Make do, Mend and Minimise in 2015

Good morning everyone ,well my DGS Mikey's scooter helmet is fixed and cost me zilch.I first went to the local sewing /haberdashers shop, but the ones she had were 25mm and far too wide,the cobblers sadly didn't have any in stock so I eventually went to the camping/outdoor shop halfway between Rainham and Chatham.Its huge, and the lady was very helpful and said you can buy them at 20mm but they rarely stocked them.She suggested I look in a charity shop for maybe an old 'bum bag' or at a boot sale.

So feeling a bit defeated yesterday afternoon I was at DDs when the boys came in from school as usual..Mikey was a bit disappointed but I said I would email the firm that supplies them to the camping shop and see if I could buy a set direct from them.This perked him up no end .I had just made them their after-school snack when I had a light-bulb moment !!!.
I asked Mikey if he knew where his older brother Ben's bike helmet was. Ben is now 19 and away at Uni, and the bike has long gone as he was only about 12 when he had it. Mikey had a think, and said 'I think its at the back of the shed in the garden' off he went and came back with a very dusty battered looking childs bike helmet .The socket part fitted Mikeys helmet perfectly I took it off the old bike one and fitted it onto his scooter helmet .Result one very happy little ten year old with a safe scooter helmet again :):) ,and one happy old granny whom it hasn't cost a bean .The bike helmet went into the bin as it really was past salvageing
I am so pleased as the problem has been fixed and Mikey can now happily tear around on his scooter(he also has elbow and knee pads ) Just shows how sometimes its lateral thinking fixes a problem.
I did a bit of shopping yesterday as well but not a great deal and I have more than enough to get through at least another 10 days and my food purse is still pretty full.:):)

Your story reminded me priz of myself a couple of years ago when I was in John Lewis' in Bluewater and liked a kettle in there.it was quite expensive though,but it was so nice and I thought well I don't buy a new kettle every day so I'll treat myself.
The helpful young chap got it down from the shelf and when I looked at it I said yes I'll have it he went of and then came back and said it was the last one they had but he couldn't find the box.I said I'm not fussed as the receipt is a good enough guarantee for JL.It was just under £60 but he said as there was no box he would reduce it to £29.99 I was happy as larry as it was virtually half price and as the box goes into the recycling I wasn't bothered.One reason why I almost alwas try JL first if I want to buy something,even if I have to save a bit extra I am so happy with their service.The young man was savvy as he knew that happy customers return:):):)

well today I am off to my U3A monthly meeting this afternoon and the speaker is talking about customs over the years at funerals :):) as a lot of the attendees are probably near to them than most it should be an interesting afternoon:):):)plus we get a cuppa and a few biscuits and a chance to catch up with old friends who go to different clubs attached to U3A.
No more spending for me this week though and probably next week as well.
I love seeing all the photo's posted on here I think you are so inventive and the recipes are brilliant, well done fellow MMMers
Cheers JackieO xxx

Rose - your quilt is absolutely stunning - a real work of art. My aunt tried to show me to quilt when I was about 10 but I could never get the hang of it but I do so admire those who can do it so well like you.
Still, I can do basic sewing, knit & crochet & cook which is a lot more than some of the youngsters today!
Jackie - well done on the bike helmet. I'll also second your recommendation for JL. I needed a new printer last year & went to a local outlet area with a Com*t & JL. I particularly wanted a printer that didn't need all the cartridges full to run like the last one which cost me a bomb in inks. The girly didn't know what I meant! I went next door to JL - chap showed me exactly what I wanted ( choice of 3) AND a 3 year guarantee as standard. One happy bunny.
Off to do some more boat scraping today as its dry & maybe unpick cushion tonight
Have a good day all