What did you learn in 2011?

dandy-candy

Over the years we have all picked up plenty of OS tips, but what new ones did you learn in 2011?

I recently treated myself to Kleenex loo rolls for a change (they were on offer) and found they had a 1/3 less sheets on the roll than my supermarket own brand - 160 sheets instead of 241!! So I now check the packaging before buying.

Growing my onions was much more cost effective than buying them. They are easy to grow and keep really well.

Cheaper isn't always better - Mr T's shower gel smelt cheap and felt oily compared to a branded one!

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oldtractor

Good thread. I learned, amongst other things, that having a stock pile and being prepared and menu planning saves a lot of money.

BonandDom

I learnt....

1. To love Mr T
2. that the cost of a chainsaw and a day for me is cheaper than paying joe bloggs to cut down the leylandii surronding my garden and so much more satisfying
3. That riding my motorcycle to work no matter the weather saved me £20 a week and 40 minutes of my time

suzybloo

That we never know whats round the next corner and be prepared for as much as you can,

Also - count your blessings - there are a lot more worse off than ourselves, even when things are tough and we are feeling low, have a scout around some of these boards and you will generally find some very uplifting stories from people who have had worse to deal with.

Rummer

I learned how to crochet, I had always wanted to and now I have a relaxing hobby that creates lovely things for my home!

goobergirl

Things i've learned in 2011;

1.To meal plan and have a well stocked larder. Saving loads on groceries due to this.

2. To spin my washing on a lower speed to reduce creases before hanging on the line.

3. I can live without my tumble dryer!

4. To worry less about unimportant things.

lil_me

Not to mix friendship with money, £16k and a friend later an expensive lesson

To keep using my money saving habits I've picked up when money is not tight as much as when it is, if I had then the above may have been less

Reducing waste is THE most important thing I need to do again - all areas - food waste, gas, electric, fuel, time etc

GreyQueen

That slow-cookers are really sooooo fantastic!

That I need to spend more time on my allotment.

That I really don't enjoy going on holiday all that much and will only go away for day-trips next year and spend the difference on the lasting joy of a greenhouse.

That cooking isn't all that hard, especially when you have OS to hold your hand and point you towards great recipes.

That things I've been procrastinating about never take as long to complete as I feared they would and I should just get on with it.

On the downside:

My parents are noticibly slowing down as they approach 70.

That I'm a bit crock and really must take better care of myself such as stop procrastinating and start that yoga class.

That I don't get out enough socially and must make more of an effort....I enjoy it once I get off my rear........:)

Overall, it's not been at all bad a year, better than 2010, and there still a few more weeks left to go.

splodger_seedswapper

when i realised that there was so many interesting people that have frugal tendencies and some fantastic tips and tales to tell - i joined the forum :T

Emm-in-a-pickle

Lots of useful things to learn here, lovely helpful posters ...but without doubt the single most wonderful thing I`ve learned here is that you can cook a swede in the microwave, no peeling & chopping, and just scoop out the lovely innards. I only wish I could remember who had posted it so that I could thank her/him. It`s almost like discovering a new veg. I`ve also passed this tip on to so many people, and all gobsmacked that we hadn`t known this before!

Fruball

I learned that if you take your eye off the ball then all he!! breaks loose. The kitchen becomes a health hazard complete with its very own e coli cloud and eating out munches a lot of the budget, walking thru the living room is like wading thru mud and you can only wear 2 different outfits (one in the wash, one on, the rest on the floor).

I also learned that the fairies do NOT come and sort this out for you and you have to do it yourself :eek: