2013 Frugal Living Challenge

[Deleted User]

Congratulations on getting a permanent job Becky:j:j:j

miss_empty_piggy

Hey Becky 2 - CONGRATULATIONS that is brilliant. x

miss_empty_piggy

Carrying on with the garden, I went out into the garden the other day to pick the rest of the cherries but the garden is in such a mess that I didn't see the broom on the floor and fell over and down two steps. I thought I had broken my knee as it was very difficult to walk on but went to bed and woke up and it was ok again. However, my arms were aching from where I had broken my fall. I also have a massive bruise along the entire length of my left forearm. What a numpty. I think it was the garden fighting back, it seems to have developed a life of it's own.

However, I am going to attempt to get back out there today. It is an absolute mess. I can't believe it is so bad, I'm going to pick the raspberries and blackcurrants so will be freezing and making jam etc this afternoon hopefully. I will also be making a start on the weeds (if I can face it) but that might be a job for tomorrow (not that I'm putting it off at all).

With regard to other frugalling projects, I have managed to get one of the two wardrobe curtains sewn but haven't managed to start on the roman blind. I've never made one before and am a little scared to say the least. :eek:

However, online it said it would cost £125.00 to make (if I sent them my material), a local shop said £80 ish plus the cost of the backing material and fixings etc, plus I'd have to put it up myself. I had a look at my sister's and recently seen a friend who made her own and she said it's not too difficult. I've been to the library and copied out instructions so I may even begin that soon. I'm scared but really want to do it myself, not just to save money but to also see if I can do it. (I love a challenge).

If it turns out any good then I think I will make them for the other 14 windows in the house. I am a curtain-phobe and the only room that has a curtain is the front door! which cost over £400 when we bought it (pre-frugalling days). If it goes badly and I ruin the sale-bought-material I could make some bed cushions and a runner for the bed so all won't be lost.

Have been to a car boot sale (I forgot how much I love them) and got some absolute bargains. I got a huge quiche dish (for 50p) and yesterday made a broccoli quiche big enough to feed 8 which I have portioned and frozen up.

Having got the bug, I went through cupboards and found potatoes about to expire, so boiled them up and sliced the new ones and mashed the old ones. I've then portioned them into chinese-sized cartons and frozen them. Have saved a portion of new ones to make a potatoe salad with a slice of quiche for lunch today. I can't wait.

Also had some fine green beans so put them into bags raw and sucked air out with a straw and stuck them in too. usually I would have just chucked them out but am appalled by the amount of food I throw away. it is ridiculous, so am making a more concerted effort to not do this.

I am always glad when I 'find' things in the freezer from days like yesterday when I'm back and work and very tired. Plus really need to get cracking with the reducing the debt mountain.

Anyway, that's me - hope everyone has a lovely day and I look forward to hearing how you're all doing.

Becky_2

miss empty piggy

Hope you are feeling better soon after your fall. Good luck with making your roman blind.

x

miss_empty_piggy

Becky_2 wrote: »

miss empty piggy

Hope you are feeling better soon after your fall. Good luck with making your roman blind.

x

Thanks Becky 2, that's really kind. I am feeling fine now, just a bit battered around the edges. I'll keep you posted about the blind.

Kerry_Woman

miss empty piggy - Sending you hugs.

miss_empty_piggy

Kerry_Woman wrote: »

miss empty piggy - Sending you hugs.

Thanks Kerry Woman - you're all so kind, but really I am fine now. I got my own back on the garden today though - feels like we're even now. Hope you've had a good day x x x x

miss_empty_piggy

Yesterday was a good day on the whole, made bread, cakes and biscuits, HM cherry pie from the cherries off my own tree (first time ever and it was lush).

Did a check of all debts etc. and the enormity of the situation came over me and made me feel a little down. Started to think about winter as it was raining outside and water is gushing into my garage. I've had a look today and the guttering has come away and its pouring all over. DOH is working away at the moment and Dad is very old and has bad knees so I wouldn't ask him to help anyway. I've put buckets inside and outside the garage to try and stop it making any further damage but it is totally broken off. I'll wait until the rain subsides to try and get it sorted but haven't a clue. I'll have a scout around the internet for advice/tutorials.

The garden is still an overwhelming mess and I know that there is a whole in the roof which really needs mending. Sometimes, just sometimes it all gets to me and I consider moving from Piggy Towers but I just love my house even though some bits of it are as worn as me!

I started to think about winterising the house. I have 15 windows in my house and the only windows that have curtains are the front door (weirdly) and DD2's bedroom. If I am successful with the roman blind in my bedroom I may attempt to make more for the rest of the house as it sure does get cold (tiled floor with no underfloor heating doesn't help!!)

Anyway, sorry for the length of the post (and the little moan/feeling sorry for myself) I am trying to stay positive.

What things do you guys do to winterise your home, I'd be very interested and grateful for advice...

Anyway, happy frugalling and hope you all have a lovely day (even if it is raining where you are) x

[Deleted User]

Hi Miss empty piggy. I'm sorry to hear you are feeling down. I know what you mean - sometimes things can get overwhelming.

This year I want to minimise heating and electricity bills so will be looking to winterise the house too. The things I usually do:

• Curtains on most windows closed.
• Curtain at front door. I did have one at the back door but had to get rid of it.
• Draft excluder at front door. Think I will try and make one for the back door.
• Mats in front hallway to protect from dirty feet.
• Blankets/throws on the couches in LR - will also add hot water bottles.
• Use of candles in LR and kitchen gives a warm glow
• Winter bedding on - thicker quilts plus throws on the bed. I also have a single quilt I got free and sometimes use that across the bottom of the bed in really cold winters.
• Stock up the freezer and cupboards
• Salt stocked up for clearing paths in winter plus snow shovel at the ready.

miss_empty_piggy

Thanks allie23, what great suggestions, I will definitely be putting these into action. :T

I'm also thinking of making some draft excluders. Have seen some that you can attach to the door so that when you open it it goes with it rather than tripping over them! (I'm VERY clumsy). I think I might have a go at that.

I have an outside tap and every year it freezes the pipes. DOH was decorating a house and was given an old towel rail (not a shiny stylish silver one) which we put in the downstairs toilet to get some warmth to the inside of the pipes near to it and it seemed to work but I think that I will attempt to make some kind of cover for that too from foam/bubble wrap and some waterproof material. I used to try to wrap hot water bottles around it on a night - this also worked (when they stayed on) but not very glamorous.

Thanks for the tips I will definitely use them - I especially love the use of candles one - fooling everyone into thinking it's warm and cosy (the power of the mind is a very powerful thing indeed):rotfl::rotfl::rotfl: