Tight wad gazette (merged)

AussieLass

I'm about half way there. Wish I heard about it years ago. There are some really great tips.

thriftmonster

I succumbed to the lure of Amazon and it arrived on Tuesday. Have spent all my spare time since then reading it from cover to cover. I think it's great, even if I won't be using all of it. - for example, my food budget is higher even though there's only 4 of us, but I'm happy with where we're at on that. But there are some great ideas and I think it's good for pushing you a little bit out of your comfort zone.

More with less is being used most days - I made the Garden supper casserole last night which was a big hit - I was a bit worried about how the kids would react to stale bread and leftover broccoli but it was delish! I also got Extending the Table with the TWG (to get free delivery) and we'll definitely be using that one as well

Thanks everyone :T :T :T

moggins

I'm about 3/4 of the way through Tightwad and though I agree because of it's American origins it can be a little difficult to equate to our way of life, it is certainly inspiring. I don't agree with everything she writes (there is no way I would put my kids in second hand shoes) I can see the sense in a lot of things.

Only 2 days ago I was tired of looking at the grotty computer chair in the dining room, the kids had completely ripped the cover off and I was contemplating getting another one from Asda at £16.75. After reading the book I grabbed the staple gun and an old set of curtains and within 15 minutes I had a nice looking chair again.

I think the trouble with us was we had got used to a certain standard of living (although not an extravagant one) when DH was on a good wage and we don't seem to have changed our habits much since he's taken a new job and a huge paycut. I don't want to have to leave my children and go back to work, if being a tightwad helps me achieve that then that is exactly what I will do!!

thriftlady_2

thriftmonster wrote:

I also got Extending the Table with the TWG (to get free delivery) and we'll definitely be using that one as well

I've got this one too Thriftmonster The anecdotes are very inspiring,the one about Bangladesh on page 48 made me cry.


Moggins I agree with you about the shoes.There is lots in the TWG that I don't use - more than I do use I should think,but I just love the way it teaches you to think differently about what you really need and how to solve practical problems.It has made me see having less money as an exciting challenge rather than a depressing burden.Although we are pretty comfortable compared with a lot of people,but that is partly due to the way I run my house and kitchen

moggins

Finally finished it, I got waylaid by the Jane Furnival book which is a total load of rubbish and a big waste of money. Wish I'd realised it was for people who earn and spend wads of cash before I'd bought it That's one for e-bay I think.

I love Tightwad, It may be americanised and there are some things I would never try in it but I love the whole sentiment of the book, some of the things she says are so true and I love the examples she gives showing how she's shown her children that consumerism is not the way forward. That home and family count for a lot more. That's how I want my children to be and although I don't have the heart to deprive them completely (my horrendous childhood has left some scars) I will definitely be taking more of this on board.

tiptoes

Have just reserved a copy of this at my local library, so its got 2 months before its return but by then I should have time to read it as will have finnished uni and be job hunting.

catznine

I've just made the breadcrumb cookies from the recipe in the tightwad gazette and they are quite yummy. :j What a great idea for using up all those breadcrumbs! I love this book!

I do try to process any leftover bread before it goes off and pop them into the freezer but until now have just used them in treacle tarts and stuffings, oh and pudding recipe with no name that uses (for 2 people) just one banana, honey, orange juice and breadcrumbs and brown sugar on top.

catznine

Don't forget to try ebay for a copy of this book! I have just bought a copy for my sister for £6.65 including postage.

jaybee

Catznine - I love the sound of your one banana no name pudding. Think I'll be trying that one out!

catznine

jaybee wrote:

Catznine - I love the sound of your one banana no name pudding. Think I'll be trying that one out!

It's very easy - slice the banana, or cut in half lengthways, pop into a buttered ovenproof dish and cover with a small spoonful of honey (runny) and a spoonful of orange juice. Top with breadcrumbs mixed with some demerera sugar. Put on top a few small knobs of butter and pop into a hot oven until crisp on top and heated through. It is lovely served with cream!