089 Get evening watch fixed

What's this about?

This watch was a Christmas present from my ma a few years ago, and it's stopped. I'm not sure what's wrong with it - originally I thought it was running out of battery, but when I took it to a repair place to change the battery they tested it and it was fine.


Why do I want to do this?

Well, a stopped watch is only right twice a day. It could do with having a link taken out, too; it slips around a bit.


How will I know I've done it?

My watch will keep good time, and will fit better than it does at present.


I'll record this in a post in this journal.

090 Own a suit, a little black dress, and a full-length evening dress

Why do I want to do this?

If my wardrobe contains one example of each of these garments, I will be prepared for pretty much any given formal occasion.


How will I know I've done it?

By looking in the wardrobe ;-)


I'll record this in posts in this journal.

091 Take packed lunch to work every day for a month

Why do I want to do this?

I'm notoriously disorganised, and with both Marks and Spencers and Tesco within spitting distance of my place of work, I find it difficult to keep up good lunch habits for more than a few days at a time. I'm hoping to change this.


How will I know I've done this?

Every working day for one whole calendar month, which will not include more than three days of annual leave and/or sick leave, I will have taken to work and eaten a lunch that I have prepared myself.


I'll record this in posts in this journal. (I'll try to make it interesting.)

092 Try 3 (further) recipes in every cookery book I own

Why do I want to do this?

I'm a bit of a magpie when it comes to cookery books - well, books in general, but cookbooks in particular. I have a suspicion that I possess rather more than I need, and that some of those I possess are actually not very good. This is a way to weed out the dud ones.


How will I know I've done this?

I'll be sticking a sticker to the cover of the appropriate book each time I try a new recipe, so when they've all got three stickers, it'll be done.


I'll record this at stapsreads.

English Food - Jane Grigson
Cooking in a Bedsitter - Katharine Whitehorn
The Top One Hundred Pasta Sauces - Diane Seed
Grub on a Grant - Cas Clarke
French Country Cooking - Elizabeth David
Schwartz Herbs and Spices: Seasonal Hints and Menus
Microwave Cookery Book (uncredited - probably came with the microwave)
Cooking with the Choir - the choir of St Mary's, Guildford
Slow Cooking - Katie Bishop
Kenwood Food Processor Cooking
The Picnic - Jane Pettigrew (not strictly a cookery book, but does contain recipes)
Best of Greece
Best of Thailand
Best of Morocco
Best of China
Best of Spain
Best of India
Best of Ireland
Best of Japan
Best of Mexico
Best of Italy
Sweet Pies and Tarts - Linda Collister
Cooking for Blokes - Duncan Anderson and Marian Walls
200 Delicious Desserts - Sara Lewis
Flavouring with Herbs - Clare Gordon-Smith
Best-Kept Secrets of the Women's Institute: Breads & Bakes - Carrie O'Regan and Jill Brand
Best-Kept Secrets of the Women's Institute: Chocolate - Sîan Cook
Best-Kept Secrets of the Women's Institute: Home Cooking - Jill Brand and Carrie O'Regan
Best-Kept Secrets of the Women's Institute: Tarts - Liz Herbert
Cookies Galore - Jacqueline Bellefontaine
From Bath Chaps to Bara Brith: the taste of South-West Britain - Laura Mason and Catherine Brown
The River Cottage Cookbook - Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
More-With-Less Cookbook - Doris Longacre
The Bishops' Cookbook
Cakes - Janice Murfitt
The Students' Sausage Egg and Beans Cookbook - Jane Bamforth
Slow Cooking Just For Yourself - Catherine Atkinson
The Best of Polish Cooking - Karen West
Mary Berry's Complete Cookbook

093 Take part in Buy Nothing Day

What's this about?

Buy Nothing Day is a day where you challenge yourself, your family and friends to switch off from shopping and tune into life. The rules are simple, for 24 hours you will detox from shopping and anyone can take part provided they spend a day without spending!

Everything we buy has an impact on the environment, Buy Nothing Day highlights the environmental and ethical consequences of consumerism. The developed countries - only 20% of the world population are consuming over 80% of the earth's natural resources, causing a disproportionate level of environmental damage, and an unfair distribution of wealth.

As consumers we need to question the products we buy and challenge the companies who produce them. What are the true risks to the environment and developing countries? We all know recycling is OK for the the evironment, but consuming less is better and Buy Nothing Day is a great way to start.


Why do I want to do this?

Quite frankly, I have far too much stuff. It will be very good for me to remember what I used to know: that I can actually get along quite happily without spending a penny and without acquiring junk I don't need.


How will I know I've done this?

For a period of 24 hours on a date specified by whoever it is that organises Buy Nothing Day, I will have refrained from purchasing anything - in person, online, or whatever. I may or may not have taken part in an organised event associated with Buy Nothing Day.

094 Publicise the Mooncup

What's this about?

The Mooncup is a reusable menstrual cup, around two inches long and made from soft medical grade silicone. It is worn internally a lot lower than a tampon but, while tampons and pads absorb menstrual fluid, the Mooncup collects it. This means it doesn’t cause dryness or irritation, and also that it collects far more (three times as much as a ‘super-absorbent’ tampon’!). Because the Mooncup is reusable, you only need one so it saves you money and helps the environment, too.

The Mooncup is designed to be folded and inserted into the vagina, then removed, rinsed and reinserted up to every 8 hours. A light seal is formed with your vaginal walls, allowing menstrual fluid to pass into the Mooncup without leakage or odour. This seal is released for removal, allowing you to empty the contents, rinse or wipe and reinsert.


Why do I want to do this?

I've noticed a fair bit of squeamishness about menstrual cups, and I'd like to do my bit to compensate for that.


How will I know I've done this?

I will have done three discrete things that express my appreciation for and endorsement of the Mooncup.


I'll record this in posts in this journal.