2014 Frugal Living Challenge

apple_muncher

Just_be wrote: »

Hello all, haven't posted for a while but have been reading posts. I'm doing really well! A slight hiccup as had to pay unexpected car repair today and a cousin has got engaged on her birthday so another cousin has had a scoot around the family to raise funds to buy them a trip to Paris!!! I can't afford to contribute! I think this is an awful lot to ask not sure how much I am willing to contribute yet- will have a think about that one. Have been through the Christmas present stash and only have 2 grandads and the in laws to buy for on the family and friends side of things. Gathering a few bits for my daughter as I go but will get the bulk of hers nearer Christmas when the vouchers from the Xmas hamper arrive. I wanted to do a little glass jar of sweets for each child in the family and decorate with nice ribbon and a name tag- does anybody now where I get nice airtight jars a cheap as possible? Hope all is going well

Last year, I picked up about 20 kilner jars, and similar, from a freecycler. Maybe you could request them?

Merrylegs1

I wanted to do a little glass jar of sweets for each child in the family and decorate with nice ribbon and a name tag- does anybody now where I get nice airtight jars a cheap as possible?

Hi, i've done a similar thing in the past, I made up jars with the dry ingredients for cupcakes/cookies then wrote instructions on the label and tied with a pretty ribbon and tinsel...think I got my jars from TKMaxx in the end.

Merry

Busymumofthreeplusdog

Oh I'm loving that idea!! Think I might pinch it!

Just_be_2

Thank you for the suggestions I don't have a tkmaixx close by so am keeping an eye out in HBargs and similar but nothing yet that I'm willing to pay. It's a lovely gift and great value as long as you can get the jars cheap enough!

quidsy

Dunelm mills do kilner jars and often have deals.

lynnejk

Sorry not been on for ages but been really busy.


The good news is that DH has today started a new FT job on permanent contract :j Such a relief after all these years on agency work/no work on and off.


cw18 - hope you now healed and 'back to normal'


nicki-sue - trust you have sorted things out by now ??


icontinuetodream - love the recipes - where do you find them ??

hollieinbloom wrote: »

Been trying to build up a decent stock cupboard but as we don't have a car, it's so hard to carry it all home but we have a rucksack so carrying some on our backs is helping!. Just need to stock up on some more bread flour and then I'll be happy! xx

I have the same problem and have been looking at the trolley bags. Just seen some in C**pers magazine at under £10 so think I will get one.


We have been trugging along on the frugal front and the beetroot, pea sprouts and rocket did well in the balcony boxes, though the bad weather the last week has finished them off


Looked again at the deal with the Nat***wid* account and decided to do the insurance deals separately after all as there were too many opt-out clauses so would not be better. I am cancelling the account.


Going to buy 2 x electric oil-filled radiators whilst they are cheap on 'amazing'. We only have electric and the blower heaters use more electric so we should benefit this winter and be warmer.


Have managed to reduce household budget by £40 a month over the last two months :j Been concentrating on using cheaper products and waste is now minimal also. Anything left gets used for soup or frozen to add together for another meal. Also started using Morrys as can buy most fruit and veg in 'ones' so don't get wastage.


Now DH has job we will be concentrating on eliminating £1000 out on credit cards then just using them each month to get cash-back


Our holiday in September is all paid for now and just need spending money which my wages at end of month should cover.


Sorry for the long post


Hope you all having a frugal week and positive vibes to anyone who needs them
Lx

cw18

lynnejk wrote: »

cw18 - hope you now healed and 'back to normal'

Actually in hospital - had an operation on my arm yesterday afternoon. So it"s back to Day 1 of recovery :eek:

Mint1955

if you ask on free cycle for douwe Egbert jars they are perfect for decorating and come in large and small.

Just_be wrote: »

Thank you for the suggestions I don't have a tkmaixx close by so am keeping an eye out in HBargs and similar but nothing yet that I'm willing to pay. It's a lovely gift and great value as long as you can get the jars cheap enough!

Just_be_2

I could probably drink the coffee from enough douwe egberts jars between now and Xmas!! I've been doing SO well for the past month or so and I e really let it slip this week I need to reign in the spending again.

lynnejk

cw18 wrote: »

Actually in hospital - had an operation on my arm yesterday afternoon. So it"s back to Day 1 of recovery :eek:

Oh No !! Sooo sorry to hear that. Hope you soon mended and let us know how you getting on
Lx