dramatic.  I love when the Canadians post their snow pictures!!  They really know how to handle snow!

Once again I've picked up a nasty cold virus *sighs*  It's a running joke at work that I have a permanent cold.  I work really hard at staying healthy so should probably get myself a checkup at the doctor.  If I phone soon I might get an appointment by Easter!!! (seriously, it's impossible to get a GP appointment at my surgery when you're actually ill)  I bought some dried elderberries and will try to drink some elderberry tea every day.  I'm also going to make some elderberry syrup to keep handy too.  Hopefully their immune boosting properties will work on my recurring colds!

I did need some medical attention this week at the Minor Injuries unit this week with a scratch on my eye.  And yep, it's as painful as it sounds.  No idea how I did it other than there must have been something in my eye and I kept rubbing it.  I went there at 9am and was seen by 9.20.  It took a lot of red and then orange dye to find the scratch.  They were very thorough.  Antibiotic drops were prescribed and I was back at work by 10am.  Parts of the NHS do work well.  My eye has slowly improved and today is the last day of using the drops.

And then I got some lovely news.  We received a wedding invitation from old friends that I haven't seen for ages.  I knew them both before they were a couple.  They've been together for 10 years (engaged for 8!) and are finally getting married in June.  My ex husband will be there along with lots of folk I haven't seen for 9 years. Could be interesting!! 😉

A Chinese Wedding

Of course the main reason for our holiday was that OH's brother was getting married.  Chinese weddings can last all day with various events so it was wonderful to be part of something completely different from a Scottish wedding.  Although there were some elements that were similar.

 

There was a family and friends dinner on the Saturday evening (I guess a bit like a rehearsal dinner that Americans have)  This was in a local restaurant used by the locals so completely authentic cuisine, not modified for tourists.  Sadly I didn't get any decent pics but we had the mostly amazing tofu dish, chicken dipped in a potato flour batter and prawns to die for.

 

On the Sunday morning we arrived at the bride's parents flat where the groomsmen and groom are then locked out and have to perform tasks to win the bride.  There was lovely lady (an aunt I think?) who explained to me that this is a local custom.  Tasks included drinking beer spiked with chillies, a wasabi sandwich, picking up beans with chopsticks to make a heart shape and a few other challenges.

The chopstick challenge

 

 

The groom then has to pay the chief bridesmaid a dowry to be given to the parents.  Negotiations were tough! She'd get a job with the UN easy peasy!!!  When the groom gains entry he has to make his vows and convince his bride to come out of her room.

 

Once she has agreed to be his bride the most important part of the day takes place.  They acknowledge the family shrine and then begin the tea ceremony. Traditional ceremonies can last hours.

 

The bride and groom present tea to their family thanking them for bringing them up and supporting them through their lives.  As this was all in Chinese I wasn't sure what was said.  This is OH with his tea. His brother thanked him for putting up with him as kids!! 

 

The bridesmaids and groomsmen then get a gift from the couple and all the children get an envelope with money.

 

Once the tea ceremony was over it was time for lunch!  There was a fabulous professional caterers buffet laid out with lots of food.  Despite my dietary restrictions I still managed to stuff my face!

 

Luckily there were rice noodles as well as rice

 

After lunch everyone goes home.  Or in our case, back to the hotel for a swim and a snooze.  Then there was formal dinner in the evening at a very beautiful restaurant on the quayside.

 

 

 

This is me in my wedding outfit that didn't cost me a penny.  The Teenager is wearing a suit jacket and shirt he got last year for his school dance and is actually wearing his school trousers! The only item bought for either of us was a pair of shoes for him as he's still growing!

 

Being vegetarian The Teenager is used to having limited choice but they brought him some lovely vegetable fried rice with steamed veggies on the side.

 

This photo really doesn't do justice to the beautiful restaurant.  If anyone wants to check it out it's the Peony Jade in Clarke Quay, Singapore.

 

The happy couple pouring champagne in a tier of glasses which was then shared with family and a toast is made to the couple.

 

This is the banquet menu.  It was called Elements of Infinity Banquet.

 

Peony Jade's Signature Crispy Suckling Pig Platter

Chilled Scallops Salad Mayo with Tropical Fresh Fruits

Roasted Crackling Skin Suckling Piglet Sliced

Deep Fried Dragon Beard Roll

Marinated Sea Blubber

'Cheng Du' Spicy Cold Chicken

 

Peony Jade's Signature Sautéed Fresh Prawns with Salted Creamy Yolk

 

Braised Golden Pumpkin Broth with Seafood and Bird's Nest

 

Steamed 'Soon Hock' Fish Honk Kong Style with Premium Light Soy Sauce

 

Fillet of Tea Smoked Duck served with Mini Flower Buns

 

Stewed Fragrant Rice with Premier Shredded Conpoy, Dried Octopus and Diced Chicken in Lotus Leaf

 

Chilled Fresh Mango Puree with Pomelo Sacs and Sago Pearls

 

 

Excuse the level of detail but I loved this menu and have been finding out more about some of the unfamiliar things since we got back.  Although I didn't eat everything on the menu it has reignited my interest in Asian cooking and I'll be researching how to re create some the above dishes.  I'll pass on the sea blubber though (it's jellyfish!!!)

I really enjoyed the day.  This was why we took our kids out of school for a week (very naughty I know especially as I'm a teacher)  But what they gained in experience couldn't be replicated.  Not all learning takes place in the classroom.

Snowed under

Help!!! I am snowed under with paperwork.  There are 3 sleeps left until I leave for Singapore and the wedding.  Gulp!! The next 2 days of work will be hectic as not only do I have to leave a fully planned week for the teacher covering my absence but I also have to make sure my files are up to date.  The school is getting a Quality Assurance visit the day before I return.  And paperwork is my weakest link so really need to put in the extra work so I'm not the one who spoils the school's report.

I'll take lots of photos while I'm away.  Really looking forward to the break as I've got a few major decisions to make.  I'm hoping the warm climate will help me unwind and relax.  See you all soon :-)

The (anti) Shopping List

 

I saw this on FB and immediately thought yes, this is what I'm trying to do!  I say trying because I'm not perfect and this is the real world.

 

Next month the Teenager and I have a family wedding to attend.  In Singapore! This is going to cost me a small fortune in air fares (already paid for) and hotel costs (all coming from my savings). I've had to get special permission from the Director of Education of my local council to take time off work.  I've been given 5 days of unpaid leave. Luckily my middle son works for Hilton so I get their family rate but it's still a lot of money.  But while there are some things you just have to spend a lot of money on, there are areas where you can use the anti shopping list principles.

 

Remember the last wedding I attended?  Well, so far my wedding outfit has cost me nothing.  I have a beautiful Hobbs pink silk dress I've owned for about 10 years but never worn *insert embarrassed face* I'm borrowing cream sparkly shoes and matching handbag from my lovely mum.  All ideal for a warmer climate than Scotland.  I might borrow or search the charity shops for a wrap or stole.

 

I've also borrowed a few summer dresses for some of the wedding events.  Family and friends are flying in from all over the world so there will be lots of get togethers.

 

The Teenager has a nice jacket and shirt but he might need to get some trousers.  I'm hoping I can persuade him to wear his school trousers (they're black ones anyway) He definitely needs shoes.

 

Luckily he's on holiday now so will go shopping for them himself :-)

Wedding outfit for under £10

My camera died on the day (boo!!) so sadly didn't get any pics of the wedding.  But here's how I looked on the day thanks to the Teenager taking some of me at home.

 

A chance remark lead to my lovely neighbour lending me her black fascinator.  I loved wearing it but it was rather windy on Stornoway on Saturday (ferry was very late due to bad weather leaving us just 20 mins to get ready for the church) so I was scared it would blow away!

My hair was lovely and curly on the day and I was wearing delicate silky neutral stockings (just bare legs and a wash n leave it style in these pics!)

I added some ribbon bows and 'adapted' a pair of silver earrings to jazz up my shoes.  I just LOVE my glue gun ;-)

I bought some flowers at the supermarket and made my own corsage with the help of a you tube video.

So total costs as follows:

Dress £7 on Ebay
Shoes, bag, stockings, jewellery and shawl I already had so recycled and free
Fascinator borrowed so free
Flowers £3 for bunch but only used 3 roses and sprig of baby's breath

Once upon a different lifetime I would have gone out and bought a whole new outfit from scratch. Probably something I'd never wear again!  I'll be wearing this dress throughout the winter with thick tights, boots and a cardigan. But to be honest I felt a million dollars in my £10 DIY outfit and there was definitely no one else wearing the same thing :-)

Quick pit stop

Vienna was lovely!  Totally different from my last visit in winter.  Top temperature was 37 degrees so it was hot, hot, hot.  And it was wonderful to see my middle son who got us upgraded to a suite (well he does work for a well known worldwide hotel chain!) ;-)

 

In the end I had too many clothes with me.  Mostly I wore shorts and a t shirt as it was so hot. But here are a few refashioned outfits I wore.

 

 

Before shot of a long dress that also has a removable inner dress lining.  It will be re used in a different refashion.  Notice Emma photo bombing!!

 

On the balcony of the penthouse suite (get me!)  Twas rather blowy!! Sleeves and shoulder pads removed and about 12 inches chopped off the length.  I also altered the neckline to a v neck.  I rather like this dress now.

 

Easy fix, chopped off the big floppy collar.

I actually couldn't find my white 3/4 trousers so tried it with shorts.  Not sure if it suits me but blouse looks great with jeans too.

And this is the dress I'm wearing to the wedding tomorrow.  £7 on Ebay, bargain!  The black and beige spotty one is cut out but I just didn't want the extra stress of having to finish it tonight. It will get finished for my dad's 70th birthday party.  I'm planning on making a ribbon corsage for my wrist and maybe teeny wee bows or something for the shoes (free from my mum) I also found a red and black shawl in my cupboard and I'm sure I have a red handbag somewhere.

In other news, my house sale is now legally binding :-)  I have to move out on the 2nd of September but as yet my own house purchase isn't finalised.  Just a few bits of paperwork to get from the current owners and hopefully all will be settled by next week.

Back home on Monday which leaves me 2 weeks to get packed and ready.  Eeeek!!!!!!

Plodding on

Moving day is now only 5 weeks today.  EEEEEEKKKKKK!!!!!

 

We're plodding on with the sorting and packing.  There's just so much stuff accumulated over the last 25 years and since I'm the only adult dealing with it (don't even get me started on that!!!) sometimes it feels overwhelming.  However, I'm being very ruthless and I'm letting go of a lot of 'aspirational clutter'  You know, the stuff that you collect for the life you aspire to one day.  Some of it has been very useful it helping me get started on this frugal lifestyle but some of it is just plain old clutter.

 

I've recycled, sold and given away a lot of things so far but now it's time to step up a gear.  Freecycle is getting a big listing today!  Time is running out.  Out of the next 35 days I'm not going to be here for 11 of them due to events planned long before the move.

 

One of those events being a family wedding in Stornoway.  I bought the above fabric online (risky I know but I can't spare a whole day to go to my favourite fabric shop in Glasgow!!)  It's a fine cotton lawn style fabric in beige and black.  I'm planning on making the dress with a black bodice and a large polka dot skirt.  I just hope I have enough time to finish it!

Finally, just a wee note to say I'm now a contributor on Refashion Co op There are a lot of very talented folks out there and I'm so chuffed they've allowed me to join :-)

Procrastination

Yeah yeah, I know.  I should be sorting and packing but that's dull.  Today I made a dress :-) 

I put in a zip.  Not my best effort but no worse than some shop bought dresses I own!!

I love this style of dress. It suits my pear shape!  Pattern is Simplicity K2444 and fabric is some old cotton my mum had.  It's a mock up (muslin) of the dress I want to make for the wedding.  But it's so bright and cheery I might just wear it anyway.

Ok, back to packing and sorting!

Packing

Hmm, this packing malarkey isn't going as well as I'd hoped despite help from Emma.  So far all I've managed to pack is my knitting stuff.  For me knitting is a winter hobby, clicking away as I watch TV in the evening so I won't need it between now and September (although I haven't packed the socks I'm knitting, they're a great portable project for waiting rooms!)

But I'm having a wee bit of difficulty with my sewing supplies.  Mostly due to the fact I'm in the middle of several projects (including a corset for my friend's 40th) and I've decided to make a dress for a wedding next month.  My sewing area is rather a mess!!!

I've narrowed down my dress for the wedding (which will be in Stornoway) to these 2 patterns. 

And I'm sure I've some suitable fabric in there.  Somewhere!! *sighs*

I've also been playing with paint.  Have a look on My Upcycled Home blog.