Frugal Living Challenge 2011 - part 1

23rdspiral

had a spendy day today - work sent me to a town i hardly ever go to... so just had to have a look around... and went to Dunelm Mill and spent 11.47 - but most of this was on things on my list of things i need and almost all 20% off, so not too bad really.

i parked in Mr M as needed a wee and only bought fresh sprats :j they're 1pound a kilo less as it's their time of year and i love them! and i only bought that ONE THING (well, about 25 sprats but most to freeze!).

and i was passing a lovely patchwork shop i know... so popped in as saved me a journey later on, honest! and she told me they were putting their prices up due to VAT and cotton blight and stuff... so i got a a few pieces and spent 9.40 but she gave me a full 1pound back from my tenner so that's a little saving!

so not a good day for my purse, but i have made FUTURE savings! :cool::o

chika

Hi all, how all is well in our various frugal homes. Cheryl I hope your lad is on the mend, how is he feeling today?

Had a very nice day today, my class were lovely, and at home time had a great suprise when one of the mum's brought me a massive tub of Nigerian Jolloff rice and some little tubs with sauce and various chicken and beef. I've just finished portioning it up and have nine greedy person sized portions to go in the freezer. I'm chuffed as I love Nigerian food but really can't cook it. I mentioned to her son last week that my father is Nigerian and I like the food and he must have gone home and told his mum. I've just had a portion of it, washed down with a glass of wine I was given by another child. I really do love my job!

Frugalising wise I've been busy. Having an payg electricity meter really makes you concious of how much you use so I've tried to cook everything in the oven at the same time! I did a massive moussaka which has lasted a few days and baked three loaves of bread. I took advice on here and used the value flour, Is it me or does it make much more crumbly bread? Still tastes good though!

I've written a letter to cancel my gym membership, sent recorded delivery and also stopped my DD just incase they "forget" to cancel it. As I no longer have a car, the gym is about an hour away on two buses and it is soooo expensive. I've just decided to spend more time walking, and I might even attempt the C25K program again. Need to keep the bottom growth in check!

dizzy_lizzie

chika wrote: »

Had a very nice day today, my class were lovely, and at home time had a great suprise when one of the mum's brought me a massive tub of Nigerian Jolloff rice and some little tubs with sauce and various chicken and beef.

chika what a thoughtful thing to do Little sweetie pies.
Been catching up with the thread and just want to send huge snuggles to everyone that needs one and hope the worrying times are soon behind you ♥
A NSD for me which I'm pleased about.
Luv Dizzy x

minnie2

rubytuesday wrote: »

Minnie wishing you well. Good Housekeeping have a campaign to end hospital parking charges you may be interested in joining if you haven't already.

thanx yeah may give it a look!! it does add up!! especially when hubby drove there from work to meet me for my appointments a couple of times that £4

NualaBuala wrote: »

HI everyone :wave:

Minnie - so sorry to hear about your loss and glad you got to meet with a friend. I think it was worth every penny and being frugal means you can do things like that when the need arises. Also sorry to hear about your tumour but glad you are getting on better with the meds.

Hope everyone is doing ok and sending hugs to anyone who'd like one.

thanx!! yeah i suppose you are right!! but ive already got a lot of extra spends this month!!!! i need 2 new tyres, car tax and new drivers licence!!! all by the 31st argh!!!!!!!!!!!! such is life!!

dizzy_lizzie

minnie2 wrote: »

thanx yeah may give it a look!! it does add up!! especially when hubby drove there from work to meet me for my appointments a couple of times that £4
thanx!! yeah i suppose you are right!! but ive already got a lot of extra spends this month!!!! i need 2 new tyres, car tax and new drivers licence!!! all by the 31st argh!!!!!!!!!!!! such is life!!

Sometimes it just never seems to end does it. Thank goodness for this thread and all the support on here.
Luv Dizzy x

romylou_2

minnie2 wrote: »

thanx!! yeah i suppose you are right!! but ive already got a lot of extra spends this month!!!! i need 2 new tyres, car tax and new drivers licence!!! all by the 31st argh!!!!!!!!!!!! such is life!!

Minnie it must be the time of year for it!! I declared yesterday a spendy day for food, however, I didn't realise I would end up spending MORE!!

My Dishwasher died and since I don't do dishes:) I had to order another one - an unexpected cost of £235.99:mad:

AARGHHH.

Will now add this to my frugal spend on my signature:(

HelenPie

Hello all,

Just checking in. I've not been able to come here for two days and feel I might never catch up again! So, a quick hello to all and I hope you're ok and having a frugal week so far

H x

salski

Did my weekly shop today and went local! Green grocers and butchers. Spent £35 of my weekly budget. Also managed to pick up a large food storage jar, some lavender oil for the bedroom some lightbulbs and a nappy bin!£9.50 for those and thats cheaper than the supermarket

natnat13

Nearly a NSD for me today, fuel light didn't come on so I didn't put any petrol in and I didn't spend any money. DH comes home with new hand brake cable for his landrover (which it did need) but said he paid for it with left over xmas money. I still wrote it down as a spend though, got to do this properly!

Made homemade chips tonight which were yum but DS 1 wouldn't eat them! At the same time, with the same water I boiled tomorrows potatoes to put with my slow cooker stew.

Will be spending tomorrow, I think I will have to put fuel in, got to go into town and get some shopping (6 miles each way) but then not going to spend anything on Thurs / Fri hopefully!

Laushappy

Hello everyone
I have been lurking on this site for about a week and finally have biten the bullet as i would really like to join in please.
You are all doing fantastically well.
I need to sort out my budget, one thing i do know is i am desperately trying to cut my food budget down :eek: Mr S gets far too much of myself and hubbs hard earned cash!!!
I should be able to help you out with recipe ideas as i'm a nutritionist so always having to advise people on how to eat healthy on a budget, just need to take my own advise!