FRUGAL LIVING CHALLENGE 2010, part 1. (Living on £4,000 a year)

lingojingo

just got my on-line bill from E-on, dual fuel- even after this cold spell I'm £80.22 in credit :j

Brighton_belle

Reading everyday, but haven't the energy to reply much at the mo abut enjoying the vibrant mix of ideas, support, enthusiasm and pleasure in finding new, cheaper and life enhancing ways to live.

topdrawer - re my mosaics, yes I'll put some pics up soon - I did last year with various projects.

Thanks for all the supportive words. It looks like I have an opportunity to turn a hobby into a little money earner, but one step at a time. I have been offered the opportunity to exhibit in a local gallery in a few months. It is very exciting, and I am getting myself organised so this is do able in a fun way not a stressful way.
rozee - the first year you do this challenge you are bound to underestimate stuff. By keeping good records, it means you gradually get to truely understand your costs. Year two you go up a step becasue you start off with more accurate figures.

fishcake - love seeing your crafty pics:T
cheryl, really sorry about your wee dog.

Enjoy your meal out SF - you have earned it.
Natalie - very glad to hear housing issue is progressing and fabulous your swim school is taking off:T

Happymrsh

Have had to spend today, food shopping, managed to spend £47 which will now last until the end of the month. So only 176 this month on food which i am reallt impressed with. My food spend was over £300 a month before.

I also made some washing gloop today and some fabric conditioner, am really chuffed with myself. How much of the washing gloop do i have to use in each wash???

Shouldn't have to spend now for the weekend. hoping to start making some cards for throughout the year. I have a box, a metre by half a metre full up with craft things, papers etc so plenty in there to make some things, also hoping to make some name plaques for children i buy for for christmas. Has anyone else ever made anything like this?

Also has anyone made hampers for people? If so what sort of things do you put in them??

babyboysmommy - what is whetabix cake?? sound interesting and could do with some new stuff for lunchboxes

Lots of love to everyone who needs it :A

cw18

Apparently a soup ladle is the way to go with the gloop -- if I ever decide to give this a try (once I have the house to myself, given the reaction from DS when he found my soap nuts yesterday ) I'll probably pick one up in a "non-kitchen colour" and label it as my "gloop ladle"

nykmedia wrote: »

I use a soup ladle to measure out the gloop and put it in the machine. One scoop for a lightly soiled wash, 2 scoops for the really grubby outdoor stuff. I've been putting the gloop straight into the drawer for the past year whilst telling myself I'll search under the sink for the old laundry ball measure thing! :rotfl:

Ches

Cashed week 4 money today and everything is panning out quite well. Knew I wouldn't have any cash left from last week as went a bit mad in the charity shop on bits and pieces I didn't really need but spent £!! 20p anyway.

Still eating out of freezer and storecupboard so only had to buy fridge and fresh stuff.

slowlyfading

Had a really lovely evening and ate loads! I had garlic bread with cheese for starters, then a pizza with olives and anchovies, and then some chocolate ice cream! I am soooo full now though, but it was really nice. And, the nicest bit? They (mentor and husband) wouldn't let us pay! They paid for both of us! They're so lovely, I'm going to miss them.

Right, off to lie down and try and make some of that food digest

mumoffour77

Sorry things have gone a bit nutty here....my dad has been taken back into hospital.....we dont know whats wrong with him!!
He is in a lot of pain, but the drs are trying to figure out whats happening with him without operating again!!:(

Will catch up with the thread later!!

lynzpower

Take care of yourself Mumof 4 hope hes Ok, must be so stressful for you lovey,

(( MUMOf4)

slowlyfading

mumoffour - oh dear, i hope they find out what's happening. sending big (((HUGS))) your way xxx

savingfortravel

Hi Everyone!

Hope you are all ok. I've really pleased with myself as I've got all my school work done for the next week-it was an effort but I need to start keeping my weekends free to relax and dream and catch up with loved ones and you guys of course.


Frugal achievements for the day:

• Free tea/coffee and cake at school
• Free lunch at school
• Whoopsied Mushroom burgers and chips (made with whoopsied potatoes for tea).
• Mr SFT gave me chocolate to munch on and wine to drink tonight.

Cheryl-Despite looking for ages I can't find the latest news about your yorkie but have read other posts and want to send you hugs and love x
SF-Congrats on the end of a successful first placement. So glad you had a lovely mentor.

Best Wishes to everyone else.

sft