Such Mess!

So one of the downfalls of living in a house is there is more room for things to get messy! Any tips on keeping things neat and tidy?

Peace

I have had family staying for the last week. On the one hand, it was beneficial. My dad didn't like the griller thing that I had so went out and bought me a new George Foreman. Thanks dad! But on the other hand, it's nice to get back to own routines and an nice neat place!

In other news, I got my first two bills. The water bill was less than $20, yay! However, the electricity bill was $175 for two months. WHAT?!?! Is this excessive? I think it is. I am very careful with my electricity! So I don't understand how I could possibly use so much. Any advice?

Living Simply

I have found a new blog to read. Notes from the Frugal Trenches- A Downshifting Journey is written by an English woman. My country was of course colonised by the English, so I feel a little closer to those in the UK than I do to Americans. Australia and England have a lot more in common.

Her blog is about down sizing and living simply and so far (still trawling through the archives), I am inspired! It is giving me a lot to think about and some great ideas. So if you're so inclined, go across and have a read and live more simply!

I'm off to read some more while I watch Australia defeat New Zealand in tonight's Bledisloe Cup match!

Aussie Aussie Aussie!

I Love the Library

When I was a kid, we did not have a lot of money. One thing that we did all the time that was free was go to the library. My sister and I would bring a book to read in the car on the way to the library (my brother's were not as keen). I have always thought libraries are great and now, as a fee paying adult, I like them even more.

I joined the local library when I moved into my house but I hadn't actually visited it yet. So today I did. I am currently planning my trip to America and wanted to get a Lonely Planet guide. I came home from the library with three books, so that's quite a bit of money saved if I had gone to the store to buy said books.

I own a lot of books, most of which I read over and over again anyway. However, the library is always good to find some gems! And some travel books.

America, here I come!

Over Budget

I went over my groceries budget. How is that even possible, considering I'm one person and I really don't eat that much.

Does anyone have any tips for controlling it?