Having Several Accounts Doesn't Work For me

Since watching many different videos on money, some saying you should have seven accounts or 4 to 5. To me that was too much and when I followed that I ended up in huge debt. 

                              

I have now two accounts and one is for money saved for holidays and my main account. I like it like that. 

Having my balance showing in my Wallet it is so easy to keep track of what I am spending and balance and like tomorrow I have cash ready and I will take a certain amount in cash and if I can use it I do and has been a good strategy. 

I can't handle so many accounts. Two is enough and my son has an account but that is for him for when he is older and credit cards are venom to me and glad I no longer have one. I would like to have my own home one day but now I am happy with my current situation. 

So my focus is to save for the Summer Holidays and for weekly expenses, like food shopping, coffees, even though most days I make my own, but love writing in a coffee shop at least once a week and I like to mooch but I can restrain myself and just like to be outdoors. 

I'm glad I no longer have an Overdraft and I am glad that I have unsubscribed from some companies and keeping what I know I am going to use and has value. I like the fact I have Journal APP, free fitness APPs and notes and TV APPs which are free and I am selective when it comes to APPs as they use up storage and if I have point cards for the coffee shops and supermarkets I use. 

I was thinking about it, because I am in a steady place in my life and when I get the urge for shopping my enthusiasm tends to go and feel good when I don't spend. Life is not all about Materialistic things. I feel once you love what you have that is the biggest incentive in not spending and having control of the spending bug. 

So have two accounts if you feel the same and having a daily check on your money. I am going to each day check my balance and set myself saving goals and I each week do a Buy List and this helps see where I have to spend money, like food, toiletries and cleaning products. The main things we buy and that I have money should something else come up, example: School uniform and go through my sons clothes, if we need toilet roll, sponges for washing up and laundry detergent. 

I have done some videos about Hoarding on my Youtube channel if you'd like to check them out and please follow me on X too: 

https://www.youtube.com/@Carriechalloner

https://x.com/typical86285

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

 

Being Resistant To Doing Tasks

As soon as resistance steps in I get up and do that task. Example watering my sons plant. However going out today I felt resistant in buying another notebook. This is where resistance can be a good thing. It depends on the outcome. I know if I water my son's plant will keep it alive and grow.

One of the Places I like to walk in Epsomn

Buying another notebook will cost money and when I have plenty already and not gathering dust and once these are used then buy another notebook. It is good to journal. I journal every day and filmed my two favourite things on my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMmlsGjUCFY 

Resistant's is the mind saying "Be Careful" and can trigger anxiety and anxiousness. Thinking of the things I shouldn't do that I know will make me feel good, compared to what the consequences will be when I know I don't need another notebook and be tempted. I think of God testing Eve. Do I eat a poisoned apple or do something that won't lead to a good outcome. I write a lot but a blank piece of paper can still have the same benefits and yes I love a good pretty notebook but I have ones still unused and my one goal for me is to reduce waste and not keep adding more to landfill.

Also I have made my own and want to test these out and then sell my own. 

Walking for example is free, wakes me up and helps me feel peace in my mind and so can do this everyday, whereby spending money all the time it can make me feel sick at times because I know I don't need to spend money to be happy. Journaling has really good benefits but if someone asks what you'd like for your birthday then ask for a new notepad or when your on holiday save to buy a journal whilst away as to me now it has to have meaning. 

I find excuses as to why I need spend and then afterwards feel regret what I have purchased yet when I have cleaned the house and seen a result of a cleaner desk give me pride in having a shiny clean desk and cost me nothing. Cleaning products that actually clean is worth it, buying a cleaning device that was intended to clean sitting in the cupboard no purpose, when I have clothes and sponges do the same its just a fancy gadget that is a gimmick and not helped but add to more items I don't need. 

I wonder if you identify? Please fill in the comments box below if you do. It costs you nothing in doing so just would like to read other peoples stories. 

So manage your resistance as it can be a burden but it can also be useful in doing positive habits and stop negative habits. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

I've got 4 pints of 4 pints milk

What to do if you have a high stack of food? Donate to friends and family or a too a local food bank?

This includes fruit and vegetables soups, stews and even curries. 

Made myself a Pimms and great for using up fruit and yes I ate the fruit once finished and so getting my Vitamins with a favourite drink of the Summer. 

I now going to have some scrambled egg on toast and use up the milk and my son drinks a lot of milk so not too bad and its good to have enough. My step dad would cook extra for lunches and to give to a elderly lady and call a friend to come over to have a meal with you if they're in need of company. 

If you have the crusts of bread why not make a bread a butter pudding and I am going to make a hot chocolate later or tomorrow with hot milk and so it has its uses over stocking and can help with being inventive and have fun when cooking to see what you can make.

If it is fruit and milk you can make smoothies or lollies as long as you have a freezer and ice cubes and with yogurts too and with meat can be frozen and having a good back up of food is good as then your not going over what to have and I like to trying different drinks and food. I like my cold coffee so I have ordered cans by Nescafe and see what they are like. 

I love a cold coffee this time of year and hot coffee in the winter and not going buy anymore coffee as I have sachets to use and a bag of coffee for my Cafeteria and love a milky coffee and so got some ideas of what I can have now I have a overstocked on milk and my son will be pleased. I did give my mum and step dad a four pint. 

My husband loves tuna and so these are good to have in the cupboard as great for sandwiches and dinners. I am not keen on Tuna but my husband does and we have plenty of peanut butter which we mainly have for breakfast and like to have fruit and use some of it for drinks. At the weekend I saw we had a bottle of Pimms still in the cupboard so made myself a Pimms and Lemonade and used strawberries, a quarter of a orange, cucumber and mint, with ice and not something I drink all the time but love one now and again and so refreshing. The only downside is that when buying oranges I couldn't just buy one which one is all I needed but going to have a quarter that we have left of one and is better than juice and great for cakes like spiced ginger cakes, with a dash of cinnamon and very good for the #autumn but still, I like an orange and having a lemon and lime for drinks. 

So not feeling too bad of having a lot of milk but will hopefully be good to have enough for us now so I only need to pick up one for the rest of the week and means I can do a morning walk to get some and learn for my next shop.  

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Summer Organisation things I do during the school holidays

So we have had half term here in the UK. The final one until the Summer Holidays and it can be tricky when it comes to organisation and so I have some tips that may help you.

Day trips: Plan ahead if you can and do a list a week before if not earlier and remember to pack a first aid kit, money should you decide to buy drinks and food where you are going and remember skin protection. So hats, goggles for swimming, sun cream, change of clothes depending how far you are  heading and open up the car to cool it down before getting in. If it possible see if you can park in the shade. Pack antihistamine and bite cream and if going in water, arm bands and floats and shoes the beach. 

#washing clothes: Do it in cycles and what do you want to take on holiday. I like to mix and match. I do where trainers with socks and pack plenty of underwear and that my son has clothes that can be for the day and evening. Have the washed clothes near the suitcase ready and I like buying packs of vest tops. I wear these all year round and so versatile. Check out my: https://carriesversatilefashion.com/ I will bring shorts. What I mainly where in the summer along with a pair of good walking sandals and trainers that can be washed and a couple of jackets for the evening. |Light jackets. I take my Denim Jackets. You can buy a bar of washing for clothes soap or take some washing tablets and find out what the accommodation has on site. I like to air dry my clothes and so make sure there is a place I can hang once washed. Soak the swimwear to get rid of the chlorine and salt from the sea. 

Guides: Get an idea of where the beaches or seaside is from where you are staying, unless you are holidaying in a city. There may be parks and lakes. So find out before booking, does it have a swimming pool, a restaurant on site and what the night entertainment they have. Can I do exercise? Are there good walks. Are there areas you should stay away from and when hiring a car find out what it is going to be as when we travelled in one of the Greek Islands with my mum and her friend, had this old banger and it was dreadful. I like to see how far it is from the town, I like self catering, so will check to see if there is transport available, supermarket, pharmacy and I love a tourist shop. I don't drive and often my husband doesn't like to always drive on holiday and check if there is parking and how much it is to park. I speak to people who to find if anyone has been there that I know that could give good tips of where to go and the Travel Information in the place you are visiting. Can you buy a guide? Also currency. How much is the exchange rate and the prices to eat out if you don't do self catering? 

Medication and toiletries: I take medication and it is a while since travelling abroad but have it in your luggage and in a clear bag and only take what you need. I like to take a first aid kid but no scissors or anything that is sharp as they will confiscate it, but things like bite cream, wet wipes, sanitizer and plasters for example and you can get travel size toiletries. Boots do a huge range, but find out from the hotel if you can of what will be provided in the accommodation. 

So I hope you find this blog helpful and it is back to school this week for my son and so making the most of the weekend. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Use It Up and Reducing what I buy

I love it when I have an empty fridge because it challenges me to use what I have in my food cupboard and freezer. I have not bought anymore skincare until I have used up my creams and I have enough Shampoo to last me a life time and shower gel and so I can focus at the moment on booking things to do in the Easter holidays. 

It is good to have a back up of food especially when it is freezing cold outside or your cooker goes on the blink and we tend to have sandwiches or soups for lunch and so the two things we buy is milk as that is what my son drinks, along with water and bread. 

Breakfast is usually toast, yogurt or cereal. 

We don't do our washing everyday but this helps me wear the clothes I have and not buying any this year. I like the clothes I have and I rotate my clothes and I was watching a Sheerluxe video on youtube and a lady saying she doesn't allow the weather to dictate what to wear so challenging myself to wear all my clothes still even when it is cold and not stop the weather from wearing a skirt and I think it is a British thing to do to dress by the weather and I have enough for the year. I have clothes that I can layer up but I have a blog about Versatile Fashion and try to buy clothes that suits all seasons.  Carries Versatile Fashion – I love Fashion that can be mixed with all seasons

I am keeping my hair short now because I don't need to keep investing in hair bands and I will still wear my baseball caps and winter hats but I just don't want to have to tie it up. 

I have reduced buying biscuits and I am still ordering from Amazon but the fact that I almost up all night waiting for a notebook to be delivered is the spirit telling me to stop relying on Amazon and buy from the high street as I have allowed myself one notebook a month. 

I am trying not to buy reading books and this has made me listen to the audiobooks I have and so holding myself in from buying so many. 

It is good to have no more baked beans and use tin spaghetti instead to use, pasta is great for meals and my son and husband love salt and pepper and so we keep staples like that but not too many. We at one time had a collection of herbs and spices and they never got used and so had to be thrown. 

Instead of buying fresh garlic we use Garlic Granules and have sauces like Mayonnaise, Ketchup and BBQ sauce. These are always used and never go to waste. 

So if you use it all the time then it is good to stock up, but if it is only one recipe then buy less and make meals you know you will have. I feel that we buy, and this from my own personal experience for the "Ideal person" we want to be, so I am realistic now with what I know I will get consumed and to reduce waste. Keep it realistic and go through the diary to go through what you are going to be doing and what you will be using and I always have hand cream, a packet of tissues, wet wipes and an umbrella in my bag and my sons pocket money but not over doing it as my bags can be heavy. 

Also I like cloth bags and have one I use if we do need to pick up something from the shop.

We now have a mug we no longer use store money for shopping should we need more milk or bread. 

It is good to always have a back plan and I often will go through my stuff and what needs to be used up and keep a list. 

I hope you have found this blog helpful and I share all my blogs on Pinterest, X and Facebook: 

(1) Pinterest

The Typical London Gal (@Carrie82434764) / X

Typicallondongal | Facebook

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

 

Getting organised in 2026

I no longer want to buy brand new clothes. I have all I need and need to remind myself of that. I have bought items emotionally not really needing the item. I feel like if it is on food then it is okay, but no, it all adds up when you know you have plenty of food in the food cupboard and freezer.

Since tracking my money it has opened my mind in seeing where my money is going and has been mind-blowing. I own too much so need to decide on what I want less of, or more.

I know going to the shops everyday is good because of building my steps, which I have written a blog about: Get Active Get Fit : Shopping can have its benefits when staying Active and part of that is because of the weather. When my son has had his lessons in the library, I have not wanted to go out unless it is a gift leading up to Christmas and I do tend to take break come Autumn and Winter when it comes to fitness. 

So if you want to help manage your finances and get organised in 2026, I now go through what I have paid out and add to my savings as I want to go to different places for a holiday. I set a savings target and add to each week and have specific goal. 

                                      

Next it is online. I lastnight went through my emails. I did more unsubscribing from sites. One thing I learned was that Google if you have a google email, will alert you of companies emails you have not read emails, notify you and so going to clear another account and it helps me not waste money. So Finance has been a focus and will continue to track my spending in 2026 and is important because I want to make my money useful and not buy emotionally but when we have no food left and I do buy bulk items, like toilet rolls and kitchen towels. 

I have purchased some shower gel for my son and sanitary products. 

Cleaning products is good to buy and I clean after each meal, rather than first thing in the morning or evening. I like to read before bed and in the mornings. 

I use a bag on my bed to stop having so many clothes at the bottom of the bed and take control of my spending on books but I accumulated free books and I know I will read them and for this is not a waste and buy one book a month or so. I love reading and love audible and I get so much out of it.

Its okay to have stuff but only if it gets used or you know you will use. 

My nan and I would share books, my mum has books and plan to have shelves in my room for my books and journals. I haven't always kept my journals as the one thing I have found good to let go of the past, is to not keep all my journals and then focused on the now and move on from the past.

However I like to keep them now as I like to decorate then and keep cards and junk journal and so means I have to let something go and so going to have a low spend year and keep decluttering one thing a day and then the other thing is bags. 

I love a bag but my problem is clearing them out. 

Not sure how to keep up with it. I know Kon Marie says that you should do it daily but I know I won't stick to that so need to figure this out. I don't want to have loads of bags so is a working progress.

So these are going to be my focus and only keep what is really important to me and sort out my bedroom, by sorting out my bags and let more things go. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X  

Avoiding The Mess

It has been a long insight to see that I avoid the mess.  There is something about mess that makes me close my door and ignore it. I have tried to put things away but I will pretend it isn't there and know at some point I will tidy it up. I am a still decluttering, but I have a cupboard full of underwear and socks, I have box files that have no order so I know I need to step up. 

So the first thing I need to do is to step away. I need to allow rest time and then when I go to brush my teeth will tidy up my bed once I have had my tea and it is time to brush my teeth and in fact I am going to do that now.

Do a bit a day. A small amount can still make a difference and I am enjoying my decluttering. Finding items that are just gathering dust. If there is no reason for an item, then it goes.

It is good to allow others to motivate. I will clean, tidy and declutter if I see my husband cleaning so he will be the influence and then I will sort my mess out and that I am not letting the side down.

Let your kids help clear up the mess. My son has the habit of leaving is teddy bear on the floor so will tune into asking him to pick it up and the same with other toys and things he has finished using. 

It is good to have a calendar that is available to you. So plan what you are going to focus on first, to break it down and avoid overwhelm if this is causing you to avoid any mess.

Journal your fears about the mess. I will write down my fears. I find it helps address them and how to get over it and if it works out and you do it, how will it make you feel? 

Have a system. When it comes to washing up, I will use my morning whilst the kettle is on to clear any plates or mugs away used the night before. Then, when it comes to dinner time I will clear away any items used for lunch and what needs to be left out for dinner. 

I find I am more untidy during the winter with gifts for Christmas and muddy clothes from the rain and taking my son to do his sports at the weekend and find it hard to dress because of the cold. I love to layer up so clothes are messy and the bottom of the bed, keeping stuff to junk journal and I love notebooks and so need to make choice if I want it to be tidy or live in a mess.

So 2026 it is a year of change and invest in the things that are help me "Grow" which is my word for 2026. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

How I Plan my days

So I have filmed a Plan with me Vlog which I plan to post next week as I have a Vlog Channel, sharing different parts of my life and interests. I will be back posting once a week as two a week is too much and like to focus on doing One thing in different areas to sort out and organise my life. I know some say it is good to do multitask, but not me. 

We took a Walk up London and have filmed so will in a Vlog soon

I sometimes will have my laptop in the kitchen cooking but to watch videos. 

So I now use mainly post its: https://organize4thebetter.blogspot.com/2025/10/new-way-of-planning-and-staying-on.html On Google Calendar I map out what is happening in terms of my sons tutoring sessions whilst we wait for a space in a Secondary School and going to do this once a week.  

Today we are out for the morning. I love our walks and going for coffees so the one thing I do is make sure we have time outdoors and yesterday felt so good and I like to make sure we go out early and in the Winter I feel I need to get out and just take in the new season. 

I am a home body and do like to as soon I get back indoors, to change into my PJ bottoms. I make the  time to have that time to do bits of work, like plan my radio show. I am off at the moment but will be back at end of November, see details of my show. It is slightly changing to The History Of Music. https://www.epsomhospitalradio.org.uk/on-air/presenters/carrie-challoner I do a show on Sunday's 4 to 6pm. 

At the moment I am Planning my sons' birthday, my mums birthday and my brothers birthday. I mark off these dates each year at the beginning of each year and go through things that I will need to pay for and that I end my spreadsheet in regards to my finances and I check my bank account everyday. Check out my Financial Living Youtube Channel: (69) Financial Living - YouTube

I like to make sure I get up at the time that suits me. That time is usually between 5am to 6am, to have a cup of tea and read my book. 

I will take breaks and tidy up the plates etc before each meal of the day and plan what we are going to eat for dinner and make time to eat out and visit different places. My son loves travelling on bus and trains and I enjoy that too. 

Please if you recommend can recommend good places to walk then please sure share. I like walking up London, but there are a lot of road works at the moment, so not looking so scenic and we go to Kingston, but would like to do others, so if you know of some good walks, preferably involve being near nature then please share. You can use the comment section below. 

I am so glad my clubbing days are over and for me sorting out my Pinboard gives me pleasure, watching a comedy and plan some time in front of the TV and not all about To do lists but what gives me the utmost pleasure. So, I'm going to sort out dinner soon, but before then going to have another up of Earl Grey Tea and binge on Youtube.

I am doing a Programme at the moment called, Winter Wellness and posting through November and December through to January and so if you are interested then please visit my blog site: https://everyonecanbuildacastle.com/

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Killing two birds in One Stone

So what does that mean "Killing to birds in one stone?". It mean doing some tasks together. Like I went to the toilet upstairs "Sorry if a bit TMI" but as it was upstairs took up some clothes with me that were clean and washed upstairs so I can quickly put on bed to be stored away. I dusted my bedroom windowsill too and saved me time, whilst I was upstairs. 

One of my set ups and behind of one of the spaces I use that saves me time

Whilst I'll upstairs running a bath, I will to go down stairs to put any clothes worn that needs washing into the washing machine.

When I dry up items used for lunch I will then give the kitchen sink and draining board a clean. 

Giving my son a wash I ran a bath or a shower for myself and in the mornings when getting dress will brush my teeth, or this morning when I used the loo, afterwards brushed my teeth. It really helps save time and I am always up for time saving strategies. It gives me more time chill and relax.

Sometimes when waiting for the kettle to boil or cooking dinner I will do some leg raises exercise and listen to some music. I will clean up the items used for lunch whilst cooking dinner or boiling the kettle. 

When getting dressed I will have a tidy up of my clothes and what I plan to wear. The one area I try to save time too is meal time. We now have a air fryer which has been a game changer and would recommend. Our oven is okay but you normally have to add time when making wedges for example, but the Air fryer takes no time at all. 

I also clean up as I go when cooking to save myself time. It also good to spend time planning meals and what needs to be used up. I whilst I was upstairs I will clean or dust something. I try to do a bit of cleaning a day. Today after I get my hair done I will pick up bits I need and meet my mum for a coffee. 

This will mean I can stop in on Wednesday or still go out but won't need to buy anything as I like No Spend days. Check out my Youtube channel which is all about how I manage my money that can you manage yours: Financial Living - YouTube

So Kill Two birds in one stone and then you be surprised how much time it saves and have time to do something else, like reading or like me write a blog, film and work on a book I am writing. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Getting Organised 2025

I like to cover this because my Organisation habit have changed, as I see bags that I need to clear out and store them somewhere. I have been making plans. I have kept some of my sons work at school that he has been bringing home and not sure what to do with them. I feel sad throwing them away. Getting organised is something I have always battled with because of keeping things. 

At the moment I am sorting out my room in Epsom. I have used under bed storage and it sorted out a place for my PJS and some clothes. My husband ordered me some hangers to hang more clothes up and then it is stripping my bed and I have got a second hand cabinet from my mum and step dad and will have a bedside table again which I have missed. This has place to store bits and a draw too.

I have file boxes which is good for storing papers and ordered ring binders as  I used one to store letters and school reports and so going to use these new folders to make him a new one and go through his older folder. 

When it comes to getting organised I like to check out Pinterest for organisation ideas and the room I have is small, so can't store too much. 

I have suitcases that have bits in and once I have cleared the storage in the closet then these will be going in the shed, this will make more space. The one question I ask myself is "When is a good time to get it done?" #I will answer do it now and I have got to sort the top of my closet.

Many would probably say "Do it in one go". For me, this makes me dread it. This is why I do it one bit at a time and small changes is helping me make sure it is done for bigger changes, such as a room is my own little nest and will make me love it more.

It  is good to have a room where it is functional and hung up more clothes yesterday. I have easy access to them, my underwear and socks with bras and leggins. I am trying to get out of wearing leggins all the time, so will be wearing more trousers and dresses. Yet practical. I play many sports with my son and I do Parkrun and see my son play rugby on Sundays.

I have a ruck sack which stores all that I need and this comes with me I travel to and from my home in Wimbledon. The black one I have I take when I once a week go to a coffee shop to write and picking up shopping. I would like a better place for them. 

The one thing I have done that has made me be vigilant is go through my finance each week and stuck at it and so careful with my money. Unsubscribing from retailers and other companies I no longer interested in. This includes Youtube and need to go through my photos again. 

I use Notion, Notebook, google calendar and diary. Really helps me stay on track. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X

The Ten things I do to stay on top of organizing my life

There is always a good time to organize and get your life together and I like to do things that help me stay on track of my life and manage it in a way I don't get overwhelmed. 

1. Make sure that my bed has been made and that my son is okay and my clothes are laid out for the day ahead.

2. With laundry I do get help with that, but if I still got laundry to be done I do it in the mornings and then it is done and rotate my clothes, so it all gets worn, if not then it is given away and like to do a regularly declutter of my clothes and toiletries if I see something that is in good condition see if someone else may wear or use them or if there is any wear and tare when checking my clothes, they are dispose of but try to fix clothes now if I can, to try an eliminate waste, to stop adding to landfill.

3. Do a meal plan and think of different meals and check my fridge and food cupboards of what we have in terms of food and groceries and that it all gets eaten. 

4. Prep dinners. Like cutting up the potatoes, vegetables and meats. 

5. Go through my finances each Sunday and check my bank account daily.

6. Planning the week ahead and doing spending plan

7. Clear any dishes washed and put things away

8. Made sure I clean on area a day of my homes, as I live in Epsom and Wimbledon, to look after my son and making sure he is ready for school

9. If my son is unwell like he was this week, make sure I take note of when he has had medicine and his temperature.

10. Take breaks from my phone and laptop to focus on spending time with my son and loves it when we watch a bit of TV together and so I make sure we have that time as children grow up so fast that its those moments that I feel are important. 

I hope that this blog helps you and please follow then you won't miss a post,

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie  X 

Buying Stuff I do not need

I keep getting urges to buy more clothes and notebooks, when I don't need to so I have done a mood board of  items I am going to buy this year to limit it. 

 A Picture from today and want to spend my money to have a coffee and write, rather than a top I no longer need.

I am one of those that will put things in the basket and not buy anything and create wish lists as this makes me really decide if I need it or not and limit what clothing I buy and save for day trips to places, during school holidays or at weekends, for household products. I going to be buying pillows and a new bed sheet. 

To get reminded of what I have I do watch decluttering programmes and Youtube videos and I have filmed me decluttering as stuff is stuff, and so now I am trying to make the most of what I already have, and it feels good to use up what you got before buying anything else. 

Also what is important. Does it better to have nice bedding or buy another jumper because it is cheap? 

It is a decision that I battle a lot with, because I like buying clothes, so before I buy anything more going to have another declutter of my wardrobe and see if can find the items I want secondhand and I do want to change my style a bit. 

How do you shop for clothes? Please leave a comment below, as I like hear others and how they organise their life to help me not be bogged down with stuff. 

I am buying more of what is a good investment, example I have bought a pair of Swimming shorts as I take my son swimming and will be going swimming again once a week when my son is at school and check Better Gyms as you don't need a membership to book to us the facilities and take my son in the holidays, as he has been having swimming lessons, so want him to practice and such a good skill and not have a fear of water like I did. 

So buying items that I know is practical and will be worn and would like to stop wearing leggins all of the time, and save my money towards having a holiday and buy one or two items per year and not every month and now I am debt free check out my Financial Living Youtube channel: Life and Money - YouTube and so want to save and build my income, so I can save for a good holiday and want to go to more concerts and go to another music festival. So I have to decide what it important to me to be able to do that and don't a lot of clothing, and also focus on my health and looking after my body and mind, buy not buying things I don't need. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Getting Bits Done

Today so far has been a good and productive. I have been getting up early and by doing that it has made me feel energized and it has help complete many things. I today finished my Life Coaching Course, Completed a section of my Counselling course, wrote down all the songs for my radio show on Friday, and posted my Cheat Sheet, check out my blog site: http://everyonecanbuildacastle.com/2024/07/29/weekly-cheat-sheet-acts-of-kindness/ and also my blog site: https://theparentingadventurestipsandtricks.wordpress.com/2024/07/29/weekly-cheat-sheet-five-acts-of-kindness/

What you need not all the time but at the weekends and having a good time away from normality when everything is done. 

I like getting these little bits done and then it helps free up my time to go outside when it is good weather and don't choose to many things to do but what is important. So today I booked my Diabetic Review, as I had to cancel when it was booked, I couldn't make it so I rang the doctors today to book appointment. 

Noone wants to go to the doctors if they can avoid it and I got to book the dentist, but my fear of it is what's putting me off, so I am going to get this done and book for my son and not put it off anymore.

It is good to go through from bottom to top of your house or top to bottom and just picking up bits on the floor that shouldn't be on the floor as you go, making the beds or have your kids make their own bed and do it as soon as they get up and have a good routine whereby everything is done, not having to rush, and leaves time to get other bits completed to, that aren't so important but still need to completed such as going for a coffee and gets bits to eat and today bought a new toothbrush and personal items. 

It so good to manage my time that allows you to rest, get things done and feel that the day has been good, rather than a struggle.

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Ten ways I organize my life

I like systems, having a good routine and planning. Please believe me when I say I am not organized, but because of that I have implemented systems to help with that, by:

A picture of when we decluttered the shed as mentioned in this blog 

1. Getting up before anyone else. My life changing habit for 2024. It means I can listen to some chill out music, have a nice cup of tea and start working on my laptop, doing some writing and planning without disruption. 

2. Tidy up. I like to spend time washing up any dishes from the night before, and my husband puts some laundry on or I do this myself and making sure we all have breakfast and are dressed, we have brushed our teeth and got dressed for the day, and sorting out my clothes for the day.

3. Money. Check out my Youtube Channel where I share how I manage my money: https://www.youtube.com/@mywayofliving1602 I check my bank account everyday and each Sunday and Monday I go through what I have spent that week and track it on a spreadsheet . I will do a spending plan for the week and for the month, and making sure I pay money onto my credit card, as did get into debt, but now clearing it. I put money into my sons bank account and put money into my savings. I do no spend days, and do a no spend challenge in January and this has really made a huge difference in how I manage my money.

4. Shopping. As a kid my mum would shop on Friday and often me and my brother would be super hungry which can increase what you buy, and play up. So I make sure I have eaten, and my husband will do his grocery shopping on a Saturday morning when it is less busy, but rarely takes a list. I always make list and shop in the mornings in the week, as I like using this to build up my steps and then have the rest of the day to get other bits done.

5. Garden. My husband deals with the garden, but I do like to have a place to sit and do some writing out there during the Spring and Summer and play football with my son, and keep the table out there along with the goal, and this year had a declutter of the shed, which I would recommend to do, as it can become a dumping ground. When it Wimbledon my mum and step dad take care of that, but my son will help, and thinking of getting some flower pots again. 

6. Bags. I have cut down on the bags I own, but my bag is something that needs to be cleared out. This doesn't always get done, but make it a must that I sort it out and put my receipts into a small plastic folder. I do like to have a bum bag for short trips out and going to start using this again in the summer and the weekends, because I don't need to carry a lot unless filming for youtube vlog channel: Typical London Gal.

7. IT and the internet. To organize my days, weeks, months, quarters and for the year I will use OneNote which is a free Microsoft programme, my diary, journal and begun to use google calendar again. Every Monday I plan for the week ahead and for each day. I will have a clear out of photos, tidy up my Pinterest, any images of videos stored on my laptop that I no longer need and google photos, same with emails and documents and downloaded items. 

8. Journal. Every evening now I will write down what I am happy about each day, and if I want to express my feelings and thoughts. It is a good way to lift weight off your shoulders and everyday using my journal app on my phone too.

9. Reading. I love to read, and so I make it a must that I do some reading, and not going to buy anymore until I have read the books I have got and do read several books at the same time, especially self help books and I do write reviews, check out my Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/thetypicalLondongal/my-current-books-i-am-reading/book-reviews-my-recommended-reads-other/ I also have a Wordpress site too where I write books reviews: My Books & Stories – Reading is the food for our writing (wordpress.com I store them in a bookcase, in a walking closet I have in Wimbledon, in a ruck sack in a plastic draw unit. I have joined libraries and can help with storing so many, but I like having a good selection, and is so important as it helps us to grow, and if you like writing then get reading as this will help you.

10. Exercise. I am lucky because in Epsom my husband has a treadmill, weights and I keep my exercise mate there too, or I will make sure I do some walking, and I put my clothes which are mainly fitness on and then there is no excuse and I like going for a morning walks and indoor workout in the afternoons. 

So I hope this blog helps you to organize your life. You can be alerted of when I post on this site if you select subscribe I try to write a blog on this site each week and I also have a Pinterest board where I share these posts and shares others content that have helped me in organization, so see above and just put in Organize 4 the better. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Organization 2024

So already I have myself set up at the dining table in the Living room in Epsom and have a desk I use in my bedroom in Wimbledon. Its a different set up and so I have to make sure I have bits I need and split my living there and here in Epsom, but is well managed. I now take myself off from my laptop at the weekend and focus on spending time with my son. I may vlog but take a break from my blogs and books and having the time with my son it important to me, as you never get that time back. 

My desk set up in Wimbledon

If you would like to check out my vlogs then here is the one I published today:

https://youtu.be/rx5CM2_mqGU

These last few days I have now started to work in the morning and take breaks to put away the breakfast bowls, cups and plates and have one to two cups of tea in the morning and like popping out in the morning to get my steps in and run errands.

I am writing a book on organization as I am not organized, but introducing good positive habits that has made a difference in helping me to be organized and set my day on a good start and ready for each day. 

When it comes to meals I do plan but I do a list of meals I want to have because I do change my mind and it is what I am in the mood for, like tonight because we are going away at the weekend and have used up most of the food we bought, we going to have a Pizza evening. Not a takeaway. The food shopping is shared, my husband will by the majority of it, and I will buy the extra bits and batch cook. So for my lunch today for example I have left over chicken, and it saves a lot of money and shop wisely.

I now changing the way I budget when it comes to budgeting that suits me better and have a monthly budget on things like food and will be realistic. Do what works for you.

Things change and it is what working presently that will helps me to continue to evolve each year, for my future self, and keep growing and learning. 

Today I am going to be sorting out the shed in the garden. Exciting. So going to end blog. I hope it helps you to organize in 2024 and keep the meter running.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Do we consume too much?

I feel we do. As I write this blog I am thinking about a mug I saw in TKMaxx that I want to buy and soon we will going to ASDA's to pick up a few bits and thinking about buying an item of clothing and ordering a top from Amazon. 

If you not checked out my Youtube channel, then check this one out:

It is time to cut down, and I will be doing No spend January, and that means using my money on the essentials, such as food, bits for my son for when he returns to school. So, going to go through what I already have and use up and checking that his school clothes still fit him, because he is growing so fast, but no spending on items that I don't need, and can wait.

When it gets to this side of Christmas I get sick of spending, and so doing No Spend January helps me to do that, and save.

The problem with me is that I get bored, and the only thing that fixes that is buying something, but then I am spending money for the sake of it, I feel I have wasted it, and could have been saved for more important items. 

So going to change up my wardrobe of what has been worn and what I have not. Shop my wardrobe basically, and packing for when I am in Epsom, and wear what I have already got. I am so glad we had a quiet Christmas, and didn't over do it. 

Before the new years though I will be buying a jar of coffee, as I am running out in Epsom, and some face wash. So a few bits I need to get, but enough of what I need, and will get me through the month. Not meaning that after January I can go on a shopping spree, in fact it will be the opposite, and doing No spend days. 

I am going to challenge myself to make sure that before I buy anything that I already have and run out. This means my toiletries, clothes, food and buy less snacks, and go snack free. 

There will be temptations, but make sure I have a break between meals, and that I eat food that properly fills me up. 

So, going to keep going through of what I have got and save. I am going to pay of my credit card, and save so we can have a holiday this year, and a proper one. 

Why not join me in use up what we got and consume less.

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X

Ten things to Organize on a regular basis if not each day or week

So soon we will be entering into a new year and means that we have to take down our Chrisstmas decor and get ready to get our homes back to normal and organized. 

I went through my presents that Santa got for me to give to family and my Christmas Ornaments were smashed, and so will need to make sure that I can replace these in a different place before the next Christmas. 

My desk in Wimbled when it has been cleaned and tidied on a regular basis

So, here are 10 things to organize on regular basis if not each day or week:

1. Clothes. I travel a lot because I live in Wimbledon but spend a lot of time in Epsom too, and because of the trains and buses issues, been staying in both places and so living out of a bag. So I go through clothes not worn, and so before I buy anything else make sure I wear what I have already got. Check my Youtube channels My way of living, where I have talked about using up what you already got: https://www.youtube.com/@mywayofliving1602

2. Toiletries. I have plenty of shower gels, toothpaste and skincare, that I don't need anymore and organize them so what I have, gets used, and don't get forgotten about and store them to see what I have got and bought a new toiletry bag to store make up and toiletries to carry around with me when I travel, and keep them altogether so I don't forget them.

3. Stationary. I love a notebook and did a video about how I can live in Notebook a few years ago: https://youtu.be/f6YVEziXlA4 and so for my Autumn Reset sorted out my notebooks and kept what I wanted out of them, and put them into a folder, and so make sure I use once again what I have, and still buy plain notebooks, to help write notes as I do have a Filofax but it can be quite heavy to carry around. So I will make sure I have plenty of pens, a ruler and scissors and file cards and post its. 

4. Presents. Yes, after Christmas where should your presents go? I find they can add to clutter but have them in a room that you can display them, and an area they can take them off, like low shelf, and if it is money or a gift card, put it on a board where you will see it and remember to use it. If it is bedding then it is time to strip the beds and wash their existing sets and if it for children have them help you, depending on age. and word: If they are still toilet training, I would wait, and explain that they can go on the bed, but they have got to keep the bed dry.

5. Books. I love books and would live in a house of books, along with notepads, because I love to read and so I have some on a book shelf and then in a storage container, and not bought anymore until they have been read. and I have used Library but find it hard to renew them, and so visit Charity shops and books shops, but make sure I go through them and are stored in a place that they won't get super dusty.

 6. Money. I make sure each week to go through my finances and check my account everyday and use my filofaxt to help stay on track and a spreadsheet on Excel and budget, along with doing spending plans and budget on different areas where my money goes on a regular basis. 

7. Bags. I decluttered my bags and wanted to have minimal amount. I use a handbag, but will go through my bags, to clean them and keep tabs of what is in them and that they are easy to carry, but trying not to overload them, but can carry multiple items. 

8. Food. I make sure I check the fridge and cupboards to see what needs to be replemished, and I don't have to buy so much food, just bits to add or if we need bread or milk. I like to go through what needs to be cooked food and make sure it all gets used, and trying to eliminate wasting food. 

9. Equipment. Take things not used off the work tops and have a cupboard just for them, that you can easily lift out and put back in. Clean out your toasters, as they can build up crumbs inside. I put my laptop away on the table I use as a desk, ready for when we have dinner and then can bring back to the place on the table, to continue using laptop. I no longer have my phone near my bed and that has made a real difference in getting a good nights sleep. 

10. Draws. Yes they can get clogged up, and the main ones for me is, cutlery draws, trays, fridge draws and odds and sods. So junk draw. I have a hack, and that is to put tin foil in the draw, if you don't have any draw inserts as this can really reduce the time to clean them. If you have craft paper, you can use this too. 

Please put in the comments of the things to organize on a regular basis. 

We can have a lot of clutter so having a sort out can make a huge difference, with our minds and that everything has a home. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

 

Getting through the festive season

Yes the Christmas season is upon us and many have already decorated and then their is dinner. I usually go to someones home or stay in and have a dinner at home, and this year we may be going away. 

When I say getting through, I am not meaning that I don't enjoy it and I am looking forward to it, but with people having to go to foodbanks it can be really effect how we feel about it, and that there will be families not having a Christmas dinner.

My first Winter Cider for Christmas 2023

So when you go to the supermarket and you have a local foodbank to donate to, then why not donate an item of food, and some supermarkets are working with charities like Tesco, has done where you can donate part of your shopping bill, and it is only pence, but it doesn't have to be a lot, a little bit still goes a long way.

I use this time to visit Charity shops for gifts and decor. They do a lot of Christmas Ornaments and I like these types of decor as they can passed down to the next generation of family and buying someone new decor for Christmas is a lovely gift, and a keepsake for other Christmases to come.

I did a video on my Youtube Channel My way of living about not Worrying over Christmas and just enjoy seeing family and friends, and it is not about how much you spend, but you being there and catching up and have everyone contribute: https://youtu.be/9agww2YOWIU 

To save time on getting things done do some prepping of wrapping gifts and you can donate toys too in many supermarket, this time of yer, and do it when it is time for yourself with a movie on or Christmas music and getting food bits done. Like chopping up vegetables and meats that you are going to have in the freezer and just make sure they defrost before cooking. 

Have a station in your home of all the decor if not put up yet, and a good way of having a clear out, before buying some new decor. 

If you know someone who is going to be on their own, why not invite them to join you for Christmas dinner or if not able to, make one to take one over to them, and have a drink with them too, as I hate the thought of people on their own, with noone to see and talk too. 

I want to do something for others at Christmas, and so going to plan and think of ideas, and please give me your ideas and what you do during Christmas. You can leave a comment below.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Good ways to use what you have got

So before you begin to buy anything, do an inventory, and if it helps write it down, or do it, by viewing  of what you've got. See what you have and how much of the items you have, and if you will be using it again, or shop around to see if you can still get a good valued product for less, than what you usually pay, and still be a good product. 

I find writing it down helpful or keeping it on my phone using my note app, to be helpful, and doing a regular declutter, or review on items. I bought some salads from ASDA for my lunch in the week, and was horrible, and feel this was a lesson for me to make my own. 

Go through the things you watch or listen too. As I am writing this blog, catching up on some Podcasts I still have to listen to, and create a playlist and can help with concentration, and being productive. 

Challenge yourself. I love a challenge and going to do more, and has helped me in terms of my finances, having a no spend month, which I am going to do next January, like I did last year. I want to do more to help build my confidence and grow my content, to help my community and followers even more. 

Build up your skills. If you are bored doing the same thing all the time, learn something that can help build on the skills that you already have, and if you like me have enrolled on online course, get these completed first before enrolling on more. 

Use up your cash and change. Before buying anything by card, try and use cash instead that you have in your purse and now I do this, has helped me manage my finances and save. I have some ideas of how I am going to save me even more, and use my change, that I saved and on things I like to buy. 

Exercise and use everyday things. You don't have to buy fancy equipment, and you may have items in your home you can use, like stairs, chairs and floor space. I have a set of dumbbells that I keep in the living room, and so in the afternoon will pick these up and do some exercise but you can also use bottles of water and tins. If you a garden, in the summer workout outdoors, and a kick about with your kids is still exercise, so use a football if you have one or in Epsom my husband has a treadmill I can use, rather than going to the gym. I do like pay as you go gyms which we have in Epsom and plan to do this again, just to get out as it can get boring, working out indoors and spread your wings.

So I hope you find this helpful and going to do video on this too, and start thinking about Christmas, if you like me have only started now. You be surprised on how much you save, and still buy those memorable gifts and make time to spend it with those you love.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Managing my money

 It has been a real up and down when it comes to me and money and would try to avoid looking at it and so now I check my bank account everyday and write down everything that has gone in and what has come out and got this tip watching a guy name Grant Cardone and if you don't know who he is, then "Hello where have you been?" the man is a billionaire and everyday he still checks his bank accounts, and I don't use any special system, I use a spreadsheet on Excel and a notepad. 

Check out this video I did for my channel My Way Of Living: https://youtu.be/PcJCQ2LrypA

When I was a kid I would hide money and forget about it. My mum got worried about it so cleared and looked for it and I had over a £100 and this was in the 80's as a kid and I was a super saver and then when I first went to America, I began to spend a lot of the money I had and then when I began working I would be out a lot, I began to follow a rugby team every week and stay over at my friends places and buy a kebab or a Chinese and before I knew it my Money went it became a love hate relationship. 

I became reckless and it has taken a lot of heartache to now have money again. Chasing every penny can cause stress and so now I make sure I manage it and this year by being more vigilant, have paid off one debt and that was a amazon credit card and now paying my other credit card. 

Being debt isn't fun, and feels like it is hanging in the air for it to drop and hit you in the face to realise I need to take charge now and still buy the things I want but in moderation and make sure I get rid of items that no longer I felt had a place in my life  and items that do.

I check and go through my budget and money spent each week and make sure I save as much as I can and pay money into my son's account and cut down on spending on clothes and toiletries because I have enough and there are some items I want to buy in terms of clothing and get ridding of items that have gotten too big and worn, and I buy second hand like books and clothing. The stop I wore today was a second hand and finding items that will last and not get worn straight away and make sensible choices. 

Before I fell pregnant I was made redundant and did get redundancy, tried to get a job but my tummy was growing and survived on Maternity and then in back in 2014 I decided I wanted to go back to working and did a bit of work in a Tescos, which I didn't like the managers of it weren't very nice and then got a weekend job which worked better and was on low wage and so used my credit card and it s dangerous cycle to be in, and so now I never want another credit card, and save for the dreams I have as I want to take Henry on a proper holidays and half term was tight but we did manage to do a lot that was free and went to the seaside at the weekend, and not want more time away and near a swimming pool and I no longer want money worries and going to continue to build my blogs, youtube channels and continue to self publish on Amazon, and I am not doing those for the money but because I enjoy it and now want to work outside too, to help with the goals I have and plans. 

You can't let money control you, but you be in control with money and not have a constant fight with it, and build my wealth and invest in my sons dreams too.

Lets do this together and lets build our lives to get our life on track and stop the fears we have financially and I want to give money to charity each month, and invest in doing fundraising walks and runs again as I want to use my money to make a difference too.

So gonna leave this blog here, and let me know what your one financial goals do have and if you have tips too, leave them below in the comments. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X