2014 Frugal Living Challenge

mummy2threeboys

Im you can freeze rocket, whislt it changes the cell structure so its not useable really as a salad leaf (once defrosted turnes into a soggy mess) if its getting towards the end of the bag and you dont think you can get through it, pop it in the freezer you can add it to soup and stews..and some of the biitterness cooks off, you can also do this with dandelion leaves. Whilst they are a very mild diuretic they do have amazing health benefits and are free, you can keep them growing throughout winter by putting a terrecotta pot over a large one to keep frost off, newer leaves taste less bitter.

As for party gifts We tend to buy gifts from poundland they do some fab books, dvds and craft packs, we spend about £4 per child with gift, card and wrapping.

Got my new revised dd from edfs £11 off electric and £25 off the gas..slowly new boiler is paying off..that and thanks to being super frugal with the fuel.

porridge for breaky all round, packed lunches x3 tea tonight is random leftovers from freezer..the odd bits why is ther allways 1 of something lurking about? Another nsd.

Did something positive today ive been accepted to volounteer at my sons nursery in september with a view of a job at the end of it..we cant afford child care costs so a job that works round the holidays is the way forward, i need to look into my level 3 qualification now, and hope its not too dear, thankfully i can do it at home provided i have 16 hours at a school/nursery

Have a great day all

BigMummaF

I would like to add my pennyworth into the VALUE BRAND debate please

I've always used the theory that we will try it once & if we like it, it becomes a staple on the shopping list. If we really hate it, no biggie because it wasn't too much of a lay-out. Undecideds get a second go, & maybe more in different guises until a clear decision is made :rotfl:

I'm caring for muvva virtually full time now but have managed to get her to try value things too & believe me, she is ssooooo difficult to please, especially where food is concerned!

MrT
Tinned marrowfat peas..wewl lush :drool: (tried other stores, still ok, but prefer these)
Frozen mxd veg/sweetcorn/peas/broc/oven chips..absolutely fine.
Pitta..ok, smaller, but adequate for lunch boxes.
Block cheese..I like the medium, the others like mature; extra mature wonderful for sauces, baking, etc.
Luncheon meat..chiller type; make round meat, red sauce & mash sarnies by layering luncheon meat, scrape of tommy k (MrT own but not value) & a dollop of mash--I used to cut faces & shapes in the top layer of meat when the kids were little, with dinosaur cookie cutters & stuff!
Pork pies..The Offspring like them with mash & peas, if I can keep them hidden long enough to last til dinner :doh:
Porridge oats..nomnomnom
Bran flakes..a real surprise this one; not as sweet as the big brands.
Tinned fruit in juice..MrS is also good for this, or was last time I looked!
Milk chocolate..reminds me a bit, of swiss chocolate..
(Check out the Dai$y label too; original wul & laundry products most defo)

Others.
Toilet cleaner & disinfectant..good pine perfume that doesn't make me sneeze.
Bleach.
Tin foil..bit thinner than others but still serviceable.
Cling film..as with foil, but I couldn't comment on using it in the microwave as I don't have one!
Cleaning cloths & sponges..ideal for dirty jobs especially, cuz you don't mind throwing them away
Bio powder..good to pre-soak & use to clean the teapot etc.
Corned Beef..from the tin AND from the chiller cabinet.
Tinned sweetcorn..as it is usually not in brine or with added sugar (ideal for Iggie too)
Golden syrup/dried mxd fruit/sultanas..thumbs up!
Clothing..sox, t-shirts, thermals, knee-highs..
Butter
Bottled water..both still & sparkling.

There's the usual fruit & veg of course, but I detest est!ma potatoes so go for something else, & things like stationary, tissues, blahblahblah. I don't buy air freshner myself (allergies) but Mum uses them in wardrobes & things.
W!lkies value sandwich bags are lovely & their own brand of foil, greaseproof, etc are often very good on price comparison. Pup adores the value rawhide & most of the treats, & I get the odd packet of either doggy training pads or baby changing mats to put down for when he's off colour. The ladies personal items are very good; soft, absorbent & comfortable to use.
R0bert Dya$ black bin bags are good quality for a reasonable price.

There's probably a lot more, but all I can think of for now *retreats slowly into shadows once more*

ellie-g

Got some mince out of the freezer for tonight. Will add equal parts of porridge oats ( I have a massive stock of them) and a can of the bulk purchased bargain black eyed beans that cost 10p a tin. If I add some yellow sticker carrots it will stretch it out to 2 meals, will also be healthier and just as tasty. Ready, steady, cook as usual here!

Penny2myName

After just discovering youngest DS has ran up a £385 phone bill in a week, I definatly need to live as frugal as I can for this month so I can get as much together as possible to pay the bill when it comes in at end of month. His outgoing calls are now blocked.

Frugalsod

TM6 wrote: »

Ah yes but you are still spending money.

I used to think the same as you but it lulls you into a false sense of security when it comes to spending.

These were gifts coupons from market research. I do have to get some milk later this week but will be using the cash that I withdrew on the 2nd. I will do that for all my top up needs during the month. It will mean that my notice board will be clean as nothing will be added to it for the month.

By allowing myself very little treats that have no impact on my bank and credit card balances means that I am more likely to stick to my budget. The more I succeed in maintaining no impact on my accounts the more determined I am to continue.

I did have a clear up of my amazon wish lists. Managed to research some bags for travel were not what I was looking for. So deleted them.

Florenceem

nomi76 wrote: »

Can anyone recommend some cheap easy salads to make. I like coleslaw as I live alone and its easy to make a small amount. Others like this would be great for a bit of variety.

You can make a small salad with - 1 grated carrot + a grated onion + either some diced cucumber or white cabbage or a pepper.

Florenceem

Penny2myName wrote: »

After just discovering youngest DS has ran up a £385 phone bill in a week, I definatly need to live as frugal as I can for this month so I can get as much together as possible to pay the bill when it comes in at end of month. His outgoing calls are now blocked.

How old is DS? Challenge the bill.

sparrer

I use cous cous, very cheap and goes loooooong way for one person, with any cooked pulses ie harricot, lentils, kidney, flageolet, chick peas etc., with diced peppers, sweetcorn and garden peas then sliced or diced meat and a dollop of rf mayo on top. Good for using up meat or sometimes I'll cook an extra sausage or rasher of bacon to chop up and chuck on. Cheap, filling, nourishing, can be thrown together in next to no time and keeps for 3/4 days in the fridge (add the meat/mayo before serving). it's a staple for me as it's so economical.

Frugalsod

Penny2myName wrote: »

After just discovering youngest DS has ran up a £385 phone bill in a week, I definatly need to live as frugal as I can for this month so I can get as much together as possible to pay the bill when it comes in at end of month. His outgoing calls are now blocked.

Have you considered getting a call package that effectively caps the costs of most calls? You can block premium calls and overseas calls. Work out where the calls were made and if a mobile consider getting a sim for the relevant network. For example on my contract I get so many minutes but get an additional 5000 free minutes of same network calls.

mummy2threeboys

Sparrer
Do you or can you get plain cous cous, ive only ever used the instant stuff from packet as you can normally get a cous cous mountain from approved foods lol so have no idea! But i agree i love it , goes with most things .