Frugal Living Challenge 2011 - part 1

dizzy_lizzie

Aril wrote: »

Evening frugallers:jToday I've been experimenting with a soldering iron as I've discovered that you can burn designs onto wood with it [I drew out the design first]. It's meant that I've been able to make my own set of runes from a branch that I cut up a few weeks ago.

Aril I absolutely love my runes!!!! I was bought my very own book and rune set by Ralph Blum many years ago and I still use them at least once a week on average. Mine are made from stone, always cool to touch. How lovely to make your own. Runes are so comforting for getting in touch with our inner being x

minnie2 wrote: »

SNAP!!!!! i am severely asthmatic!!!!!!! and prone to bronchitis and chest infections!!!!!!!!!!!!! - my work however forcably send me home - and sometimes in a taxi!!! i hate being off work - mainly as i get bored couped up at home - i need to be working!!! but i am exactly the same with my asthma!!!!!!!!!!!!!! because ive had it since i was a baby ive tried to never let it stop me from doing anything and get in my way!! When i was younger my schools have even questioned my mothers parenting ability for sending me in with bronchitis - when i forced her to let me go! hubby is still getting use to my attacks - especially when i dont breathe

Ooh minnie it's a rotten condition to have isn't it I'm glad work are really supportive of you though. It makes such a difference doesn't it?
I must admit I hate being off and it controlling my life but when I am off I just snuggle under the duvet on the couch and eat homemade potato and leek soup which I seem to crave more than usual when poorly. I've just realised that's what I'm taking into work tomorrow for lunch as well I remember a few years ago we went camping and had a day out from the site to The Eden Project which was about an hours drive away. I was fine until we got there and I realised I'd left my inhaler in the tent! So then I started feeling panicky and breathless. I knew it was just because I knew I didn't have my inhaler so for the rest of the day I just visualised a pure white light in my throat, opening up my lungs. Sounds a bit new age (I do have an interest in colour therapy) but I managed to continue the day and the hour drive back. Pounced on my inhaler though once we got in the tent.
Do you have any techniques minnie when it's bad?

I have eaten like a horse this weekend and I don't mean bags of hay!
Luv dizzy x
♥

salski

Aril wrote: »

Perhaps if I might be so rude to ask a question- I noticed the other day when rummaging around in the freezer section at the supermarket they sell packs of frozen chicken liver for 45p. I know that you can use them for pate but does anyone else use them in a main meal? I was curious to see whether I'd discovered a cheap untapped food resource or not....:rotfl:
Aril

Ps Foggot to add that I borrowed the following from the library as it's some good ideas on repurposing clothes which is another frugal area as I have just begun to explore
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Do-Mend-Craft-Queen/dp/1840914254/ref=sr_1_11?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1296421753&sr=1-11

Hola Chica

Yes I have used Mr T's own frozen chicken livers and they are delicious!
I defrosted them and marinaded them in chilli and other spices, fried them over a medium heat and had them with a salad for lunches at work everyday. They were great cold the day after and so cheap and yummy! x

dizzy_lizzie

Nite nite everyone. I'm off to bowbies now.
Hope everyone has a great day tomorrow
Luv dizzy x


♥

rubytuesday

Hello everyone.

A lovely NSD for me today!

DizzieLizzie I think you are right about the jumble.

Yesterday was expensive as I went to my son's Aunt's 50th birthday held in a Pub room and I took a gift and had to buy drinks. I'm really pleased I went as it was lovely to see that side of the family after many years.

I was lucky too as a couple of things seemed to go wrong but turned out for the best - I wanted to buy an Orchid to take and just missed M and S but I went to Tesco and got one for quite a bit cheaper. Then the circle line wasn't working so I got out at Victoria and it transpired I could take a bus direct to my destination. Much better than the convoluted route I was planning!

I've come in well under budget on my food spend and just under budget altogether. I realize I've spent rather a lot of money on clothes from the charity shops and although all needed in the main I think my goal for this month will be to stay away as I do seem to have a knack of finding something nice nearly time I go.

Off to catch up on the thread now!:eek::rotfl:

Ches

Aril wrote: »

Perhaps if I might be so rude to ask a question- I noticed the other day when rummaging around in the freezer section at the supermarket they sell packs of frozen chicken liver for 45p. I know that you can use them for pate but does anyone else use them in a main meal? I was curious to see whether I'd discovered a cheap untapped food resource or not....:rotfl:
Aril

I cook them with chopped streaky bacon in a casserole with onions and dumplings. Don't overcook as they mush into the gravy.

rubytuesday

lynzpower wrote: »

I have just started using "ninky" ( i think) from farmfoods- £2 for 9

I was using value before, these are loads better, they are much posher, quilted effect. they are lasting a LOT longer than value.

I always squash the loo roll before it goes on the dispenser, then it will not roll too freely and you use less.

Another frugal tip, not sure if everyone already does this or not.

If not its a "frozen pastry" typre revelation

Lynz I'm using Nicky too, well the family are but I'm using Lidl's cheapest recycled, my daughter says it hurts her bits but it doesn't bother me and it lasts for ever.
Always squash it!

miss_empty_piggy

Been through budget and expenditure yesterday, it took me literally all day. Realised my overspend from last month was 425.?? (it's early) so not a good start to this month. However, I have organised my budget so that fingers crossed by the end of it we should break even. I have spoken to DDs and they are aware that we haven't much to spend on frivolities but we'll be ok. Then, suddenly realised that it is my god daughter's birthday on Wednesday - managed to find some unwanted xmas gifts that DDs had received which were perfect. Found some left over pink foil xmas wrapping paper and gold bows and always have cards, so phew managed to pull a birthday out of the bag for nothing. Thank god. DD2 has also been invited to 2 birthday partys (boys); she is adamant she isn't going to one of them, and I just need to sort her out for the other!!! (I don't mean talk her out of it, although the thought had crossed my mind - I mean more likely to talk her into going- she's a devil and won't go if she doesn't want to and then I end up making excuses for why she can't go!!! Little madam!!)

Have a great day everyone.

mooomin

Morning folks

I'm aiming for a NSD here as I haven't had one for a while. The cupboards are groaning with food, so we won't need to buy anything apart from milk/bread/fresh veg this week hopefully.

In amazing news, the power pack/battery are due to arrive for my ailing laptop today which means I'll have proper unrestricted internet access again. Both myself and Mr Fresian spend a lot of time online and he's been good about "letting me" use the PC, but I like having my laptop so I can catch up on telly programmes I've missed. First on the menu for tonight will be last night's Being Human

Lunch plans for today involve the soup I made last night and I'll be snacking on lots of fruit throughout the day. I've bought a big bag of raisins and take a couple of handfuls with me to eat as a snack. I also have my free Graze box arriving today so can take that to work with me tomorrow. I would like to cancel it once the half-price one has been sent, does anyone have easy instructions about how to do this?

Have a good Monday all!

SandraScarlett

AN ODE TO ALL OF US :beer:

I haven't saved a fortune, but I know I've saved a lot
I ask myself now daily "Do I need this thing or not"

Now others have done better, and I'm pleased for their success
They may have saved a fortune, and my fortune may be less

But this is my achievement, and I know it's not a race
I've whoopsied, spaved and saved some, the result is no disgrace

For all our lives are different, and our needs are different too
Our incomes vary widely, and I may spend more than you

But all of us are in it, and each penny saved is good
Amongst the Frugalistas, of this lovely Sisterhood

I've gleaned so many hints and tips, I've had so much advice
I now know of a hundred meals that I can make with rice!

My toilet rolls are squashy now, and I feel quite elated,
That when I wish to make a pie, my pastry can be grated!

So thank you fellow posters, I am like a pig in clover
Because today, I'm thrilled to say, that January is over!!!

:beer: :beer: WELL DONE US!!! :beer: :beer:

xx

never_too_old

SandraScarlett

that was brilliant.