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

grandma247

Xnatalie there are so many options these days for cloth nappies not just the terry squares but shaped ones and many look like disposables.
I am making some shaped ones for my dd2's latest baby from old flannelet sheets,shirts t/shirts etc. She will probably not be using them full time but they will help when money is really tight.

babyboysmommy

I got an email from eBay today saying it's free listing on Sunday & Monday

rictus123

Hey guys, think it was 114.9p a litre when i got £27.50 out of 150 miles. Even after your replies im still not sure if its good sorry. Anyway i come with good news and bad news. The good news is its payday and i got more than £640 for the fortnight:j:j:j However the bad news is its 14 days until the next one :rotfl: Nsd today, should be another tomorrow as il be working all day then at the gfs at night. Was meant to have a big family meal on Sunday but thats been cancelled as some people are ill. Im going to work until 5 tomorrow if the weathers decent so that will be an extra 4 hours time and a half a fortnight, need every penny i can get! Worked out roughly Il take in £3200 + between now and end of May, not including todays pay. Which going by £500 a month would mean £1,250 spend, a difference of nearly £2,000. The sort of money i need to be saving :T Heres to a stress free, debt free with savings summer :j:j:j

rozeepozee

xnatalie81x wrote: »

Someone talk to me about cloth nappies........ I have always done disposables at good value but am open to saving more!

I found, getting my head around all the different types of nappies confusing but once you know, it's not rocket science. I mixed and matched cloth nappies and disposables. I used disposables when going out and overnight because I couldn't be bothered, frankly, to carry pooey nappies home with me, and I found that my son's willy got sore if he had cloth on overnight. Then, at all other times, I used cloth.

Initial outlay is expensive if you buy new. I got them off freecycle or they were given to me and I used the Cotton Bottom type ("prefolds") which are squares of cloth (not terry, just flat cotton) of differing sizes depending on the weight/size of your baby and different folds depending on their sex (the fold you use with a boy means most of the material is at the front, whereas with a girl, it's between the legs). The Nappy Lady website gives loads of advice and info on these topics.

Over the top of the folded cloth nappy, you put a "wrap" which is bascially a waterproof breathable cover. Then when the nappy is soiled you take off the wrap and the wet/soiled cloth (empty it out in the toilet if necessary) and put the cloth in a pail and use the wrap again with a clean folded cloth. I used to "dry pail" mine (in a bucket with a lid, not soaking in any water or detegent) and they never seemed to smell (I just put some drops of tea tree oil in) and washed them every 3 days or so (can't remember if I hot washed them - probably only if they were badly soiled). The wraps need washing less often, as required. So, basically, you need a 3 or 4 day supply of nappies to get you by between washes. Oh, I forgot, I used a fleece nappy liner between then baby's bum and the cloth nappy which is a both softer on their skin and keeps the moisture away. You can buy expensive fleece nappy liners but I just cut up some old fleece tops into rectangles. These are then washed alongside the soiled nappies.You can also get disposable liners, though I never saw the need.

An alternative to prefolds are shaped nappies which you don't have to fold them but they take longer to dry and are more expensive (unless you're getting them from Freecycle of course!). They also have wrap on top - although a few types come as an all in one with the wraps attached (Kushies, for example).

I only dried on an airer, not the tumble dryer so the only expense was the electricity costs and detergents used in washing them. I found I used about a half to a third of the number of disposables I would otherwise of used had I not bothered with cloth - a substantial yearly saving. If you use them until potty training (I didn't as I had a problem getting clothes to fit over them as he got to toddler size) you should find your child potty trains quicker as they have a better notion of the connection between peeing and pooing and getting a wet soiled bum so more savings to be had there (disposables are too good at keeping the moisture in that this connection is unlikely to be made with with disposables).

As well as Freecycle, There's also a secondhand site "Used Nappies" which is an auction site a bit like a very basic ebay. I use it to fill in any gaps e.g. I just got a load of newborn prefolds off freecycle (I need twice as many this time, with the twins) but there were no wraps. I've bought a few wraps off this site for about £1 each (would have been £9 each new).

Where are you based? You'd be more than welcome to have my nappies once I've done with them but it would be uneconomical to have to post them as they are very bulky and heavy.

Sorry for the essay - HTH!

Oh and some local councils give a grant of about £50 towards purchasing new nappies. So it may be worth checking this out. Mine only gives a measley £10!
R x

NualaBuala

Evening frunchkins :wave:

cha97michelle wrote: »

nuala i cut my own hair. I went from quite long to not even long enough to tie back after some advice on it here and then watching a couple of u tube clips. It turned out really well (although i have to add my hair is curly so never looks awful after cutting) and saved me at least 25 pounds. I haven't attempted it again yet but it has only just grown to a decent length again now almost 6 months later. I don't think i'd go as short if i did it again, but i would do it again.

cw18 wrote: »

I've been trimming my own for years (and don't use special scissors on mine - I have a large and a small pair that are meant for craft work, but they're great for this too!). I wouldn't try it if it weren't long enough to tie back though (meaning slightly wonky finishes aren't noticeable )

Thanks Michelle and Cheryl - good to know it's possible! Don't think I'd be as brave as you Michelle - am only going to try trimming. I'm not good at this sort of thing but I'm hoping as my hair isn't totally straight and fairly long I'll be able to disguise any mistakes. Mum used to trim our hair when we were little - lots of embarrassing photos of my sister and me with wonky fringes! :rotfl:

cw18 wrote: »

Pleeeeeease don't say things like that!!! It's still not too late for me to 'expand' my family (would have liked a fourth, but finances and house space meant hubby and I agreed not to have another), but far too many health risks to be taken into account these days - plus it would mean having to let a bloke into my life !!!

top_drawer wrote: »

lol I am beginning to get worried too that I could get pregnant too, as Im writing this Augustus is GRRRRRR behing me ........

Jen

BigMummaF wrote: »

[FONT=&quot] Nuala. There are many things I am willing to sacrifice--indeed the tea itself has dropped by several 'brands'--but not that :oCurrently we go 50:50 with a 'name' & value bags which is working incredibly well, but then I do use a teapot. I can get at least two decent mugs from each bag & because it isn't too strong, we are using a good deal less milk so it is still saving a bit.

I'm with cw on the OMG; I thought I'd have to leave the Thread if the pregnancy thing was catching, but then realised I use the ultimate frugal birth control--no fella :DPeople were extremely concerned about me being alone after my marriage ended, but I've been very happy not having to pander to a male ego & saved thousands by not having to worry about Feb 14th or washing whiffy Y-fronts & stinky socks :rotfl:
[/FONT]

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: Sorry ladies but there is something in the air around here, don't say I didn't warn you! BigMummaF, I'm on the same frugal birth control as you after separating from my OH last year. Put me right off relationships so I don't think I need to take precautions like crocheting a chastity belt out of old carrier bags any time soon.



BTW, I am drinking a mug of tea as I type this - I like your idea of mixing the Value and branded teabags. I have a huge mug and one teabag does that - it's the equivalent of two cups really. I have lots of teabags I stockpiled while on offer so I have a bit of time to think about cutting down/giving up.

xnatalie81x wrote: »

thanks guys - OH has taken it much better than expected lol. - i am quite getting used to the idea and shock am even starting to feel a little excited about having another nutty child around the house - we move on Monday OMG!! But then we have until the 31st to actually be out of here

That's great Natalie, glad you're feeling better. Best of luck with the move - and hey, now you have an excuse to leave all the heavy lifting to other people.



Hope you all have a fun and frugal Friday evening.:beer:

gilligansyle

rozeepozee wrote: »

Have you thought about car boot sales, gilligan? I buy nearly all mine and son's clothes from there these days - ridiculously cheap. Rarely pay more than 20p-50p an item.

I've never really done the whole boot sale thing, as I have a part time job which means I am at work on Sunday mornings, so may have a chance now as I may give up the part time work. Thanks for the tip.
I don't need that much as if I lose weight I've got a wardrobe full of work stuff, lots of £2 blouses from Mr A. I only found out at half four on Friday that I'd got the job, and started on Monday so not really enough time to get my act together. I had a few hours to dive round the shops on Saturday afternoon, before working again on Saturday night and Sunday morning.

When I worked in an office before I was shocked how much some people spent on work clothes. One girl was quite proud of her 'bargain' trousers from N3xt - £25 - my whole outfit including shoes and underwear didn't cost that much!

Frugaldom

phoebe03cat wrote: »

Frugaldom; Thanks for the tips for the soft cheese from the yohurt and use of the whey. Will give it a try in my bread. You mention updating your blog which I would love to join; how can I find it please?

Click on username to the left of posts and, in the dropdown menu, there's an option for 'visit user's homepage' or something like that. Quite a few people on here keep blog, blog, blogging away on their pages.

Hope everyone is well, I've been in the garden for most of the day making the most of what turned out to be a lovely day. I just wish things would start growing. Apologies for not getting involved in pregnancy and baby talk, no offence to anyone, I'm just not baby-minded.

lynzpower

Evening Frunchkins :wave:

Well another week over with Glad to see the back of this week its been a total stinker :rotfl: needless to say Ive spent money on stupid stuff like lots of chocolate and diet cokes.

My accounts have been out of control. I have to face the fact that this month, despite having a bonus I willnot be able to save a single penny as Iv got PCNs OI have to pay that total almost 500 quid. _pale_

The fact Is ive been paralysed through tightness and unfortunately the charges have gone up. Its a nightmare. I have 4 PCNs al over the place I think I just have to bite the bullet on it and pay up.

I just cant though. I just am paralysed I cant phone them and pay them. Meanwhiel while imwrestling with it it goes up by 60 quid Any advice on how I can pull myself together and just cough up before it gets worse :eek:

I just cant flaming win at the mo.

Ooops. I was feeling more cheerful until I starting writing that! :rotfl:

Added into the mix is that last year I injured my wrist at work and it was getting somewhat better, this week I lifted something heavy ( had no choice) and bam my wrist is back to Sq 1. I honestly dont know what I can do, I cant leave my job ,but the damage to my hand is getting really bad I fear

Needless to say my cooking is not been up to much this week. Oh is cooking tonight hopefully I can feel rejuvenated tomorrow and do some nice baking or something and take my mind off things.

Im having my hair cut in the morning - another splurge it hasn't been done in 6 months and boy can you tell. My hair vouchers are turning into a nightmare to use as you have to book 2 months in advance. Ill book my next one on there in 3 months time with my 10er voucher I got on LM last year.

OH is doing some overtime tomorrow - he is getting loads at the moment, so hes making hay while the sun shines. Good on him. He is getting so much enjoyment from his guitar too it is fantastic.

Wish you hadnt mentioned boot sales :eek: We love booting, OH goes record hunting for his little empire and I buy all sorts :S OH and are little magpies really but we have more than we need so we shouldnt be buying but selling.

So whats it to be on sunday booting or ebaying hmmmmm

Edit- Natalie- massive hugs to you!

NualaBuala

lynzpower wrote: »

Evening Frunchkins :wave:

Well another week over with Glad to see the back of this week its been a total stinker :rotfl: needless to say Ive spent money on stupid stuff like lots of chocolate and diet cokes.

My accounts have been out of control. I have to face the fact that this month, despite having a bonus I willnot be able to save a single penny as Iv got PCNs OI have to pay that total almost 500 quid. _pale_

The fact Is ive been paralysed through tightness and unfortunately the charges have gone up. Its a nightmare. I have 4 PCNs al over the place I think I just have to bite the bullet on it and pay up.

I just cant though. I just am paralysed I cant phone them and pay them. Meanwhiel while imwrestling with it it goes up by 60 quid Any advice on how I can pull myself together and just cough up before it gets worse :eek:

I just cant flaming win at the mo.

Ooops. I was feeling more cheerful until I starting writing that! :rotfl:

Added into the mix is that last year I injured my wrist at work and it was getting somewhat better, this week I lifted something heavy ( had no choice) and bam my wrist is back to Sq 1. I honestly dont know what I can do, I cant leave my job ,but the damage to my hand is getting really bad I fear

Needless to say my cooking is not been up to much this week. Oh is cooking tonight hopefully I can feel rejuvenated tomorrow and do some nice baking or something and take my mind off things.
...
Im having my hair cut in the morning ....

Hugs Lynz, I really feel for you as you have had a horrid week by the sounds of it. Can you grit your teeth and pay the PCNs (is that a parking charge?) I think 500 is worth it for your peace of mind. Then draw a line under it, and under the week and start tomorrow afresh. Enjoy getting your hair done and make it a bit of a pampering day perhaps? Hope you can rest your wrist so it gets the chance to recover. I used to wear a wrist support that helped me not to overuse my wrist when it was injured.

Take care,
N x

rozeepozee

Frugaldom wrote: »

Hope everyone is well, I've been in the garden for most of the day making the most of what turned out to be a lovely day. I just wish things would start growing. Apologies for not getting involved in pregnancy and baby talk, no offence to anyone, I'm just not baby-minded.

You are baby minded - it's just they're poultry babies, not human babies!

I was just laughing to myself thinking that instead of spending years trying to conceive and thousands of pounds on IVF, I should just have joined this thread last year. I would have been pregnant in a flash!

Oh and I have a confession: I'm way over budget this month! By about £800. Our petrol spending is about one and a half times what I budgeted for (an extra £50/mth) and grocery shopping is way higher too as I'm constantly hungry (I am eating for 3!). I've also splurged on unbudgeted for items: £200 on a secondhand electric bed (I have to sleep bolt upright now as this pregnancy is so uncomfortable with the size of me and my indigestion (cos I'm eating too much???) and I can't get in and out of a normal bed without assistance) and £250 on a new camera so we can have some decent photos and video clips of the new babies (I resisted when my son was born and regret not having some nice short video clips for posterity). I don't know if any of this is recoupable - I have got so much excess stuff at home, clutter, but all in good condition ("too good to throw out"). Maybe I can do a car boot sale or three later in the year and sell something instead of buying?

If I can muster up the energy, I'll have a review at the end of this quarter and repeat some of the very helpful money saving things I did in January too (inventorying the cupboards and fridge and having a big clear out of food before buying anything else, selling stuff on ebay).