Over the years we’ve cut back on a lot of things, one of them being going to the pictures. Before reducing our spending to concentrate on the mortgage we would to go to see a film at least once, often twice a month and at £15 a film, it can eat into your budget.  So now we rent DVD’s. Our current subscription is 3 movies a month at £5.99.

At first I thought this might be a big ask but as the year progresses we’re doing well……….taking two seven hour flights really helped

Favourites in bold

1. Larry Crowne
2. The Switch
3. Sarah’s Key
4. Last Night
5. One Day
6. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
7. The Break Up
8. I Don’t Know How She Does It
9. Loves Kitchen
10. The Ides of March….the start of what I like to call ‘The Gosling Period’
11. Crazy Stupid Love
12. The Notebook
13. 2012
14. Forget Me Not
15. Contagion
16. Never Let Me Go
17. The Debt
18. Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol
19. New Years Day
20. The Vow
21. Contraband
22. 50/50

22 down, 30 to go!

Do you watch a lot of films? Do you go to the movies or watch them another way?

(Photo credit)

2012 Goals: Watch 52 Films is a post from: Move to Portugal

Writing yesterday’s post was just what I needed to get back into focus mode and so I’m back to starting the week with a simple to do list.  Having a to do list is my best way to function.  I could have a list containing 5  jobs or 40 jobs, it wouldn’t matter, if it’s written down, I’m okay.

This week’s simple to do:

• Chase up ISA account funds transfer
• Menu plan the rest of May
• Organise New York photos
• Clean all upstairs windows
• Post RSVP for wedding
• Buy Mum’s birthday gift and post
• Buy birthday cards x 3
• Post sold book
• Finish reading Julie and Julia
• Take clothing to charity shop
• Book airport parking
• Mend daughters blouse
• Sweep yard

If I can complete everything this week I’ll be one happy bunny!

(photo credit)

Monday Miscellany is a post from: Move to Portugal

I avoided every possible thing I needed to get done this last weekend, but it was nice. Dinner out, internet avoidance (for the most part) and lazing on the sofa were the order of the day. But now I have a long(ish) to do list and a full time work week.

For motivation here’s what we, because I’m delegating some things, WILL get done before next Sunday night

• Extend library books returned
• Give the (small hall) shelf another coat of paint
• Paint the door
• Paint the walls
• Source a new light shade
• Washing x 3
• Do the ironing
• Change bedding
• Hoover bedrooms
• Put the bin out
• Finish The Hunger Games
• Return a DVD
• Do a charity shop drop off
• Pick out a birthday gift for daughter
• De-clutter two baskets
• Book an eye test

A simple to do list is a post from: Move to Portugal

I don’t look back a lot, I much prefer to think about the future, but as a sort of wrap up for 2011, I went through the archives and picked a post from each month which highlights my year.

• January: Reducing and Recycling Our Waste - This has been a success this year due to the reduction in our overall buying. Less packaging equals less recycling. We still have a long way to go but we’re making progress.
• February: Moving Slowly But Surely Towards Our Goal - A post about slowing down and living in the now.
• March: Five Year To Do And Earning Extra Income - One of our long term goals is to earn at least £500 a month in alternative/passive income and making progress on this has been a priority this year.
• April: Is Being a Landlord For Me? - Can I hand over my ‘home’?
• May: Sticking To Budgets Brings Potential - Yes it does!!
• June: Clutter Free Family Living - I’ve finally achieved this after (it seems like years) of working on it.
• July: Moving Abroad: The First Six Months Fund - One of our goals for 2011 was to save £6,000 to cover the cost of renting an apartment for our first six months in Portugal.  We saved £5,000.
• August: Questions Revisited (and Answered) - Attempting to answer some of the questions I have about moving abroad.
• September: Dreaming of Downsizing – A short post about something always on my mind.
• October: Our Goals: Five Year Plan (2011-2015) - I need direction and know without a plan I would flounder.
• November: I Still Can’t Do It All - A mini moment. I not sure if it was a reaction to my leg pain (my first few physio appointments were very painful), but I lost my way for a short while.
• December: Goal Planning and Dreaming for 2012 - Focusing on the positive

I also plan to take a couple of hours ‘me’ time this weekend. Nothing too much, just a short time to reflect on 2011 and get my mind in the right place for 2012.  It’s important to me that I keep moving forward every year and that is more likely to happen if I’m totally focused.

Do you plan to take some time to reflect on 2011?

(photo credit)

A look back at the last 12 months is a post from: Move to Portugal

Hello!  After letting ‘it all’ get to me this month, I’m aiming for a very simple December filled with mince pies (not too many though!), and mulled wine – who wants to join me?

To help me along I’ve written a to do list which, despite it’s length, doesn’t contain anything too taxing.

• Wrap presents
• Write cards
• Buy stamps (2nd class)
• Post cards
• Buy anniversary card
• Buy a new top/blouse
• Meal plan (whole month)
• Write food/grocery list
• Order meat
• Make mince pies
• Make mulled wine
• Get decorations out
• Put decorations up
• Arrange visits (days etc)
• Increase mortgage direct debit payment
• Set up automatic payment to gift fund
• Pre book physio x 2
• Edit daughters wardrobe (with her help)
• Donate clothes

Have a lovely December

(photo credit)

December To Do is a post from: Move to Portugal