So, we took a 'city' break for a couple of days, setting off Wednesday and returning Saturday morning. I know I know. But Victoria IS a city-break if you live on Salt Spring – and it IS the capital of BC… So, why do so many people in Victoria wear hats (that aren't baseball hats)?I…
Blackberry Wine Step 4
After 4 days, strain the liquid into a demi-john (or carboy as it's called in North America), add the airlock bung and leave for further fermentation until the bubbling has stopped and all the sugar has been turned to alcohol by the yeast. This apparently takes "a while". We'll have to wait and see how…
Blackberry Wine Step 3
Mash 20lbs of blackberries in a bucket. Add 20 pints of water, 10 pints of sugar syrup and some yeast, pectic enzyme etc. Leave for 4 days and stir daily to break up the frothy blackberry 'cap' that collects on top.
Day 129 – September 18th 2008
Budgeting is Boring – Part 1
Well, since we've moved to Salt Spring, budgeting has become a necessity. I'm now following a new direction with my business – and not taking on any new clients. Duncan is no longer working a 'normal' job as he is renovating the house.
What we have found from budgeting is that we spend less… No surprise there eh?
Well, actually I was surprised. Usually it doesn't make any difference…
But it's amazing once you sit down and come up with a REASONABLE budget – how the urge to spend naturally reduces.
Now I stress the word REASONABLE. Most people think of budgets as a CONSTRAINT – something that is 1) a hassle, 2) stops them having fun, 3) is boring and 4) takes too much time. (Sorry Mom! She's an accountant!)
Well, we now have a budget for alcohol, for weekends away and holidays, for personal expenditure (which we don't need to justify to each other), for entertainment (eg. dvds, eating out) and for 'treats' which might include a massage or occasional bottle of champagne.
Now some of you may be thinking "That's not a budget!". But I think that's why it works. Because it DOESN'T constrain us. We SPEND LESS, it's EASY and FEELS GREAT! Because it maintains our dream of living here on Salt Spring (for the budget to work – it helps if it's linked to a goal or dream).
I used to buy all sorts of little 'treats' while I was out – and they really added up. Of course I didn't NEED any of them. With a budget, I realise it's going to impact the budget we've set, so I resist the urge to buy – get home and feel great!
And we actually have massages now, we still eat out and have treats. But it's guilt free. And did I mention we SPEND LESS?
Don’t try this at home…
So, at last we got a new (to us) dishwasher – thanks Scott. Renovation sales can really turn up some bargains! BUT, don't mistake dishwashING liquid for dishwashER liquid. This turned into a full-on FOAM FLOOD! There are no more photos as a mop became rather urgently required! But at least the floor got a…