2012 Frugal Living Challenge (Part 1)

bramble1

I think I will put my cv out there, my worry is my industry (like all I suppose) is incestuous and I worry about word getting out that I am even looking!

3 job have my eye, I think I will take if from there..

SandraScarlett

bramble1 wrote: »

Thanks guys.. Question. Do I keep my lower than average paid job that I love or look for a higher paying job to help pay off my debts?

As others have said, that's a tough one. But there was one word in the above sentence that struck me. You love your job. Not just like it, or find it OKish, but love it. How about sticking it out till, say, Easter, and see if, with the aid of the Good Folk on here, you can economise in other areas? Or make something that you could sell, like, er, um, butter?

natnat13 wrote: »

Hows this for frugal karma? Queuing up to buy a magazine today (I know but I've been so good) and my 5 year old tells me he has just pooed himself so we had to run out the shop without buying it! He then did it again so we just gave up and went home (he's fine now!)
Maybe someone was telling me not to spend, shame it wasn't in a less messy way, poor boy :rotfl:

Two great sayings from my Mum/Dad/various Aunts. The first was when I kept saying "I wish I could have a doll that wees/green luminous ankle socks/ a Bunty Annual" and their reply was "if you wish in one hand, and sh** in the other I know what will be full first"! The second pearl of wisdom was "sh** luck's good luck", so you must be brimming with it!!

Mojoworking wrote: »

No harm in putting your CV out there and having a look, a wise friend of mine always used to say "you go to work to earn money not to enjoy yourself" - and although I agreed with him, when I was going to work in one particular job I stuck it out for 2 years and ended up just walking out as i couldn't cope with the people, the environment, the politics, so that adage really didn't work for me - as your in work a huge proportion of the day - I now would not put my happiness above the bigger wage - although i'm never going to reach any sort of giddy heights on the old career ladder!!!!

I would say, look carefully at your finances, and decide if it is a decision of the heart or the head that is called for - good luck xxxx

I was very very fortunate in that I loved the job I had from my mid 30s onwards - teaching 11-16 year olds, often in Inner City Schools, but prior to that I had various other jobs, and dreaded the thought that the next day I'd have to see, again, some of the people I worked with, but nailed a smile on my face, and metaphorically set off each day whistling "Hi bleedin' ho" cos it was paying the bills.

I've just been watching, with horror, the news about the cruise ship that sunk in Italy, along with dozens of lives, poor souls, and that the Captain and First Officer were the first ones to shove their way off the ship. Thankfully, they have both been arrested.

xx

miele_2

Hi All

Yesterday I felt so good, had survived two working weeks of my 2012 challenge - not buying lunch out but taking lunch from home with me. It was actually very satisfying to be eating my own food everyday, as well as it being good wholesome homecooked food (reheated in the microwave at work of course!), I felt quite smug looking around at others who had spent a good few £s on their takeaway lunch! Haven't visited a coffee shop either which is quite a feat as my workplace is surrounded by all the coffee chains.

But today, I really let myself down, I'm so angry with myself. :mad: I had to get my hair cut as haven't had it cut since last summer. I found a deal online for 50% off so already knew how much I would be spending. But then, the girl talked me into getting a hair treatment and I agreed so I wasted £15 more and worse thing is, it's a hair treatment I already have at home which cost me about £4! Arrrrrggghh!!

My lesson learnt of the day is : stick to the original plan and say no no no!

piggybank1980

So far I am within budget and probably eating better than I have in a long time, thanks to menu planning and batch cooking from scratch. The batch cooking has been a godsend as ds has been ill for the last week and i've been medicating him every 4 hours day and night so been too tired too cook, having quality meals in the freezer has really saved me from takeout. We did our shopping at Aldi last week and spent £30 in total to feed the three of us and still have home cooked meals left enough for 3 days, i'm so proud! also we have just had a letter from gas/elec company reducing our monthly dd by £30.

mooomin

Bramble - I'm currently in a job I hate, so I would say that job satisfaction is priceless, especially if you're working full time. You spend so much time at work that you should enjoy it

SandraScarlett

miele wrote: »

Hi All

Yesterday I felt so good, had survived two working weeks of my 2012 challenge - not buying lunch out but taking lunch from home with me. It was actually very satisfying to be eating my own food everyday, as well as it being good wholesome homecooked food (reheated in the microwave at work of course!), I felt quite smug looking around at others who had spent a good few £s on their takeaway lunch! Haven't visited a coffee shop either which is quite a feat as my workplace is surrounded by all the coffee chains.

But today, I really let myself down, I'm so angry with myself. :mad: I had to get my hair cut as haven't had it cut since last summer. I found a deal online for 50% off so already knew how much I would be spending. But then, the girl talked me into getting a hair treatment and I agreed so I wasted £15 more and worse thing is, it's a hair treatment I already have at home which cost me about £4! Arrrrrggghh!!

My lesson learnt of the day is : stick to the original plan and say no no no!

Well I'd say you've done brilliantly to have stuck to the plan for 2 weeks.:T Hey, we're now half way through January!! It must have been nice having the treatment, and you've learnt a good lesson, so don't dwell on it, and just admire your lovely hair.:)

piggybank1980 wrote: »

So far I am within budget and probably eating better than I have in a long time, thanks to menu planning and batch cooking from scratch. The batch cooking has been a godsend as ds has been ill for the last week and i've been medicating him every 4 hours day and night so been too tired too cook, having quality meals in the freezer has really saved me from takeout. We did our shopping at Aldi last week and spent £30 in total to feed the three of us and still have home cooked meals left enough for 3 days, i'm so proud! also we have just had a letter from gas/elec company reducing our monthly dd by £30.

Well you've done fantastically!! :T:T:T Gold Stars galore coming your way. I do hope your DS is better soon, especially with good wholesome, home-cooked food to speed his recovery. Must be tiring for you too, so look after yourself.

flying_fresian wrote: »

Bramble - I'm currently in a job I hate, so I would say that job satisfaction is priceless, especially if you're working full time. You spend so much time at work that you should enjoy it

Oh ff, how awful for you. Your home time must be so precious to you. Yes job satisfaction is so important, though I suppose in this day and age, knowing you've got a regular pay packet must be a blessing. I don't know how you all manage, working full time, with demanding families, and having to make every pound do the work of 2.

I've just seen elsewhere on the site that my fuel provider, SSE are dropping their prices .......... from the 26th March!! Why not from the 26th January? :mad: I felt a bit chilly today, so donned a cosy vest and thought warm thoughts! Blimey, it's nearly one! I'd better get to bed.

xx

Squinky_McFeet

SandraScarlett wrote: »

Two great sayings from my Mum/Dad/various Aunts. The first was when I kept saying "I wish I could have a doll that wees/green luminous ankle socks/ a Bunty Annual" and their reply was "if you wish in one hand, and sh** in the other I know what will be full first"!

:rotfl::rotfl: I'm pinching this saying I've not heard it before haha!

I've not had the best week, I did my back in and was feeling very sorry for myself, caved in and had a takeaway (someone said they add up annual costs of naughty things, can't remember who, which I did and have been put off buying them again) I also bought a sandwich for work instead of making my own one day. Its all new to me, this frugal thingummy. I'm actually having to THINK about what I am doing and spending:eek:
Today was good I bought around £13 worth of really decent fresh ready meals and fresh chicken breasts in a sauce for 80p (go me!) by timing checking the reduced items.
Also made a roast chicken last night and usually I would be lazy by getting one meal out of it and giving some to the cat before throwing it away. Oh no not this time, two meals and now its stock making in the slow cooker!
I haven't been able to use my slow cooker for months after dropping the lid and smashing it, I was looking around for a new slow cooker until I tried my cassarole lid on it and tada, it fits

I love keeping up to date with everyones posts, so many useful ideas and tips, much thanks

COOLTRIKERCHICK

When you make your butter, how do you get all the buttermilk out of it? as i am sure i read somewhere that you need to make sure there is no fluid left in the butter.

I have had a nose on utube but they i havent seen any of them actually take it passed taking it out of the mixer and sperating the butter and the milk....

How long would it keep for ? or is that good, it only lasts 2
minutes:rotfl:

black_cat

purpleorchid wrote: »

i have also made her a pamper hamper out of things that i had in the house and some freebies i have recieved off line, only thing i will need to buy to add to it is a bar of turkish delight and a luxury hot choc. i hope with all this pampering she will feel less stressed out. love her to bits but she can be hard to be around haha.

That sounds like a fab present. Very MSE too - should keep you out of your overdraft!

aeb_2

COOLTRIKERCHICK wrote: »

When you make your butter, how do you get all the buttermilk out of it? as i am sure i read somewhere that you need to make sure there is no fluid left in the butter.

I have had a nose on utube but they i havent seen any of them actually take it passed taking it out of the mixer and sperating the butter and the milk....

How long would it keep for ? or is that good, it only lasts 2
minutes:rotfl:

Hi CTC
I don't post often but I read a lot and think I can help. Beat the cream in the mixer until it separates, keep beating until lumps of butter are formed. The whey might start to splash everywhere so have a tea towel handy. Then pour the whey into a container (I pour it back into the cream pot to get the last bit of cream) and put the lid on. You can use it for scones - yum!
Then pour about 1/2 pint cold water onto the butter and beat again - again it will splash! This water will go cloudy so then tip it away. Repeat. Drain away as much water as possible, pat with a kitchen towel to dry and shape into a lump. I put mine into a small basin. It keeps for the week. Or if I have more I freeze it but not sure how long it keep as I use it up.
Sometimes if I'm in a hurry I just wash once, however, the more you wash it the longer it lasts in my experience.