Frugal Living Challenge 2011 - Part 3.

dizzy_lizzie

Blairweech what a lovely surprise from your OH
slowlyfading sorry to hear that things aren't good at the moment.
Big hugz to you.
paidinchix well done on the voucher and the refund from v*rgin.
Every little helps.

I've finished my little flower cross stitch and starting on my other Christmas one as well as starting a scarf for DD. Only knit a row, purl a row, I'm not much of a knitter but I do have a go now and again. Made some lovely mug hugs a few months ago.
On a frugal note I was in Mr Ts couple of evenings ago and walking passed the pharmacy I thought I'd ask if they had any of the freebie goodie bags in, usually have samples of bits and bobs like cold tablets, hot chocolate sachets and vouchers etc. Anyway the lovely assistant gave me 7 bags! In them are sweeteners, sachets of granola breakfast cereal which is delicious and some over 50 womens vitamins...not quite there yet but I'm sure they won't do me any harm, will just have to check they are suitable for vegans. Oh and a pen, so in theory I have a weeks supply of breakfast and a months supply of vitamins. Worth asking at your local Mr Ts store.
Warm hugs to everyone.
x

23rdspiral

Sorry to hear that Slowlyfading. We're her to listen if u want.

Bought some more baby pots in pound land today. And made a curry for dinner with 9p sauce, soya chunks, green pepper and 4 mushrooms. Added the rice and water to the sauce so save on gas of having 2 pans on! Every little helps eh?

Does anyone else follow frugal queen? Something's wrong. Her last post is very worrying. for my 2ps I really hope someone's not ill, but it sounds more list she's being sued. Maybe for her frank advice on using as little electric or something. Fingers crossed it's a book deal instead

Aril

Hello fellow frugallers:j:j
All's well here at GBT- started my newest job today and it went well so toes crossed it continues that way. I find it so much easier to be frugal now I'm in a more definite routine- managed a whoopsie walk on the way back from work today and managed to get some reduced meat in Mr S and some bakery items in Waitrose. I was very brave last week and for the first time ever used the Boots machine- it gave me one of those vouchers which when I handed it in at the till gave me a free mascara!!

Ooh didn't know about the pharmacy bags DL- shall have to ask next time I'm in there:D I spent a chunk of Sat morning rummaging around in the charity shops looking for suitable gifts for Christmas- most will good quality second ones this year due to budgetary restrictions. Was very successful- have bought a candle making kit and book for my sister- she's very hard up so a fun but practical pressie should go down well. OH and I have booked tickets to see Steptoe and Son at our local theatre in lieu of pressies. Have now earnt £30 in vouchers from the survey sites I do- they too are going in the gift fund.

I too noticed FQ's last blog post- her friend has confirmed that she and her partner are ok but no not sure here either what triggered that. We'll just have to watch this space as they say.

A small frugal success tonight- cooked my first ever chicken liver risotto [from the Gill Holcombe book] The chaps are not liver fans but it met with a very positive reception so will be doing that one again!
Until my next GBT installment!
Arilx

PS If you've missed it do take a look at the amazing £10 sofa challenge Memory Girl has achieved on her blog- I am inspired
http://mortgagefreeinthree.com/2011/10/the-10-sofa-challenge-9/

23rdspiral

Thanks for letting me/us know FQ is well. Have my fingers crossed for them.

paidinchickens

23rdspiral wrote: »

Sorry to hear that Slowlyfading. We're her to listen if u want.

Bought some more baby pots in pound land today. And made a curry for dinner with 9p sauce, soya chunks, green pepper and 4 mushrooms. Added the rice and water to the sauce so save on gas of having 2 pans on! Every little helps eh?

Does anyone else follow frugal queen? Something's wrong. Her last post is very worrying. for my 2ps I really hope someone's not ill, but it sounds more list she's being sued. Maybe for her frank advice on using as little electric or something. Fingers crossed it's a book deal instead

I was saw today. If you go to fostermummy it says





And I am proud to say that I know I will always be her friend. And Dearly Beloved's.

But there are some very short-sighted, unthinking, selfish "self-pleasurers" in life, and it is one of these we have to thank for Froogs deciding to return to a life sans blogging.

And having spoken to her this evening and heard how she has been made to feel, I don't blame her.
It is awful. Horrible, and unfair.

I always thought she'd make her blog into a book.

True, she has broken tougher nuts than this one - they have not won - but she needs to take time out to take stock.

I don't know if FQ will return to our screens, but I promise to keep you updated with our adventures.



So no idea really

dizzy_lizzie

Ooh Aril isn't that sofa gorgeous? Just shows what you can do when you put your mind to it. I would love a sofa like that!

Just had a read of The Frugal Queens blog. Wow what an inspiration her posts are. What a shame if she stops posting. Couldn't quite work out what's happened but I'm sure they'll be a lot of people missing her if she doesn't post again.

Going to log off now for a while and pick up my knitting needles.
Off for half term and I'm determined to relax and be 'crafty'
x

23rdspiral

Thank you paid in. I didn't think to look up foster mummy. I remember when she went away before due to horrible remarks. I just can't believe people can be so petty to bully someone for dealing with their debts so remarkably.
From reading her blog posts, FQ must be one of the most determined people I've ever encountered. I have every respect for her, and much to thank her for. I wish her all the best and really hope she's able to leave the blog as a resource, even if she's unable to continue.

Kerry_Woman

slowlyfading - Sending hugs to you and you OH.

rising_from_the_ashes

Aril wrote: »

A small bit of good news here - I got the job I was interviewed for on Monday [which came via a cheeky ad I put out on our local freecycle cafe board] so now have 20 hours admin pw split between two jobs- each is a business run from home with a dog. Took Charlie, the gorgeous Springer Spaniel, for a walk this morning and got paid for it!!

Congratulations on the new job!:j:j Those halloween decs are fab:D

dizzy_lizzie wrote: »

OH came home from work this morning and presented me with a bouquet of flowers. "Aw what are those for?" asks me. "Happy Anniversary love" he replies. And hands me an envelope with money in to spend on a day out for us both.
Oops! Married 22 years todayx

Happy belated wedding anniversary to you and your DH:)- I'm sure he'll have forgiven you!;) I would also blame the cold, it really can turn your brain to mush (or mine anyway!)

Slowlyfading ((((hugs)))) to you and OH ....

rising_from_the_ashes

seriouslyfrugal wrote: »

Hi

http://www.rspb.org.uk/feedthebirds/competition.aspx

Brilliant - thanks for the link, will be giving it a go.

I took pity on the birds during the cold snap last week so have started to feed them - I love seeing them all darting in and out of the bush (to hopefully keep them safe from the feline ones;))

Aril wrote: »

PS If you've missed it do take a look at the amazing £10 sofa challenge Memory Girl has achieved on her blog- I am inspired
http://mortgagefreeinthree.com/2011/10/the-10-sofa-challenge-9/

Wow!:D It's amazing what can be done when you put your mind to it - this has really inspired me to do something crafty (just not sure what yet:o!)



Plodding along here - just had to fork out for next day delivery from an online pharmacy :eek: to get some cold sore cream. My lip erupted in blisters last night - can only ever remember having one when I was around teenage years so don't keep stuff for them in the house (apparently the virus can lie dormant for years just waiting to pounce when you're a bit run down). Typically it had to do it when I can't get to the shops....:( Ahhh well, Murphy's law and all that;)