Good Start to OS Moneysaving?

Brassic

Hi folks,

I'm getting really quite addicted to this site, and to this board in particular :cool:

Am feeling quite proud of my start to OS moneysaving ways. So far I've :
1) Knitted myself a dishcloth, and have another one on the way.
2) Contacted my local freecycle and some lovely people have given me/promised old plant pots/seed trays and even some seeds and herb cuttings :j

However, I've spent some as welll
1) I bought a slow cooker. It sounded like such a great idea, especially since the two days I work (tues and Thurs) I do so from 8 til 6, and have to then have tea ready for 6 when hubby and kids come home. I always try to do a casserole or bolognaise in my lunch break, but the slow cooker sounds so much easier, and with such good recipes on here too :T Got one from Tescos which was on offer atm with free delivery - and that counts towards our vouchers...
2) I bought a composter from my local council discount scheme.

I am also nearly out of washing powder so have ordered a sample of those wash nut things that were mentioned on another thread. Hoping they do a better job on my 11 month olds clothes than the Asda non bio - but then that wouldn't be difficult :rolleyes:

I've also taken an inventory of my cupboard and freezer (and thrown away the many out of date things I found ) so am hoping that next weeks shopping bill will be negligable as I use up the excess.

So, not sure if the spending cancels out the saving, but I feel I'm making headway, and the cooker and composter have been covered by a deposit we have just had returned.....

Linda32

Hi, Welcome to the boards, they are addictive arn't they.

It sounds as if your doing well, so far, you'll pick up loads of tips.

What I do is look at everything I buy and question it. Check out alternative ranges.
If you try a "value" range of whatever, wether its meat or shampoo, you only have to try it once, if your not keen, then fair enough. But if you don't notice the difference, well then you save some dosh

Best of luck

moggins

Wow, you haven't just taken it on board - you've picked it up and run with it, well done!

bulchy

Hi Brassic, sounds like your doing really well, good for you. Reading through your post made me feel guilty, as we seem to be slipping back into old habits, I need to get back on track.
Can I just say, I know what you mean about Asda non-bio, I bought a box last time I went shopping and I aint happy with it, maybe I should return it to the store, as my clothes just arent coming up as good as I expect, I wont be buying it again.
Good luck.
Sue

Chipps

Hi, welcome to OS.
Enjoy experimenting with the slow cooker!
For the washing powder, I've not tried Asda non-bio, but Lidl's one is fine. We have to have non-bio cos of allergies to the other type.

squeaky

I picked up a tip here from a recipe which was 1/3rd quality powder, 1/3rd cheapo, and 1/3rd washing soda/soda crystals.

Truth be told I've found that simply adding a spoonful of washing soda to the usual dose of cheapo in a wash brings out everything just fine.

Brown vinegar as a conditioner works just as well as clear or white vinegar too, and is only a third of the price.

bulchy

Hi Squeaky, I usually use washing soda, but forgot to get some in my last shop, am going tonight and its top of my list. Thing is with the Asda soap powder, I still need the usual amount as its really not too good, I thought it was my machine, but it isnt that old, and Brassic has just confirmed what I suspected.
Sue