Live on £4000 for a Year, 2009 Challenge, part 1

MrDT

Spent £9.05 on some supermarket stuff today, was planning a big shop last weekend, but since decided to use up what's in the cupboards and freezer before buying more in, just got some extra bits to help keep us going a few more days.

I really don't want to start spending this year haha! Oh well, probably be sticking £20 in the leccy meter within a day or two, maybe enjoying the warmth will help loosen the pursewalletstrings a bit, they're frozen stuck right now lol :rotfl:

eilo1007

Well, I ventured out to see Mr T tonight as I was about to starve to death otherwise. I spent £26.80 but that included stocking up with branston beans and buy 4 for £3.00 shampoo and conditioner. I reckon I saved 6.68 by buying whoopsies and special offers.

Does anyone know if you can freeze hoummous. I bought a big tub as it was cheaper but I always end up throwing lots out. How long should it last after the sell by date?

Bought scottish breakfast packs which were half price and will split them up and freeze them. Also bought 2 loaves of half white, half wholemeal bread which were reduced so will split them up and freeze them too.

Had to buy sliced mushrooms as that was all they had left. Never mind, I made savings elsewhere.

Now I'm off to unpack, cook something and change my signature

charliedavis

Hi all

Really busy day in work my company did really saleswise must remember it's NOT mine to spend lol, that's how I ended up in this mess.

I'm struggling to be honest as I have had a bit of money paid into the bank...struggling not to want to spend it. Although I know it will get me nowhere but further into debt at the end of the month. Aaargh wish I could stop my spending impulses.

Edit - Ooh and my puppy training classes cost me £30, gulp! £10 to join and £20 for January.

Posting here really helps keep me focused. Thanks to everyone for posting their progress XXX

sophiesmum_2

Yes you can freeze humous, I make big batch then split and freeze, just give it a good stir when you defrost it.

bails

Thanks for your input Aril, it's always lovely to hear from you x Have the Wildman website bookmarked but will def look at the other one so thanks!

I think I remember it being a bit crazy at the start of last year too ISOM - all the enthusiasm is great and gradually we'll stop talking about it so much and get on with doing it :rotfl:(at least I hope I do )

Feeling quite mashed tonight so early night here too. About the journals- I think it's a great idea to mark your progress over the year and I'd like to do the same. I'm really aware as Year 2 of frugalising starts how many things have changed for us but a more detailed record of the experience would be great. I can't decide whether to do it on the PC or written though? I guess it makes sense to do it on here as I can cut and paste my posts etc into a personal blog but, well, I guess I just like writing. Any inspirational ideas gratefully received. Luckily I haven't really achieved anything yet this year to record :rotfl:
Have a great night all, see you tomorrow at some point x
ps well done for the PMA SFT, glad you won out If you dream about me tonight I quite fancy Madagascar.. (not the film).;)

savingfortravel

Fizzel81-Thanks. Arrived in the post today. Mum is thrilled.

Ram-Murdock-Thanks for the recipe.

Bails-So glad you bought that notebook-you'll really appreciate that treat!! Got a little Christmas card, with a wonderful hand written message, at school today. It was from the children's author Lynley Dodd as the children wrote her little letters last term. Just had to share it with you.. and the little ones tomorrow!
OH busy scanning it so they can have a colour copy each!!

Nickynoo08-Isn't great having your OH on side.

Trying to do better-What a lovely thing your DS1 said..he really deserves those 6!

Skint Chick-I'm curious, what is a mystery shop??

dND-Brocolli and blue cheese soup recipe please...I'm obsessed..its the snow.

The-Cat-Great win but how??? Where do you find these competitions?

Penny/CW18-Great bargains

SM..Sorry about the chickens, but your positive attitude about everything is just wonderful..

Marru/Shaz-Feel better soon.

Kittikins..GOOD LUCK!! What a wonderful idea!!!

Lilac Lady-Great if we had a MSE... now I can't read what I wrote down so you can think of your own idea to finish this message...Well done anyway.

SFT

eilo1007

sophiesmum wrote: »

Yes you can freeze humous, I make big batch then split and freeze, just give it a good stir when you defrost it.

I should learn to make my own but i tried once and it was foul. That's what you get for making hummous from a detox diet cookbook.:rotfl:

sophiesmum_2

Bails -I always tail off keeping my handwritten journal over the year, so have decided this year to cut/paste/ print off my main daily post with my menu and aims etc, from this thread and make it into a journal, along with any photos I file on my pc.
I figure this is the one place I always post so more likely to keep up to date:p

In_Search_Of_Me

thanks bails!! Re logging my method is that I'll now keep receipts (and sortinto monthly polypockets when I get a mo) and write in my wee diary (pretty floral one from waterstnes which I tried to link to but no pretty piccy for the stationary fans to drool over!) and then at the end of the day update siggy plus the spendingdiary.com which will give me yummy graphs...this month will show (for the last time) rather heavily in the fines column!! Then every month (payday) I'll do my ledger with bills in/out...flipping heck...didnt realise I was THAT organised and not a spreadsheet in sight! - another dyslexic btw!! wonder if theres a link between dyslexia and stationary fetish?!!

dND

Aril wrote: »

Hello No 1 Frufan reporting for duty:D
A couple of websites I've come across today which may yield some more frugal tips for you [including how to make your own spirits:eek: ]
www.wildmanwildfood.com -this has some wildfood recipes on and is the chap who was featured on the Living Without Money prog last night. However, I don't yet think OH is ready for a dish made from roadkill fox although the meat may be fresher than from the supermarket!!
Another one I've found is www.goselfsufficient.co.uk which may be worth a second look.
Aril
.

Not legally unfortunately

It is illegal to manufacture spirits in the UK without a distiller's licence which is required under the provisions of section 12 of the Alcoholic Liquor Duties Act 1979 and this includes manufacture for "own/domestic use".

taken from the following site

http://www.wineworks.co.uk/

I suppose they take the stance that they tell you that you need a licence and unless you start trying to sell it or make yourself ill then C & E are unlikely to bother with you