Frugal Living Challenge 2011 - Part 3.

natnat13

Phew, finally caught up with all the thread. I have a dilema over flab fighting, I have been going to a well known slimming club that concentrates on exercise and lost just over a stone (I want to lose another 1 1/2 stone). I really enjoy going but it costs £23 a month plus fuel (5 miles each way) to get there. I could prob go running, do exercise DVDs myself and save £23 a month but I am a bit lacking in the will power dept and I really enjoy the classes, don't know what to do!

LolaLemon

redglass wrote: »

Hi Lola, just catching up after a few days' absence. Glad things turned out all right with your bloke.

I use an old duvet as a mattress topper, and have also been known to use a sleeping bag, opened out flat and with the zip positioned where it doesn't irritate your feet. Then a sheet on top.

Did you ever get your shepherd's pie sorted?

Lol, let's just say, it was edible! Well the peas where a bit harder than I would have liked, the carrots fine, mash good, cheese on top I wasn't too keen on, the mince was a bit... dunno, a bit something, think the gravy I used was just a bit much, or something .
Son made cupcakes that went down well lol and saved the meal lol


Sandra, I LOVE hearing of your days out, they always sound soo full, and ur chicken finds is amazing!

SandraScarlett

I've just had my delicious chicken, with loads of veg, and there's more than enough for DH and I for another couple of meals, but this is the first time I've had such great bargains. I've often been envious when reading of others who've had amazing bargains from Mr A, or Mr T, or Mr S, buying stuff for a few pence, but I'm so impressed, that it'll be worth going to Liverpool Street on a Saturday - just to get some shopping!!

xx

natnat13

I am like you Sandra, I never seem to get good whoopsies, I don't tend to go to the supermarkets in the evenings though maybe that's why? Glad your chicken was yummy x

gien

You all sound to be having great frugal time! I don't get good reductions here either - the very most is half price but most stickered products are just 25% off.
This weekend I realised that I haven't spent Any money at all. My DH had to buy train tickets for the kids to go camping this weekend but otherwise we have been so busy at home that we haven't had time to spend money!

natnat13

New week, new start. I got up at 6:15 to go for a run, far too dark so instead of going back to sleep I did an exercise DVD for 45 mins. Then got everyone else up and ready. Put a beef and ale stew in the slow cooker and found a book to start writing down what I eat. Don't laugh but I am a very visual person so I have put 21 marbles in a glass pot, for every lb I lose I will remove 1 and hopefully it will be empty by christmas. Off to do some work now, Nat x

tumptyteapot

my son woke me up at 5, I am hanging, no run today, just can't move.
Nat the marble idea is great!

paidinchickens

Nat I think the marble thing is a good idea, I may try it but may have to use buttons and the boys would pinch marbles

DDs Birthday today so will probably have the tribe round for tea. She loves tuna pie that I used to make when she was little. Tuna, mash with cheese on top and placed into the oven until golden. Side dish of baked beans :rotfl: And she would rather have that than go out for a meal. Only problem is DH and DS do not like tuna or ANY fish so will have to do a cottage pie or summat for the picky ones! I still have a bad back so could do without it really.

Sold a couple of bits and bobs on Ebay yesterday so need to go to the PO

A little windy here but nothing major, good luck to those where it's bad and stay safe x

natnat13

Your tuna recipe took me back to my dad making me corn beef hash when I was a child. Might give both a go with my lot

SandraScarlett

natnat13 wrote: »

Your tuna recipe took me back to my dad making me corn beef hash when I was a child. Might give both a go with my lot

Yum, yum, yum! Corned beef hash, bubble & squeak, they bring back lovely memories.:) I've had a super few weeks, thanks to MSE. :j I got my free huge tin of Celebration Choccies (still unopened!), a free £10 train credit with Red Herring, which has paid for a trip next month to meet a friend, free Campbells soup, my wonderful Tesco bargain, numerous 2 for 1 lunches, bargain theatre tickets - and I've had a great time.

Like everybody, I have some Very Low Days - several immediate family members are unwell, and I'm on medication for breast cancer, but it could be a helluva lot worse. Nobody knows what next year may offer, so I take every opportunity to enjoy myself now, treat my family and friends whenever I can, and do it all on a budget.

I could be extremely frugal, but you have to have some fun in your life, else, I feel, you're existing, and not living. Tonight I'm taking DH to the local theatre, where they have a performance of songs from well-known shows, and because he's registered disabled with them, my ticket, as carer, is free. So £10 for the 2 of us!

Off to make a tasty salad for lunch soon, using my 5p bag of Floret Salad Leaves, 30p tomatoes, 10p cucumber, and some of that chicken!

xx